Looking forward to a crowd-free Disney Trip! **Update 9/4**

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi Reese!!!

You probably saw it already, but I asked Tony & Terry about you the other day! I was worried because I haven't seen your trip report yet!

Glad you found my new TR! I'm planning to post an update soon...hopefully!

That stinks that we will miss each other by a few days! But who knows about our trip dates, they are definitely subject to change!

Hey!!! So glad to be back on the boards! Toni did text me to tell me that you were worried about me! I won't be doing a TR from the Dec trip though. Between my work schedule and Devon's school and work schedule I just don't have the time to do it. If I wasn't for the fact it takes forever to upload pics and all that fun stuff I'd totally do one! But... I did start a PTR for our Sept trip. The links in my signature so if you get a minute check it out. Super excited to be sharing the planning process with you once again!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Oh I meant to mention... Did you see that they are offering 30% of moderate resorts for fall travel dates...

 

[photographymom517]

Hey!!! So glad to be back on the boards! Toni did text me to tell me that you were worried about me! I won't be doing a TR from the Dec trip though. Between my work schedule and Devon's school and work schedule I just don't have the time to do it. If I wasn't for the fact it takes forever to upload pics and all that fun stuff I'd totally do one! But... I did start a PTR for our Sept trip. The links in my signature so if you get a minute check it out. Super excited to be sharing the planning process with you once again!!!

Oh I meant to mention... Did you see that they are offering 30% of moderate resorts for fall travel dates...

Glad you are back!!! I had a feeling that you were just super busy (I completely understand!!!) but I just wanted to check with Toni to make sure nothing was wrong!

I did start reading your TR! Thanks for telling me about it, I probably wouldn't have found it on my own...I'm soooo behind on all my subs!

Thanks for telling me about the discount...I did see that for the fall last night when I was doing a little research!

 

[photographymom517]

Well, first I decided to change my font color to orange since we're going for MNNSHP...if its too hard to read, please let me know! I don't want anyone squinting & ruining their eyes because of my TR!

The first update is...last night I purchased 3 pairs of Reefs from Zappos!!!

Reef Miss Playa in black

Reef Sassy Sandra in pink

Reef Heart in zebra

I also found a pair of Keens that I really, really wanted to buy. They are the Whisper Slides. I didn't buy them this time, but I'm going to save up for them!

I also really wanted to buy a combo pack of the Teva's because they are highly recommended by so many people on here. I found a pair that I really, really liked...similar to the Reefs but I liked the straps alot better! But unfortunately they were out of my size! Maybe I will end up ordering a pair when I save up for the Keens!

It was great because shipping was FREE! I will let you know how I like each pair after they arrive! I'm a little worried about the zebra ones...while I really like the print, the straps are a little too skinny for me & I'm afraid the height of the back might be a little too high for the parks. My bill for the 3 of them was around $118 but I think its worth it to have comfortable shoes! Last trip I ended up at Epcot's First Aid to get bandaids for my heels...luckily it was on Day 8 and not Day 1 or 2 !!!

Honestly I don't blame my flip flops for my blisters on my heels...I completely blame my tennis shoes!!! None of my flip flops have a back so they didn't cause the blisters, my Sketchers did! And I only wore them one day...so next trip I think I'll stick to backless shoes!

Speaking of new shoes, Luke and I have to take a trip to find him a new pair of sandals before summer. Last year, we waited until the last minute & couldn't find the ones he wanted. He has to wear the kind with 2 velcro straps because his feet are long but a little wide at the top. He's also in between a toddler shoe & child's shoe which makes it hard. The child's 1 is way too big and a toddler 12 is almost too big but a toddler 11 is tight. Its usually not a big problem with sandals because you adjust them with the velcro, but it is an issue with tennis shoes. I'll probably wait to get him tennis shoes until right before our trip because he just wears sandals all summer. I'll post a pic of his shoes too once we buy them!

 

[photographymom517]

Possible Dining Options

It's a combination of TS and QS because we're getting the regular dining plan. We also will be going to 1 water park (possibly both) and to DTD at least 1 or 2 evenings. We are getting the water park option but not park hoppers. I'm also not sure of Disney Quest...what do you guys think??? My mom says Luke won't enjoy it at all ???

Please give me any suggestions that you have regarding any of these dining choices! If you've eaten at the restaurants, please recommend your favorite appetizers, main courses, and desserts as well!!!

