March 2012: Spring Break, Here we come! Threadjackers take over the world!

[DMGeurts]

Well, me personally... Garden Grill is a must do. It's technically not a buffet, it's served family style - even though it is all you can eat. There is no better character experience in WDW, IMO.

I am still debating on adding a Biergarten ADR for all of us - just so you know it's still an option. I just can't decide because it would definately be OOP - and I am not sure that's something we can do... especially if we want to much around the world that day.

I was looking at T-Rex too... but we already have a busy day planned on our DTD day - and I really don't want to add another meal to it.

I will add my review for RFC, I haven't been to the one at AK ever - but I think they are all the same. We eat at the MOA one all the time. I will say, it's a fun experience - the food is mediocre - and the food is very expensive for what you get (but since you are on the DDP - that won't matter)... You are paying for the theming over all. It's fun, and we do it probably once a year - but I always leave unimpressed. Personally, since we have one so close to us, I would never waste my time at Disney eating at RFC - but since you've never been, you might like it?

D~

 

[Lidian]

Personally, the only buffets we will do at Disney are breakfast. We are NOT fans of the lunch/dinner food at Disney's buffets (H&V was horrible, Chef Mickey's was fair, and we were very unhappy with Biergarten in 2009.

I love that you are going to Kona...a new favorite of ours.

I can't comment on T-Rex or RFC as we've never eaten at either one. We did RFC in Chicago and Vegas and were not impressed at all.

I've not had H&V, I was sick for our 2009 ADR, but the rest of the family said it was mediocre. I mostly picked it for DS, but DD loved it the most.

Chef Mickey's was good for seeing the characters, but the food wasn't that great. I honestly don't remember much about it, but recall being hungry quickly after ... so I didn't eat much apparently.

We loved Biergarten last year. DH has asked if we are going back, and I wouldn't mind it ... but then it's another buffet.

I've not been to Kona for breakfast (not been anywhere for breakfast -- we're not breakfast people). But I do want to get us something hearty before we hit the road, and I'm anxious to try the Tonga Toast!

Well, me personally... Garden Grill is a must do. It's technically not a buffet, it's served family style - even though it is all you can eat. There is no better character experience in WDW, IMO.

I am still debating on adding a Biergarten ADR for all of us - just so you know it's still an option. I just can't decide because it would definately be OOP - and I am not sure that's something we can do... especially if we want to much around the world that day.

I was looking at T-Rex too... but we already have a busy day planned on our DTD day - and I really don't want to add another meal to it.

I will add my review for RFC, I haven't been to the one at AK ever - but I think they are all the same. We eat at the MOA one all the time. I will say, it's a fun experience - the food is mediocre - and the food is very expensive for what you get (but since you are on the DDP - that won't matter)... You are paying for the theming over all. It's fun, and we do it probably once a year - but I always leave unimpressed. Personally, since we have one so close to us, I would never waste my time at Disney eating at RFC - but since you've never been, you might like it?

D~

The "menu" for GG just sounds ... unimpressive. I saw some food pics on a recent Dining Review (it got great reviews), but the food just sounds and looks unimpressive. Most of the complaints were people needing more food and not getting it. But I know everyone has different experiences, and some people are more.... hmm ... well, I don't know how to say it nicely ... I used to wait tables, so I know it can be overwhelming to juggle a bunch of "needy" people. So I take reviews with a grain of salt.

I'm anxious for all the characters ... but not sure I want to sacrifice "better" meals for the family for a character. Make sense?

Biergarten would definitely be OOP for us, but not out of the question. My biggest concern is having two TS meals, that will take a good chunk out of our day. If you're feeling the same way, we can maybe meet up somewhere for a CS lunch, perhaps hit a ride or two together? Just keep me posted! I'd be up for Biergarten if you want it -- or a CS lunch. Just lemme know!

We have no plans to go to DTD on this trip ... so T-rex would be "out of our way". But I'd be willing to try it. Then I was thinking... if we go to DTD, we'd have to go to WGP. Too many ADRs I want, too little time.

We ate at RFC @ DTD on our arrival day in 2009. It was OOP, and we absolutely LOVED it. Every year, DH has asked if it was on the DDP because he wanted to go back. The coconut shrimp was... zomg YUM. But animatronics terrify DS, so he hid under the table (we were seated near the elephants), and he still hasn't improved much with animatronics. He's terrified that they'll "get him" I suppose, but we reassure him they won't move from their spots.

