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

[Flossbolna]

Sounds like you had a lovely morning! I think it is great that you actually got some good use out of the treehouse. It is such a special place to stay in that it would have been a shame not to make good use of it. The breakfast sounds lovely all around. Even though I never had a breakfast burrito, so can't really appreciate your skill in making it with the ingredients you had. It did look as if everyone had a nice portion on their plate though!

Can't wait to find out what you did in the afternoon!

 

[natebenma]

Coffee! And alone time

That does not suck!

Seriously you would not know Evan had JUST gotten a haircut here, and had taken a shower that morning

Great picture!

I love your morning.

on stretching out the food that you had on hand, and it sounds like you used up the stuff in your fridge, so double bonus points for that.

Nice time doing what the boys wanted at AK. Lots of Everest, some milling around and Nemo. I am surprised that's what they wanted, wish my boys would.

I can't remember what the surprise is (or even if you previewed it on FB)

 

[Chilly]

I love the "Mum" photopass boarder. I wonder what your secret plan is, can't wait to find out.

 

[eandesmom]

This gets an, "Awwwww..." from the audience.

Heck, it got an "awwwww" from me!

And by "thrilled", you mean "ready to punch him in the face".

yeah, pretty much. LOL!

These are great pictures of you and the boys!

thanks!

Can't go wrong with a few EE rides!

or three or 5 or whatever it was

Suspense is killing me!

I don't think it kill worthy

Sounds like you had a lovely morning! I think it is great that you actually got some good use out of the treehouse. It is such a special place to stay in that it would have been a shame not to make good use of it. The breakfast sounds lovely all around. Even though I never had a breakfast burrito, so can't really appreciate your skill in making it with the ingredients you had. It did look as if everyone had a nice portion on their plate though!

I would not say it takes any skill. It's just scrambled eggs with stuffed mixed in and inside a tortilla, like a wrap. They are pretty tasty though, but those eggs by themselves would not have been great, far too much milk. Add in the other stuff and I could cover up the lack of egg flavor to a large degree?

Can't wait to find out what you did in the afternoon!

coming up soon!

That does not suck!

Great picture!

I love your morning.

It was a perfect morning! We felt so "away" it was just heavenly. And restorative!

on stretching out the food that you had on hand, and it sounds like you used up the stuff in your fridge, so double bonus points for that.

We still had some stuff but it made a serious dent!

Nice time doing what the boys wanted at AK. Lots of Everest, some milling around and Nemo. I am surprised that's what they wanted, wish my boys would.

I was really surprised by Nemo, and pleased as punch.

I can't remember what the surprise is (or even if you previewed it on FB)

I did show it on FB but I don't think I mentioned it was a surprise.

 

[eandesmom]

I love the "Mum" photopass boarder. I wonder what your secret plan is, can't wait to find out.

I really liked that border. Kind of funny to add it to your own picture but I did it anyway!

I was excited about my secret plan

 

[teekathepony]

Oh what a fantastic morning, breakfast with the boys and your parents! Looks lovely, and look at you squeezing out breakfast for everyone!
Sounds like so much fun after too, riding EE and seeing Finding Nemo

He and I had a secret plan the boys didn't know about.

I had a plan.

I wouldn't tell them what it was.

But we needed to leave NOW.

Jeff was waiting.

I am so intrigued!!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh what a fantastic morning, breakfast with the boys and your parents! Looks lovely, and look at you squeezing out breakfast for everyone!
Sounds like so much fun after too, riding EE and seeing Finding Nemo

It was a fun morning!

I am so intrigued!!

I am starting to worry I will let everyone down!

 

[eandesmom]

On a lark, I decided to check rental car prices for our September trip. As you may recall, after our disastrous meal at Margaritaville in December (this update It's Five O'Clock. And Soggy!), they offered to "take care of us" if we came back. Car prices have dropped and we could now get a free meal for

52 bucks

Plus gas

While 52 bucks is not a ton cheaper than 82, it mentally sure seems like it, to the point that we have basically decided to go for it. It may still go down, I will keep checking. This of course changes our plans. There are 2 windows we could do this. Before, or after the cruise. Before only makes sense simply due to the fact that picking up a car at the Dolphin, while staying at BWV is about as easy as it could be. Other than that it makes no sense. That is food and wine weekend in walking distance! Sure, we could do it our first night but we will be tired after the red eye. No thanks.

