My family joins me in Disney for the first time in 15 years!- time to go!

[librarygeek]

I'm thinking of getting Photopass too, the plus one, but I can't decide if its worth it! I love ride photos so it seems like it would be but I don't want to make a mistake and buy something I'll regret, because it isn't cheap. Also we do have one character meal where photos aren't included in the price of the meal so I've got to factor that in too.

The ride photos are so expensive individually that once you get a few of them, I think it makes the plus a very good deal... we're just going with the regular one for this trip, because the rest of my family isn't crazy about ride photos, plus most of the major rides my mom probably won't go on. But we did regular photopass for our honeymoon and absolutely loved the photos we got, so I'd say it was definitely worth it!

Love the Disney gift bags! That was a great idea.

I am another one looking to get the Photopass CD. Preordered it for our last trip and it was so worth it. So, I'm also considering the Plus option this time too.

Thanks! And let me know how the photopass plus goes. I don't usually buy ride photos cause they're expensive, but getting all of them on the CD might be worth it.

Congrats on getting your Masters! I've been considering a Masters in Library Science for a while, but I can't decide if it's the best choice for me.
I was also a Disneymooner back in 2009! It's really the best place to go.

During my last trip with my family, there was actually a moment when we were all standing next to the Wait Times board in DHS which had a posted wait of 70 minutes (or some such nonsense) for RnRC, and the rest of the family was like "we should go over there and check." Umm...yeah...I'm not doing that.
I should have taken more planning control for that trip, but I thought they'd all be opposed.

Thanks! I love library science, but you should definitely take your time and consider if you're unsure because it is obviously an investment (both money and time wise!).

And I know what you mean about that... I'm lucky that my family didn't want to do any planning or take any control! They've realized by now I'm the expert lol.

 

[librarygeek]

Updating my to-do list a bit...

-pre-order Photopass CD
-Sign my dad and I up for the Landry's Club
-book hotel rooms for the drive down and back
-buy park tickets for my brother (when I bought the rest of them from Undercover Tourist, he wasn't sure if he was coming or not so I still have to buy his)
-calculate approximate gas costs from driving down

 

[LisaAnn06]

Joining in! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[librarygeek]

Joining in! Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for joining in!

 

[librarygeek]

Good news and bad news

The good news is that we were able to book flights for a reasonable price, so we won't have the drive down. We're leaving from Long Island on Southwest and found fares for $220 roundtrip per person. I know my parents definitely weren't crazy about spending that much time in a car, so we're flying instead. Now I just have to start looking into rental car information.

The bad news is that my brother officially decided he isn't going to come. When it came time to actually pay for something he backed out. I'm pretty crushed, to be honest. Maybe it's because I'm a big baby, but I cried when I found out. I was definitely disappointed when my sister couldn't make it, but I never really expected her to come. But I've been planning this trip with my brother for over a year and now he won't be there. We are only two years apart and were really close (he even followed me to college), but now that we live in different states I don't get to see him very often, maybe once every few months or so. I know the money issue isn't easy, but he also has a big fear of doing anything out of his comfort zone so I think that may have contributed as well. Whatever the case I'm just super bummed now.

 

[Alysa]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother and sister not coming. I know it's hard to plan a trip with your family and it's even harder when they are not as excited as you (I speak from experience). Congrats on your Master's - I've always loved the idea of being a librarian (like Evelyn in The Mummy). Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[danceintherain]

Good news and bad news

The good news is that we were able to book flights for a reasonable price, so we won't have the drive down. We're leaving from Long Island on Southwest and found fares for $220 roundtrip per person. I know my parents definitely weren't crazy about spending that much time in a car, so we're flying instead. Now I just have to start looking into rental car information.

The bad news is that my brother officially decided he isn't going to come. When it came time to actually pay for something he backed out. I'm pretty crushed, to be honest. Maybe it's because I'm a big baby, but I cried when I found out. I was definitely disappointed when my sister couldn't make it, but I never really expected her to come. But I've been planning this trip with my brother for over a year and now he won't be there. We are only two years apart and were really close (he even followed me to college), but now that we live in different states I don't get to see him very often, maybe once every few months or so. I know the money issue isn't easy, but he also has a big fear of doing anything out of his comfort zone so I think that may have contributed as well. Whatever the case I'm just super bummed now.

Awww...that is a bummer. I probably would have cried too.

Awesome snag on the airfare though.

 

[librarygeek]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother and sister not coming. I know it's hard to plan a trip with your family and it's even harder when they are not as excited as you (I speak from experience). Congrats on your Master's - I've always loved the idea of being a librarian (like Evelyn in The Mummy). Looking forward to hearing more!

Thanks! My dad is the only one besides me that is really excited, lol. I think in a few years we might have to do another father/daughter trip, because he and I are good travel buddies!