So places like RFC and T-rex worry me when it comes to him. Oh, not to mention the storms. Yeah, he didn't like them either.

We don't have a RFC nearby, and had never heard of it before seeing it at DTD. It was 2010 before we found out there was one at AK.

I asked DH what he wanted... but he's easy to please, and doesn't care if it's TH, RFC, or T-rex. He's no help.

 

[teetee830]

Crystal Palace (dinner)
Tusker House (lunch)
1900 Park Fare (dinner)
Garden Grill (dinner)

-- We also have 50s PTC dinner and a Kona breakfast, which are our only "menu" options.

What would you do?

I would probably drop the one you've eaten at before. If if was me I'd drip Park Fare, only becuase its at resort instead of a park. I'm not the biggest buffet fan either I normally don't eat enough to feel its worth it, so I've only booked breakfast with caracters this time. Except O'hana is family style and sooooo good I almost make myself sick there.

We already have ADR's at T-Rex on the 8th for dinner so I was happy to see it added to the DDP list. Now I just have to decide which will be best to pay OOP for and which to us DDP credits. I have too many ADR's I tend to like TS meals better than CS. Here is how our ADR's shake out.

Rose & Crown-3/4 dinner
La Hacienda de San Angel- 3/5 Dinner
Crystal Palace-3/6 Breakfast
O'Hana- 3/6 Dinner
Play 'n Dine-3/7 breakfast
Boatwright's-3/7 dinner
Donald's Safari-3/8 breakfast
T-Rex-3/8 dinner
Kona Grill-3/8 breakfast

 

[Lidian]

I would probably drop the one you've eaten at before. If if was me I'd drip Park Fare, only becuase its at resort instead of a park. I'm not the biggest buffet fan either I normally don't eat enough to feel its worth it, so I've only booked breakfast with caracters this time. Except O'hana is family style and sooooo good I almost make myself sick there.

I've not eaten at any of them. The only "repeat" we have is 50s PTC, and I refuse to cancel it.

Leaving the park for dinner on our 2nd MK day is a must. We'll have CP earlier that week, and we'd prefer to try something new -- therefore, we'll eat at a resort. I'm not interested in LTT or Plaza, and we've already had Tony's (which is delish). So we agreed we'd try a resort restaurant that night.

We already have ADR's at T-Rex on the 8th for dinner so I was happy to see it added to the DDP list. Now I just have to decide which will be best to pay OOP for and which to us DDP credits. I have too many ADR's I tend to like TS meals better than CS. Here is how our ADR's shake out.

Rose & Crown-3/4 dinner
La Hacienda de San Angel- 3/5 Dinner
Crystal Palace-3/6 Breakfast
O'Hana- 3/6 Dinner
Play 'n Dine-3/7 breakfast
Boatwright's-3/7 dinner
Donald's Safari-3/8 breakfast
T-Rex-3/8 dinner
Kona Grill-3/8 breakfast

Glad to hear that T-rex worked out on the DDP for you! Odds are good that you'll get the best value out of paying OOP for breakfast. I think I estimated breakfast at Kona for our family will be around $60 + tip.

We prefer TS over CS anyday ... but we try to make our trips as cheap as possible, so that we can go back. If DH really looks at the cost adding in gas and other OOP expenses, he'd probably never let me go back.

But I do recommend making a spreadsheet with estimate costs, that way you can determine which ones are cheapest and pay OOP for those. We aren't big breakfast people ... but will need to fill our tummies before driving home ... otherwise, we wouldn't have any breakfast ADRs.

 

[teetee830]

I've not eaten at any of them. The only "repeat" we have is 50s PTC, and I refuse to cancel it.

Well I wasn't a lot of help then huh. I love PT also but I was a good daughter and let my mom pick a few ADR. Wasn't that nice of me.

But I do recommend making a spreadsheet with estimate costs, that way you can determine which ones are cheapest and pay OOP for those. We aren't big breakfast people ... but will need to fill our tummies before driving home ... otherwise, we wouldn't have any breakfast ADRs.

Yep, I'm all over the spreadsheet. I love Excel! I figured it out yesterday and I think well pay OP for T-Rex anyway, DS and I can share and if I use DDP for La Hacendia and Rose & Crown I can feel less guilty about the $ for drinks.