That leaves the 2nd part of the trip. Which has 2 contraints of its own. The Mine Train and Raglan Road.

Realistically, looking at park hours, it seems dinner makes a lot more sense over there since it is a Sunday night and nothing at WDW is open past 9. Margaritaville is open until 1 and has live music at 5 and 9. So seems a no brainer. I did look at a Dolphin pick up and airport return, or vice versa but it was $16 more. Which is 2 adult beverages. Or 4 if you are at the food and wine festival!

Riding the mine train, which I really want to do, is a constraint that I am trying to work around, same thing with eating at Raglan Road. We could consider RR our first night but dealing with going to DTD and the giant mess of construction there, the first night after a red eye is not appealing to me.

Here is what I am looking at. Honestly, life would be easier if we drop RR. I hope Jeff will come to that conclusion. He really wants to eat there. I love it too but I am not sure it is worth the headache.

Saturday:

• Land at MCO at 5:30, Bus to resort, Check in. Will likely be in room no later than 7:30, hopefully earlier
• 8:00 ish Dinner at Sanaa. Planning on walking in. Could make a ressie as I think it is pretty firm at this point but do like the idea of not being tied to a time.

Having been on the ship all week and a long kind of boring day at the airport and on a plane I doubt we will be ready to call it a night after dinner. If not ready to call it a night, we can hit Magic Kingdom for extra magic hours (and try to get on the mine train). Or, pool/hot tub.

Sunday:

• 9 am ish Breakfast at Boma if it fits in the budget. I would really like to eat here if we can. If not we can get counter service from The Mara. Plan on walking in here as well.
• Magic Kingdom to ride the mine train (11am fast pass). If we did it the night before, can skip the park entirely or hit Animal Kingdom for a little bit
• Head over to Epcot, light lunch at food and wine kiosks or wherever, walk to Dolphin.
• Pick up rental car at the Dolphin at 3:30 pm, drive to Universal. Dinner at Margaritaville.
• Drive back to resort. Pool/hot tub?

Nothing is open late. We don't need to go to Margaritaville that early (could go back, hit pool and then head over) but do have to pick up the car before 4pm at the latest. Their live music on the main stage is at 5pm, and 9pm. I do need to pick a time though and let Margaritaville know.

Pam, this may make an afternoon fly by hug difficult, but maybe the next morning?

Monday

• Breakfast in room / on verandah with items from The Mara
• Pack up, check in for flights, bags dropped off etc by 10.
• Drive to Downtown Disney for lunch at Raglan Road at 11. Use TIW for free valet parking.
• Return car by 2:30 to the Swan (probably closer to 1)
• Last drink/snack at food and wine festival if time
• Bus to resort at 3. Need to be back to the resort by 3:55 to catch bus.

I like the fact that RR is at the end but as we have to take the car back, we still can get a little magic in if we time it right. It also makes it easy to drop RR if we want.

Back to THIS trip. Which I plan to finish before the Disneyland half. I updated on that report today too.

Right now I think I will start the Spring Marching Band trip report when I get back from the DL ½ and may do that, and continue the race one at the same time. I believe Mary Ellen has another report to do until we get to the girls trip so you will all have to be patient on that one!

Where were we?

I had boys who wanted a snack who were being hustled out of the park. I had decided it would be easiest to have Jeff park at a resort and meet there, versus a park.

Jeff had a good morning as well.



We got on the bus to the resort and the boys didn’t think a thing of it. I had a special place in mind for a treat. One we had never been to before (or at least never actually inside). One, which having someone there early to get our names on the list, might be a very useful thing.

The boys had NO clue where we were going and couldn't even guess. Which seemed a bit silly to me, it should have been pretty obvious I would have thought.



Despite Jeff’s early arrival and being told our table would be ready the minute the rest of us got there, it was a solid 20 minute wait, maybe more. My rush had been twofold. First, the kids needed a snack and I didn't want dinner wrecked and this was likely to be a bit bigger than a "snack". Second was that if we wanted to go to DHS, as was the plan, and add a day to Jeff’s ticket, there would only be so many hours for that.

Finally, we were in!









We saw a number of these go out



However, we were confused. What we originally thought were sirens for the Kitchen Sink, were really a testing of the fire alarm. During the whole time we were there. That got old.

