McSparklesons Bring Their OWN Fireworks... the WHOLE Family!

[KristiMc]

Hey Kristi! Aren't you doing the 8 night Magic out of NYC next year??? Ellen is trying to get us to do that same cruise in 2013 with them......

We are doing the 8 night in June 2012. I think I am going to love the itinerary. 4 at-sea days. Not having to pack up everything the same day as CC and the WDW day - what more could I want???

Maybe we will join you in 2013 - we would have a blast.

 

[karajeboo]

We are doing the 8 night in June 2012. I think I am going to love the itinerary. 4 at-sea days. Not having to pack up everything the same day as CC and the WDW day - what more could I want???

Maybe we will join you in 2013 - we would have a blast.

I know! We are looking at end of July/early August - I'm really anxious to hear your take on it next summer.....

Hi Kara. We go to Disney with my family every time. Sometimes one sister goes, other times both sisters, two nephews and my aunt and uncle go. As long as we split up when we aren't all on the same page, all is good. I can't imagine going with the in-laws. Sometimes it is harder to say no to things and that would ruin my vacation. Point being that maybe it being your own family, all will be well.

Maybe...... but I am a control freak. My BIL is also a control freak. And my mom is a complainer. And my niece will be 13, need I say more? And my daughter is spoiled rotten. And my nephew will get mad if the girls ignore him. My dad will go with the flow and won't care at all. I've been to WDW a bazillion times (including 34 days there in ONE year in 2009/2010) so I've "been there, done that" and know the shortcuts. So we will see what happens.....

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Checking In! Can't wait for the fireworks!

 

[Stinkerbe11]

We are at Epcot that morning, until about 2:30 or 3, then heading to DHS for dinner and Fantasmic. But I"m thinking I could maybe do a rita for lunch?

That's it girls if there's a trip to the Ditch then Stink must be included. I mean I am the freakin' tequila queen... Read the TR, Puerto Vallarta day- you'll see what I'm talking about and it will be good to catch up with you, it has been too long

 

[karajeboo]

Checking In! Can't wait for the fireworks!

That's it girls if there's a trip to the Ditch then Stink must be included. I mean I am the freakin' tequila queen... Read the TR, Puerto Vallarta day- you'll see what I'm talking about and it will be good to catch up with you, it has been too long

The ole Don Julio, eh? Oh, and just read your review of the Rasul..... champagne??? You got stinkin champagne???? And the rainforest room? The only thing we got in common was the maven's smirk!!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

We moved to SC in June, 2010, and I took a week off work to get the house in order. So once I went back to work (I'm blessed that I can work from home and see my boss in TN about once a year, or less......), I REALLY went to work..... on our WDW plans!

Even though we were still about a year an a half away, Kami and I really wanted Mom and Dad to make some decisions. Yes, we have been there since the dinosaurs roamed Magic Kingdom and did the wave while watching fireworks, but we still felt that this vacation was for THEM.

Which is why The Notebook came to be.

Yes, I ade a big fat notebook and I must have used $50 in printer ink because this was a 2" binder packed FULL of info! I separated it into separate tabs - Resorts - Restaurants - Parks. Then I subtabbed it into Deluxe/Moderate/Value, and then a tab for each TS restaurant.

OK, so I have issues...... Have you read any of my other TRs? Cause that is old news. Turn the page.

Like I said before, Jeff and I really thought that Animal Kingdom Lodge would appeal to Mom and Dad, or even Wilderness Lodge. But the mini battles began with Kami and I when she informed me she would not stay at AKL if they chose there. She had a bad experience there a couple of years ago.

I really wanted an Epcot resort, but AKL was my resort of choice. So unless Mom and Dad opted for OKW or SSR, I was really okay with any choice.

Now here came another mini battle. Kami's family is a lot like mine in that they go commando in the parks. So a resort is really a bed and bath. But again, we are not just thinking of ourselves, we have to consider Mom and Dad and find a place for them that is special. And also a place that would be nice to come back to relax mid-day.

So when I suggested renting DVC points, Kami was a little skeptical and said they may try to do something on their own. So I stuck out my tongue and said have fun at All Stars while we pay about $30 more per night and live it up in a deluxe!

OK, she doesn't know I stuck out my tongue because she's in Ohio and I'm in SC so it was over the phone. Doesn't have quite the same impact that way.

I think eventually everyone was on the same page, and I found my DVC owner who was willing to rent me all the points I needed for three rooms for 5 nights.

