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

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi

I just found your PTR. Going back to read all of the detail, but we're going in mid-September around the dates that you mentioned. If you end up there at that time, we'll be there too, staying at POFQ.

We have stayed at POR and POFQ and we like POFQ better. I'm excited about the refurb too. I saw a picture of one of the new rooms, it looks great. I like the new bedding too.

As for dining:

Resort Dining

Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary Love it! We've been there several times. The food is good and the character interaction is as well, although it seems that last time we were there, they didn't spend as much time at each table
Kouzzina @ Boardwalk (?) - We love it here. We have had both dinner and breakfast here and it's amazing. We're Greek though so maybe we're partial to the cuisine but honestly, it's just like Yia-Yia's (gramma's)
Cape May Cafe @ Beach Club- We were there once for breakfast. We liked it, but decided that once was enough for us.
Grand Floridian Cafe @ GF - This is definitely a hidden treasure. I could kick myself for waiting so long to go there. We now go every year and it is a tradition on our wedding anniversary to eat dinner here. It was amazing, to say the least. It's probably in my top 5 places to eat at the World.
Narcoossee's @ GF
Kona Cafe @ Poly Kona is number one on our list for breakfast. We love it! We're going there for dinner for the first time in September.
Boatwright's @ Port Orleans (we are staying here)

Magic Kingdom
Crystal PalaceWe usually go here either on MNSSHP night or very early in the morning. I try and get the first possible ADR time so that I can get pictures of the park when it is empty.
Tony's- We were there once. It's okay. I haven't read many positive reviews on the boards but I'd be willing to give it another try.
Cosmic Ray's- It's a staple for the hubbs.
Aloha Isle (snack)
Lunching Pad (snack)
I like Pecos Bill's. There seems to be a wider selection here...maybe it's just me.

Epcot
Chefs de France- We have dined here for both lunch and dinner. The food is amazing
Le Cellier- We are in the minority here...not a fan.
La Hacienda de San Angel (this is a definite -- husbands pick)
Garden Grill (this is another definite)- Was there for the ice cream social some years back but would love to dine there for dinner.
Teppan Edo (another definite -- my pick)- On our list this year. We were there years ago when it had a different name.
Tangierine Cafe @ Morocco (for me)- Also on my list this year. Anxious to see what it is like
Sommerfest @ Germany (for my husband & Luke)- DH loves it here! We go every trip.
Sunshine Seasons- I think they have the best CS variety. There is something for everyone here.
Fountainview Ice Cream (snack)
Boulangerie Patisserie (snack)
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (snack)- SCHOOL BREAD! Yummy.....

Hollywood Studios
Play N Dine breakfast
Sci Fi Dine-In- Atmosphere is definitely worth it if you ask me.
ABC Commissary- I got so sick here that I am scared to ever go back again.
Fairfax Fare
Starring Rolls Cafe (snack/breakfast)- We paid out of pocket here because it seemed difficult to use the dining plan for some reason. We ended up using a ton of snack credits the first time we ate there.
Min & Bill's Dockside Diner (snack for Luke...I read they have pretzels & hot dogs)

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House breakfast- I can still taste the sweet potato breakfast casserole ... it was so good.
Flame Tree BBQ- I LOVE their puled pork.

DownTown Disney
Earl of Sandwich- We love, love, love it at EoS. We stop on the way to the airport back home and get our "to go" lunch.
Planet Hollywood
Ghairadelli
Fulton's Crab House - This is my sister's favorite place. We go every year. The food is really good.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.

 

[SoonerGirl]

The Beach Club?! No way!! I'm so excited for you, and maybe a tad bit jealous too....

 

[Megablocks]

We fell in love with Beach Club, too! I know it's supposed to be kind of Cape Cod-themed, which isn't super far from where I live, but I would still love to stay there. I do understand how your husband feels about it being too fancy b/c I feel the same way about the GF. I think it's a gorgeous resort but I just can't see myself ever staying there. BC is a different story Being able to walk to Epcot is also really, really appealing to me b/c that's my favorite park. My friend (the ONLY friend I have locally who "gets" Disney like all my friends from the DIS do), stayed there during her trip in January and loved it. I freaked out when she told me where she was staying

Also, slightly unrelated, I love Google Earth. We found my house on there, and I ended up getting a Google Earth app for my iPhone just because it was free. It's cheap, mobile entertainment if nothing else

 

[Princess.Rachel]

Hello!
Loving your PTR. We will be there the 14th-23rd as well and Staying at POR. That is so exciting about beach club!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Isn't it soooo incredibly exciting?????? You can see why I couldn't keep it a secret from you guys!!!!

I've been trying to talk my husband into it for years. He thought it was too fancy & expensive, but after I scheduled our Photo Session there in June, we all fell completely in with the Beach Club area!!!

Plus, Epcot is his favorite park as well as my favorite park...so it definitely will have its advantages! I can't wait for that short walk over to Epcot! I was watching videos this morning on YouTube of people walking from the BC to Epcot...

Now I'm just trying to figure out how to save up some money to add park hoppers. It just makes more sense because we can walk over to Epcot every night if we want to! Soooo awesome! I want to go tomorrow, I am soooo excited now! (If something happens to ruin this, I will completely freak out! And I will definitely need your support! )

I've been spending the past few hours on Google Earth...just looking at the BC and the walk over to the Boardwalk & Epcot! And then I'll look at Brook's pictures since she was just at the Boardwalk (they moved to BLT today)...such a pretty area!!!

I never in a million years thought that I would be reporting this to you guys!!!

The only thing better than this upgrade is if I could take all of you with me!

Hope I can totally sense your excitement!!! That is totally how I felt when we decided to upgrade to AKL in December!!!

The Boardwalk area does look amazing and being able to walk to Epcot is such a HUGE bonus!!! We decided last night that the days we are in Disney before the cruise we will DEFINITELY be staying at either the Boardwalk Inn or the Beach Club!!!