I let the kids get whatever they wanted and did not make them share

For Evan

Brownie À La Mode
A gooey, chewy Brownie, Hot Fudge, and Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Sprinkles, and a Cherry
$6.49



For Jeff

Old Fashioned Sundae - Two Scoops
Drenched with your choice of one of the following toppings: Marshmallow, Strawberry, Pineapple, Peanut Butter, Hot Fudge, Caramel, or Chocolate Syrup topped with Whipped Cream, Toasted Almonds, and a Cherry. Three Scoops and Extra Toppings available at an additional cost
$5.99





For Eric

Beaches Chocolate Cake
House-made Seven-Layer Chocolate Cake served à la mode
$6.49





And for me

Apple-Cranberry Pie
Featuring Ocean Spray® Craisins® Brand - Apples tossed with Craisins® baked in a Sugared Pie Crust served à la mode
$6.49



I overestimated the hunger of my children. Apparently those burritos were more filling than I thought. Neither could finish their item. Granted, they were huge but wasted food NEVER makes Jeff happy.

Even if it was MY treat.

Sigh.

Overall though, it was fun. The boys were tickled pink and enjoyed it. It was a nice treat. I would make them share if we ever go again unless they got a sundae.

Afterwards we hopped in the car and drove to DHS. We figured that would be easier than coming back to BC to get it.

Parked and walked a million miles to the gates. As I walked up, they started shutting the ticket windows! All of them! I may or may not have banged as the last one closed in front of my eyes. It didn't do me any good, they sent me to the guest services line.

Great.

At that point, we told the boys to go in without us.

So they did!

I know they rode at least one ride, maybe two while we were in line.

Even though there were only 2 groups in front of us, it took FOREVER to get up to add a day to Jeff's ticket. However, since he did have one day on there already over our treat I had taken the time to make some FP+ for us.

The choices may surprise you. Then again, selection was limited!

Up first?



That was actually Jeff's choice!

After that, Star Tours. Where I didn't take a single picture. Looking at my FP times I feel we must have done something else after that.

Was it single rider RRC?

Was it ToT?

Was it send the kids somewhere while we have an adult beverage at the tune in lounge?

I have no idea!

What I do know is that at 6:25 we had FP+ for F!

Which was a total shocker to me that the boys all wanted to see. Our last F! experience had been in 2010 and it was a disaster. It was in July, on a sweltering night and we MELTED watching it. It was truly a miserable experience and we had not been back since. Decent seats were long gone (leading me to believe that we definitely did something between Star Tours and F!) but it worked out well enough for us. Nice thing about the way back was we could actually stand if we wanted, so we did!

And I took some quality pictures







Or not. It does prove we were there though, right?

We really really enjoyed it! It was cold out and kind of magical. A complete bonus prize as far as I was concerned and worth the extra day on Jeff’s ticket (all $10 that it had cost for the add on)

Originally our plan had been to go to Olivi'’s for dinner, but I had cancelled that ADR as we did not want to be tied to a plan.

Where did everyone want to go?

Olivia's!

And seriously, very close to the time I had reserved anyway.

We assumed walking in would not be a problem.

Luckily, we were correct! Although, it was plenty busy and later I heard reports of walk in's turned away at the Turf Club and a few other places that clearly had empty tables.





I have NO idea what Eric was doing, maybe he couldn't decide what to order?


I did not have that issue



Neither did Jeff even if he was not happy with the limited options



He should have gotten the Key West Sunset Ale, I do not know what he was thinking!

After the B&C fiasco, knowing that the boys really wanted shrimp and grits and Evan well remembering that he could not finish it the previous trip when he ordered it

I absolutely failed at taking pictures. Then again I suspect my phone was almost dead.

The boys split and order of onion rings and then the shrimp and grits.

They loved everything and were happy they shared

I had a Caesar Salad and a cup of Gumbo. Small dinner for me so I must have still been full from the B&C pie. Or that is all I took pictures of. Maybe the boys had the salad? Seems odd that I would not have ordered the crab cakes. It is one of the few receipts from that trip that is completely missing





I have no clue what Jeff had! There are several things on that menu that are logical choices for him. What he picked, I have no idea!

After dinner it was back to THV. Nothing was open late, we had officially moved past holiday hours. We decided to enjoy the THV a little more, snuggle in to all the couches and watch a classic.

What classic?

Not exactly a Disney one, but one neither of the boys had seen

Except, now that I think about it I cannot remember if we watched it with them or if they both retreated to their own corners, having their “own” space for the night and watching their own TV's.

At any rate what I do remember is that Jeff and I watched



Smokey and the Bandit!

