MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[eandesmom]

Your Flight Day is simply dizzying. You are a stud at all the prep and amaze me at your organizational skillz. But I suppose one has to be with that many people involved. KUDOS to a job well done at getting there with...

I am quite sure my friend you could be me hands down in the prep and organizing category!

One kid with two shoes of different sizes!!!





So. TYPICAL. So much like my life.

Absolutely classic isn't it?

But, hey, you're there, have coffee and are ready to roll.

I can't even count how many red eye, all-nighter, 9 hour flights we've taken in the last 13 years, so can totally relate to the kids-sleeping-all-over-you routine.

Great chapter, Cynthia!

Again, you win that one hands down...planes trains automobiles...camel!


Coffee is key

 

[eandesmom]

Well while I battle with Photopass and MyDisneyExperience over what I feel is a major privacy and security issue (and thus holding up my pictures lol) I thought I'd do a few non trip updates.

Or more accurately non THIS trip updates but FUTURE trip updates.

In chronological order we have

DLR Band Trip.
Big news here is….it’s paid for. LOL! And UGH. Nothing like a huge bill right after Christmas and a big trip. Technically only Evan is fully paid for, the rest of us still need tickets. I have started doing a little bit of planning (ok budgeting) and thinking about dining and what the "right" ticket solution is for me. That last one is a little bit complicated to say the least. All you DLR experts your input and ideas are welcome! I'm still about a month out before I can make any dining reservations so will be noodling that. Not sure how much of an issue it really is there.

Girls Flower and Garden Trip.
As mentioned before I did get my outbound flight booked so all legs are set for both Mary Ellen and I. I've added one ADR and I think other than Spice Road Table, which isn't officially open for ADR's yet we are in good shape. Biggest activity on that front has been the discussion of DISmeets as we overlap with all kinds of lovely people. FUN!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip.
This week's big news is it is official. I am registered! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!! Early registration opened at noon EST on Wednesday and with the usual Disney website issues and links not up on time, it took till a little past 12:30 to get mine in and get the DVC discount. I'd have preferred the Disney Visa one but last I heard that hadn't yet worked for anyone and the AP link seemed to let you register, but not give a discount. At any rate I'm just glad that part is done. Turns out there never was a Disney Visa offer or pre-registration. Crazy! Apparently last year so many slots went to pre-registration that some races sold out to the public in the first hour when it opened for general registration. Looks like they've addressed that issue as now one of the races is sold out for the pre-registration. Ann is also registered, woot, and we may have one more but that is still in progress. The Disney races are nuts. So hard to commit to something that far out. It’s one thing when it’s a vacation you can easily reschedule (depending on your UY if it is a points booking lol) but with these races it is nonrefundable and not easily deferred so it is a big commitment. Not to mention the registration fees are pretty ridiculous. Where we are staying remains to be seen but it will work out I am sure.
Or Allison will have to let me/us crash in Olga/Jenny/Jill’s room! Or…at her Tiki Bar. I can sleep outside. LOL! Seriously though we do have a plan but it involves fingers crossed waitlisting and then a backup hotel ressie....or two.

But wait, there’s more!
With the approaching trips I decided to take a hard look at well, the financial impact of it all. I booked a dummy on our last cruise and have moved it twice. DCL has since changed their moving rules and you have to take a rebooking within 18 months of the cruise you booked it on. Thankfully my booking is grandfathered and I've got a lot of time still left. Knowing that, and everything else that was going on, mentally I've been steeling myself that it just wasn't feasible to do the cruise I'd booked. If we were going to try to pull it off, I felt we kind of needed to decide now so we could plan (and save) accordingly.

Jeff's initial reaction was there is no way we can do it.

And then I looked at the itinerary again.

I looked at what the cruise is priced at if I was booking it today.

We discussed the itinerary again.

Our joint, immediate with no hesitation, reaction was

We can't not do it!

By hook or by crook, we HAVE to go

So for our 10th anniversary we will be having a Magical Cruise next fall.

