Mission Impossible II-Updated p.15 #212~ The last day of our mini surprise trip.

[mboekhoff]

Monica,

Your August sounds like my December

DS 6 born November 29th but his party usually ends up on the first weekend of December.

DD 15 born December 16

AND DH December 11

Then of course there is Christmas and just to round it out, our anniversary is December 31st. I don't know what we were thinking

We have 2 other girls as well DD 8 (March 31st) and DD 24 (April 23)

I know big spread

I can't wait to read more about your trip report, I saw the link from the Nebo report

Missy in MN

 

[monymony3471]

Monica,

Your August sounds like my December

DS 6 born November 29th but his party usually ends up on the first weekend of December.

DD 15 born December 16

AND DH December 11

Then of course there is Christmas and just to round it out, our anniversary is December 31st. I don't know what we were thinking

We have 2 other girls as well DD 8 (March 31st) and DD 24 (April 23)

I know big spread

I can't wait to read more about your trip report, I saw the link from the Nebo report

Missy in MN

Hey Missy! How are you? Thanks for coming over. So I am not alone in my maddness. But you, that is just overkill!

Hey where is that Nebo guy anyways? He did ask, ever so nicely, for me to write a trip report.

 

[mboekhoff]

Hey Missy! How are you? Thanks for coming over. So I am not alone in my maddness. But you, that is just overkill!

Hey where is that Nebo guy anyways? He did ask, ever so nicely, for me to write a trip report.

Definitely not alone in the madness I am fine thanks for asking

Neboooooo, where are you! Nope, don't see him

He did ask, I read it myself! You have witnesses

Missy in MN

 

[monymony3471]

Let me just say that we were very excited to get on the free dining band wagon. I’ve given Disney plenty of my money these last few years and it was time to get something back.

I am not greedy. I admit I got a 40% code for December, but look where that savings is going. Right back to Disney. You see, they know what they are doing over there. Free dining is my give back.

When we booked, there was just a little over 3 months before our trip. That’s exciting because usually we book a year out or more. Having a ticker that says 300+ days until a WDW vacation is depressing in some respects.

Actually, if I remembered right, there were 196 days until our December trip and 96 days until our August trip at the time of booking. Cool coinkeedink!

DH looks at me after we booked and he announced that we were not telling the kids. I thought it over for a few seconds, and agreed since they were in on the December trip. At least I had less than 100 days to torture myself.

My dilemma wasn’t that I had to keep ANOTHER secret from the kids. I had way too much to worry about in a very little amount of time. At that moment, it was really what ADR’s to pick?

I was so late getting into free dining. Nothing good could possibly be available. Against all the odds I still picked up the phone and tried for Cinderella’s Royal Table. Mal would just love that. She is obsessed with the Castle. I couldn’t believe they had a dinner ressie for 6 nonetheless (7:50pm, ouch) open when I called. So I booked the castle dinner for us and after that I had no idea what else I wanted.

But what ate at me and nagged at me, and utterly made me crazy was: Here we are with free dining, for only 3 days, and I just used 2 table credits for 1 meal. Now we would have to pay for 2 days of meals.

Needless to say my dis voice was trying to convince me to cancel it. Maybe it was DISvine intervention but someone from the peeps thread said go listen to the guys doing the podcasts at disunplugged. They are hilarious and they did a review of Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Being the good peep that I am, I went and listened. Cindy’s table got such a horrible review. Even from a family with 2 daughters. You can go and listen to it yourself. It’s on the main page of the DIS. Just go back a few weeks, it’s archived. Nebo don’t bother, it might be too hard for you. Just take my word for it.

Then I went to the dining boards, those opinions were mixed. Not helping.

I grabbed my passporter

and I quote, “Meals aren’t quite as good as the better resort eateries, but the light through the stained glass windows makes it all worthwhile.” Ok, I think I’m cancelling because I am not using 2 credits for a dinner I’m not sure my whole family will enjoy or even like.

My oldest son is allergic to eggs and peanuts, and Zack is just plain P-I-C-K-E-Y. I spell it that way on purpose due to the Disney songs that run through my head. Rhymes with M-I-C-K-E-Y? A courtesy for those who don’t understand. Keep reading, you eventually will get me and won’t have to read the explanations.

What am I going to do? All the good places are already booked solid. Plus anyplace we eat on the 26th or 28th has to be outside of a theme park.