Resort Dining

Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary
Kouzzina @ Boardwalk (?)
Cape May Cafe @ Beach Club
Grand Floridian Cafe @ GF
Narcoossee's @ GF
Kona Cafe @ Poly
Boatwright's @ Port Orleans (we are staying here)

** need to limit this list to maybe 3 or 4 tops **

Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace
Tony's
Cosmic Ray's
Aloha Isle (snack)
Lunching Pad (snack)

** need at least 2 more QS for Magic Kingdom days **

Epcot
Chefs de France
Le Cellier
La Hacienda de San Angel (this is a definite -- husbands pick)
Garden Grill (this is another definite)
Teppan Edo (another definite -- my pick)
Tangierine Cafe @ Morocco (for me)
Sommerfest @ Germany (for my husband & Luke)
Sunshine Seasons
Fountainview Ice Cream (snack)
Boulangerie Patisserie (snack)
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (snack)

Hollywood Studios
Play N Dine breakfast
Sci Fi Dine-In
ABC Commissary
Fairfax Fare
Starring Rolls Cafe (snack/breakfast)
Min & Bill's Dockside Diner (snack for Luke...I read they have pretzels & hot dogs)

** need more HS options...for some reason I'm not coming up with much ??? **

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House breakfast
Flame Tree BBQ

** I don't have much for AK but we only go here 1 day & to all the other parks 2 days...we also will be eating dinner on our AK day at either DTD or our resort **

DownTown Disney
Earl of Sandwich
Planet Hollywood
Ghairadelli
Fulton's Crab House

We are also going to at least one water park, possibly both of them. We will most likely eat at a resort that evening or DTD because we aren't getting park hoppers. We go to MK, DHS, and Epcot 2 days and to Epcot 1 day.

I'm hoping to get an early flight into MCO and then we will head over to DTD our first evening on the boat to eat. Nothing sounds more relaxing to me than a 30 minute boat ride after a long day of travel!

The only thing I'm worried about is being stressed out if we have an ADR. I'm hoping to be at MCO by 2 or 3pm at the latest & that should give us enough time to make it to DTD for a 6:30pm ADR...right? If it doesn't work out, I won't stress over it, we'll just head over to the food court!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Ok girl I'm going to post in two installments... First item on the agenda SHOES!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE The flip flops you bought! Reefs are SO comfortable! In the warm months the ONLY thing I wear on my feet in Disney are flip flops or some sort of sandal! I do always bring a paid of sneaks just in case but, flips work best for me too!

When Devon was Luke's age the boy LIVED in Nike sandals in the summer, I swear I think I had them in every color under the sun. He was SO comfortable in them. And like Luke Dev had a bit of a long chunky foot too! You should check them out! I posted a few links for you to see what I'm talking about! Not sure if you have a Kohl's near you but that is where I always had luck finding them.

http://www.amazon.com/NIKE-******-ADJUST-SCHOOL-SANDALS/dp/B003GMABGW


http://www.zappos.com/nike-kids-little-celso-toddler-black-flint-grey

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Possible Dining Options

It's a combination of TS and QS because we're getting the regular dining plan. We also will be going to 1 water park (possibly both) and to DTD at least 1 or 2 evenings. We are getting the water park option but not park hoppers. I'm also not sure of Disney Quest...what do you guys think??? My mom says Luke won't enjoy it at all ???

Please give me any suggestions that you have regarding any of these dining choices! If you've eaten at the restaurants, please recommend your favorite appetizers, main courses, and desserts as well!!!

Resort Dining

Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary DEF RECOMMEND THE BREAKFAST
Kouzzina @ Boardwalk (?)
Cape May Cafe @ Beach Club ABSOLUTELY HATE THIS PLACE... HAD ONE OF THE WORST BREAKFASTS HERE EVER IN SEPT 2009. FOOD WAS BLAH AND SERVICE BLEW!!!
Grand Floridian Cafe @ GF WE ARE EATING HERE IN SEPT TOO!
Narcoossee's @ GF
Kona Cafe @ Poly
Boatwright's @ Port Orleans (we are staying here)

** need to limit this list to maybe 3 or 4 tops **

Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace
Tony's
Cosmic Ray's
Aloha Isle (snack) YUMMY DOLE WHIPS!!!
Lunching Pad (snack)

** need at least 2 more QS for Magic Kingdom days **
***GREAT CHOICE FOR MK. WE ENJOY PECOS BILL FOR A QS MEAL AS WELL AS WELL AS CASEY'S CORNER!