Check it out


I drool a little just thinking about it.

Of course I will be banned by my family from visiting either WDW or DLR for the foreseeable future after this.

That's why I’m planning on Aulani for 2015

I figure if I pull that off…they won't mind a girls trip way in the distant future known as food and wine 2015.

I won't mention the idea I'm toying with for the cruise that may or may not involve a layover in Orlando…

Ok back to the trip at hand.

When I left you we had arrived at the Boardwalk. I got the group settled in the lobby while I went to check us in. There was no one in line ahead of me and soon enough I was checking us in.

And checking us in

And checking us in

And wow.

It took FOREVER

And a day

I really am not sure why. Nothing seemed to go wrong, she confirmed everyone in the group, that our bands were all set up, got me set up with a PIN as it was my first time with a band, confirmed who had charging privileges and who did not and then well, gosh, I don't know. It took FOREVER. A good 30 minutes it seemed! Finallly we were checked in with the note that we’d be texted when the room was ready. Of course when I went to check on my crew, no one had changed (for those who wanted to), half the kids were outside and ugh, whatever. I went to change myself (screw them lol) and do a tiny bit of freshening up from the plane. This prompted Jeff to do the same and then in short order the kids. Of course this meant I was waiting on all of them but eventually everyone was done, cleaned up and repacked as much as they were going to be and we gave all our bags to bell services. Which was a LOT of bags.

Our breakfast reservation had been for 8am. In between the ridiculous line at Starbucks, my parents walking speed, the crazy amount of time it took to check in and the fact that my family didn't bother to freshen up while I checked in you can probably figure out we were late. We'd landed at 6am and in the past 2 hours would have been ample. If it was just the 4 of us, I am quite sure it still would have been. No matter. I was not too worried; generally speaking unless it is a Character breakfast or maybe Kona, there is almost always open tables. We checked in closer to 8:20 I think. And waited. And waited. Maybe 10 minutes but oh it felt longer. We did get a nice peek at the holiday decorations in the YC lobby but in my post red eye daze…I didn't take a single picture. Which really, is criminal and I apologize. I have a history of sucking wind on day 1 of trip pictures and this, well, this was living up to it so far. Finally we walked in and saw the place was empty.
That drives me nuts. As a former server and restaurant manager, unless you are short staffed it makes no sense. At all. I heard a few other interesting ADR stories (places not taking walk ups until 6:30 for example, even when a restaurant was empty) and things that just showed me some restaurant profit basics were lacking in spots. Alternatively we had experiences where they were spot on turning tables and seating promptly so it certainly wasn't the rule that we had to wait to be seated in an empty dining room but we did that morning. On the positive side, everyone had viewed the menu and knew what they wanted. Also on the extremely positive side, once seated the coffee , drinks and then food came quickly!

We all went for alacarte items. While the buffet had some nice options, for the price difference and for what folks wanted, alacarte was the way to go. I don't know that many folks have tried Captains Grille for Breakfast so I thought I'd post the menu as I think it has some lovely options!

Yacht Club Breakfast Buffet
Seasonal fruit, Yogurt, assorted pastries, Pancakes, Smoked Salmon and Bagels, Bread Pudding, Oatmeal, Cold Cereals, Bacon, Sausage, Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, and Chef's Frittata (includes coffee, tea, juice, or soft drinks) $18.99 per person
Early Starters
Seasonal Fruit Arrangement - honey-lemon fruit salsa, house-made granola bar and yogurt $8.99

Steel-cut Oatmeal Brulee - brandied bananas, dried cranberries and sweet cream $8.99

Smoked Salmon and Toasted Bagel - served with traditional accompaniments $8.99

A La Carte Selections
Tailored Eggs - two eggs, savory hash browns, with a choice of bacon or sausage and a biscuit $10.99

Lobster Omelet - butter-warmed lobster, asparagus, chive-infused cream and captain's potatoes $13.49

Tailored Omelet - your choice of Meats, Vegetables, and Cheese served with savory hash browns, and a Biscuit $11.49

Poached Eggs - lump crab salad, prosciutto, potato rosti, and herb hollandaise $13.99

Citrus-scented French Toast - Challah Bread with lavender-infused strawberry compote and white chocolate ganache with your choice of Bacon or Sausage $10.99

Dark Chocolate Waffles - dried cherry compote, espresso-mascarpone cream, chocolate shavings and a choice of bacon or sausage $10.99

Buttermilk Pancakes - served with Bacon or Sausage $9.49; Add Blueberries or Chocolate Chips $1.00 ea.

