My first attempt at a Pre-Trip Report, we are back, see last page for link to TR

[janabananas]

So in most of the countries Dbf will be sharing his with me. He is a beer drinker and I don't drink much so most of our choices will be beer.

Not being drank in this order necessarily but going around EPCOT clockwise from Mexico to Canada.

Mexico-Dos Equis
Norway-Carlsberg & Aquavit
China-Tsing Tao for him, Peach tea schnapps slushie
Germany-Radeberger or one of the other great German beers available, Dbf is most excited about Germany
Italy-Moretti or Peroni
USA-Sam Adams or Bud Light,
Japan-already planned, sake & plum wine for me and Kirin for dbf
Morroco-Casa beer
France-Grey Goose Citron freeze for me, Kronenbourg for dbf
UK-soooo many choices here, this is our vibe right here. love the pub
Canada-Dbf wants a Labatts, is already planning on it. i may get a torontopolitan?

I will probably get a foo foo cocktail at BOMA and DBf will get a beer too.
I am sure a beer and cocktail will be had at POP Petals bar and Raglan Road too.

 

[LookinUp]

No, my dear, it is certainly not too early to buy sandals for WDW. A cardinal rule of touring is -- say it with me, everyone: "Never wear new shoes!"

In case you haven't gleaned this info elsewhere, you should know that if your meds need refrigeration, you can request a free fridge for your room. Pop has fridges for rent, but medical need gets you one for free.

Two of our three dinner ADR's are buffets:
-Cape May Cafe, seafood. Dbf is especially excited for this one.
-BOMA, African themed. I am excited for this one. Love trying new foods.
LOOOOVE these yums! Buckets o' crab legs! Zebra domes! Also, if you are going to be at AK before Boma, you might want to cut out some travel time by going straight to AKL for some rest time before your early dinner. Unless you need to elevate your feet, of course.

Day 2 lunch-Coral Reef ... I have a feeling I will be getting food off the kids menu. I have seen lots of pics and there seems to be so much food and I have a small appetite. I do not want to waste anything.
Last time we ate there, you could still request a table by the tank. Things change, but if you still can, and you can stand to wait longer, I'm guessing that would really tickle DBf. And great idea to order from the kids' menu. You'll enjoy it more knowing you're not wasting.

Day 3 lunch-Flame Tree BBQ, I am a fan!! Planning on getting 1 rib plate and 1 chicken plate and sharing the two between us.
FT is good value and quite yummy. I also like the relative quiet and the many shady spots for a true break.

Still trying to decide on breakfast options. I want to look into an ADR at Tusker House for day 3, but I will have to sell the idea to DBf. I am sure for day 2 and 4 and 3, if no Tusker House, we will either eat at POP or have PB bread and bananas.
Big fan of breakfast in the room, to save money & time. It sure helps us get to rope drop. But I vote you have at least one birthday breakfast with Mickey waffles.

Random snack MUSTS:-dole whip
-carrot cake cookie at HS
-pastry from France or Norway
I am sure I am missing something. Side note: I really want a turkey leg but I doubt that will happen due to the low sodium diet......

Dole Whip is my favorite snack in all of WDW! Runner-up is the frozen chai tea drink at AKL. So far, that is. I have yet to try the new caramel shop in Epcot, though, and ooh boy, those yums look good!

Such fun planning, eh? Thanks for sharing!

 

[janabananas]

No, my dear, it is certainly not too early to buy sandals for WDW. A cardinal rule of touring is -- say it with me, everyone: "Never wear new shoes!"

In case you haven't gleaned this info elsewhere, you should know that if your meds need refrigeration, you can request a free fridge for your room. Pop has fridges for rent, but medical need gets you one for free.

Dole Whip is my favorite snack in all of WDW! Runner-up is the frozen chai tea drink at AKL. So far, that is. I have yet to try the new caramel shop in Epcot, though, and ooh boy, those yums look good!

Such fun planning, eh? Thanks for sharing!

My problem with shoes is that I always buy cute and cheap shoes. I do not like spending money on such "frivolous" items. However my feet always hurt. So I decided to buy and invest in good shoes, finally!! Oh and boy oh boy are they good. Gonna keep on breaking them in.