Can't wait to hear more on the trip!!!

Oh and I agree with being at the entrance of Epcot now, park hoppers are a must!!!

 

[stephielela]

I will post more details later, but I just wanted to post some general ideas of what I want to do for this trip. I'd love any suggestions that you have, especially for MNSSHP!!!!

This list might change along the way...some things may be deleted & some may be added.

Firsts for this trip

* MNSSHP
* Fantasia
* Buy cake for Luke
* Make gift bags for Luke
* Mini Golf
* See movie at DTD theater

Some of the things I already have information for. Others I am clueless & need some serious help!!!
Let's start with MNSSHP!

First of all, I need a costume. Last year, some of you might remember that I took alot of time to get a Cruella Deville costume together. I thought we might be going to Disney in September & figured I'd dress up at home even if we weren't going. I even bought alot of the items thinking of Disney...for example I bought red flats instead of heels. I'm not 100% sure if I'm going to use the costume for this year or not. I'd rather take something simple along with me, maybe even just a costume tee

If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know!

Luke has a dinosaur costume for this year, but I'd rather get him something Disney related but still want it to be simple. I don't want to carry alot in the suitcase or at the park (although we will still have our stroller so I could just throw it in the stroller basket if he won't wear it).

I'm fairly cheap when it comes to Halloween costumes. I guess you could call it frugal! I only paid $4 for his dinosaur costume 2 years ago and last years was $7. I would prefer to pay under $20-30 for each of ours.

I am still considering taking my Cruella costume because I already have the wig, red gloves, black tank dress, red flats, pearls to use as a belt, and even a Disney Dalmation stuffed puppy! Being as frugal as I am, I'm thinking I should just use this costume. I have Dalmation print fleece that I'd have to make into a wrap. I wouldn't want the full fleece coat because of the hot FL weather so I'd just make a small wrap to put on my shoulders. I'm just worried about carrying all of this stuff around at the parks!

Anyone know when the MNSSHP dates are released? I remember looking it up last year for my parents & I think we found them in the summer. I want to go to one of the dance parties because I think Luke would love it. And my "must" for MNSSHP is to get my picture taken with the 7 Dwarfs!!! My mom waited last year for 45 minutes in line, but waited less than 10 minutes for all the other characters. I will wait up to an hour for them!!!

MNSSHP is the most fun EVER! My costume reccomendations are:
1. simple
2. cool (as in temp, not style, lol)

Last year Jack was a pirate. I got the costume online for about $10, it was simple and light, because it's still pretty warm and humid at WDW in September. He may end up wearing the same thing again this year if it still fits. I have also read TR's where people put there kids in PJ's from the Disney Store that are like Buzz Lightyear's uniform or Woody's outfit. Jack has the Buzz ones, so that may be a possibility too. It's best if it's something comfortable since they will be riding on rides etc.

I believe the dates get released in May, but it's the same pattern every year, I think it's like Tuesdays, Thursdays, and at least 2 other days, but I can't remember which. You can look at past years and it will likely be the same. I do think they started later in September last year than in previous years, but I am not sure.

I LOVE MNSSHP!!!

Update continued:

Fantasia

I already have info on this!

I can't wait to see the show! This is a first for all of us!


Buy cake for Luke

I'm subscribed to all of the "Cake Chatter" Threads so I have lots of info regarding the cakes! I actually wanted to get one last trip, but ended up using the money for other things.

I'd love to get one of the large Mad Hatter cakes, but 1) it isn't in my budget 2) there aren't enough people to eat it and 3) we're on the Dining Plan so we'll already have dessert! We definitely don't need a huge cake! They are beautiful & maybe someday if I can convince alot of people in our family to vacation with us, I will get a large cake.

For this trip, I want to get one of the little mini-wedding cakes. I'm going to ask for it with orange icing and green or blue trim. Its a little present for Luke because the kid is obsessed with cake!!!

The mini-wedding cake costs $25-30.

I know its not the healthiest thing in the world, but its going to be a special treat for him! He often bakes cakes with me & of course loves to eat them! Everytime we go to the grocery store & he sees the cake supplies, he asks if we can bake a cake & put a candle on it!

In case anyone else wants to order a cake, the phone number for Private Dining is (407) 824-2955

Once you call the main PD number, there's an automated menu for the resorts. You can choose which resort you want it delivered to & then you talk to an actual person. I'm thinking about getting it delivered to Cape May or possibly GF Cafe.

They suggest ordering the cake 2-3 weeks in advance.

I also saw some other great ideas if anyone is interested!!! They have a chocolate slipper (I think everyone knows about this!). It comes in dark chocolate, regular chocolate, or white chocolate. I'm not sure if you can request the type of chocolate or not. You can also order it with fresh fruit! Alot of parents get them for their kids at Cinderella's Royal Table! I would definitely eat there & order the slipper if I had a little girl.

I also saw a chocolate photo frame with an edible image of the Boardwalk resort. It comes with truffles and costs only $35 which I didn't think was bad! I'm wondering if this can be delivered to the Beach Club but I'm also afraid it would be too much chocolate for the 3 of us.

Most restaurants also have the podium cakes or the mini surprise cake or pirate chest (the surprise cake & pirate chest each cost $15). I think the podium cakes cost around $25 each.


Make gift bags for Luke

I found alot of great DISigns on here last year! Some of them I used to make Luke shirts & others I used in my planning journal. I'm planning to use alot of the DISigns to make little gift bags for Luke. I love the "Grand Welcome" through Disney Florists, but there's no way $395 is in my budget!!! If it were, I'd stay a few extra nights at Disney!

I found Mickey footprints & will print those out on yellow paper. I'm going to print out a bunch of the balloons on different colored paper & hang them on the walls (with 3M tape which is easily removed! ) He also really likes Tink so I'm going to print out her silouette & hang it on the wall & sprinkle "pixie dust" on the floor underneath her. I got the idea from the other DIS members who have recreated the Grand Welcome!