Lemon-Ricotta Hotcakes - blueberry compote, citrus pudding, and savory hash browns $10.99

Mickey Waffles - choice of bacon or sausage $8.99

Petite Strip Loin and Eggs - Charon Sauce and savory hash browns $15.49

Egg Whites or Egg Substitute available

Here’s the really cool thing. That Tailored Omelet. When they say your choice, they mean it. Usually in a build your own thing, you pay by the item or maybe it includes 3 things and then it’s 50 cents or a buck extra per extra ingredient. Not here. For my dairy and gluten free sister, this was a dream. For Jeff who would put the kitchen sink in his omelet if it didn't cost extra, it was a dream. I can't speak for sure to what everyone ordered but think all the adults except for me went for the Tailored Omelet. Me, I went for the poached eggs and the E's Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Tailored Eggs.

While we were waiting both my mom and I passed out pins for the kids to add to their collection and trade with.

They got busy




Unfortunately I think that may have been the extent of their trading!

Oh well.

Our food arrived and I beheld this beauty



Oh.My.Word was it YUMMY! I'd really wanted Kouzzina for this arrival breakfast but the reality was that CG just had more options to please the masses. I was equally happy with my meal here which lessened the pain of not making it to Kouzzina.

Coffee, OJ and this and well, I was feeling ready to tackle the day!
So was everyone else. Across the board everyone was thrilled with their meal, 3 out of the 4 boys in particular as they’d gotten the chocolate chip pancakes and upon request, our lovely server brought them extra chocolate chips! Add cocoa, milk and apple juice to the mix (depending on the kid) and they were wired for sound.

Originally my hope had been to run to guest services at Epcot prior to breakfast to pick up my PAP and my TIW card. That hadn’t happened. Which meant I didn't have my discount card for the breakfast. For the 4 of us it ran $77 including tax and tip. Practically speaking, since the buffet does include a drink, we didn't save anything going ala carte but we were all happy with our choice. If I had used the TIW card then it would have been a better deal. Still, a heck of a lot cheaper than a character breakfast! I had been told that you could go back and get a credit if you had your receipt and TIW card.

Unfortunately I never remembered to do that.

Darn it anyhow, I mean really, that $12 bucks or so was at least one drink somewhere! With everyone fed we discussed next steps. We had FP+ for BRMRR, followed by haircuts at the Harmony Barber shop, then FP+ for the Jingle Cruise and Splash (different folks on different things) and then FP+ at Space and Splash depending on the person. I also had a FP+ for lunch at BoG but hadn't told anyone about it yet. As we settled up my folks realized something. They'd left their medications (Dad’s for his heart, Mom’s for shingles) in their carryons which were checked at Bell Services.

Of course they did.

They needed to take some.

Jeff, my sister and all the kids headed straight to MK from the Beach Club, while Mom and Dad headed back to Boardwalk to get their meds. I headed to Guest Services to pick up my ticket and TIW card. Though I certainly could have done it at MK, I figured the line would be far shorter at the IG entry.
I was right! A whopping 2 people were in front of me and in short order I was headed back to BWV. My folks were ready when I got there and off to the bus we went. Where we waited a good 20 minutes. Sigh. I spent the bus ride texting my sister and eventually telling them to go ahead and go on BTMRR without us as we would not make it. Even with the 15m grace period I did not think my folks could hustle across the park that fast, and if we went on it that late, then we would be late for haircuts. By this time they had all already gone on Splash as a walk on.