I actually won't be needing a fridge. My meds are all in pill form that I do not need refrigerated. I am thankful though for that option if I needed it. We are gonna bring a cooler and use ice from the ice machine to keep stuff cold. Not really bringing anything perishable. Just sodas water and beer for Dbf.

I have never actually had a Dole Whip but have heard so much about one and they sound so freaking good!!!

I LOVE the planning. I think it is half the fun!!!

 

[dreamerchic33]

yay for shopping!!! don't you just LOVE a great sale!!! What kind of shoes did you get that are also comfy??
all of your plans sound awesome! xo

 

[janabananas]

They are Clarks. They have some shine to them! I put a link to a pic of them since I cannot figure out how to put a pic or embed a pic on here. I am not technology savvy.
http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/dusk_aztec/35703 - SHOES!!

Also yesterday I got my final outfit for Cape May Cafe. It is slightly themed... I am wierd like that. Cute blue gingham top and a navy blue skirt. with new navy blue flip flops and purse. All on sale!! Love it love it love it!!

 

[dreamerchic33]

They are Clarks. They have some shine to them! I put a link to a pic of them since I cannot figure out how to put a pic or embed a pic on here. I am not technology savvy.
http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/dusk_aztec/35703 - SHOES!!

Also yesterday I got my final outfit for Cape May Cafe. It is slightly themed... I am wierd like that. Cute blue gingham top and a navy blue skirt. with new navy blue flip flops and purse. All on sale!! Love it love it love it!!

I love them! so adorable!!! how comfy are they? scale of 1 to 10?? hehe
Yay for outfits on sale!!!

 

[janabananas]

I love them! so adorable!!! how comfy are they? scale of 1 to 10?? hehe
Yay for outfits on sale!!!

an 8. really comfy, only problem is a small section is rubbing my big toe the wrong way. got a little blister. but as soon as my feets are used to them they will be perfect. good to walk in all day.

those shoes are planned on being my nice evening shoes. comfy to walk in but still cute. not the all day shoes, I have white tennis shoes for that.

BTW got 2 really cute shirts, one Tink, one Nightmare b4 Xmas, on sale from Disneystore.com. They were 40% off the clearance price if you use code sale40 (published on the website), mens and womens clothing as well as accessories 20% clearence price with code sale20. There is a limited selection of sizes and designs but i got 2 shirts and 2 reusable Mickey bags for 20 bucks.

And I returned the shirt & such for Cape May dinner. I wasn't completely happy with it.... Very cute, just not flattering on me lol.

 

[dreamerchic33]

an 8. really comfy, only problem is a small section is rubbing my big toe the wrong way. got a little blister. but as soon as my feets are used to them they will be perfect. good to walk in all day.

those shoes are planned on being my nice evening shoes. comfy to walk in but still cute. not the all day shoes, I have white tennis shoes for that.

BTW got 2 really cute shirts, one Tink, one Nightmare b4 Xmas, on sale from Disneystore.com. They were 40% off the clearance price if you use code sale40 (published on the website), mens and womens clothing as well as accessories 20% clearence price with code sale20. There is a limited selection of sizes and designs but i got 2 shirts and 2 reusable Mickey bags for 20 bucks.

And I returned the shirt & such for Cape May dinner. I wasn't completely happy with it.... Very cute, just not flattering on me lol.

I am ignoring the disneystore.com info...i am ignoring it! i am ignoring it! thank you for sharing but i have to ignore it for today lol. I just ordered a "bride" tank and undies with my new last name on them from etsy.com....so NO more shopping! at least for this week!

Thanks for the information on the shoes! i will def be looking to these!

xo

 

[janabananas]

I am ignoring the disneystore.com info...i am ignoring it! i am ignoring it! thank you for sharing but i have to ignore it for today lol. I just ordered a "bride" tank and undies with my new last name on them from etsy.com....so NO more shopping! at least for this week!

Thanks for the information on the shoes! i will def be looking to these!

xo

Jedi mind trick....... there is no sale..... in fact every item has doubled in price....... trust me not even worth your time looking at it........