I was also planning to order a gift basket for Luke from Memories by Betsy or Peggy at Pixie Dust Occasions. I'm not sure if I'm doing this or not.

I might just create my own small gift bags & take them along with me. I want to include things like Disney gift cards & vouchers to get toys because I don't want to lug alot of toys down to Disney & then back home. This will also give Luke a chance to pick out his own toys/shirts instead of me choosing everything ahead of time.

I found a really super cute idea on DIS! A lady (I apologize for not knowing her DIS name but I can look it up!) made a gift bag for her child from each of the Fab 5 characters. The gift bags looked like the shirts of each character! For example, Mickey's bag was his red shirt with the yellow buttons on it and Pluto's was yellow with his green collar & dog bone! I'd really like to attempt to recreate these plus they won't take up much suitcase space!

I will post updates as I decide what I'm doing!


Mini Golf

I believe there is a mini golf course that you can get to without using a taxi or bus. From what I've heard, you go to either the Dolphin or Swan & walk across the street.


See movie at DTD theater

I really, really want Luke to see his very first movie at DTD, but I'm not sure if that will happen or not! Pirates is being released May 20th and we really want to go see it. I know it will be rated PG-13 but Luke loves the Pirates movies. So when my husband & I go to see it, Luke will come with us. He might not get to see his very 1st movie at Disney but he will see his second! I'm sort of hoping for Cars 2 or Monsters 2 to be released before our trip, but anything would be ok with me!

More trip info to come soon!!!! I printed out the park hours the other night, talked to my husband about "real trip dates" and started researching flight info!

Ooooh a pirate cake sounds cool... I may have to look into that.

As far as gift bags, I would definitely bring your own stuff, unless there is something you just can't get it anywhere but through a service, just to save money. I just pick up things for Jack at Target every once in a while. I STILL have stuff from both 2010 trips!

Jack's first movie in theaters was Toy Story 3. He wasn't great, but he was at least quiet. His second movie will be Cars 2, which comes out this summer.
I haven't started having him watch Pirates, but if Luke likes them, maybe he will too!

I can't wait till you guys decide on dates! I am thinking about moving our dates up, but I heard some info that makes it hard to decide... more on that later.

Ok guys! First "Big Change" of my TR so far! I just found out about this the other evening & wasn't going to tell you until I booked...but I just can't keep it a secret anymore!

We are upgrading our resort to....
​

​

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The BEACH CLUB!!!!








​

I AM SO JEALOUS!!!! SO SO SO SO JEALOUS!!!
Are you guys renting points? Wait, is BC DVC? I can never remember, lol.

Also I wanted to tell you I ordered the Sandras (and the Kenneth Cole sandals I wanted... I'm working a bit of OT this week...)!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Hi

I just found your PTR. Going back to read all of the detail, but we're going in mid-September around the dates that you mentioned. If you end up there at that time, we'll be there too, staying at POFQ.

We have stayed at POR and POFQ and we like POFQ better. I'm excited about the refurb too. I saw a picture of one of the new rooms, it looks great. I like the new bedding too.

As for dining:

Resort Dining

Kouzzina @ Boardwalk (?) - We love it here. We have had both dinner and breakfast here and it's amazing. We're Greek though so maybe we're partial to the cuisine but honestly, it's just like Yia-Yia's (gramma's)

Grand Floridian Cafe @ GF - This is definitely a hidden treasure. I could kick myself for waiting so long to go there. We now go every year and it is a tradition on our wedding anniversary to eat dinner here. It was amazing, to say the least. It's probably in my top 5 places to eat at the World.

Kona Cafe @ Poly Kona is number one on our list for breakfast. We love it! We're going there for dinner for the first time in September.


Magic Kingdom

Crystal PalaceWe usually go here either on MNSSHP night or very early in the morning. I try and get the first possible ADR time so that I can get pictures of the park when it is empty.
Tony's- We were there once. It's okay. I haven't read many positive reviews on the boards but I'd be willing to give it another try.
Cosmic Ray's- It's a staple for the hubbs.
Lunching Pad (snack)
I like Pecos Bill's. There seems to be a wider selection here...maybe it's just me.

Epcot
Chefs de France- We have dined here for both lunch and dinner. The food is amazing
Le Cellier- We are in the minority here...not a fan.
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (snack)- SCHOOL BREAD! Yummy.....

Hollywood Studios

Sci Fi Dine-In- Atmosphere is definitely worth it if you ask me.
ABC Commissary- I got so sick here that I am scared to ever go back again.
Starring Rolls Cafe (snack/breakfast)- We paid out of pocket here because it seemed difficult to use the dining plan for some reason. We ended up using a ton of snack credits the first time we ate there.

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House breakfast- I can still taste the sweet potato breakfast casserole ... it was so good.
Flame Tree BBQ- I LOVE their puled pork.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.

Hi & welcome!!! Glad you found my PTR!!! That's so neat that you are going around the same time as us! Once we set "official trip dates" I will let you know! Maybe we could have a DIS meet!

Now that we're staying at the Beach Club, I've been giving alot more thought to Kouzzina since we'll be so close to it. I'm glad to hear you like the breakfast & the dinner! I was thinking about walking over there one morning for breakfast!

Glad to hear GF Cafe is a tradition!!! That must mean its super good!!!

I definitely want to try to get Crystal Palace first thing in the morning...I'd LOVE to see Main Street empty, especially after our last 2 extremely crowded trips!

The Magic Kingdom restaurants are just all over the place as far as reviews are concerned. I don't know what to think! Its so weird because when I sit & think about it, there are soooo many restaurants there (both QS and TS) yet we always eat at the same old places. I'm hoping to try some new MK places this trip, just not sure what I will choose in the end!