While they went on the wildest ride in the west, we were treated to this view







Yep, 11am. We had already been in Florida for almost 5 hours! Craziness. As our haircuts weren't until 11;30 and the plan was to meet there, Mom, Dad and I took care of some important things.









These aren't the "real" ones but frankly I have zero guilt about snagging them as copies at the moment. We are having a few PP sharing issues that I have elevated to both Disney Guest Services and to Photopass and am awaiting the results. Short term impact is I can't order our CD yet and I really like to have my pictures in the actual update they are from, versus separately later.
I had purchased Photopass Plus prior to our trip and needed to go pick up the lanyard so we would have it for ride photos. It's funny, with as many people as we had, the incremental charge was small. Actually having those ride pictures is so much more fun than I would have expected, some of them are just a riot! I am so glad we did it. That said, with the way the system is now set up, sharing is MUCH more complicated than it was. In some ways, easier, and in some ways…a total nightmare.

Since the PP+ lanyard system is now officially over, unless you bought it before the memory maker launch....this is now officially a vintage item



LOL!

Lanyard picked up, we had a short wait before the rest of the group arrived and we were checking in for haircuts. The original booking had been for the E's and one of my nephews. Like the E's, that nephew had needed a haircut, badly, before the holidays and my sister had been unable to wait. I had taken a different approach, giving my kids a bad trim myself to tide them over the 2 weeks knowing we had the appointment. As a result, he did not need one...but my dad did!

In short order (LOVED having reservations) the kids were in the chair.

Evan, of course, had very definite ideas about what he wanted and proceeded to demonstrate





Eric may have been having a sugar crash



Don’t they look thrilled?





Cheeseball with a bowl cut. Blackmail for later





But mom, it tickles!



Quit taking pictures of me!



This one seemed to like the results



With the boys done, it was Grandpa's turn.



This part was pretty funny. You had 3 of confirming that they could also do his beard and eyebrows, both of which needed help. It’s a family curse...the Andy Rooney eyebrow. For the record, yes they can and they did a lovely job!

They went to check out Sorcerers and got some instructions



Though they were all anxious to get going, one more item was required.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

The official (barber) pole picture (especially for you Rosie!)







I didn't let Dad off the hook either





Kodak moments handled we discussed the action plan.

And decided to cut the kids loose. The crowds, well they weren't all that bad. Certainly not what we'd expected (ok me), at least not at that moment. Strict instructions of where and when to meet, phone inventory and battery status checked, admonishments of staying together and working as a group conveyed we said BYE!

And made a beeline to the new Starbucks on Main Street, aka the Main Street Bakery. Jeff, Melissa and I were in need of another hit. We were pleasantly surprised at the relatively manageable line and how quickly it moved. I was not however impressed with what I saw in the case, it looked and felt just like a "normal" Starbucks in terms of the offerings.

What's the first thing you do when you've gotten rid of all your kids? Document it with a picture of course!









As an interesting side note the PP photog made us hide our drink cups! I couldn't figure it as at first glance they looked like the standard Disney cups but they do have the Starbucks logo on it and apparently they have strict instructions to make sure that doesn't show up in a picture.

Coffees in hand and photos taken we began our trek. We all had fast passes for the Jingle Cruise. On our way I was shocked to see this



The Christmas Parade! I swore when I researched our trip that the Holiday Parade stopped prior to our arrival. I am not sure if I was wrong or if they extended it but either way I didn't care! Though the pictures don't really reflect it, we actually had a pretty decent vantage spot and one that wasn't crowded.

Interesting weird Photobucket note. It's the phone pictures uploading at the ridiculous size, not the ones from the good camera. Sorry about that...esp since most will be from the phone. But here are some more normal sized shots.



It was not conducive to great photo ops though. I bet my mom got some amazing ones but by the time I see hers...we could be in California!

















Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

My girl















Sick of Belle yet? We will move on

























And finally, the big man himself









.