 

[lovethattink]

Saw the PTR in your siggie from a post on the Sept board. Hope it's not too late to join in.

I need to go back and read more thoroughly, but first I wanted to comment about the GAC and wheelchair. A wheelchair sounds like it might be beneficial for you. Usually for mobility issues, Disney will recommend renting a wheel chair or skooter.

My son has special needs, and back in March he was not able to navigate going down steps. We had a stamp to use his stroller as a wheelchair. At TSM, there was one time we waited forever in the wheel chair area. Loading is very slow there, as only so many cars stop there. Even using the FP line, we waited well over an hour to board.

 

[janabananas]

Saw the PTR in your siggie from a post on the Sept board. Hope it's not too late to join in.

I need to go back and read more thoroughly, but first I wanted to comment about the GAC and wheelchair. A wheelchair sounds like it might be beneficial for you. Usually for mobility issues, Disney will recommend renting a wheel chair or skooter.

My son has special needs, and back in March he was not able to navigate going down steps. We had a stamp to use his stroller as a wheelchair. At TSM, there was one time we waited forever in the wheel chair area. Loading is very slow there, as only so many cars stop there. Even using the FP line, we waited well over an hour to board.

Never to late join!!! The more the merrier!!

I have decided to get the w/c rental for trip, at least for AK and EPCOT. It just isn't worth it to be exhausted when it can be prevented or eleviated with a w/c.

I have been trying to get some exercise and off my tush to raise my stamina. It may seem sily but going to the mall and walking around is kind of like going to a park. You walk around store to store and then while looking at stuff you shuffle a little and walk and shuffle, like waiting in a line. Trying to find an excuse to go to the mall on a regular basis.

Anyways, until recently I havent been able to do that. I would drive the car from one side of the mall to the other to avoid the walking. Today I was able to wander for about 2.5 hours walk the length of the mall without having to sit and rest. Seems like a small thing but for me (who used to walk the mall with friends all the time before I got sick) it was pretty big. My only regret is that I should have worn better shoes. OUCH. But I wasn't s.o.b.!!!

 

[lovethattink]

Never to late join!!! The more the merrier!!

I have decided to get the w/c rental for trip, at least for AK and EPCOT. It just isn't worth it to be exhausted when it can be prevented or eleviated with a w/c.

I have been trying to get some exercise and off my tush to raise my stamina. It may seem sily but going to the mall and walking around is kind of like going to a park. You walk around store to store and then while looking at stuff you shuffle a little and walk and shuffle, like waiting in a line. Trying to find an excuse to go to the mall on a regular basis.

Anyways, until recently I havent been able to do that. I would drive the car from one side of the mall to the other to avoid the walking. Today I was able to wander for about 2.5 hours walk the length of the mall without having to sit and rest. Seems like a small thing but for me (who used to walk the mall with friends all the time before I got sick) it was pretty big. My only regret is that I should have worn better shoes. OUCH. But I wasn't s.o.b.!!!

Thanks for the welcome!

Mall walking is great exercise, shopping an added bonus! That's great that you weren't out of breath! Did you wear shoes you were trying to break in for Disney? Did you find any great buys?

Just to mention again, we are using TIW, have AP, and paying for all meals OOP. I looked into the AP package price w/ DDP for this but it was not effective for us, so we stayed with our cheaper room rate and will be paying OOP. We want to enjoy ourselves but do not want to blow $$$ either. We are not cheap, we appreciate good quality food and are willing to pay for it as long as it is not crazy expensive. I will post our savings with TIW after we come back.

Two of our three dinner ADR's are buffets:
-Cape May Cafe, seafood. Dbf is especially excited for this one.
-BOMA, African themed. I am excited for this one. Love trying new foods.


