NEW 1/6 D Day!!: This trip will STILL be a Perfect 10, Just a Different 10 :)

[kschafer]

Here!

 

[DWGal210]

I'm here and will try and keep up.

Hi Jill!! Glad to have you!

 

[DWGal210]

Here!

Hi Katie! Good to see you!

 

[starann]

(because I don't have anything better to do with my time as a mom to 3, including a 2mo old)

I'm joining in!!!!! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go on a solo trip...to go at my own pace, eat where I want to eat....ohhhh...I am so jealous. (I could NEVER do a solor trip while my kids are this little, as I would feel too guilty that they aren't with me!)

 

[DWGal210]

Welcome!! Thanks for joining in!

You've got your hands full, my goodness!

I think it'll be nice to go solo; but your kids might start a mutiny if you didn't bring them along!!

Thanks again!

(because I don't have anything better to do with my time as a mom to 3, including a 2mo old)

I'm joining in!!!!! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go on a solo trip...to go at my own pace, eat where I want to eat....ohhhh...I am so jealous. (I could NEVER do a solor trip while my kids are this little, as I would feel too guilty that they aren't with me!)

 

[vamassey1]

I followed you over from MeMom's report.

We're going to be there in Feb too.

 

[DWGal210]

I followed you over from MeMom's report.

We're going to be there in Feb too.

Welcome! Thanks for coming over!

When will you be there in February?

 

[DWGal210]

Hi all! I'll be back this evening to do a proper update! I've done some shopping since we were together last!

And also - a DIS meet on Saturday! I'll fill ya in on that as well!!

TTFN! See ya later!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm in!! Can't wait for more!! LOve that VB bag!!! LOL apparently I was already in but forgot to subscribe LOL!!!! Really do love that bag thinking I'm going to need one of my own!

 

[DWGal210]

Hi friends!

I promise that actual trip discussion is coming very soon, but let's take a trip to the mall, shall we?

First stop! Vera Bradley!

I purchased my first BV Hipster in 2010 and as they say, the rest is history. I picked up a few (OK, OK, more than a few) items in the past week or so and wanted to share.

So first, I saw the large new bag (from Page 1) in the store and it was BIG. I mean, too big for me. I envisioned myself lugging that thing around MCO in Orlando and that image was NOT pretty. So I saw this pretty little gal instead - I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pattern! This is the same idea, but slightly smaller than the other:

So then I picked up this sweet tote. I was looking for a zippered bag that I could take on errands, to the library, in the car on road trips, etc. Isn't she a beaut?!

Finally, I've been looking for some grown-up makeup bags, since up until now I'd shoved foundation, blush, brushes and eye makeup into about 5 different bags. So now I've consolidated, and I'm a big girl now.

So now we leave the Vera Bradley store.....and where do we go now?! The Disney Store, of course! Duh!

I am currently redecorating my spare bedroom into my "Disney room". It's also my guest room where people stay so I don't want it to be *too* Disney, but still an homage to the Mouse. The walls were already yellow, so I got a red bedspread, red sheets and black pillow shams and voila! Mickey Mouse! (I'll post pictures when I get everything sorted out this weekend) To add to the decor of the bed, I snagged these two love birds:

(As an aside - my sister in law is pregnant with Niece #2 and Caroline has proclaimed that she wants her sister's name to be MickeyMinnieMouse. That's my girl!! )

I also found this adorable shirt - fun, right?!

I knew my kitchen wouldn't be complete without some Mickey magnet / clip thingies and a "Dirty/Clean" magnet for the dishwasher:

The final item I picked up is for our dear friend MeMom. MeMom, if you're reading, I'm sending this your way! (along with some Nemo items for your classroom)

Well, now we have to leave the mall because Ms Katie is out of money. But I'm sure we'll be back with more shopping adventures!

NEXT UP: ADRs....this is my final list....yeah....I'm pretty sure....at least almost sure....

 

[DWGal210]

So I've decided to talk Dining before I talk Resorts. I sure have my priorities in order, don't I?

I decided pretty early on that I wanted to try the Disney Dining Plan (here on out referred to as the DDP). I've wanted to give it a go before but it never worked out, and since there was no one else to tell me "no" this time, I decided to go for it.

I then started to make my list of places I wanted to go. And this is where the trouble started.

One of my goals for this trip is to do things I've never done before. On that list are places on property where I've never had a meal, and I wanted to scratch some places off the list on this trip.

So I started making my list. And it grew. And grew. And grew. Until pretty soon, I had about 10 places on there. So then, my crazy Disney mind started to work overtime. "What about the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan (DxDP)", I thought in a crazy food stupor. "That way, I could eat at all these Table Service (TS) places I want to try!"