We had talked about the FP+ ressie at BoG but the reality was, no one was hungry. At the time, with an 8am breakfast reservation I'd thought by 12:30 or 1 folks might be but no one was. Which was fine with me. Much as I wanted to try it for lunch it was 1pm and I had yet to go on a ride!

The soggiest place on earth

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Sorry you are having issues with PP. Hate there will be a delay before we get to see all the wonderful pictures! Even though it isn't rides, still good to see you posted a few of the "redneck" variety!

Glad you got to come home from your trip and relax some. At least you didn't have to come back and get right into more trip planning after all that Pre-Holiday work on the BFP. Oh wait...........

Captain's Grille is a wonderful restaurant, but somehow have never tried breakfast there, and I just might have to now! I wouldn't normally opt for the poached eggs as that is a little too "exotic" for my breakfast tastes, or is that habit??? But still, your poached eggs look amazing and I just might be tempted to branch out when I finally try CG for breakfast.

Nice MK entrance pictures of you and your parents.

Barber pole pictures of everyone.............looks like a new place for Rosie to pose on a future trip!

I probably would have had a little different reaction to finding the parade when I wasn't expecting it, especially trying to get across the park. But I guess since you already ruled out making your BTMRR FP it was all just as well. You did have a nice vantage point and got some pretty good pictures. And no, not tired of Belle yet......... Like you, I'm a little surprised it was still an ongoing event though. Typically the things related to Santa Claus don't extend past Christmas day, so seeing him in the parade is a little strange!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day, and see how long you guys can hang in there after being up so long and taking the red-eye.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sorry you're having problems with PP and I hope it gets resolved to your satisfaction.

Breakfast, MK, haircuts and the Christmas parade. That's a very eclectic start to the day.

Or Allison will have to let me/us crash in Olga/Jenny/Jills room!

I'm claiming that's MY room too!!!!

(Afterall - Olga and I have already been sleeping buddies. )

 

[rentayenta]

Your plans look amazing and that cruise? WOW! Seriously, that's a rockin' itinerary. I love it.

Cute cute haircut photos. We have never done a haircut on Main St. I wish Joshua would go for it but he's very picky about his boy band hair.

Breakfast looks delicious and I love your white pants/capris. We are very simpatico when it comes to colors. Sisters!

I forget how gorgeous WDW's castle is. It really is something else.

Yes, Jenny/Jill/PIO/Olga/Cynthia's wing.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Yes, Jenny/Jill/PIO/Olga/Cynthia's wing.

(Any more....and there really will be a party happening in that wing!!!)

 

[jedijill]

Did someone say party at Alison and Fran's? I'm in!

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

yay!!!!!! That you got to see the Christmas parade! Nice!

I have to say that your boys are good sports for getting their hair cut at the Main Street barber. I don't think I would have ever been able to convince my kids to do that at their age. Heck - Brian would barely leave the room with us.

Yummy breakfast. I'm staying at BCV in March so that could definitely be a possibility. We'll see. So little time in Disney I only planned two lunch TS. Lame. But I want to be in the parks.

Congrats on registering for the half marathon.

Oh - and your fall cruise - nice! Very nice!

 

[Pinkocto]

Breakfast looked delicious. I'm going to have to remember that for May, I love a good breakfast.

Bonus that you got to see the Christmas parade. Poor Clarabells nostrils look like giant knockers to me.

Sorry you missed BTMR.

Glad your dad could take advantage of the barbershop reservation, too cute


All your future trips look great!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great update! Glad you're keeping the cruise! Looks like a cool itinerary!
Breakfast looked good - odd that they didn't seat you in an empty restaurant!

Cute of your dad getting his haircut!

I love that you were smart enough to get some pics of the adults!
No Starbucks logo in the pics, eh? Maybe they're not so proud of that partnership. Taints the Disney image a bit?

Hope the PP+ stuff gets worked out. What a PITA.

 

[dizneeat]

GREAT update!!!!!!!!!