Awww...that is a bummer. I probably would have cried too.

Awesome snag on the airfare though.

Thanks. It just kind of felt like it was out of nowhere, since he hadn't mentioned anything for the past year about not coming. Always gotta look on the bright side though... he hates traveling and tends to complain a lot, so at least we won't have to put up with that

 

[librarygeek]

Flower and Garden food!

It was as if Disney knew I needed cheering up, somehow... because to get my excited for this trip they released a list of the foods that will be available at Flower and Garden! I'm pretty excited. Here's the full list, if you haven't seen it: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/...pcot-flower-and-garden-festival-marketplaces/

I decided to go through and pick out what I might like to try. We have a day and a half planned in Epcot, and two dinners booked, but we have a lunch open and snacks. Here's what's really caught my interest:

* Blueberry wine (Fruits by the Glass)
* Raspberry Ale (Fruits by the Glass)
* Crab Tostadas with Chipotle Aioli and Valentina Salsa (Mexico)
* Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries (China)
* Bubble tea (China)
* Green asparagus and lobster with garden cocktail sauce (Italy)
* Limoncello flavored Panna Cotta with wild berries (Italy)
* Frushi (Fruit Sushi) — made with fresh fruit and coconut rice (Japan)
* Grilled shrimp, salmon and crab stick over ginger rice (Japan)
* Desert Rose – Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate liqueur (Morocco)
* Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and Basil (UK)

Obviously I don't think I can eat all of that, so decisions will have to be made! Since we're going toward the end of Flower and Garden I'm hoping there will be some reviews and pictures up to hopefully make my decisions a little easier

 

[rebeccaariel]

Flower and Garden food!

It was as if Disney knew I needed cheering up, somehow... because to get my excited for this trip they released a list of the foods that will be available at Flower and Garden! I'm pretty excited. Here's the full list, if you haven't seen it: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/...pcot-flower-and-garden-festival-marketplaces/

I decided to go through and pick out what I might like to try. We have a day and a half planned in Epcot, and two dinners booked, but we have a lunch open and snacks. Here's what's really caught my interest:

* Blueberry wine (Fruits by the Glass)
* Raspberry Ale (Fruits by the Glass)
* Crab Tostadas with Chipotle Aioli and Valentina Salsa (Mexico)
* Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries (China)
* Bubble tea (China)
* Green asparagus and lobster with garden cocktail sauce (Italy)
* Limoncello flavored Panna Cotta with wild berries (Italy)
* Frushi (Fruit Sushi) — made with fresh fruit and coconut rice (Japan)
* Grilled shrimp, salmon and crab stick over ginger rice (Japan)
* Desert Rose – Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate liqueur (Morocco)
* Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and Basil (UK)

Obviously I don't think I can eat all of that, so decisions will have to be made! Since we're going toward the end of Flower and Garden I'm hoping there will be some reviews and pictures up to hopefully make my decisions a little easier

I'm starting to rethink our dining reservation on our second Epcot day! It might be more worth it just to eat our way around

Nah I'm just kidding. But in all seriousness, I really want bubble tea and crab tostadas. Maybe that panna cotta too. Mmmmmmm panna cotta.

 

[danceintherain]

I'm starting to rethink our dining reservation on our second Epcot day! It might be more worth it just to eat our way around

Nah I'm just kidding. But in all seriousness, I really want bubble tea and crab tostadas. Maybe that panna cotta too. Mmmmmmm panna cotta.

I'm rethinking my Epcot choice too. It's a bit frustrating, because Epcot already has plenty of options for food. They should do these food festivals at Hollywood Studios, where it's actually difficult to find something scrumptious to eat.

 

[shalom]

We are only two years apart and were really close (he even followed me to college), but now that we live in different states I don't get to see him very often, maybe once every few months or so.

My brother and I are eighteen months apart, and in your shoes, I'd be really sad, too. It's a lot harder when you're living in different states (depending on what the states are, of course!). He's had a couple of jobs where he was on the road a lot -- we live close enough to Chicago he used to schedule his flights so he could extend a lay over there and visit for a few days. Maybe you or your brother will end up in that situation some day.

At this point, since my brother hasn't had that sort of a job in a while, I just set up family get togethers every few years, and between his wife and I, we can usually con him into showing up.

All the food you're thinking about sounds great! I suggest you don't make up your mind now, but just eat whatever's closest when you're hungry. That's how I deal with the "too much good stuff to eat at Epcot" situation, anyhow.

* Bubble tea (China)

I was surprised they don't have Bubble tea at China all the time. I thought it was pretty popular on the West Coast and NYC, so you'd think it would do alright at WDW. Also wish they offered tea eggs in Japan, although I'm not so sure those have succeeded in the states. I just happen to love them.