I'm writing everyone's dining opinions down in my planning journal so I added yours as well! THANKS!!!

I would say to give ABC Commissary another chance. We ate their multiples times last trip & none of us got sick. I completely understand why you're afraid to eat there though...I've been turned on restaurants after getting sick as well! Its such a horrible feeling, but you just never seem to forget that bad experience, you know?

I can't wait to try Tusker House, Sci-Fi, and Chefs for the very first time!!!

Flame Tree BBQ has pulled pork!!! I had no idea, awesome!!!! I am obsessed with pulled pork!

We just used snack credits at Starring Rolls as well. We got a croissant for me and a donut for Luke. We later got drinks at ABC Commissary, so unfortunately I can't help you with how to use a meal at Starring Rolls...I don't know either! LOL

Did you start a PTR for your September trip? If so, I'll have to check it out!

 

[photographymom517]

The Beach Club?! No way!! I'm so excited for you, and maybe a tad bit jealous too....

I know Michelle!!!! I am sooooo excited!!!!

We fell in love with Beach Club, too! I know it's supposed to be kind of Cape Cod-themed, which isn't super far from where I live, but I would still love to stay there. I do understand how your husband feels about it being too fancy b/c I feel the same way about the GF. I think it's a gorgeous resort but I just can't see myself ever staying there. BC is a different story Being able to walk to Epcot is also really, really appealing to me b/c that's my favorite park. My friend (the ONLY friend I have locally who "gets" Disney like all my friends from the DIS do), stayed there during her trip in January and loved it. I freaked out when she told me where she was staying

Also, slightly unrelated, I love Google Earth. We found my house on there, and I ended up getting a Google Earth app for my iPhone just because it was free. It's cheap, mobile entertainment if nothing else

I think you would still love the Beach Club even if you live near Cape Cod!!!

Its such a beautiful resort!!! I never in a million thousand gazillion years thought that I would be staying there!!!!

I understand how you feel about GF...I feel the same way! I thought about getting our Christmas pictures taken there last year, but then we went in June so that changed. I would go there to visit or see the Christmas decor (sometime in the future hopefully!) but I couldn't ever stay there. Same with the Contemporary. I think its so neat that the monorail runs through it & its a beautiful place, but I couldn't stay there. Too fancy for me!

The walk to Epcot is definitely going to be awesome!!! I told my husband last night that I'm actually scared of staying at the Beach Club...because I'm afraid that we'll never want to stay anywhere else! I mean, once we're that close to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk...plus get to enjoy all the wonderful aspects of the Beach Club itself (like the boats, restaurants, POOL! etc) I don't know how we'll stay somewhere else that isn't as close to Epcot. This is most likely a "one time thing" and a super big treat to ourselves! So hopefully it doesn't make us disappointed next trip when we don't have all these benefits!

That is awesome that your non-DIS friend "gets Disney" and appreciated the Beach Club as much as your fellow DIS-ers!!!

And yes, I love Google Earth AND Bing Maps!!! I've found my house on it & "driven" to my parents house on them both! I actually tried to "drive to Florida" once on Google Earth! I ended up getting side-tracked once I hit the beaches in North & South Carolina! But they are both super neat to use! And that free app sounds awesome!

Hello!
Loving your PTR. We will be there the 14th-23rd as well and Staying at POR. That is so exciting about beach club!!

Hi!!! Glad you found my PTR!!!!

With all these people going around mid-September, looks like we might have to have a DIS meet or two!

Hope I can totally sense your excitement!!! That is totally how I felt when we decided to upgrade to AKL in December!!!

The Boardwalk area does look amazing and being able to walk to Epcot is such a HUGE bonus!!! We decided last night that the days we are in Disney before the cruise we will DEFINITELY be staying at either the Boardwalk Inn or the Beach Club!!!

Can't wait to hear more on the trip!!!

Oh and I agree with being at the entrance of Epcot now, park hoppers are a must!!!

AWESOME...I'm so excited for you that you'll be staying at either the Boardwalk or Beach Club!!!

A cruise AND one of those great resorts!!!! So excited for you!!!

MNSSHP is the most fun EVER! My costume reccomendations are:
1. simple
2. cool (as in temp, not style, lol)

Last year Jack was a pirate. I got the costume online for about $10, it was simple and light, because it's still pretty warm and humid at WDW in September. He may end up wearing the same thing again this year if it still fits. I have also read TR's where people put there kids in PJ's from the Disney Store that are like Buzz Lightyear's uniform or Woody's outfit. Jack has the Buzz ones, so that may be a possibility too. It's best if it's something comfortable since they will be riding on rides etc.

I believe the dates get released in May, but it's the same pattern every year, I think it's like Tuesdays, Thursdays, and at least 2 other days, but I can't remember which. You can look at past years and it will likely be the same. I do think they started later in September last year than in previous years, but I am not sure.

I LOVE MNSSHP!!!

Ooooh a pirate cake sounds cool... I may have to look into that.

As far as gift bags, I would definitely bring your own stuff, unless there is something you just can't get it anywhere but through a service, just to save money. I just pick up things for Jack at Target every once in a while. I STILL have stuff from both 2010 trips!

Jack's first movie in theaters was Toy Story 3. He wasn't great, but he was at least quiet. His second movie will be Cars 2, which comes out this summer.
I haven't started having him watch Pirates, but if Luke likes them, maybe he will too!

I can't wait till you guys decide on dates! I am thinking about moving our dates up, but I heard some info that makes it hard to decide... more on that later.

I AM SO JEALOUS!!!! SO SO SO SO JEALOUS!!!
Are you guys renting points? Wait, is BC DVC? I can never remember, lol.

Also I wanted to tell you I ordered the Sandras (and the Kenneth Cole sandals I wanted... I'm working a bit of OT this week...)!!!