We have had breakfast at CG often and it is a really nice place for breakfast. Had to smile though as last time there, we did eat from the buffet.
What a great idea of "the boys" getting haircuts, including grandpa!
And I love that you were able to watch the parade too.

PLUS ....... I love all the travel plans, but expecially the cruise one! Fantastic itinerary and I am sure you will be able to pull it off. That is a cruise you cannot "leave behind".

 

[franandaj]

Nice update Cynthia! I'm glad that everyone enjoyed their breakfast and haircuts. Sorry you missed BTMRR and BoG, but as you said, with a crew like that you need to roll with the punches!

Yes, Jenny/Jill/PIO/Olga/Cynthia's wing.

(Any more....and there really will be a party happening in that wing!!!)

Did someone say party at Alison and Fran's? I'm in!

Jill in CO

Hey! Don't forget that while they are building the Haunted Mansion room WE are sleeping with Olga in her room! The chaise loungers by the pool are certainly available, there is always the shower and toilet in the pool house, but until the second story is done WE can't even move into the master bedroom, we're looking at next Fall by this point!

Cynthia if you can't find anywhere else, for the DLR Marathon you can certainly crash by the pool! I'm sure it will be warm enough at that time for outside sleeping!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

I love Belle! She's my favorite, I think it's because she's a reader.

 

[natebenma]

As we headed down our street Eric remarked

"Guess what mom! One of my shoes is a different size than the other!"

He is wearing the new tennis shoes

The only tennis shoes he is bringing (he also had a pair of crocs)

We do not, at this point, have time to go back and change into his old ones

As we'd narrowed down his choices at the store, the pair he wanted only had one pair in the box, the other was on display. Except there were TWO pairs on display. Eric had grabbed one of them. Neither Eric, myself, the employee who helped us, or the employee who rang it up, checked to make sure the sizes matched.

At least the "off" size was .5 too big...not to small.

Nothing like $65 shoes that are different sizes!

 

[Linda67]

Hello from a late arrival
Great start to your TR and wow! - you have some wonderful trips to look forward to
I have never considered Captain's Grille, but the breakfast menu looks delicious!
I talked DH into getting a hair cut at the Main St Barbers a couple of trips ago and he was delighted with the results …. (not quite so delighted with the pixie dust they sprinkled on him at the end though )

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! You have some fun trips to look forward to! They all sound great but especially your anniversary cruse (what an itinerary!) and the half marathon. Woo hoo --good for your for registering! I agree the advance registration for runDisney events is kind of a pain but I had such a great time at the 10K I can't wait to do it again!

For all my stays at the Beach Club, have never tried the Captain's Grille. The breakfast menu looks yummy. I will definitely keep that in mind.

I've also never visited the barbershop. In fact, I wonder how many people even realize it is there? Love that you have that tradition!

I'm anxious to hear what the boys thought of the Sorcerers game. Yet another thing I have yet to try. Yikes... I need to go back!

Interesting about the Starbucks logo and PP pics. Sorry you're having issues with your pics.

Looking forward to more!

 

[KatMark]

I'm sorry about all of the issues with PP and hope they get resolved soon.

I've not gotten to that part in my TR, but we did Captain's Grille for dinner one night and breakfast one morning. One I will go back for, the other not so much. But it looks as if you all had an enjoyable breakfast.

Haircuts and pole dancing...can't beat it.

And then you got rid of all kids and had adult time. You can't beat that.

Love all the photopass pictures.

And I'm so happy you got to see the Christmas parade.

 

[CarolynK]

We traveled with my parents twice to WDW so I know slowwwww. It is an adjustment, for sure, which I'm sure you handled well

Your upcoming cruise sounds awesome! We are currently in the process of planning next winter break (11 months from today is the day after Christmas!!) and we're looking for a 4-or 5-day cruise in addition to some days at WDW--I'm SO tired of cold weather in Florida in December. Unfortunately, during the holidays, DCL is almost 3 times more expensive than other lines. We'll get back to DCL someday, but apparently not during popular times.

You set the kids free right away - cool mom!!