At that point, I needed an intervention and a friend to talk me off the ledge. BrookElizabeth (Brook) helped me see the light; I realized that even though I WANTED to eat at all those places eventually, I didn't have to eat there THIS TRIP. I also was quickly seeing that I would spend about 10.5 hours a day EATING and I did want to see some of the parks while I was there. So from there, I pared down the list considerably.

So here is my proposed list. I welcome all comments, suggestions and general notes from the Peanut Gallery (that would be you people, the readers ). What are your thoughts? Keep in mind that I will have the regular DDP, which includes 1 TS meal per day, 1 Counter Service (CS) per day and a snack.

TS Locations:
Le Cellier (lunch, so I can use 1 credit)
Brown Derby (lunch, and will pay Out of Pocket (OOP) for this
Jiko (dinner on my actual birthday night. Thoughts on this?? Too fancy? Will I be sipping my Chardonnay and look like a fool in there by myself??)
Nine Dragons
Via Napoli (also planning on paying OOP for this.)

CS Locations:
This list is much smaller so far. All I have for sure are:
Earl of Sandwich
The place in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. I cannot think of the name!

So I would PLEASE like your input. Should I change out my TS choices? Is Jiko a bad choice for my birthday dinner meal?? What CS locations should I FOR SURE not miss??

Thanks, guys! I look forward to hearing your input!

 

[starann]

So I've decided to talk Dining before I talk Resorts. I sure have my priorities in order, don't I?

I decided pretty early on that I wanted to try the Disney Dining Plan (here on out referred to as the DDP). I've wanted to give it a go before but it never worked out, and since there was no one else to tell me "no" this time, I decided to go for it.

I then started to make my list of places I wanted to go. And this is where the trouble started.

One of my goals for this trip is to do things I've never done before. On that list are places on property where I've never had a meal, and I wanted to scratch some places off the list on this trip.

So I started making my list. And it grew. And grew. And grew. Until pretty soon, I had about 10 places on there. So then, my crazy Disney mind started to work overtime. "What about the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan (DxDP)", I thought in a crazy food stupor. "That way, I could eat at all these Table Service (TS) places I want to try!"

At that point, I needed an intervention and a friend to talk me off the ledge. BrookElizabeth (Brook) helped me see the light; I realized that even though I WANTED to eat at all those places eventually, I didn't have to eat there THIS TRIP. I also was quickly seeing that I would spend about 10.5 hours a day EATING and I did want to see some of the parks while I was there. So from there, I pared down the list considerably.

So here is my proposed list. I welcome all comments, suggestions and general notes from the Peanut Gallery (that would be you people, the readers ). What are your thoughts? Keep in mind that I will have the regular DDP, which includes 1 TS meal per day, 1 Counter Service (CS) per day and a snack.

TS Locations:
Le Cellier (lunch, so I can use 1 credit)
Brown Derby (lunch, and will pay Out of Pocket (OOP) for this
Jiko (dinner on my actual birthday night. Thoughts on this?? Too fancy? Will I be sipping my Chardonnay and look like a fool in there by myself??)
Nine Dragons
Via Napoli (also planning on paying OOP for this.)

CS Locations:
This list is much smaller so far. All I have for sure are:
Earl of Sandwich
The place in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. I cannot think of the name!

So I would PLEASE like your input. Should I change out my TS choices? Is Jiko a bad choice for my birthday dinner meal?? What CS locations should I FOR SURE not miss??

Thanks, guys! I look forward to hearing your input!

We enjoyed 9 Dragons, but have not eaten at ANY of the others!!!!!

As for counter service....Columbia Harbor house was good...not a heavy lunch, which I liked (sandwhiches as opposed to greesy burgers and such).
I also liked the TAco salad at Pecos Bill.

Not sure where you are staying, but the AS resorts have really good counter service for dinner!! LOL!

 

[DWGal210]

I have heard that Columbia Harbor House is good, I'll have to try it!!

We enjoyed 9 Dragons, but have not eaten at ANY of the others!!!!!

As for counter service....Columbia Harbor house was good...not a heavy lunch, which I liked (sandwhiches as opposed to greesy burgers and such).
I also liked the TAco salad at Pecos Bill.

Not sure where you are staying, but the AS resorts have really good counter service for dinner!! LOL!

 

[MeMom]

In Mexico - it's the San Angel Inn.

Is there any other DISer that will be there at the same time that you could share your birthday dinner with? Might be a thought for a meet.

I really want to try Via Napoli.

Hooray for a Disney room!

The bags - how could I not have thought of Miss Anita Wigd while I was looking at those?