Thanks for the reminder about riding the park rides during the MNSSHP! I know it is an obvious thing, but honestly I wasn't thinking about it when I was trying to decide on a costume.

I definitely am trying to find something cool (weather-wise cool) as you suggested. That's actually the hard part so far! Last trip it was just soooo hot & humid, I don't want Luke to be too warm. I took tshirts for him to wear & he only wore tank tops the entire trip in June. It was just too hot. I like the pj idea. I might look for those! I know exactly the pjs that you're talking about & they are super cute! I'll show Luke tomorrow & see if he likes them. He just started to really love the Toy Story characters so that would work out great!

You're right...last year, they did have later MNSSHP dates in September. My parents went to the very first party & I think it was either the 17th or 19th. It was super crowded that day which I thought was odd because throughout their entire trip, there weren't any crowds!!! Their MNSSHP was the ONLY crowded day of their 7 day trip! LOL

I'll look up the info again on the Pirate chest cake & get back to you. I know there are pics of it too. Search the DIS for "cake chatter thread" and its near the last page...maybe 10 or 15 pages before the last page? I'll look it up tomorrow & post the link here for you!

The only issue we have with Luke watching the Pirates movies is that sometimes he is afraid of the fighting parts or when it gets really dark in the movie. Also, we don't allow him to watch them late at night because he has nightmares. Other than those 2 things, he loves them!!!

You'll have to tell me about your "info that's making it hard to decide" on moving your trip dates! Are you posting it on your PTR ???

I have no idea if Beach Club is DVC or not ??? No, we aren't renting points. Although I would love to rent DVC points someday. I need to look into that more.

That's AWESOME that you got the Kenneth Cole and the Sandras!!!

 

[Mindy5767]

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!

I'm trying to catch up... so you may end up with several posts in a row from me. I was amazed at the size you said you're almost 3 year old wears. My 8 1/2 year old Heidi wears a toddler size 12 or 13. We just bought her rubber rain boots at Target today, bought a 13, and then had to take them back and get the 11/12 Helly Kitty boots.

One restaurant to avoid. ABC Commissary at DHS. It was the absolute worst restaurant food we've EVER had at WDW. They don't have much to choose from. The burgers are Greeeesy... and the fries...yuck! We ate there once and I didn't like it. Another visit, we ended up at the park late one day, and we had missed dinner, and it was getting late... we didn't have alot of options so we went ahead and ate there... I think it was late Magic Hours or something and we had calculated that we couldn't leave there and make it to DTD in time or something like that... so we ate there... and my conclusion was that next time, I'd rather go hungry than eat at ABC Commissary.

On a positive note, on our last trip in November, we chose Mama Melrose for the first time for our Fantasmic package and REALLY enjoyed it. We had a delicious meal and our waitress was superb. When my friend Maria (ex-cast member) saw the pic I'd posted on facebook, she recognized the waitress as one who had opened the restaurant with her husband years ago.

We ate at Chef Mickey for Thanksgiving dinner... over priced. Ok food. Probably won't eat there again for a long time. Too many other places to try. My family loved Kona, but unfortunately the night we ate there I was sick (I had the 24 hour flu on my trip) and could only stomach the chicken soup, which was very good. My sister and the rest of our family really loved the food though.

I ate at the Grand Floridian Cafe years ago.... like it alot. I enjoy 1900 Park Fare for breakfast. We did the CB at Cape May and loved it. We also love the Earl of Sandwich. Never had a bad meal there. At Animal Kingdom, we really like Rainforest Cafe. At DTD we love T Rex. We had a birthday dinner for a friend's son on our Spring Break trip in 2010 with 15 people at T Rex. The manager there, think her name is Amber, really took care of us. We had 3 waitors. My friend is a teacher and the manager had been her 2nd grade student many years ago. We've also eaten at the Portobella Yacht club.. very good. We did that one for my husband's birthday 6 years ago. The last time we ate at Planet Hollywood it was in July 09, there were dozens of Brazilian and Argentine teenage tour groups there that month and that night they had the whole upstairs of PH. They were shouting and chanting and stomping their feet, between that and the loud DJ, we couldn't have a conversation with the couple we went with, so we ended up leaving without dessert just to escape the noise. Its deafening.

Almost forgot. At AK there is a quick service called Tamu Tamu, which means Sweet Sweet in swahili... which is ironic because they don't serve sweets, but they have a delicious tuna wrap.

oooh forgot about AK's Yak & Yeti... we love the TS, and tried the QS at one of our recent trips and it was great! They have a drink there called a Yak Attack!! Its so yummy. My DH and I split an orange chicken at the QS... it was plenty.

Did anyone tell you yet that both Cali Grill and Le Cellier are 2 TS credits? Le Cellier will still be 1 credit for lunch though... so find out when the switch over is and eat there for a late lunch. That's what I'd do.

Dole Whip is my very favorite dessert in the whole world. It is SO refreshing! You can get it in two places, Captn. Cooks in the Poly and at Aloha Isle.

I'll try posting some pics...

 

[Mindy5767]

Here is the Yak Attack:

Here is some pics from MNSSHP:

I made my Snow White costume. I kinda look like her so it was an obvious choice.

I bought my DD's costume and my husband's prince costume came from Disneystore.com. I just didn't have time to make them all.

My son's Disneystore bought costume:

I do recommend you go with the Cruella costume since you already have so much of it. I think with your hair color and style, it'll work well.

 

[Megablocks]

I understand how you feel about GF...I feel the same way! I thought about getting our Christmas pictures taken there last year, but then we went in June so that changed. I would go there to visit or see the Christmas decor (sometime in the future hopefully!) but I couldn't ever stay there. Same with the Contemporary. I think its so neat that the monorail runs through it & its a beautiful place, but I couldn't stay there. Too fancy for me!