What a riot that was. It had been years!
We had a glass of wine, snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. Perfect!

Up next, the last day!

 

[Leshaface]

Having coffee and breakfast burritos on the deck sounds so amazing. It really does sounds like such a perfect morning!

Glad the E's were happy with their choice to go to AK. Wow, Nemo?! I'm shocked teenage boys would choose this, but I would have been thrilled with their choice. It really is such a cute show.

After looking at your B&C photos, I HAVE to get there soon! Everything looks so disgustingly rich and delicious!

It totally sounds like the extra $10 to add on an extra day at DHS was worth it! Especially for F! I have never seen the show during Summer, but I could only imagine how awful that would be. Ugh! It's definitely nicer in the Winter months to watch that show.

Seriously, the best way to end the day! Curled up on the couch, watching a movie. Could this day have possibly been any better?!

 

[Flossbolna]

Sounds like a great family afternoon! Those portions at B&C look absolutely huge! No wonder the boys were not able to finish them!

I have to admit that I have never seen Fantasmic at DHS - and did not see it on my last trip to DL either. I just don't get that show. But I keep thinking that I ought to give it another chance...

On your trip plans for September: Have you looked into the rental agencies that have locations at the Hotels at Downtown Disney (Hotel Boulevard I think that area is called?)? I am researching rental cars currently (an unexpected Orlando trip kind of appeared on my schedule for December) and I think I have found a Budget location there which has better rates than Alamo. You could combine dropping off your car with the lunch at RR.

 

[PrincessInOz]

You must have done a great job streeeetching those 3 eggs! B&C looks amazing and I could have eaten that 7 layer cake.

Great job on spending $10 to go see F!.

Where did Jeff see that plane?



FWIW - I think keeping your options open for RR is the best choice. Congrats on an even cheaper price for the car, BTW.

 

[Chilly]

Wow that Brownie looks good, think i'll be ordering that next time I visit.

Snuggles on the sofa with your honey sounds a nice ending to the day to me.

 

[afwdwfan]

While 52 bucks is not a ton cheaper than 82, it mentally sure seems like it, to the point that we have basically decided to go for it.

Just get appetizers, dessert and the most expensive meal on the menu.

I'm glad you're going to work it in though. I know you'll enjoy it.

However, we were confused. What we originally thought were sirens for the Kitchen Sink, were really a testing of the fire alarm. During the whole time we were there. That got old.

Ugh... yeah.

I overestimated the hunger of my children. Apparently those burritos were more filling than I thought. Neither could finish their item. Granted, they were huge but wasted food NEVER makes Jeff happy.

Jeff and I share that trait. I'd be sitting here trying to eat what everybody else had left at the expense of making myself miserable.

I would make them share if we ever go again unless they got a sundae.

Or just get the kitchen sink...

That was actually Jeff's choice!

And not a bad choice at all. Hardly something you need FP+ for, but with limited options, I get it.

Was it send the kids somewhere while we have an adult beverage at the tune in lounge?

If you don't remember what you did, I think this is the most likely scenario.

We really really enjoyed it! It was cold out and kind of magical. A complete bonus prize as far as I was concerned and worth the extra day on Jeff’s ticket (all $10 that it had cost for the add on)

I always enjoy Fantasmic! It really is a great show. I just hate the hassle of getting to and from the theater. The set up is just less than ideal.

At any rate what I do remember is that Jeff and I watched


Smokey and the Bandit!

If they went off on their own and didn't watch it, they don't know what they're missing.

What a riot that was. It had been years!
We had a glass of wine, snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. Perfect!

Wine? This movie seems more like a beer drinking movie to me.

 

[elphie101]

Being too full for Beaches and Cream is almost a crime!! Is it bad I didn't know you could get your own sundae, however you want? Oops. Now I know what I'll be doing on my next trip.

I feel like it is the sign of a really good trip when photos and notes start to slide a bit towards the end - or at least, that's always my excuse! I'm glad this round of Fantasmic was more enjoyable - I'm very partial to the show myself (but Sorcerer Mickey IS my favorite version of The Big Cheese).

Can't wait to read about your last day! I have no problem mentioning the somber Last Day as I know your next trip is quite literally around the corner

 

[eandesmom]

Having coffee and breakfast burritos on the deck sounds so amazing. It really does sounds like such a perfect morning!

It was lovely!

Glad the E's were happy with their choice to go to AK. Wow, Nemo?! I'm shocked teenage boys would choose this, but I would have been thrilled with their choice. It really is such a cute show.