Epcot
Chefs de France
Le Cellier LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!!! GET THE SOUP FOR AN APP. I HAVE THE COFFEE RUBBED KANSAS CITY STRIP AND IT WAS DELISH!
La Hacienda de San Angel (this is a definite -- husbands pick)
Garden Grill (this is another definite)
Teppan Edo (another definite -- my pick) ITS A MUST FOR US TO! WE LOVE IT HERE! HAVE YOU TRIED THE TOKYO SUNSET DRINK? SO GOOD!
Tangierine Cafe @ Morocco (for me)
Sommerfest @ Germany (for my husband & Luke)
Sunshine Seasons
Fountainview Ice Cream (snack)
Boulangerie Patisserie (snack)
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (snack)

Hollywood Studios
Play N Dine breakfast
Sci Fi Dine-In WE EAT HERE ALMOST EVERY TRIP! MORE FOR THE ATMOSPHERE THEN THE FOOD. MILKSHAKES ARE YUMMY.
ABC Commissary
Fairfax Fare WE HAD A GREAT GOOD MEAL HERE IN DEC
Starring Rolls Cafe (snack/breakfast) HERE THE CUPCAKES AT THIS PLACE ARE HUGE! WE ARE PLANNING TO GRAB A QUICK BREAKFAST HERE IN SEPT.
Min & Bill's Dockside Diner (snack for Luke...I read they have pretzels & hot dogs)

** need more HS options...for some reason I'm not coming up with much ??? ** WHAT ABOUT PIZZA PLANET? BET LUKE WOULD LIKE THAT!

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House breakfast ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!
Flame Tree BBQ

** I don't have much for AK but we only go here 1 day & to all the other parks 2 days...we also will be eating dinner on our AK day at either DTD or our resort **

DownTown Disney
Earl of Sandwich
Planet Hollywood
Ghairadelli
Fulton's Crab House
***WHAT ABOUT WOLF GANG PUCK EXPRESS FOR A QS DINNER. WE LOVE THIS PLACE. YOU SERIOUSLY GET TABLE SERVICE QUALITY FOOD AT A QS PLACE!!!

We are also going to at least one water park, possibly both of them. We will most likely eat at a resort that evening or DTD because we aren't getting park hoppers. We go to MK, DHS, and Epcot 2 days and to Epcot 1 day.

I'm hoping to get an early flight into MCO and then we will head over to DTD our first evening on the boat to eat. Nothing sounds more relaxing to me than a 30 minute boat ride after a long day of travel!

The only thing I'm worried about is being stressed out if we have an ADR. I'm hoping to be at MCO by 2 or 3pm at the latest & that should give us enough time to make it to DTD for a 6:30pm ADR...right? If it doesn't work out, I won't stress over it, we'll just head over to the food court!

Holy Molely with the dinning choices Hope!!! Ok I wrote above in caps on thoughts and suggests on your choices.

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

I haven't eaten at a whole lot of your options yet. I'll try to give you detailed reviews on the ones we go to in March. For another Magic Kingdom QS, I would suggest Columbia Harbour House. The food tasted really fresh and I thought it was a nice change of pace compared to a lot of the QS options at WDW.

I'll second the suggestion for Wolfgang Puck Express. It was so delicious and a great value for a QS credit.

 

[stephielela]

Well, first I decided to change my font color to orange since we're going for MNNSHP...if its too hard to read, please let me know! I don't want anyone squinting & ruining their eyes because of my TR!

The first update is...last night I purchased 3 pairs of Reefs from Zappos!!!

Reef Miss Playa in black

Reef Sassy Sandra in pink

Reef Heart in zebra

I also found a pair of Keens that I really, really wanted to buy. They are the Whisper Slides. I didn't buy them this time, but I'm going to save up for them!

I also really wanted to buy a combo pack of the Teva's because they are highly recommended by so many people on here. I found a pair that I really, really liked...similar to the Reefs but I liked the straps alot better! But unfortunately they were out of my size! Maybe I will end up ordering a pair when I save up for the Keens!

It was great because shipping was FREE! I will let you know how I like each pair after they arrive! I'm a little worried about the zebra ones...while I really like the print, the straps are a little too skinny for me & I'm afraid the height of the back might be a little too high for the parks. My bill for the 3 of them was around $118 but I think its worth it to have comfortable shoes! Last trip I ended up at Epcot's First Aid to get bandaids for my heels...luckily it was on Day 8 and not Day 1 or 2 !!!

Honestly I don't blame my flip flops for my blisters on my heels...I completely blame my tennis shoes!!! None of my flip flops have a back so they didn't cause the blisters, my Sketchers did! And I only wore them one day...so next trip I think I'll stick to backless shoes!