We are planning on going light for breakfast and lunch and eating more for dinner:
Day 1 lunch-not sure yet, either POP if room ready, HS, or Boardwalk area.
Day 1 dinner-Cape May Cafe

Day 2 lunch-Coral Reef for the App for two, possibly get another app or salad, then off for real food elsewhere lol. We might get something at the hotel or CS at the Land. I have a feeling I will be getting food off the kids menu. I have seen lots of pics and there seems to be so much food and I have a small appetite. I do not want to waste anything.
Day 2 dinner-Tokyo Dining. I KNOW I will get the grilled filet with sake and plum wine. Dbf is planning on the Bento Box with sake and a Kirin Ichiban. We are creatures of habit lol. I saw online a pork belly app and if it still available we will try it. We are huge pork fans.... YUM!! And a piece of the choc-ginger cake. Love that stuff

Day 3 lunch-Flame Tree BBQ, I am a fan!! Planning on getting 1 rib plate and 1 chicken plate and sharing the two between us.
Day 3 dinner-BOMA, enough said.

Day 4 lunch-gonna wing this one. I want Pecos Bill but have read the quality has gone down hill. It was probably better in my memories. We might say to heck with it and just eat a big breakfast and get Krystal on our way home to Melbourne. We used to have one but it closed down. So very tragic for us Melboring residents lol.....

Still trying to decide on breakfast options. I want to look into an ADR at Tusker House for day 3, but I will have to sell the idea to DBf. I am sure for day 2 and 4 and 3, if no Tusker House, we will either eat at POP or have PB bread and bananas.

Random snack MUSTS:-dole whip
-carrot cake cookie at HS
-pastry from France or Norway
I am sure I am missing something. Side note: I really want a turkey leg but I doubt that will happen due to the low sodium diet......
________forgot the beignets at POFQ!!! knew I forgot something______

We have tables in wonderland too! Love it! My 17 year old and I love soup and other appetizers. It's nice to get that 20% off! My youngest can still get the kids meals and it's a great deal with the discount. All of us love dessert! A dining package doesn't work for us either because of the appetizers.

I love the Cape May Cafe. I had resies for there in March, but we didn't get there. I had to cancel. DH and DS wanted to eat at the Pepper Market instead and since we were staying at CSR that was more convenient. So I called an cancelled and we ate at the resort. I think I'll make an ADR for Cape May for our Sept trip. I have enough ADRs for August.

Never ate at Boma. But I love the butternut squash soup at The Mara and it would be the same as at Boma!! The pepper pot soup was interesting. The chicken corn chowder, excellent! Can't justify the price of Boma for me just to eat soup, lol.

I love the Coral Reef restaurant for lunch! We eat there often. Ate there on Tuesday and the food was amazing!! I created my own meal. There is a newer appetizer on the menu, it's just breaded shrimp with jimica slaw. The slaw is gross, but the shrimp is phenomenal, and I don't usually like fried shrimp!! 6 shrimp came with the appetizer. I ordered a side of mashed potatoes and ate my son's (7yro) broccoli that came with his kid's meal. I also got my son's corn chowder because he didn't like it. It was amazing!!

I absolutely do NOT like the lobster soup at Coral Reef. It leaves a nasty after taste. My 17yr old doesn't like it either. When I order the appetizer for 2 I ask what other soup they have and get that instead. It is also strange to drink the soup out of a little "tea cup". You don't get a spoon in the appetizer for 2. So I ask for a spoon, because I have a problem with drinking it it, lol.

If you are still looking for an ADR for breakfast, I'd stongly recommend the Captain's Grille. They have a wonderful buffet. The buffet includes a beverage.

Click here to see the shrimp appetizer at Coral Reef

Click here to see the buffet at Captain's Grille

 

[janabananas]

Thanks for the welcome!

Mall walking is great exercise, shopping an added bonus! That's great that you weren't out of breath! Did you wear shoes you were trying to break in for Disney? Did you find any great buys?


We have tables in wonderland too! Love it! My 17 year old and I love soup and other appetizers. It's nice to get that 20% off! My youngest can still get the kids meals and it's a great deal with the discount. All of us love dessert! A dining package doesn't work for us either because of the appetizers.

I love the Cape May Cafe. I had resies for there in March, but we didn't get there. I had to cancel. DH and DS wanted to eat at the Pepper Market instead and since we were staying at CSR that was more convenient. So I called an cancelled and we ate at the resort. I think I'll make an ADR for Cape May for our Sept trip. I have enough ADRs for August.