What can I say, they aren't normal?

LOL! These are two teens who did have to have Mickey "Florida Sweaters" so it is consistent with that.

After looking at your B&C photos, I HAVE to get there soon! Everything looks so disgustingly rich and delicious!

That is pretty much it in a nutshell. Disgustingly rich and delicious. And huge!

It totally sounds like the extra $10 to add on an extra day at DHS was worth it! Especially for F! I have never seen the show during Summer, but I could only imagine how awful that would be. Ugh! It's definitely nicer in the Winter months to watch that show.

It was such a bonus prize! I did not expect that to happen on this trip at all.

Seriously, the best way to end the day! Curled up on the couch, watching a movie. Could this day have possibly been any better?!

Not really, nope! It was a perfect vacation day.

Sounds like a great family afternoon! Those portions at B&C look absolutely huge! No wonder the boys were not able to finish them!

We all have healthy appetites, do not generally share, and they were HUGE!

I have to admit that I have never seen Fantasmic at DHS - and did not see it on my last trip to DL either. I just don't get that show. But I keep thinking that I ought to give it another chance...

I like it, I can't say that I love it or will go out of my way to see it but I am glad we went, it was very enjoyable.

On your trip plans for September: Have you looked into the rental agencies that have locations at the Hotels at Downtown Disney (Hotel Boulevard I think that area is called?)? I am researching rental cars currently (an unexpected Orlando trip kind of appeared on my schedule for December) and I think I have found a Budget location there which has better rates than Alamo. You could combine dropping off your car with the lunch at RR.

We have rented through those hotels before. We found it to add a lot of time getting back and forth to them, that negated the savings. They sounded a lot closer to DTD than they ended up being. It was doable but literally an extra hour to get the car, or return it, to 2 different sites. Possibly more. We can walk to the Dolphin. Granted, as we are at AKV during the time we would be getting the car it technically adds time. However if we time it to eat at F&W while picking up or dropping off...then it is efficient. And if we do go to RR it will be better to have a car with valet, based on what I am hearing.

You must have done a great job streeeetching those 3 eggs! B&C looks amazing and I could have eaten that 7 layer cake.

That cake was insane! I am pretty sure Eric polished the rest of it off that night back at the villa.

I had a lot of protein beefing up those eggs!

Great job on spending $10 to go see F!.

It was worth it and honestly, the Muppets was fun! It had been a long time on that one.

Where did Jeff see that plane?

He flew it actually. It is a seaplane base about 45 minutes outside Orlando.

That is the kind he is building, it was at their home base/plant/HQ.

FWIW - I think keeping your options open for RR is the best choice. Congrats on an even cheaper price for the car, BTW.[/QUOTE]

Wow that Brownie looks good, think i'll be ordering that next time I visit.

Snuggles on the sofa with your honey sounds a nice ending to the day to me.

It was a very nice ending. I swear that brownie was as big as his head. It was crazy!

 

[rentayenta]

Eric is your mini-me. Too cute!

Dessert looks insane. Soooo good. I'm also uber PMSing.

 

[Pinkocto]

What a fun surprise! I don't like wasting either, but full uncomfortable tummies are worse. How annoying about the fire alarms.


What a fun evening, minus the wait at guest services. Too funny you still ended up at Olivia's.

I love that you snuggled up and watched a movie. What a fabulous day all around! Jeff looks happy in that plane



Please don't feel any pressure about September. Monday morning will work too. If we can catch each other that'll be great, if we can't I'm sure there will be a next time. I know how much you like Margaritaville, your trip is going to be fabulous!!!

 

[MEK]

So wait! You can VALET PARK at DTD? Why did I NOT know this? All those times I've been there with TIW and could have valet parked.

So awesome that you have DIS meets planned for September.

Maybe Jeff will come to the conclusion that Raglan Road doesn't have to be a must do for every trip.

Those desserts at B&C look so amazing. I MUST have ice cream there some day. That brownie sundae looks to die for!

Yay for Olivia's and shrimp & grits. That is my newest favorite meal in all of Disney. I can't wait to go back there in October!

 

[englishrose47]

Going back to read Buttttt you stole my 5 o'clock somewhere line

 

[glennbo123]

Oooo, that seaplane Jeff checked out looks really cool.

Never been to Beaches and Cream, but I bet we would've had a hard time tackling that much ice cream too!