Speaking of new shoes, Luke and I have to take a trip to find him a new pair of sandals before summer. Last year, we waited until the last minute & couldn't find the ones he wanted. He has to wear the kind with 2 velcro straps because his feet are long but a little wide at the top. He's also in between a toddler shoe & child's shoe which makes it hard. The child's 1 is way too big and a toddler 12 is almost too big but a toddler 11 is tight. Its usually not a big problem with sandals because you adjust them with the velcro, but it is an issue with tennis shoes. I'll probably wait to get him tennis shoes until right before our trip because he just wears sandals all summer. I'll post a pic of his shoes too once we buy them!

I love those Sandra's!!! I might have to go back and look some more...
As far as shoes for Luke, I always get Jack 2 pairs of sandals, one that's more sturdy like this:
http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_p...ce,target_com_brand-bin&searchRank=reviewrank
and one that's more sandle-y like this:
http://www.target.com/mdp/B002QW66CQ/ref=br_qi_1_4?sr=1-4&qid=1298685685&asin=B002QW66CQ
Both of these pairs are at Target, the top one is like $17 and the other is $13.
Jack's pretty active so his shoes need to be sturdy since he's also a bit clumsy!

 

[Megablocks]

Wicked cute shoes! I love them!

As for food...Chef Mickey's is great for the atmosphere and the food is okay. Not out of this world. I definitely like the breakfast a lot better.

Kona Cafe: Never eaten here but I hear that the tonga toast at breakfast is awesome, as well as the pressed pot coffee! My mom and I both want to try the tonga toast but rather than going there and sitting down for it, we were going to just go to the food court and order it.

Chefs de France: my mom and I ate there last year...I can't remember if we shared an appetizer, but we each got the mac and cheese and it was sooooo good! Very cheesy and delicious. We shared a vanilla creme brulee for dessert and that was also delicious! If they still bring out Remy, Luke might like that. He's very small and cute!

Le Cellier: We haven't eaten here in years but I remember that I loved it.

Sci Fi Dine In: It's a really fun atmosphere and some of the old movie clips they show are hilarious just b/c they're so cheesy! The food is decent, nothing super special. I've never tried the shakes but I hear they are awesome.

Tusker House for breakfast: Never eaten there but I've heard absolutely nothing bad about the breakfast. Christine actually ate there today! She loved it and said that she's never had a bad meal there. I think that Katie and Patrick ate there on their last trip, but I'm not completely sure.

DTD: I love love love EoS I've only ever gotten one kind of sandwich there b/c I love it so much, but my dad and my sister were really glad that my mom and I suggested we go there last year. I think my dad had the same kind of sandwich I did (the Caribbean one), Kailyn had a BLT, and I forget what my mom got. I know she got the veggie one once and loved it. I also really want to try WPE b/c I've heard they have really good food.

For Magic Kingdom I would definitely consider CHH. I know that Katie and Patrick love it (Patrick loves it for the sweet tea) and we ate there when we did the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I had a tuna sandwich, which might not sound super interesting but it was really, really good! The bread it came on was awesome. Katie and Patrick also ate at Tony's and CP on recent trips so you can ask Katie what she thought, but I'm pretty sure they really liked them both.

Another Epcot one you might want to consider is Rose and Crown in the England pavilion. We LOVED it there last year. I got the Sunday roast, my mom got the vegetarian shepherd's pie (she loved it but it had a ton of mushrooms -- can't get it without, I forget why), and my dad and my sister had the fish and chips. I got the sticky toffee pudding for dessert and it was amazing!

I can't wait to follow along with the planning...I love Disney planning! And Disney eating

 

[photographymom517]

Ok girl I'm going to post in two installments... First item on the agenda SHOES!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE The flip flops you bought! Reefs are SO comfortable! In the warm months the ONLY thing I wear on my feet in Disney are flip flops or some sort of sandal! I do always bring a paid of sneaks just in case but, flips work best for me too!

When Devon was Luke's age the boy LIVED in Nike sandals in the summer, I swear I think I had them in every color under the sun. He was SO comfortable in them. And like Luke Dev had a bit of a long chunky foot too! You should check them out! I posted a few links for you to see what I'm talking about! Not sure if you have a Kohl's near you but that is where I always had luck finding them.

http://www.amazon.com/NIKE-******-ADJUST-SCHOOL-SANDALS/dp/B003GMABGW


http://www.zappos.com/nike-kids-little-celso-toddler-black-flint-grey

Holy Molely with the dinning choices Hope!!! Ok I wrote above in caps on thoughts and suggests on your choices.

Thanks for the advice on the shoes for Luke! I actually found that exact pair in my ad from Kohls that just came in the mail Saturday! I got 20% off too so I might go next week & see if they have his size. I also noticed on Zappos that they have the Nike kids sandals as well! So when I save up for my Keens, I might buy those for Luke if I can't find them at Kohls.