I feel the same way about the Contemporary, too! I love that the monorail goes through it and I love seeing pictures from it, but I could just never stay there. I am so glad you share my sentiments. I think the only deluxes I would ever really want to stay at are Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge. There's something about BC that made me fall in love with it and decide it is my dream resort, and WL just seems more cozy than the other deluxes. At the same time, Pop Century is our Disney "home" and I think I'd really miss it if we stayed anywhere else -- I love the music, the food court, the SHOP, everything about it. In case you can't tell, I'm truly the most indecisive person on the planet. I drive my boyfriend insane.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hope, my only advise regarding costumes for MNSSHP is remember that it could still be pretty HOT that time of year, so make sure your costumes are light weight. I've seem some adults and children with these heavy costumes on sweating their rear ends off!

We have always kept is simple for the party... I just wore Minnie ears both times, as you can see in my avatar.. And here is Devon

2007

2009 (went to pirates league)

 

[SoonerGirl]

I have no idea if Beach Club is DVC or not ??? No, we aren't renting points. Although I would love to rent DVC points someday. I need to look into that more.

Yep, there is a section of the Beach Club that is DVC, Yacht Club & Boardwalk Inn also have DVC Villas.

 

[photographymom517]

I'm trying to catch up... so you may end up with several posts in a row from me. I was amazed at the size you said you're almost 3 year old wears. My 8 1/2 year old Heidi wears a toddler size 12 or 13. We just bought her rubber rain boots at Target today, bought a 13, and then had to take them back and get the 11/12 Helly Kitty boots.

One restaurant to avoid. ABC Commissary at DHS. It was the absolute worst restaurant food we've EVER had at WDW. They don't have much to choose from. The burgers are Greeeesy... and the fries...yuck! We ate there once and I didn't like it. Another visit, we ended up at the park late one day, and we had missed dinner, and it was getting late... we didn't have alot of options so we went ahead and ate there... I think it was late Magic Hours or something and we had calculated that we couldn't leave there and make it to DTD in time or something like that... so we ate there... and my conclusion was that next time, I'd rather go hungry than eat at ABC Commissary.

On a positive note, on our last trip in November, we chose Mama Melrose for the first time for our Fantasmic package and REALLY enjoyed it. We had a delicious meal and our waitress was superb. When my friend Maria (ex-cast member) saw the pic I'd posted on facebook, she recognized the waitress as one who had opened the restaurant with her husband years ago.

We ate at Chef Mickey for Thanksgiving dinner... over priced. Ok food. Probably won't eat there again for a long time. Too many other places to try. My family loved Kona, but unfortunately the night we ate there I was sick (I had the 24 hour flu on my trip) and could only stomach the chicken soup, which was very good. My sister and the rest of our family really loved the food though.

I ate at the Grand Floridian Cafe years ago.... like it alot. I enjoy 1900 Park Fare for breakfast. We did the CB at Cape May and loved it. We also love the Earl of Sandwich. Never had a bad meal there. At Animal Kingdom, we really like Rainforest Cafe. At DTD we love T Rex. We had a birthday dinner for a friend's son on our Spring Break trip in 2010 with 15 people at T Rex. The manager there, think her name is Amber, really took care of us. We had 3 waitors. My friend is a teacher and the manager had been her 2nd grade student many years ago. We've also eaten at the Portobella Yacht club.. very good. We did that one for my husband's birthday 6 years ago. The last time we ate at Planet Hollywood it was in July 09, there were dozens of Brazilian and Argentine teenage tour groups there that month and that night they had the whole upstairs of PH. They were shouting and chanting and stomping their feet, between that and the loud DJ, we couldn't have a conversation with the couple we went with, so we ended up leaving without dessert just to escape the noise. Its deafening.

Almost forgot. At AK there is a quick service called Tamu Tamu, which means Sweet Sweet in swahili... which is ironic because they don't serve sweets, but they have a delicious tuna wrap.

oooh forgot about AK's Yak & Yeti... we love the TS, and tried the QS at one of our recent trips and it was great! They have a drink there called a Yak Attack!! Its so yummy. My DH and I split an orange chicken at the QS... it was plenty.

Did anyone tell you yet that both Cali Grill and Le Cellier are 2 TS credits? Le Cellier will still be 1 credit for lunch though... so find out when the switch over is and eat there for a late lunch. That's what I'd do.

Dole Whip is my very favorite dessert in the whole world. It is SO refreshing! You can get it in two places, Captn. Cooks in the Poly and at Aloha Isle.

I'll try posting some pics...

Here is the Yak Attack:

Here is some pics from MNSSHP:

I made my Snow White costume. I kinda look like her so it was an obvious choice.

I bought my DD's costume and my husband's prince costume came from Disneystore.com. I just didn't have time to make them all.

My son's Disneystore bought costume:

I do recommend you go with the Cruella costume since you already have so much of it. I think with your hair color and style, it'll work well.

Thanks Mindy!!! That is alot of very useful information!!!!

First of all, I was looking at your pictures & at first glance, I didn't even recognize you as Snow White in that 2nd picture. It took me 4 times looking at the pic to realize it was you & your husband and not Snow White & the Prince!!!

I can't believe you made that Snow White costume! It looks soooo professional!!! Great job on it!!!

My mom used to make all of my costumes for me up until I was a Senior in high school. She's made Minnie Mouse, Pocahontas, a chef, Little Red Riding Hood, a cave woman, Crayola Crayon (that was my favorite!), and lots of kiddie costumes like ghosts, pumpkins, etc. I wish I had that talent, but unfortunately I can only sew on buttons or knit scarves!

Yes, Luke has big...no huge...feet!!! I can't believe the size he wears either. I ordered him some Old Navy sandals last night. We really like them because they have the back strap so they don't fall off of him, but they still look like "regular" flip flops. I'll post a picture later or tomorrow. I ordered a size 11 and I think they'll be ok because last year he wore a 9. I think it just depends on the shoe. Right now, he has a few different pair of sneakers & one pair is an 11 and fits perfectly. The other pair is an 11 and is waaay too tight. I don't know Must be like clothes, it just depends on what brand we buy. Oh, he also wears a bigger size than my nephew who just turned 4 last month!