 

[librarygeek]

I'm starting to rethink our dining reservation on our second Epcot day! It might be more worth it just to eat our way around

Nah I'm just kidding. But in all seriousness, I really want bubble tea and crab tostadas. Maybe that panna cotta too. Mmmmmmm panna cotta.

I know what you mean! We're not giving up either of our dinner reservations because my mom really wanted to do the British pub and my dad really wanted Mexican, and those were basically their only requests. But I think lunch and all snacks must come from these stands!

I'm rethinking my Epcot choice too. It's a bit frustrating, because Epcot already has plenty of options for food. They should do these food festivals at Hollywood Studios, where it's actually difficult to find something scrumptious to eat.

That's a good point! Half the time we leave Hollywood Studios to eat anyway, so food stands would be very enticing there.

My brother and I are eighteen months apart, and in your shoes, I'd be really sad, too. It's a lot harder when you're living in different states (depending on what the states are, of course!). He's had a couple of jobs where he was on the road a lot -- we live close enough to Chicago he used to schedule his flights so he could extend a lay over there and visit for a few days. Maybe you or your brother will end up in that situation some day.

At this point, since my brother hasn't had that sort of a job in a while, I just set up family get togethers every few years, and between his wife and I, we can usually con him into showing up.

All the food you're thinking about sounds great! I suggest you don't make up your mind now, but just eat whatever's closest when you're hungry. That's how I deal with the "too much good stuff to eat at Epcot" situation, anyhow.



I was surprised they don't have Bubble tea at China all the time. I thought it was pretty popular on the West Coast and NYC, so you'd think it would do alright at WDW. Also wish they offered tea eggs in Japan, although I'm not so sure those have succeeded in the states. I just happen to love them.

Haha yeah, I'll have to go for whatever I am near when we're there! And I'm also surprised they don't do bubble tea in China year round. Even here in Pennsylvania we have a great bubble tea shop at our mall that I love. And I've never heard of tea eggs, what are they?

 

[shalom]

And I've never heard of tea eggs, what are they?

Fragrant deliciousness! And actually pretty easy, if time consuming -- boil up some eggs, crack the shell all 'round but leave it on; and simmer, then soak them in a tea, soy sauce, and spices mixture. They're also called marbled eggs, because they're so cool looking when you peel them. You can flavor them lots of different ways; star anise is most traditional but I'm more likely to use anise seeds or even five spice, because I always have those on hand. And, oops, they're Chinese, not Japanese!

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EllenEaston/TeaInfusedEggs.htm

 

[librarygeek]

Fragrant deliciousness! And actually pretty easy, if time consuming -- boil up some eggs, crack the shell all 'round but leave it on; and simmer, then soak them in a tea, soy sauce, and spices mixture. They're also called marbled eggs, because they're so cool looking when you peel them. You can flavor them lots of different ways; star anise is most traditional but I'm more likely to use anise seeds or even five spice, because I always have those on hand. And, oops, they're Chinese, not Japanese!

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EllenEaston/TeaInfusedEggs.htm

Ooh, they sound really cool! I will have to try that sometime!

 

[librarygeek]

I leave for Disney World tomorrow!! This will be my first time there in about a year and a half and I've missed it. It's a bit of a girls weekend, as I'm meeting up with friends down there and leaving DH at home. Not sure yet if I'll do a TR from the weekend, but even if not I'll share a few pics here.

And that means that when I return all of my energies will be focused on planning for April! I am one lucky girl to be able to go to Disney three times this year

 

[DreamingPink]

Have a fun trip! Can't wait for your return so we can hear all about it!

 

[librarygeek]

Have a fun trip! Can't wait for your return so we can hear all about it!

Thanks! I'm back and had a fantastic time! I'm going to write a trip report but will probably wait until I have my photopass pics.

It's also now officially 2 months until my April trip!!

 

[librarygeek]

I just started my TR from my latest trip! If you're interested in reading about it (I think it will be pretty unique, as it was a girls trip with about 15 of us!), you can find the link here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=47638293#post47638293

In news related to my April trip, I was able to check a few more things off my list. I ordered our Landry card memberships as well as Photopass. I decided to splurge for the photopass plus CD. Adding on all of the ride photos is pretty cool, and since my parents won't be visiting very often I decided it was worth it! It's mostly for my dad, since my mom doesn't ride those big rides. It's also a surprise for him, since I asked him to pay for half of the photopass and we decided to go with the regular one, but DH and I decided to upgrade!

 

[tiggerfan77]

Hello again!

I'm joining in on this one too. I've got a family trip coming up in July in which I'm the planner so I'll be starting that PJ soon. I definitely understand how you feel about your brother backing out of a trip. I've been to DW 5 times already and my brother has backed out of every one of our family trips. I love my brother dearly and we are very close but it sucks that I feel like an only child when it comes to any sort of family vacation. I'm hoping he will actually make this one this year but I try not to keep my hopes up