That's when Jeff and I decided to head down a night early. Kami and her family decided to do the same. And we still have no idea when Gma and Gpa are coming. I think they are coming to our house first and riding with us to Orlando. But they are also considering taking the train to Orlando......

They don't get that they need to make their plans NOW! Kami and I are splitting the cost of food and tickets for mom and dad. So they booked their room and need to make their own travel arrangements. I'm thinking we need to initiate firm kick in the heiney here soon........

Up next.... ADRs and WDW Survival Kits!

 

[WannaBeADisMom]

What Ellen said.......

 

[999ghostslover]

Oh you know I'm subbing for this!

 

[karajeboo]

What Ellen said.......

I miss you Joanie......

Oh you know I'm subbing for this!

Just go visit your parents and you might see some fireworks the night we get back.... just look out their front door!

 

[podsnel]

We are doing the 8 night in June 2012. I think I am going to love the itinerary. 4 at-sea days. Not having to pack up everything the same day as CC and the WDW day - what more could I want???

Maybe we will join you in 2013 - we would have a blast.

I can't WAIT to hear what you think of this cruise!! I have to agree, 4 sea days+CC NOT on the last day+an excursion to WDW INCLUDED in the $$$$...it almost makes going to the Bahamas exciting!!

 

[KristiMc]

I can't WAIT to hear what you think of this cruise!! I have to agree, 4 sea days+CC NOT on the last day+an excursion to WDW INCLUDED in the $$$$...it almost makes going to the Bahamas exciting!!

We haven't decided what we want to do at Nassau. I was thinking of just staying on the ship but I feel like I should get off and at least walk around. I know my boys would love to go to Atlantis, but I don't want to spend that much $$.

 

[podsnel]

We haven't decided what we want to do at Nassau. I was thinking of just staying on the ship but I feel like I should get off and at least walk around. I know my boys would love to go to Atlantis, but I don't want to spend that much $$.

Yea- I'm thinking we will stay onboard in May on the Dream (unless someone is desperate to get off) but if it happens for us in 2013 out of NY, then we would consider Atlantis for the boys. Have you looked into getting a hotel room at what is it...Comfort Inn or suites or something? I think it's a little cheaper than the DCL excursion-

 

[JKSWonder]

We've gone to WDW 3 times the first week of December. That week (yup, the entire week) is DH's birthday, which in case you didn't know it, is an undeclared national holiday. At least in his mind anyway.

It's a great time to go. Not hot, all the pretty Christmas stuff is out and it's just a great atmosphere.

My inlaws live about 15 minutes away from WDW, so we see them every time we go. Sometimes this is o.k. (like on Allison's very first trip) and sometimes this is not o.k. (like on our recent July visit). Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out how to sneak in and out of the World without them knowing and/or without feeling any guilt or remorse.

 

[KristiMc]

Yea- I'm thinking we will stay onboard in May on the Dream (unless someone is desperate to get off) but if it happens for us in 2013 out of NY, then we would consider Atlantis for the boys. Have you looked into getting a hotel room at what is it...Comfort Inn or suites or something? I think it's a little cheaper than the DCL excursion-

I will have to look into the Comfort Inn because I know that they would love to do see Atlantis and do the waterpark.

 

[karajeboo]

We've gone to WDW 3 times the first week of December. That week (yup, the entire week) is DH's birthday, which in case you didn't know it, is an undeclared national holiday. At least in his mind anyway.

It's a great time to go. Not hot, all the pretty Christmas stuff is out and it's just a great atmosphere.

My inlaws live about 15 minutes away from WDW, so we see them every time we go. Sometimes this is o.k. (like on Allison's very first trip) and sometimes this is not o.k. (like on our recent July visit). Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out how to sneak in and out of the World without them knowing and/or without feeling any guilt or remorse.

Guilt? What's that? I think there is an unwritten rule somewhere that "inlaws" and "guilt" cannot be used in the same sentence.... just sayin....

And I promise to raise a toast you DH of JKSWONDER on our trip!!!

I will have to look into the Comfort Inn because I know that they would love to do see Atlantis and do the waterpark.

I wanna say that the Comfort Suites has a deal where you book a room and it includes the Atlantis package and it is considerably less than booking Atlantis straight up. AND you have a room that you can use to shower and clean up before you head back to the ship. Cause that Steve can get pretty ripe......

 

[kid-at-heart]

I'mmmm here. Will be back later to actually read. Still busy with class prep.

 

[heathers4um]

Subbing -

 

[karajeboo]

Well, my sister the rocket scientist DID say she figured out how to post pics, but I see they are still not here.