Never ate at Boma. But I love the butternut squash soup at The Mara and it would be the same as at Boma!! The pepper pot soup was interesting. The chicken corn chowder, excellent! Can't justify the price of Boma for me just to eat soup, lol.

I love the Coral Reef restaurant for lunch! We eat there often. Ate there on Tuesday and the food was amazing!! I created my own meal. There is a newer appetizer on the menu, it's just breaded shrimp with jimica slaw. The slaw is gross, but the shrimp is phenomenal, and I don't usually like fried shrimp!! 6 shrimp came with the appetizer. I ordered a side of mashed potatoes and ate my son's (7yro) broccoli that came with his kid's meal. I also got my son's corn chowder because he didn't like it. It was amazing!!

I absolutely do NOT like the lobster soup at Coral Reef. It leaves a nasty after taste. My 17yr old doesn't like it either. When I order the appetizer for 2 I ask what other soup they have and get that instead. It is also strange to drink the soup out of a little "tea cup". You don't get a spoon in the appetizer for 2. So I ask for a spoon, because I have a problem with drinking it it, lol.

If you are still looking for an ADR for breakfast, I'd stongly recommend the Captain's Grille. They have a wonderful buffet. The buffet includes a beverage.

Click here to see the shrimp appetizer at Coral Reef

Click here to see the buffet at Captain's Grille

Sadly no not the same shoes. I wasnt planning on going to the mall yesterday but I needed to decompress after a rough day at work. I found a great dark denim pencil skirt for work and a button up shirt for 15 bucks(total)!! love 80% off clearance at JCP. i also found a top at Macys that i paid more for then my usual limit but it was too damn cute and i have another shirt like it in a different color. it is really comfy. Not sure if i will use it for the trip.

Thank you for the pics of Coral Reef and more info about it. I have read SOOOOOO MANY negative and almost scathing reviews of Coral Reef. Not only the food being bad but the wait staff being horrible too. You never really know if they were just disgruntled because they are grumpy people who like to complain about everything or if their experience was really that bad. Also thanks so much for the tip about adding on sides. I am not a big eater and hate to waste. I was thinking we would just go there for and app and get real food elsewhere, but with a little mix and match we should be able to get something there. I don't want to waste time eating twice.

Also thanks for the info about Cape May after making the ADR I was concerned it wouldnt be worth it, but DBf can eat his weight in seafood. And if it is good then YIPPY!!!

 

[lovethattink]

Thank you for the pics of Coral Reef and more info about it. I have read SOOOOOO MANY negative and almost scathing reviews of Coral Reef. Not only the food being bad but the wait staff being horrible too. You never really know if they were just disgruntled because they are grumpy people who like to complain about everything or if their experience was really that bad. Also thanks so much for the tip about adding on sides. I am not a big eater and hate to waste. I was thinking we would just go there for and app and get real food elsewhere, but with a little mix and match we should be able to get something there. I don't want to waste time eating twice.

Also thanks for the info about Cape May after making the ADR I was concerned it wouldnt be worth it, but DBf can eat his weight in seafood. And if it is good then YIPPY!!!

We were charged $4.99 for the side of mashed potatoes.

Service is very slow at the Coral Reef. It is not a place to eat and run. It's a great place for a nice leisurely lunch. You will not feel rushed by any means.

Another thing to know about Coral Reef. The rolls are served with 1 pat of butter. We always ask for extra butter, right off the bat. The rolls are REALLY good and I'm not much of a bread eater.

The chocolate wave dessert is amazing according to my oldest son. I had the key lime mousse twice and it's ok, but not my favorite dessert at Disney.

 

[janabananas]

Service is very slow at the Coral Reef. It is not a place to eat and run. It's a great place for a nice leisurely lunch. You will not feel rushed by any means.

I don't want to feel rushed, I want a nice quiet and leisurely meal. Thanks so much for that input. That is one reason why I cancelled 'Ohana. I read from many people they dump all the food on your table and rush you out. The other reason was because I wasn't really in love with the food options on 'Ohana.
I traded for Cape May with the seafood for DBf. Hopefully it was a good choice. I will find out soon enough.