That Yak Attack looks delish!!! I ate at Yak & Yeti (the quick service) back in 2009. I got the shrimp with noodles and it was delicious! Unfortunately my husband didn't care for anything on their menu so we'll probably just use the QS again instead of the TS (although I would love to try it someday!)

I did know that Cali Grill and Le Cellier are both 2 credits now. If we go to Le Cellier, we might try a late lunch as you suggested. We usually eat dinner around 4 or 4:30 anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. I'm sort of waiting to see the new menu at Le Cellier...do you know if its out yet?

I Dole Whips too...last trip I got a regular Dole Whip but it was so hot, Luke wanted it. Plus once he tasted it, of course he loved it just as much as I did! In September, since I know he likes them, I'll just get him his own. I want to try the Dole Whip float this time!

Thank you for telling me about Tamu Tamu at AK!! We always seem to have a hard time finding places to eat there. I don't know why. This trip, we're planning to eat at Tusker House for breakfast, so we'll probably eat a small lunch at the park & then dinner at a resort or at another park.

Also glad to hear you like GF Cafe, Cape May, and 1900 Park Fare! We're definitely eating at the Cape May Character Breakfast & the other two are still options. I'm thinking GF Cafe for breakfast one morning as well, possibly on our MK day or as a lunch on our MNSSHP day!

Glad to hear about your experiences at T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe!!! I really want to try them both, but I know they aren't highly recommended on the boards. That's the only thing keeping me away from them right now, so its nice to hear of a positive experience! I'm nervous about T-Rex because while Luke loves dinosaurs, he is still afraid of the dark & was terrified of the noises inside T-Rex last trip. We only went inside the gift shop but I had to hold him the entire time because he was afraid. My parents ate at Rainforest Cafe & told me its a waste of money...but I don't listen to their opinions necessarily because they like eating at McDonald's while they're at Disney! I know, they're crazy!

Thank you sooooo much for all of the wonderful advice!!! I'm definitely adding it to my dining planning book!!!

 

[photographymom517]

I feel the same way about the Contemporary, too! I love that the monorail goes through it and I love seeing pictures from it, but I could just never stay there. I am so glad you share my sentiments. I think the only deluxes I would ever really want to stay at are Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge. There's something about BC that made me fall in love with it and decide it is my dream resort, and WL just seems more cozy than the other deluxes. At the same time, Pop Century is our Disney "home" and I think I'd really miss it if we stayed anywhere else -- I love the music, the food court, the SHOP, everything about it. In case you can't tell, I'm truly the most indecisive person on the planet. I drive my boyfriend insane.

I'm glad that someone else understands how I feel about the Deluxe resorts too!

My husband likes the look of the Wilderness Lodge & wants to stay there. Its a gorgeous resort, but if I had to choose, I'd pick AKL over WL. I think its just because we're from PA...I just feel like we're in the wilderness at home, so on vacation, I'd rather be at the beach!

Ooooh, I so need advice from you about Pop Century! My parents are staying there in October & have never stayed there before. I'll message you later this week about it!

Don't feel bad about being indecisive...have you read my trip reports?!?

Hope, my only advise regarding costumes for MNSSHP is remember that it could still be pretty HOT that time of year, so make sure your costumes are light weight. I've seem some adults and children with these heavy costumes on sweating their rear ends off!

We have always kept is simple for the party... I just wore Minnie ears both times, as you can see in my avatar.. And here is Devon

2007

2009 (went to pirates league)

Yes Reese! I completely agree with you! That's the hard part of deciding on a costume. I really want to wear my Cruella costume, but I just keep thinking about that black dress! I'm also not sure I want to wear a dress at MNSSHP on the rides!

It will take me a million years to decide, but eventually I'll figure it out!

Devon's costumes are too cute!!! Luke's favorite movie right now is Ratatoille!!! That's a simple costume, but sooo cute!!! I love it! Did you do the Pirates League before MNSSHP or at the beginning of the party? I thought of that too but I'm just afraid Luke won't cooperate. If I'd decide to do that, I'd probably have to take a "back up" costume just in case! LOL

You actually gave me another idea. I bought those Minnie ears (the sequin ones that I searched all over for!) last trip & I never wore my "Minnie tank" (the red one with the black dots). I could just wear regular shorts with the tank & ears...keep it simple & I wouldn't sweat to death!

Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know if I ever decide what to do!

Yep, there is a section of the Beach Club that is DVC, Yacht Club & Boardwalk Inn also have DVC Villas.

Oh thanks for the reminder Michelle! I sooo knew that but for some reason forgot! The villas at the Beach & Yacht Clubs are DVC.

I don't know why I keep forgetting these things! LOL

Thanks again!

 

[Megablocks]

Ooooh, I so need advice from you about Pop Century! My parents are staying there in October & have never stayed there before. I'll message you later this week about it!

Don't feel bad about being indecisive...have you read my trip reports?!?

I'm glad we understand each other's indecisiveness! I really do drive my boyfriend insane. He sometimes plays the Jeopardy music on his phone when I can't make up my mind about something.

Definitely message me whenever about Pop!! I love talking about it so I will answer any questions as best I can!

 

[Mindy5767]

Thanks Mindy!!! That is alot of very useful information!!!!

First of all, I was looking at your pictures & at first glance, I didn't even recognize you as Snow White in that 2nd picture. It took me 4 times looking at the pic to realize it was you & your husband and not Snow White & the Prince!!!

I can't believe you made that Snow White costume! It looks soooo professional!!! Great job on it!!!

Yes, Luke has big...no huge...feet!!! I can't believe the size he wears either.