Wow - I just saw that I am getting a present! That's so thoughtful of you. You shouldn't have spent your Disney money on me, though.

I will put those Nemo things to good use. Last night, I finished my Bruce poster for the Math board. When my classroom is all put together, I will put pictures up on the TR.

 

[DWGal210]

San Angel - thanks!! I'll make a note of that!!

I should see if there are other DISers down there @ the same time. I'll start stalking peoples PTRs.

I knew you wanted the ice cube tray, so I'm happy to send it to you. you're such a great gal & a good friend, so I wanted to make sure that came to live with you.

That & the Nemo decor are in their way soon!

In Mexico - it's the San Angel Inn.

Is there any other DISer that will be there at the same time that you could share your birthday dinner with? Might be a thought for a meet.

I really want to try Via Napoli.

Hooray for a Disney room!

The bags - how could I not have thought of Miss Anita Wigd while I was looking at those?

Wow - I just saw that I am getting a present! That's so thoughtful of you. You shouldn't have spent your Disney money on me, though.

I will put those Nemo things to good use. Last night, I finished my Bruce poster for the Math board. When my classroom is all put together, I will put pictures up on the TR.

 

[MEK]

I think Jiko is a wonderful choice for your birthday dinner. I remember there being a counter area right by the cooking area. There were several people sitting there. I do not think you will feel out of place at all. It's a very comfortable restaurant. The food is delish.

I really didn't like the CS in Mexico. I guess I shouldn't say that, but the food was "eh".

Everyone loves sunshine seasons so that could go on your list.

I also like the Columbia Harbor House.

 

[Megablocks]

I like the order of your priorities!

My BFF and her boyfriend ate at Jiko for her birthday on their May/June trip and they both LOVED it. You should totally treat yourself for your birthday!

Le Cellier is on my list. We haven't eaten there in years and I want to go back soooo badly!

I also really like CHH in MK. We ate there on the KTTK tour and it was basic, but really good food. I had a really good tuna sandwich there. And EoS...oh I can't wait to go back there. I wish one of our several Paneras would be replaced with an EoS!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wonderful purchases! I really like your make-up bag...I just purchased one myself the other day, but it's really a pencil/pen bag! But it's a super cute zebra print with a pink stripe and it works great. However, if I ever get to a Vera store again, one of those pretty babies might be coming home with me!

As for CS places, I echo CHH that people have said! Yum! That tuna sandwich is delicious. I also really like the Taco Salad at Pecos Bills. In Epcot, Sunshine Seasons is a favorite, lots of variety and amazing desserts. Starring Rolls in DHS is a GREAT value-BIG sandwiches (ham or turkey) with chips or fruit, a drink, plus one of their desserts. Those cupcakes! At AK Flametree is always a winner, but the beans are a bit sweet - you can purchase a plate without them, you just have to tell the CM working the register. I also tried Yak & Yeti in May and liked it. Nothing super fantastic, but good. The container they give you is FULL, rice on teh bottom, meat on the top - it's hard to mix it up...so a little annoying. But still decent eats. And DTD always has me torn between Wolfgang Pucks or Earl. You can't go wrong with either!

Those are some of my favs!

The Mexico CS is La Cantina de San Angel. We LOVED it, but it does seem to get a bit of mixed reviews.

 

[DWGal210]

I think Jiko is a wonderful choice for your birthday dinner. I remember there being a counter area right by the cooking area. There were several people sitting there. I do not think you will feel out of place at all. It's a very comfortable restaurant. The food is delish.

I really didn't like the CS in Mexico. I guess I shouldn't say that, but the food was "eh".

Everyone loves sunshine seasons so that could go on your list.

I also like the Columbia Harbor House.

I think I will really like Jiko. I've heard that they have a filet with mac & cheese that's just divine, so I think I'll have to try that. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!!

Sunshine Seasons is a great one!! And I haven't been there before, so that would be a great option. Thanks!

 

[DWGal210]

I like the order of your priorities!

My BFF and her boyfriend ate at Jiko for her birthday on their May/June trip and they both LOVED it. You should totally treat yourself for your birthday!

Le Cellier is on my list. We haven't eaten there in years and I want to go back soooo badly!

I also really like CHH in MK. We ate there on the KTTK tour and it was basic, but really good food. I had a really good tuna sandwich there. And EoS...oh I can't wait to go back there. I wish one of our several Paneras would be replaced with an EoS!

I keep hearing about Columbia Harbor House, so it must be good! Sometimes basic can be good - I find on vacation that sometimes after eating out a lot, what sounds really good is a sandwich, chips and an apple!