I'm so excited only 66 days away!!

 

[Lidian]

Well I wasn't a lot of help then huh. I love PT also but I was a good daughter and let my mom pick a few ADR. Wasn't that nice of me.

How very nice of you!

50s PTC had such YUMMY food! But this year, I'm hoping for some antics!!

Yep, I'm all over the spreadsheet. I love Excel! I figured it out yesterday and I think well pay OP for T-Rex anyway, DS and I can share and if I use DDP for La Hacendia and Rose & Crown I can feel less guilty about the $ for drinks.

I'm so excited only 66 days away!!

Sounds like a winner to me!!

I still can't get too excited until the bill is paid. I'm hoping to pay it tomorrow. FINGERS ARE CROSSED! Then it will all feel real and I can be all SIXTY-SIX DAYS!!!!

 

[Lidian]

It's not a WDW trip without having some wrenches thrown in right? Well, I got a wrench yesterday (albeit a small one)... so working hard to make it a useful tool.

Here is what I know for sure is not changing:
Dates: still March 4 - 9
Resort: still CBR standard room, first floor request
ADRs: 3/9 Kona breakfast
Park days: 3/8 Epcot (for F&G)

And... that's it. Everything else could potentially change.

As a refresher, here are our current plans:
3/4 MK; dinner @ CP
3/5 AK; lunch @ Tusker House
3/6 MK; dinner @ 1900 PF
3/7 DHS; dinner @ 50s PTC
3/8 EP; dinner @ GG
3/9 breakfast @ Kona and head home

So ... here's the small wrench. DH is complaining about the potential crowd level for MK. I'm also realizing my kids are growing up. There's things I want them to do before they get too old and lose their magic. What spawned this? Last night, DS5 saw a WDW video that had Pluto in it. He commented that it was a person wearing a Pluto costume. He made the comment so matter-of-fact, like we were stupid for not seeing this. DD9, who may or may not get the magic behind fur characters argued with him. "That is NOT a guy wearing a Pluto costume, that's Pluto!" She at least wants to keep the magic, but odds are, she knows but isn't ready to accept. I don't dare ask, because what if she still believes in the magic? I would NOT want to ruin it for her ... Plus ... she'll be roughly 12 on her next trip after this one ... She could very well be "too cool" for WDW.

So anyway ... after realizing DS can see the "behind the magic" stuff to some degree ... I want to focus on making this trip more special for them.

Here is what I'm thinking ...
Sunday, 3/4, arrive and check-in and send the kids on the CBR pirate cruise (from 9:30 - 11:30); this will give me time to sight-see the resort without worrying about the kids; lunch at OPR; if weather permitting swim at resort or go to a WP; possibly visit DTD and have dinner there; after we're done spending time together, DD and I go to PM EMH at MK; the rest of the week remains unchanged except no 1900 PF and CP moved to 3/6

Or...

Sunday, arrive and check-in, head to EP for the day, dinner somewhere; head back to resort before park close; boys do whatever; DD and I hop to MK; rest of the week unchanged except no 1900 PF and CP on 3/6 (DD and I will be only ones with hoppers)

Or...

Sunday, arrive and check-in, head to MK by 9:30am; dinner at CP; Monday, no changes; Tuesday, send kids on pirate cruise, lunch at OPR; weather permitting swimming or WP; dinner at 1900 PF; rest of week unchanged

Or...

Well, there's other options ... but these are the main ones. It leaves most of the week unchanged, but there are others that could change the rest of the week. They're too low on the scale right now ...

I may just minimize some of this and get hoppers, but DH won't budge because of the cost. If we have hoppers, we don't have to sacrifice any of our ADRs; we won't have to worry about crowds. Then I also won't feel too bad about missing park time for the Pirate Cruise and a WP. The Pirate Cruise is on Sunday, Tuesday, and Fridays only (at CBR, but there's cruises at other resorts for other days).

I guess the biggest thing, I want the kids to do the Pirate Cruise before they're too old for it. I know there's an age limit of 12.

Oh ... and I am also considering surprising DD with BBB, if I can get a reservation, but will have to wait until I have my definite schedule. And if weather is not permitting for swimming (translation, it's a bit chilly), then we may do Mini Golf. If it's rainy, perhaps DQ. Who knows.