I called every day until something opened up. I’ve had so many different ADR’s in the last few weeks.

And there are threads for people who have ADR requests and cacellations to post. Trades even. Just finding the right ones on the same dates and times is total madness. Another problem is I had nothing to trade. I just wanted someone nice to give me one. Just one.

Yep, I’m a true diser.

But the one I’ve been hunting for opened up and I got it this morning! (8/7/8)
1900 Park Fare dinner at 7:10pm. I may keep this one a secret from even DH. He'll probably read this anyways. Hi honey!

Need I say more?

Oh that reminds me, I got to get her a new dress!

Finding any ressie for a family of 6 is not easy. Very frustrating. And every time I book I get this, “an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to groups of 6 or more. Technically we are a group of 5 with a baby. But you know what? We usually tip more. In Tim’s eyes, this will save us some money. I know it’s just a few dollars, but if the service is really good, I’ll add them back. This mom of 4 appreciates being waited on, because it doesn’t happen that often.

I think we are good and I don’t foresee any other changes.

Here’s the line-up: (In case you are bored)

Monday August 25th-Magic Kingdom and a 3:30 ressie at The Plaza
(First time eating here) I am hoping to catch some of the parade during this ressie. I have no idea what the views are like at this restaurant. I’m thinking the wall of people who line Main Street may block our view. But who knows. It might just provide enough distraction that my kids won’t whine or complain much.

Tuesday August 26th-Typhoon Lagoon with a 7:10 dinner ressie at 1900 Park Fare (Our Favorite) Mal met her prince here and she tells me, “Listen mom, he’s calling me, can’t you hear him? We have to go back.” She was 2 ½ at time. This one’s going to be trouble in her teens.
I want to get to the park when it opens, claim our spot and leave maybe between 3:30 and 4. Then we can go back to the room to get ready for dinner. We can take the monorail from several locations to get to the Grand Floridian, so the first one of those buses to arrive we will jump on it. Hey, I’m actually getting good at this planning stuff.

Wednesday August 27th-Animal Kingdom and we have a character breakfast at Cape May at 7:40am. Never done this and I am excited. I think this is a great way to start off Mal’s birthday. The plan is at 7am catch the first park bus and then get on a Beach Club bus. Wish us luck.

Thurdsay August 28th Our last day and we will hang out at Disney Quest. Another first. I have reservations about this place. I don’t think me and the girls will like it much. Plus I have a Double Stroller to contend with and I might have read an issue about stairs. I think we will be shopping. Yes, I do believe we will be shopping.

The next mission is somewhat of a surprise. Even I don't know what it is yet. Sneaky, I know!

 

[Bethipooh4]

Hi Everyone!!

Monica, thanks for the intro...

Your upcoming trip sounds like commando style which my family has gotten use to in recent years...LOL Hey if I didn't plan it no one would.

We have eaten at both 1900 Park as well as the castle and you made an EXCELLENT choice...we all preferred 1900. Of course, thats just us. And we have 2 P-I-C-K-E-Y eaters. Funny thing is thing pickey 1 is now going to school to be a chef.

Disneyquest is so-so in our book. We have been twice(both rainy days) and all though I was bored senseless, young pickey(10) had a blast. There are elevators so don't worry about that. Its not a must go to in our book. All we added to Dec was the hopper option. We figure with only 4 days we figure we will hit the hotel pools, so skipped the water park and more options.

I am really looking forward to this trip report, it will have to tide me over till Dec.

 

[Wonders10]

Sounds like you have some yummy meals planned....I love the Cape May breakfast! I've been there probably 5 times and never once have we even been staying at any of those Epcot resorts. The characters always gave us a lot more attention, the service has always been good, it's laid back but not dull and the food is good. I prefer it hands down to Chef Mickey's on all accounts.

 

[punkin413]

glad to hear that you liked 1900 PF so much last time because we're doing it in september! i've heard that the castle is overrated too. i have a friend who is taking her little sister in january and i told her to go to akershus for breakfast instead if they wanted to meet princesses. it saves 1 TS credit and i've heard it's just as fun. but if mal just cares about cindy and prince charming and you guys like the food, i'd go with 1900 PF too!

 

[myrsfmly]

We found the food to be much better at 1900 park Fare than CRT. My kids liked DisneyQuest and in fact at 16, 13 and 4 years old are requesting we go back this year. You have to leave your stroller outside though... at least you did last year...