I'm exactly like you...I can only wear flip flops at the parks. My husband & parents both think I'm crazy but the only day I got blisters on my heels was the day that I wore my tennis shoes! I know I already mentioned that, but I just think its insane! Aren't tennis shoes supposed to offer good support & be comfy?

Thanks for the advice on the dining choices!!! Will definitely take your opinions into consideration!

The reason that I have so many is because I know I probably won't get the "more popular ones" like Le Cellier. I want to have lots of back-up choices. We probably won't have exact trip dates until at least June or mid-July so I'm not sure when I'll get to make my ADR's (180 days out from my made-up trip dates is mid-March!) We also visit DHS, MK, and Epcot 2 days and only go to AK one day. Plus we're going to the water parks this trip so on our water park & DTD days, we will probably eat at our resort or DTD.

 

[photographymom517]

I haven't eaten at a whole lot of your options yet. I'll try to give you detailed reviews on the ones we go to in March. For another Magic Kingdom QS, I would suggest Columbia Harbour House. The food tasted really fresh and I thought it was a nice change of pace compared to a lot of the QS options at WDW.

I'll second the suggestion for Wolfgang Puck Express. It was so delicious and a great value for a QS credit.

No problem! I can definitely wait until March to hear your opinions on the restaurants! I won't be able to make my ADR's until I book which probably won't be until mid-summer.

Alot of people following my PTR have suggested Columbia Harbour House so I will definitely look into that!

It seems that everyone is suggesting Wolfgang Puck too! I scanned a Disney website the other day to see which restaurants at DTD accepted the dining plan, but I completely forgot to look up Wolfgang Puck! Oops! Thanks for the reminder that its a QS! I'll have to take a look at their menu!

I love those Sandra's!!! I might have to go back and look some more...
As far as shoes for Luke, I always get Jack 2 pairs of sandals, one that's more sturdy like this:
http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_p...ce,target_com_brand-bin&searchRank=reviewrank
and one that's more sandle-y like this:
http://www.target.com/mdp/B002QW66CQ/ref=br_qi_1_4?sr=1-4&qid=1298685685&asin=B002QW66CQ
Both of these pairs are at Target, the top one is like $17 and the other is $13.
Jack's pretty active so his shoes need to be sturdy since he's also a bit clumsy!

Ahhh...our favorite store, huh? LOL Yes I will definitely take a look at Target. I usually buy Luke at least 2 pairs of sandals because he is constantly playing in water, sand, & mud all summer! I like the Nike's that Reese mentioned & also the ones you showed me from Target. So I might just get him both!

I think of you every single time I go to Target by the way!!! LOL

I think we took 3 pairs of sandals to Disney last year. I got 2 of them at Old Navy & we loved them! I checked this year & so far, they don't have his size. I liked them because they looked like regular flip flops but had the backstrap which didn't bother his heels because it was elastic instead of just hard plastic. We got tons of compliments on them, not only at the parks, but also at the grocery store back home! Everyone asked where I got them & the funny thing was I got them on clearance for around $3 a pair!

I'm going to post an update about my Reefs, but I will say that the Sandras were the most comfy out of the 3 pairs! I thought the Miss Playa ones would be because they had the extra squishie part in them (thats why I bought them) but the Sandras were actually the best!

 

[photographymom517]

Wicked cute shoes! I love them!

As for food...Chef Mickey's is great for the atmosphere and the food is okay. Not out of this world. I definitely like the breakfast a lot better.

Kona Cafe: Never eaten here but I hear that the tonga toast at breakfast is awesome, as well as the pressed pot coffee! My mom and I both want to try the tonga toast but rather than going there and sitting down for it, we were going to just go to the food court and order it.

Chefs de France: my mom and I ate there last year...I can't remember if we shared an appetizer, but we each got the mac and cheese and it was sooooo good! Very cheesy and delicious. We shared a vanilla creme brulee for dessert and that was also delicious! If they still bring out Remy, Luke might like that. He's very small and cute!

Le Cellier: We haven't eaten here in years but I remember that I loved it.

Sci Fi Dine In: It's a really fun atmosphere and some of the old movie clips they show are hilarious just b/c they're so cheesy! The food is decent, nothing super special. I've never tried the shakes but I hear they are awesome.

Tusker House for breakfast: Never eaten there but I've heard absolutely nothing bad about the breakfast. Christine actually ate there today! She loved it and said that she's never had a bad meal there. I think that Katie and Patrick ate there on their last trip, but I'm not completely sure.