Anyone have any thoughts they'd like to share while I work out my situation?

 

[solana131]

Do the cruises fill up quickly that time of the year? And are there any cancellation charges? Like you said, they have other cruises at other resorts, so if you don't need to make reservations, just play it by ear. If you do and there is no charge for cancelling, just book a couple and see where you are that day. If you book one for later in the week, you will know better what you are doing and when.

Sorry, not much help since I obviously have never done it before Good luck!

 

[Corrine 1973]

So sorry I haven't been here in awhile, but life has been super busy. So let the celebrations begin because I am back.

As for JTA: my DS did this in may and had a blast. We got to the park about 10 minutes after rope drop and went directly to the JTA sign in. You wait in line and when you get to the front they tell you what time slot they are now at and if that works for you. They than hand you a slip of paper with your time on it and directions on what to do. You go back to where you signed up about 20 min. before the show and all the kids walk as a group to the stage. Let me know if you have any other questions.

As for the changing around of plans, I would try to keep the 1900 Park Fare. I have heard alot of great things about it and that everyone love the interactions with the characters.

I have eaten a T-Rex and I thought the food was very good. I got the lobster ravioli and really enjoyed it, though I am by far a picky eater. As long as it isn't burnt, or to spicy and I am probably fine. Funny things to is that earlier that day when I was at Chef Mickey's for breakfast everyone at my table had birthday buttons. Though my birthday wasn't for over 2 months, the Cm felt sorry for me and gave me a button. I totally forgot I still had the button on and was surprised when they put a free dessert in front of me and sang me happy birthday.

 

[Lidian]

Do the cruises fill up quickly that time of the year? And are there any cancellation charges? Like you said, they have other cruises at other resorts, so if you don't need to make reservations, just play it by ear. If you do and there is no charge for cancelling, just book a couple and see where you are that day. If you book one for later in the week, you will know better what you are doing and when.

Sorry, not much help since I obviously have never done it before Good luck!

I'm not sure if they fill up quickly or not ... but I can't imagine them taking very many kids at a time ... so I guess it depends on how many kids show up. I asked on the CBR thread if anyone had more information, so I could try to adjust accordingly ... but I do know it requires a CC guarantee. I'm not sure if you can do a "walk-up" for it.

While we can book at other resorts ... it would be harder to hit another resort for the cruise ... and then there's the two hours of DH and I just wandering around. I'd prefer to stick to CBR if possible. But not ruling out other resorts entirely.

So sorry I haven't been here in awhile, but life has been super busy. So let the celebrations begin because I am back.

As for JTA: my DS did this in may and had a blast. We got to the park about 10 minutes after rope drop and went directly to the JTA sign in. You wait in line and when you get to the front they tell you what time slot they are now at and if that works for you. They than hand you a slip of paper with your time on it and directions on what to do. You go back to where you signed up about 20 min. before the show and all the kids walk as a group to the stage. Let me know if you have any other questions.

As for the changing around of plans, I would try to keep the 1900 Park Fare. I have heard alot of great things about it and that everyone love the interactions with the characters.

I have eaten a T-Rex and I thought the food was very good. I got the lobster ravioli and really enjoyed it, though I am by far a picky eater. As long as it isn't burnt, or to spicy and I am probably fine. Funny things to is that earlier that day when I was at Chef Mickey's for breakfast everyone at my table had birthday buttons. Though my birthday wasn't for over 2 months, the Cm felt sorry for me and gave me a button. I totally forgot I still had the button on and was surprised when they put a free dessert in front of me and sang me happy birthday.

DH has agreed to make the TSM FP dash while I sign both kids up for JTA.

My issue with 1900 is lack of availability. There's none for our arrival day, so it will have to go if we muck with the plans any.

I've decided not to attempt T-Rex or RFC because of DS's issues with animatronics. I just don't want to attempt it. I'm sure he'd be fine ... but I don't want to take a chance and then ruin part of his trip. There's nothing worse than a child hiding under the table in tears.

So not sure what ADR we'll pick up if we have to make some changes ... but odds are high that 1900 will get dropped. I'm not cancelling any ADRs until I have a solid schedule, though.

 

[solana131]

Sounds like a good plan. I wasn't to sure about the TREX thing either and we don't have any RFCs around here to test it out. DS loves dinosaurs, so I think we will pop in and take a look. They have a Build-a-dino thing and a gift shop, right? That might be fun.
He really hid under the table?! Aww poor little guy!