Your ADR's sound great!

 

[monymony3471]

Hi Everyone!!

Monica, thanks for the intro...

Your upcoming trip sounds like commando style which my family has gotten use to in recent years...LOL Hey if I didn't plan it no one would.

We have eaten at both 1900 Park as well as the castle and you made an EXCELLENT choice...we all preferred 1900. Of course, thats just us. And we have 2 P-I-C-K-E-Y eaters. Funny thing is thing pickey 1 is now going to school to be a chef.

Disneyquest is so-so in our book. We have been twice(both rainy days) and all though I was bored senseless, young pickey(10) had a blast. There are elevators so don't worry about that. Its not a must go to in our book. All we added to Dec was the hopper option. We figure with only 4 days we figure we will hit the hotel pools, so skipped the water park and more options.

I am really looking forward to this trip report, it will have to tide me over till Dec.

Q the twilight zone music, but my P-I-C-K-E-Y eater wants to be a chef too when he grows up. Or a Major League Pitcher. I told him he needed something to fall back on so it's that or a Chef.

I am not carrying a 1 year old squirmy baby for hours.

Shopping it is!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Mony, I'm here, reporting for trip report support!

Sounds like a fun outing, heaven knows your family deservers it after the year you've had. Didn't see your link till today, since I was out of town.

So many people I "know" here, LOL. Although most dont know me. I lurk on the peeps board, since Wendy started it. I know, it sounds creepy. but I'm not creepy, I promise!

Anyway, Mony, I'll be right there with you on your trippie

 

[lalijack]

So far, so good, Mony! Your kids are going to have an amazing time!

 

[nebo]

No, I am not tardy. I prefer to call it "fashionably late."
Geesh!

Monica,

Your August sounds like my December

DS 6 born November 29th but his party usually ends up on the first weekend of December.

DD 15 born December 16

AND DH December 11

Then of course there is Christmas and just to round it out, our anniversary is December 31st. I don't know what we were thinking
Missy in MN

Hi again Missy in Minni. Like Monies august and your december, I had a november similar to that growing up.
My mom's b-day was the 25th
Mine the 26th,
And my folks anniversary the 27th.
Then there was that little thing called Thanksgiving that usually fell on one of them. And my uncle, her brother, that always spent turkey day with us is the 22nd.
Man, that cake would set off smoke alarms!
And DAMN, I got tired of turkey for my birthday.
And the day after.

Hey Missy! How are you? Thanks for coming over. So I am not alone in my maddness. But you, that is just overkill!

Hey where is that Nebo guy anyways? He did ask, ever so nicely, for me to write a trip report.

yes I did ask, but boy was I confused. I thought you were talking about a December trip, not a "practice" one first! Who do you think you are? Me?
We also did stay at Sports in february, and we like the Casita's section the best.
Ok, ok, Sports is ok, in MHO, the best section there is Home Run. (that''s the baseball section), many of the rooms are either adjacent to, or overlook the pool there. That's where I'd request if I had a choice. The basketball and Touchdown sections we thought were boring. (Touchdown is the football section, geesh.)

Monica, have a great time, you and Tim deserve a break.
This time, try to remember to set the date on the camera, ok?

Or do you need me to show you how to do this?

 

[Backstage_Gal]

No, I am not tardy. I prefer to call it "fashionably late."
Geesh!
Monica, have a great time, you and Tim deserve a break.
This time, try to remember to set the date on the camera, ok?

Or do you need me to show you how to do this?

Oh, look it's a miracle!!!!! Nebo trying to give Mony tech tips!!

I rhink the end of rhe world has come!

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Yet another TR supporter reporting for duty, Mony!

Sounds like a nice line-up of ADRs for your surprise trip. You'll have to let me know how you like the Plaza. I'm thinking of adding that to my list for December.

You're not going to Disney Studios?? I think you and the kids would the Toy Story Mania ride. But then, you can always ride it in December!!!

 

[Alysa]

What an adorable family!
We had the same trouble with dining reservations and tables only they kept telling us our party would be split up over three tables!
I see you're trying the Plaza too - I can't wait to try it!
Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[Bethipooh4]

Well, it looks like the family we are suppose to go with in Dec may end up cancelling. I think if they do, we may switch from CP to Tonys the day of MVMCP...if anything is left by then.(Oct) We haven't eaten at Tonys in a very long time.