Just another reason why Mom and Dad love me best..... I'm reliable.

On to ADRs!

This is where we had a few "issues." Kami and her family like buffets and they like DDP, neither of which appeal to the McSparklesons.

Buffets creep me out. I don't care if it is Disney. I've seen kids pick up something and put it back, and they've spent the day running their hands along the rails in queue lines, right behind the guy that went to the restroom, blew his nose, did his "bidness" and never washed his hand. And I also saw what ELSE that kid did with his hand!!!!!

So buffets are just not our thing. They are ooky.

Not to mention, I'm kind of a food snob. There! I said it!!! But really, why eat chicken nuggets when you can get bacon wrapped filet for the same price (if you are using DDP!)? Just seems to be a no brainer to me.

Disney has some incredible dining options, and I like to try new things, so why not? It's not every day you can eat in Italy, Mexico, Morocco, and Japan all in the same day, right?

Since I"m an AP holder, I can get the Tables in Wonderland card. When we lived in Florida, we had this and saved a BUNDLE!!! To save 20% off your entire order is huge for us! We don't typically order dessert, but we do like appetizers sometimes, and TIW allows us to save on this, where DDP doesn't give you an option. Furthermore, TIW save you 20% off alcohol too! And our favorite CS in Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree BBQ ALSO gives a 20% discount with TIW.

Well, we had a hard time convincing Kami's DH Todd. He is convinced that DDP saves you money no matter what. And it can, if you eat high end for each TS credit, but eating buffet for each TS credit means that WDW loves you and hopes that you pay for DDP each trip.

So I made a spreadsheet and encouraged Kami to do the same. I literally went through our ADRs and guessed at what we might order. The TIW savings for my family alone was about $400 vs DDP. No brainer.

Now it was time to actually CHOOSE where we wanted to eat!!!!

I asked Kami to come up with one Must Do for her family, and I would choose one too. Although I had to change mine to appeal to everyone else because I knew they would not enjoy Sanaa at all.....

Kami's Must Do is Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL. This will be lots of fun for MOm and Dad, and it's low key and casual. I'm sure everyone will enjoy this together.

And Mom and Dad chose San Angel Inn as their Must Do. I'm still not sure they will like this because it's more authentic Mexican than what they are used to, but the ambiance alone will make it worth it.

Kami also wanted to do 50's PT and Sci Fi.... Sci Fi we are doing for lunch one day, and 50's PT will be great for us because it's one of the few we've never experienced so far (well, aside from the Tune In Lounge with the DISmoms.... ).

So here's where we are eating......

Arrival Day, Kami and her clan are doing their own thing so we are taking Mom and Dad to DTD and Raglan Road, one of my favorites!!!! I hate that Kami is going to miss it and I hope they change their mind and meet us there.

Day 1 - San Angel Inn
Day 2 - Currently have Tutto Italia booked for an early lunch but I just nabbed a Via Napoli ADR for 2pm. I think I will let Mom and Dad peek in each place the day before and then look at the menu and decide. That way I will cancel the day before and make a ressie available for someone.
Day 3 - O'Hana. This ended up being my Must Do because we have never been able to get an ADR here. We made a lot of last minute trips when we lived in FL so never got to book this. Very excited!
Day 4 - Sci Fi Dine In for lunch; Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner.
Day 5 - Cape May Cafe for all but Jeff and I for breakfast. Jeff and I are going to Kouzzina for breakfast ALONE!!!!! Then 50's PT for dinner.
Day 6 - Akershus - this is a surprise for Ally and my dad. Ally is still my little princess so why not see them right before we leave the World? And my dad will appreciate all the princesses have to offer......

I really wish we were doing Biergarten - my dad would LOVE it! And I was pleasantly surprised the one time we had lunch here a couple of years ago (even though it IS a buffet!). And Marrakesh is so different and fun, too. I think we have a pretty good mix, and staying at BWV, I'm hoping to hit Beaches n Cream one evening if it's a nice warm day.

 

[KristiMc]

Your list looks yummy and it is making me very hungry. You are missing my favorite WDW restaurant though - LeCellier. I love the Cheddar Cheese soup and the Mushroom Filet.

 

[Beth D]

Wow, a 20% discount on rita's too? I want one too!

You will love WCC! I swear the servers feed off the energy of the table. The snarkier you are, the crazier they get! Order a milkshake, and "volunteer" someone else for the Pony Express race. You'll have a blast!