 

[lovethattink]

I don't want to feel rushed, I want a nice quiet and leisurely meal. Thanks so much for that input. That is one reason why I cancelled 'Ohana. I read from many people they dump all the food on your table and rush you out. The other reason was because I wasn't really in love with the food options on 'Ohana.
I traded for Cape May with the seafood for DBf. Hopefully it was a good choice. I will find out soon enough.

We prefer Cape May Cafe to 'Ohana. There is plenty to choose from both for the seafood lover and the land lover. Just be warned the gravy is not beside the potatoes. LOL, dh found out when he put BBQ sauce on his food thinking it was gravy. It was funny enough the first time we ate at Cape May Cafe, but he managed to forget this and did this on another occasion.

We always had wonderful service at 'Ohana and never felt rushed. I am a very slow eater.

 

[janabananas]

I forgot to mention what type of bag I will be using. Along with shoes I love love love purses!!

I will be using my Nine West crossbody small black leather messenger bag. This will be used mostly for evening excursions to dinner and afterwards.

The pic is of the cloth version. Couldn't find a pic of the leather one I have online. I got it at Marshalls for 15 bucks!! Heck yeah!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Nine-West-Sig...arel&qlEnable=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1309628965&sr=1-5

I am currently looking for a cute water-resistant crossover messenger bag for daytime use. Something sporty. (More shopping, oh darn!) I do not have too much to carry. Camera, cellphone, small tube of sunscreen, lip balm, my pills box, maybe water bottle, etc.

I bough lanyards w/ pouch to hold our APs, TIW card, KTTW, & money.
http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-MICKEY-M...242?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb548f9c2 - DBF
http://cgi.ebay.com/TINKERBELL-Blac...671?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5dadda17 - mine.... I love Tink so I had to

DBf thinks the lanyards with pouches are a waste of money and "that's what pockets are for." I told him fine then you carry your crap in your pockets, I will keep mine in my pouch and purse and if you lose your stuff, don't come crying to me!!!
I honestly doubt he will lose anything however I want to get in the Disney spirit (Disney Immersion, right?)so that is why I bought them !!

I have read a lot about Vera Bradley bags being great, but after looking at them myself they are not really my style. To each their own.

 

[janabananas]

I am currently looking for a cute water-resistant crossover messenger bag for daytime use. Something sporty. (More shopping, oh darn!) I do not have too much to carry. Camera, cellphone, small tube of sunscreen, lip balm, my pills box, maybe water bottle, etc.

Found an adorable purse to meet my needs for the above!!! http://compare.ebay.com/future/350472685867?var=svip&sort=BestMatch&clk_rvr_id=245904854879


Love Marshalls. saved at least 50% off!! I almost bought one like it at Macy's yesterday but it was full price. I went to Marshalls, found it kind of hidden amongst other stuff. Score, cha ching, yeah!!!

 

[janabananas]

Okay, so not really exercise but I am getting on my feet and walking around for a good period of time instead of sitting on my rump. I work for 8 hours behind a computer. I have been mall-walking. It sounds goofy and my coworkers make fun of me, but it works for me.

Wow!!! The Pain... It must be because of me being sedentary since I got sick and finally getting moving. My muscles are just not used to moving around. So cruel....

I am glad I am doing this now, about 2 months before our trip, instead of waiting to get moving ON the trip. My back and legs and knees are killing me. At least I can say no SOB or chest pain. I am noticably tired afterwards but work has been stressful lately (been working 6 day weeks, and working 7-8 days straight) so that also takes its toll on me. Both bosses are taking their vacations now, and I get to be in charge. Advanced payment for my trip in Sept. I guess......

Pretty much that is all of the planning I got going on. If anyone has any input or has any suggestions on something I might be missing, PLEASE let me know. TIA!!!

 

[dreamerchic33]

Found an adorable purse to meet my needs for the above!!! http://compare.ebay.com/future/350472685867?var=svip&sort=BestMatch&clk_rvr_id=245904854879


Love Marshalls. saved at least 50% off!! I almost bought one like it at Macy's yesterday but it was full price. I went to Marshalls, found it kind of hidden amongst other stuff. Score, cha ching, yeah!!!

AWESOME purchases! gotta love le sportsac! i was going to reccomend them!!! yay for sales!!!!!