Don't think DS would be to cool with Pooh at this age (11).

 

[mboekhoff]

Hi again Missy in Minni. Like Monies august and your december, I had a november similar to that growing up.
My mom's b-day was the 25th
Mine the 26th,
And my folks anniversary the 27th.
Then there was that little thing called Thanksgiving that usually fell on one of them. And my uncle, her brother, that always spent turkey day with us is the 22nd.
Man, that cake would set off smoke alarms!
And DAMN, I got tired of turkey for my birthday.
And the day after.

I can definitely understand that! Turkey for EVERY birthday No FUN! At least is was only one cake

By the end of December I am SO sick of birthday cake and Chirstmas cookies I would rather have the turkey

Missy in Minnie (MN)

 

[mboekhoff]

Monica, have a great time, you and Tim deserve a break.
This time, try to remember to set the date on the camera, ok?

Or do you need me to show you how to do this? [/COLOR]

[/QUOTE]

Ooohhh, touche!

 

[longneckthree]

I'm onboard.

 

[monymony3471]

Sounds like you have some yummy meals planned....I love the Cape May breakfast! I've been there probably 5 times and never once have we even been staying at any of those Epcot resorts. The characters always gave us a lot more attention, the service has always been good, it's laid back but not dull and the food is good. I prefer it hands down to Chef Mickey's on all accounts.

Wow! Phew! Cause we really like Chef Mickeys and that's another I was trying for but got this instead.

glad to hear that you liked 1900 PF so much last time because we're doing it in september! i've heard that the castle is overrated too. i have a friend who is taking her little sister in january and i told her to go to akershus for breakfast instead if they wanted to meet princesses. it saves 1 TS credit and i've heard it's just as fun. but if mal just cares about cindy and prince charming and you guys like the food, i'd go with 1900 PF too!

The food rocked there and the interaction was just incredible. I can't wait to see the new additions of The Step Mother and The Step Sisters.

We found the food to be much better at 1900 park Fare than CRT. My kids liked DisneyQuest and in fact at 16, 13 and 4 years old are requesting we go back this year. You have to leave your stroller outside though... at least you did last year...

Your ADR's sound great!

Thanks, I made myself crazy making and cancelling ADR's. But now I can say I am happy. You know, it's much harder to make 3 days worth of ADR's that 10 days worth.

Mony, I'm here, reporting for trip report support!

Sounds like a fun outing, heaven knows your family deservers it after the year you've had. Didn't see your link till today, since I was out of town.

So many people I "know" here, LOL. Although most dont know me. I lurk on the peeps board, since Wendy started it. I know, it sounds creepy. but I'm not creepy, I promise!

Anyway, Mony, I'll be right there with you on your trippie

Hi Marita! Glad you are here as well. Did your son leave yet?

So far, so good, Mony! Your kids are going to have an amazing time!

I sure hope so. They have no idea what's in store for them in 2 weeks!

Yet another TR supporter reporting for duty, Mony!

Sounds like a nice line-up of ADRs for your surprise trip. You'll have to let me know how you like the Plaza. I'm thinking of adding that to my list for December.

You're not going to Disney Studios?? I think you and the kids would the Toy Story Mania ride. But then, you can always ride it in December!!!

I have the Plaza for December too. It just sounds so nice. I would have picked DHS too, but they told me what their favs were.

I am dying to ride the Toy Story ride. It's my all time favorite Disney Movie. It will just have to wait.

What an adorable family!
We had the same trouble with dining reservations and tables only they kept telling us our party would be split up over three tables!
I see you're trying the Plaza too - I can't wait to try it!
Looking forward to hearing more!

Why aren't you so sweet. Do they at least fit you next to each other?

Well, it looks like the family we are suppose to go with in Dec may end up cancelling. I think if they do, we may switch from CP to Tonys the day of MVMCP...if anything is left by then.(Oct) We haven't eaten at Tonys in a very long time.

Don't think DS would be to cool with Pooh at this age (11).

Just because it's not available on one day doesn't mean it won't be another. Trust me.

I'm onboard.

Yea another Neboite!

Today was Zach's birthday and we went to a Tiger Baseball game. I may just include a write up about it over here if anyone is interested. We had a blast and Zach got to shake hands with several players and they won, so it was perfect.


Now I have to address someone individually.