I did know that Cali Grill and Le Cellier are both 2 credits now. If we go to Le Cellier, we might try a late lunch as you suggested. We usually eat dinner around 4 or 4:30 anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. I'm sort of waiting to see the new menu at Le Cellier...do you know if its out yet?

Thank you for telling me about Tamu Tamu at AK!! We always seem to have a hard time finding places to eat there. I don't know why. This trip, we're planning to eat at Tusker House for breakfast, so we'll probably eat a small lunch at the park & then dinner at a resort or at another park.

Also glad to hear you like GF Cafe, Cape May, and 1900 Park Fare! We're definitely eating at the Cape May Character Breakfast & the other two are still options. I'm thinking GF Cafe for breakfast one morning as well, possibly on our MK day or as a lunch on our MNSSHP day!

Glad to hear about your experiences at T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe!!! I really want to try them both, but I know they aren't highly recommended on the boards. That's the only thing keeping me away from them right now, so its nice to hear of a positive experience! I'm nervous about T-Rex because while Luke loves dinosaurs, he is still afraid of the dark & was terrified of the noises inside T-Rex last trip. We only went inside the gift shop but I had to hold him the entire time because he was afraid. My parents ate at Rainforest Cafe & told me its a waste of money...but I don't listen to their opinions necessarily because they like eating at McDonald's while they're at Disney! I know, they're crazy!

Thank you sooooo much for all of the wonderful advice!!! I'm definitely adding it to my dining planning book!!!

First a little correction. I am a DVC member, so I know that Beach Club and Boardwalk DO have DVC villas, but the Yacht Club does not. The Yacht & Beach Club are mentioned together but they're really separate resorts, however, I think, but am not sure, that Yacht Club guests can visit the Beach Club's Stormalong Bay pool complex. DVC allows members to "pool hop", except during black-out periods (like Spring Break, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Some pools are not included in the pool hopping and Stormalong Bay is one. The others are the pool at Bay Lake Tower and the pools at Animal Kingdom Villas and Lodge. However, as a DVC member staying at Saratoga, I can pool hop to The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, CBR, Boardwalk etc. I have pool hopped to the Grand and CBR, but mostly because we were visiting friends there, but otherwise pool hopping is not allowed at Disney.

Thanks for the compliment. When we were in the MK for MNSSHP several guests told me that from a distance they thought that I was the "real" character. I've been sewing since I was 8 years old. My costume cost me about as much as the one you can order from the Disney Store, except I used higher quality fabrics and construction techniques. In that picture, only the young Prince Aurora and her prince are cast members!

I think shoe size DOES depend on brand and style because my DD8 wears a 13 now, but we just had to return rubber rain boots to Target and exchange them because she needed a size 11/12!!

I didn't know that Le Cellier was getting a new menu. I would check the WDWinfo part of the website for the menu or also allears.net. I've seen some other sites with menu lists too.

you can find Tamu Tamu over by the Mumbasa (sp?) gift shop in the Africa area. I buy alot at that gift shop.

Here is our family pic from Cape May in July 09:

the extra blond child in green is my niece

Here's 1900 Park Fare:

We really love both T Rex and Rainforest. I do miss the Plant Sandwich at Rainforest though, they've discontinued it for a portobello burger. It was fine the way it was. T Rex has an awesome salad called Omnivores Delight! Its my favorite salad!

The McDonalds at DTD has closed and was replaced by a Pollo Comparo. I've never eaten there though. It wasn't open yet when we went last November. I'd love to try it though.... if it doesn't get in the way of my sandwich at the Earl!

 

[Mindy5767]

I forgot to include my favorite Pop thread links. I have stayed at the Pop at least 7 times. We've stayed in the 50, 70's, 80's and 90's... for some reason, probably because I won't pay for "preferred location" I haven't stayed in the 60's.

This is the Pop picture thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2302772

This is the information thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2536455

The first page of the info thread is chock full of valuable Pop information.

If you have special dietary needs, see the manager Kevin in the food court. He's VERY helpful and so is the chef. They have all kinds of specialty items in the back off the main floor. They don't keep some things out because they don't want to risk contamination by allergens or other less special things.

Hey.... update... just found the new Le Cellier menu on allears.net http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=137 my opinion.... too pricey!! There is plenty of excellent food you can get at WDW without paying Le Cellier prices.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Yes Reese! I completely agree with you! That's the hard part of deciding on a costume. I really want to wear my Cruella costume, but I just keep thinking about that black dress! I'm also not sure I want to wear a dress at MNSSHP on the rides!

It will take me a million years to decide, but eventually I'll figure it out!

Devon's costumes are too cute!!! Luke's favorite movie right now is Ratatoille!!! That's a simple costume, but sooo cute!!! I love it! Did you do the Pirates League before MNSSHP or at the beginning of the party? I thought of that too but I'm just afraid Luke won't cooperate. If I'd decide to do that, I'd probably have to take a "back up" costume just in case! LOL

You actually gave me another idea. I bought those Minnie ears (the sequin ones that I searched all over for!) last trip & I never wore my "Minnie tank" (the red one with the black dots). I could just wear regular shorts with the tank & ears...keep it simple & I wouldn't sweat to death!

Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know if I ever decide what to do!

Thanks!!! Yes I loved the little chef costume from Ratatoille!

Yes, we did pirates league right before MNSSHP. It was such an awesome experience! Devon still talks about it today and that was 2 years ago!

Loving the minnie ear and tank idea!!! Glad I could help!

 

[SoonerGirl]

First a little correction. I am a DVC member, so I know that Beach Club and Boardwalk DO have DVC villas, but the Yacht Club does not.

Oh, sorry about throwing out misinformation! I knew that BC & BW had DVC Villas, I must have just assumed that YC did too because, like you said, everyone always tends to lump BC & YC together. Now I know, thanks!