DTD: I love love love EoS I've only ever gotten one kind of sandwich there b/c I love it so much, but my dad and my sister were really glad that my mom and I suggested we go there last year. I think my dad had the same kind of sandwich I did (the Caribbean one), Kailyn had a BLT, and I forget what my mom got. I know she got the veggie one once and loved it. I also really want to try WPE b/c I've heard they have really good food.

For Magic Kingdom I would definitely consider CHH. I know that Katie and Patrick love it (Patrick loves it for the sweet tea) and we ate there when we did the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I had a tuna sandwich, which might not sound super interesting but it was really, really good! The bread it came on was awesome. Katie and Patrick also ate at Tony's and CP on recent trips so you can ask Katie what she thought, but I'm pretty sure they really liked them both.

Another Epcot one you might want to consider is Rose and Crown in the England pavilion. We LOVED it there last year. I got the Sunday roast, my mom got the vegetarian shepherd's pie (she loved it but it had a ton of mushrooms -- can't get it without, I forget why), and my dad and my sister had the fish and chips. I got the sticky toffee pudding for dessert and it was amazing!

I can't wait to follow along with the planning...I love Disney planning! And Disney eating

Thanks for all the great dining advice, Meghan!!!

I've heard that about Chef Mickey's. I just want to go to 1) see the Contemporary resort and 2) for the atmosphere/characters. I haven't decided for sure between breakfast & dinner, but I will most likely try to get breakfast. We seem to like the breakfast buffets alot better than just regular Disney breakfast (if that makes sense!)

I want to eat at Kona because its so highly recommended on the boards & again just to visit the resort! LOL

Can't remember off hand, but Remy is only at Chefs now for either lunch or dinner. I'm thinking its dinner but I'm not 100% sure. I have it written in my notes...somewhere!

I remember reading about Christine's experiences at Tusker House & seeing her photos from there!

I'll definitely ask Katie about the restaurants that you mentioned her & Patrick eating at! Thanks for letting me know!

EoS...yes, the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich! I do believe you were one of the DIS-ers that convinced me to try it! THANKS!!!! My husband just mentioned last night that I better schedule a trip to EoS on our DTD day!!! And Fulton's! Yippee!!!! I get my Fulton's!

Thanks again for all the advice! I will definitely put all of your suggestions into my notes!

 

[photographymom517]

Hi guys! This isn't the most interesting update in the world, but I just thought I would post some of my new items I bought for our trip!

First, I purchased a new carry-on bag. I have been looking at alot of different bags & really wanted to buy a Vera duffel. My only issue is that I really want my carry-on to be a rolling bag. I know Vera does have rolling duffels, but they are pricey! I also have found a ton of Kathy Van Zeeland carry-ons that I really, really loved! I found the red and black croc prints & also the zebra print. Of course, zebra would be my #1 choice except that I was afraid of the white part getting really dirty.

I used to have a Roxy bag with a matching make-up case (I think I posted pics of it on my June TR) but I sold them after last year's trip because I really wanted a rolling bag. It turned out that Luke & I were shopping one day at Ross Dress for Less & I found this bag!!!

It's a Kathy Van Zeeland rolling duffel in a gold python print! I it!!! It was too cute because originally I found a black croc print but it wasn't the rolling duffel, it was just a small rolling bag. Luke was rolling it around the store & when I tried taking it off of him to look at other bags, he said "No mommy, this is my purse! This is Luke's purse!" And then I tried showing him the other bag & he said "No mine!" and pulled the bag away. It was hilarious!!!

A saleswoman came over & was talking to him & he said "Look at my purse!" and was rolling it up & down the aisle. I finally convinced him to push the Kathy python bag around instead!

I usually only look at their bags & purses. I have friends who claim to have gotten great deals on clothes but I've never found anything there. So Luke and I walked towards the check-out. But I stopped because I found this top!

It soooo reminded me of Animal Kingdom! I'm not 100% sure if I'll end up wearing it or not. I took alot of polos & short sleeve tops last trip, but due to the humidity & 90+ degree temps, I ended up just wearing spaghetti strap tops. So, I guess it all depends on the weather!!!

I also bought this...its extremely light-weight so I might take it on the trip. From the picture, it looks like a heavy winter sweater, but its actually sheer & you can almost see through it. I figure I could take it in my bag or throw it in the stroller in case there are any colder evenings. I remember last trip I was cold inside some of the restaurants so I am definitely making a note to bring my short sleeve wraps with me! Like I said, not sure about this one since it is long sleeve.

I also tried on all of my Reefs! I absolutely love them!!!