 

[Lidian]

Sounds like a good plan. I wasn't to sure about the TREX thing either and we don't have any RFCs around here to test it out. DS loves dinosaurs, so I think we will pop in and take a look. They have a Build-a-dino thing and a gift shop, right? That might be fun.
He really hid under the table?! Aww poor little guy!

My DS loves dinosaurs... on TV... You know those little animatronic ones you can buy? Spike or something is its name.... Well, they had a display (in a glass case) at Target a year or two ago and he couldn't even go to the toy aisles. He is that terrified of animatronics.

Granted, that was a year or two ago, and he appears to do better now ... but not sure I'm ready to take my chances. Especially since in May he tensed up when we passed RFC.

I do know T-Rex has a "Build a Bear Dinosaur style" area. It looks really fun! I know DD would love it, and I'm sure DS would, too ... if there was no animatronics nearby.

And yes, in 2009, we ate at RFC and he was so terrified he crawled under the table. I felt like I was trying to feed a puppy or something by handing chicken nuggets to him. But he was too busy covering his ears to really want to eat. I felt bad, but we had no way of knowing he'd be scared before we walked in.

 

[teetee830]

My DS loves dinosaurs... on TV... You know those little animatronic ones you can buy? Spike or something is its name.... Well, they had a display (in a glass case) at Target a year or two ago and he couldn't even go to the toy aisles. He is that terrified of animatronics.

Granted, that was a year or two ago, and he appears to do better now ... but not sure I'm ready to take my chances. Especially since in May he tensed up when we passed RFC.

I do know T-Rex has a "Build a Bear Dinosaur style" area. It looks really fun! I know DD would love it, and I'm sure DS would, too ... if there was no animatronics nearby.

And yes, in 2009, we ate at RFC and he was so terrified he crawled under the table. I felt like I was trying to feed a puppy or something by handing chicken nuggets to him. But he was too busy covering his ears to really want to eat. I felt bad, but we had no way of knowing he'd be scared before we walked in.

Poor little guy. I'm a bit worried about that for my DS too. Sometimes things you would expect him to be afraid of he isn't and things that you wouldn't expect he is.

You could ask if you could walk through with him so he can try it out then if they happen to have a walk in opening you could eat there anyway. At the very least you'd know if he is over his fear for next visit.

 

[Lidian]

Poor little guy. I'm a bit worried about that for my DS too. Sometimes things you would expect him to be afraid of he isn't and things that you wouldn't expect he is.

You could ask if you could walk through with him so he can try it out then if they happen to have a walk in opening you could eat there anyway. At the very least you'd know if he is over his fear for next visit.

Yeah, it's crazy. Us parents just never know sometimes ...

I'm sure if the situation was explained, they'd allow a family to check out the restaurant ... but I don't want to take a chance on not having a place to eat. I'd rather have an ADR, so I'm guaranteed a table. I know RFC and T-rex are usually good about having availability for walk-ups (IIRC, they only allot X amount of tables each "block" for WDW guests and the remainder are for walk-ups). But I'd be afraid he couldn't handle eating there and we'd be stuck searching for a place to eat ... and then we wouldn't be happy. So I think I'll bypass it this year, but if we're near the restaurants, we may take DS in and see how he does for a future visit.

Fingers are crossed your DS will love it and have a blast!!!

 

[sjs314]

I can so relate to the crying child under the table. When my one DS was about 3 we went to Chucky Cheese as Chucky approached the table my DS slid under the table covered his ears with his hands shut his eyes so tight and crying kept saying "Big Ears, Big Ears". We never did get to DisneyWorld until he was 9 years old and by then his fear of the characters was no longer a threat since we had to explain to him because of Chucky Cheese that it was just a person in a costume.

I hope the dinosaurs do not frighten your lil one.

 

[kittylady1972]

Finally wandered back over here and read your latest dilemma...if you can call it that!

We sent our kids on the Pirate Cruise out of GF back in June, and while they liked it well enough, I'm not sure it was all that exciting for them. Maybe they were already a bit too old for it, with my oldest being 11 at the time. So I'd say if you are going to do it, now is the time. Of course, watching my DD8 cry as the boat pulled away wasn't much fun either...but she was fine once they were out and about.