The pink strap ones that I purchased (the Sassy Sandras) are my favorites! They are super comfy & are the perfect height. I was really worried about the zebra ones being too high, but it turns out they aren't as high in person as they look online. I still probably won't wear them for an entire day at the parks. I'll probably wear them on a DTD evening or maybe to dinner. I took a few close-up pictures of them but haven't put them on Shutterfly yet, so I'll post them in my next update for you to see!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!! Will post again soon!

 

[photographymom517]

I completely forgot to write the cutest story in my last update!!! Today we were doing a little bit of "spring cleaning" a little early. We have alot to do outside so we figured we'd start on the inside stuff before the weather gets nicer (which hopefully will be soon!!!)

I decided to start with the closet where I keep the coats, shoes, suitcases, gloves/hats, etc. Luke of course was my big helper! Well, I had to take all of the suitcases out in order to fit my new carry-on bag in the closet & also to clean the floor of the closet. Luke found a little green & red & blue suitcase & asked me if it was his. I told him that it was & showed him how to pull the bar up so he could roll it around the house. He rolled it up & down the hallway & then asked "where's daddy?" and I told him that he was outside. I watched Luke walk towards the kitchen & front door. He sat down on a bucket that its in the kitchen & put his suitcase beside him. As soon as he saw his dad come back into the house, he got up & grabbed his shoes. He put them beside him & said "daddy, shoes on!" So my husband asked him where he was going. He said "I'm going to see the water slide and Mickey Mouse, Chip & Dale, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy!" He actually started to cry when I told him that we can't go yet!

I felt so bad, but it was honestly the cutest thing to see him get that excited over a Disney trip!!! I finally convinced him to put the suitcase back in the closet & told him we would look at Disney videos this evening.

Had to share the story with you guys!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Thanks for the advice on the shoes for Luke! I actually found that exact pair in my ad from Kohls that just came in the mail Saturday! I got 20% off too so I might go next week & see if they have his size. I also noticed on Zappos that they have the Nike kids sandals as well! So when I save up for my Keens, I might buy those for Luke if I can't find them at Kohls.

I'm exactly like you...I can only wear flip flops at the parks. My husband & parents both think I'm crazy but the only day I got blisters on my heels was the day that I wore my tennis shoes! I know I already mentioned that, but I just think its insane! Aren't tennis shoes supposed to offer good support & be comfy?

Thanks for the advice on the dining choices!!! Will definitely take your opinions into consideration!

The reason that I have so many is because I know I probably won't get the "more popular ones" like Le Cellier. I want to have lots of back-up choices. We probably won't have exact trip dates until at least June or mid-July so I'm not sure when I'll get to make my ADR's (180 days out from my made-up trip dates is mid-March!) We also visit DHS, MK, and Epcot 2 days and only go to AK one day. Plus we're going to the water parks this trip so on our water park & DTD days, we will probably eat at our resort or DTD.

Kohl's really is the best! I was just there on Friday night! Definitely check for them there.

I totally understand about wanting to have back up just in case you can't get what you want. We were finally able to let LeCellier for our Dec trip and man was it delish!!! Just get up bright and early on your 180 mark and make LeCellier your first item on the agenda.

I'm so bad this year I seriously have no back up plan... If I don't get the ADR's that I want, I am goingto be scrambling like a chicken with its head cut off on Friday morning! So fingers crossed I get what I want!

 

[Megablocks]

Those shirts are so cute! I especially love the first one...I can see where it would remind you of AK!

The reason that I have so many is because I know I probably won't get the "more popular ones" like Le Cellier. I want to have lots of back-up choices. We probably won't have exact trip dates until at least June or mid-July so I'm not sure when I'll get to make my ADR's (180 days out from my made-up trip dates is mid-March!) We also visit DHS, MK, and Epcot 2 days and only go to AK one day. Plus we're going to the water parks this trip so on our water park & DTD days, we will probably eat at our resort or DTD.

I know you're not going to have your dates till late and you're not sure when you'll be able to make ADR's, but seriously, if you don't get something, keep trying! My mom has had good luck with trying and then trying again with ADR's, even the more hard to get ones like Chef Mickey's. Definitely worth it to keep trying.

 

[photographymom517]

Kohl's really is the best! I was just there on Friday night! Definitely check for them there.

I totally understand about wanting to have back up just in case you can't get what you want. We were finally able to let LeCellier for our Dec trip and man was it delish!!! Just get up bright and early on your 180 mark and make LeCellier your first item on the agenda.

I'm so bad this year I seriously have no back up plan... If I don't get the ADR's that I want, I am goingto be scrambling like a chicken with its head cut off on Friday morning! So fingers crossed I get what I want!