I must say we loved T-Rex but I could totally see it being scary. I do think you'd be more than okay with a walkup and checking it out, and then having a backup plan (maybe in Downtown Disney) if it doesn't work out for your DS.

BBB would be awesome for your DD too if you can squeeze it in!

 

[Lidian]

I can so relate to the crying child under the table. When my one DS was about 3 we went to Chucky Cheese as Chucky approached the table my DS slid under the table covered his ears with his hands shut his eyes so tight and crying kept saying "Big Ears, Big Ears". We never did get to DisneyWorld until he was 9 years old and by then his fear of the characters was no longer a threat since we had to explain to him because of Chucky Cheese that it was just a person in a costume.

I hope the dinosaurs do not frighten your lil one.

DD had her 2nd or 3rd birthday at CEC ... and I can totally relate. She screamed when he came out and everytime he'd get remotely close, she'd shatter everyone's ear drums. The parade wasn't fun -- and I was a bit upset that the staff FORCED us to do the parade. She buried her face in my sister's shoulder and cried the whole time.

Sorry that you had to tell him that it was a person in a costume and had to miss out on the magic. But anything is better than an upset child.

We'll just skip T-rex to be on the safe side.

Finally wandered back over here and read your latest dilemma...if you can call it that!

We sent our kids on the Pirate Cruise out of GF back in June, and while they liked it well enough, I'm not sure it was all that exciting for them. Maybe they were already a bit too old for it, with my oldest being 11 at the time. So I'd say if you are going to do it, now is the time. Of course, watching my DD8 cry as the boat pulled away wasn't much fun either...but she was fine once they were out and about.

I must say we loved T-Rex but I could totally see it being scary. I do think you'd be more than okay with a walkup and checking it out, and then having a backup plan (maybe in Downtown Disney) if it doesn't work out for your DS.

BBB would be awesome for your DD too if you can squeeze it in!

I can't get a straight answer out of DH about the cruise ... and what our plans will definitely be. I'm kind of waiting on him to green light some of the options, so I can start to etch it into stone. And adjust ADRs if needed (and pray things are still available).

I'd be afraid of not having a set ADR .... What if everything is booked and we're without a table somewhere? Or having to wait 3+ hours as a walk-up. I have horrid luck ... and even locally can't get walk-up tables at places in a timely fashion. I think I'll just plan for something I know he can handle. If we're in DTD, we may visit and see how he'd do for a future visit.

Hoping to get a BBB for DD, but still not sure. Waiting on DH.

 

[Corrine 1973]

I think that is a good idea for T-Rex. Do a walk through if you are in the area (the staff was awsome so I am sure it will be no problem) and saze it for a few years down the line when he isn't scared.

I totally relate though. I took my DS to RFC at Gurnee Mills when he was about 4 years old and he was fine when everything was quite, but everytime the lights and sounds emulated a storm he tried to bury himself into me. And when the apes started moviing behind him, well it was time to leave. To this day he still freaks out when there is a thunder storm.

My younger son who is 4 now would pull me away from the halloween decorations at SFGA this year. He even now asks me if Great America is still haunted.

Can't wait to wait to hear what your finale decision is on your plans.

 

[mrssmith06]

Hey Lidian!! I haven't gotten to catch all the way up with your PTR yet but just thought I'd let you know that I'm here and reading

 

[Lidian]

I think that is a good idea for T-Rex. Do a walk through if you are in the area (the staff was awsome so I am sure it will be no problem) and saze it for a few years down the line when he isn't scared.

I totally relate though. I took my DS to RFC at Gurnee Mills when he was about 4 years old and he was fine when everything was quite, but everytime the lights and sounds emulated a storm he tried to bury himself into me. And when the apes started moviing behind him, well it was time to leave. To this day he still freaks out when there is a thunder storm.

My younger son who is 4 now would pull me away from the halloween decorations at SFGA this year. He even now asks me if Great America is still haunted.

Can't wait to wait to hear what your finale decision is on your plans.

Sorry to hear about the Halloween decorations. I hope he recovers quickly and puts it behind him!

I'm hoping to have my final plans soon.

Hey Lidian!! I haven't gotten to catch all the way up with your PTR yet but just thought I'd let you know that I'm here and reading

Glad to see you again!! I'm putting you in charge of the cupcakes this year.