I know Reese! Don't you just love Kohl's??? I asked Luke this morning if he wanted to go look for new sandals. He said "new shoes and new socks!" I have a gift certificate from Christmas that I've been waiting to use until their Spring merchandise comes out, so we might take a trip there one day next week. I was hoping for today but I just have too much to do around the house. And I'm not in the mood to try on Spring clothes...we got frost last night!

You are making me soooo hungry for Le Cellier!!! LOL Unfortunately I won't be able to even book the trip until mid-summer, so there's no 180 ADR mark for me this trip

Of course I figured out my 180 day mark anyway, and its mid-March, but I probably won't make ADR's until at least July. Hopefully something will be available because we eat very early dinners. I would take ANY time available just to get into Le Cellier!

I think if we get the more popular choices that late in the summer, it will probably be due to the lack of crowds in September. Although my parents walked up to a restaurant at Epcot last September & they told them it would still be a 45 minute wait...but actually that's not bad. I mean, at least they had an option to get into the restaurant! It shows that sometimes things are available even without ADR's which gives me hope!

I will definitely keep my fingers crossed that you get all of your ADR choices!!!!

Those shirts are so cute! I especially love the first one...I can see where it would remind you of AK!

I know you're not going to have your dates till late and you're not sure when you'll be able to make ADR's, but seriously, if you don't get something, keep trying! My mom has had good luck with trying and then trying again with ADR's, even the more hard to get ones like Chef Mickey's. Definitely worth it to keep trying.

Thanks Meghan! I really like the shirt, but who knows if I'll actually wear it or not! Last trip I took a bunch of short sleeve shirts & it was just too hot for sleeves!

Thank you soooo much for the "hope" for my ADR's! (sorry couldn't resist saying that... )

That is so great to hear that your mom just keeps trying & trying until she gets something! I'm usually fairly flexible with our plans & park days, so I'm going to make 3 or 4 different schedules. That way, we can just switch things around quickly if I need to. I might be figuring out park days on the flight to MCO

It's so weird because normally I would be so stressed over this but I'm not! I just figure that whatever we don't do this trip, we can save for next trip!

One of my "back up plans" is actually just to add park hoppers onto our tickets. Right now we're just getting the water park option but if I have to make a bunch of ADR's on days when we're at a different park (and it can't be switched for some reason) then I'll just add the hoppers. I think the biggest problem is going to be Epcot because we want to eat there the most, but neither of us would mind spending 3 days instead of 2 at Epcot if we had to!

Right now the only 2 things that would change our plans would be Fantasmic and MNSSHP since during the 10 days that we're at Disney, each of those events will probably only be held 2-3 times. I printed out the September park hours last night!

 

[photographymom517]

This isn't a huge update, I just wanted to post some links to Port Orleans French Quarter sites that might be helpful! This is partially a bookmark for me to remember the sites & partially to help others!

I can't remember why but originally I had my heart set on POFQ. I think I liked the rooms a little better at POFQ than at POR. This will most likely stay true considering I just found out they are refurbing the rooms at POFQ (supposed to be done in April sometime!) They will eventually get to POR but I heard it won't be until Fall.

Something changed my mind & I honestly can't even tell you what...but I decided to go with POR instead of POFQ. I think it might have been since 1) POR is alot bigger 2) it has the TS restaurant (Boatwright's) and 3) its closer to the marina.

Well, now I'm back to POFQ!!!!

I hate not being able to make up my mind, but luckily for me, I have plenty of time to decide! It really isn't that big of a deal because its only a 10-15 minute walk across the resort, so either would be fine! We love taking our time & walking around the resort so this isn't an issue at all for us. (I know some people like being close to everything, so in that case I would suggest choosing POR.) If I made a choice based on the pool & the rooms, I'm most likely going with POFQ. Luke is completely in love with that huge dragon slide & asks me to show him videos of it every single day!!! And since the POFQ rooms are going to be refurbed by April, they will be fresh & new!!!

Anyway, here are some of the links that I found while browsing DIS! I'll include some for POR later...these are mostly just POFQ

http://www.portorleans.org/

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Port-Orleans-F/index.htm

Port Orleans Map
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/PortOrleansMap.pdf

Rehab photos
http://www.portorleans.org/gallery-guest-POFQ-rehab.php

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2650040

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I so want to stay at POFQ one day!!! I think the refurbed rooms look great and definitely have that NOLA feel to them! Honestly, I think you will be happier at FQ b/c of the fact it is a smaller resort.

I think if we don't end up renting DVC points for out stay at Disney before our cruise next April we will stay at POFQ!