No men allowed...just Grammy, Mom & the boys!9/25 Changes

[GrammyJudy]

This is my first PTR although I love to read other peoples PTR and TR on the Dis.

Here are the plans so far:

WHO Me(65), DD9#!) DGS(!11) DGS(3)

WHEN First week of FEb 2012

WHERE POR

HOW LONG a week

We are leaving the men at home this time. They like WDW also but think everyother year is enough...HA HA! I am planning on retiring soon and want to do Disney with the boys while I can and while I can afford to so I want to go again in 2012. MY DD and the boys want to go again too so thus the planning begins.

We have stayed at all the Values and POFQ and CBR so we thought POR this time. There is lots for the boys to do and I really want to see Bob's show. We love the idea of the boats to DTD. Just trying to decide AB or Mansions. If we do AB we will do preferred to be as close as possible to the main building. I have mobility issues and will rent a scooter again for the week. It means I can get around all week without pain and not hold the others back so it is so worth it and I got good at getting on the buses with it this year.

We are waiting to see what deals Disney wiil offer. This year we got free dining which was great, But room only % might be better for us as we can split meals and don't mind CS... the men always want TS. We will do at least one character meal for the liitl guy and maybe another 1 or 2 TS if we go OOP.

Anyway I am already getting excited...so please join me on this journey of planning and sharing!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Comments please.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in for the fun! I've never traveled to Disney during February but it sounds like a great time to go.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Thanks Lisa. When you live in Vermont you need a break from Winter. And it is Value season and there are no crowds. generally in the 70s so you can still swim but cool in the evenings. We love it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks Lisa. When you live in Vermont you need a break from Winter. And it is Value season and there are no crowds. generally in the 70s so you can still swim but cool in the evenings. We love it!

You'll probably feel like your in a tropical heaven when you reach Disney World.

 

[micandminforever]

Joining the fun. My DH husband and I went last Feb./March and loved Disney at this time of the year.

 

[GrammyJudy]

We have always gone in Jan or Feb except one time we went in Apr because I had a business meeting in Orlando. But I can't imagine a bad time at Disney! I do not like the heat thus we avoid the summer and fall is a busy time at work. When I retire I want to go and see the holiday decorations....someday soon I hope...but not this year!

So we are pretty sure we want to stay at POR this time. We had decided to go there last trip and then my son in law thought it was too expensive so we chose ASMusic. I really liked it but there was a huge group from Brazil and the food court was always packed. Plus I love the idea of the boat to DTD ans the kids will love the waterslide and the little speed boats and the fishing hole.

We will fly down of course. we can fly from Burlington VT, manchester NH or Hartford CT whichever has the best deals. We llike Jet Blue and nonstop.

We are still talking about food choices and where we might try this time. I like to try new restaurants each trip and I like to eat at some of the resorts to see them all. But we are running out of new choices so will probably repeat some favorites. And of course we must do a character meal for the little guy...he loved the characters this year.

Planning is so much fun. Here we are talking about the next trip and I haven't even started my scrapbooking of our 2011 trip. I have a scrapbook of all our trip all the way back to 1983 when my son was 5 and my daughter was 3.SOOOOOO many great memories.

I also collect a lot of Disney things...mostly Mickey...and my whole family room and kitchen are covered in Mickeys as well as my Mickey pocketbook and the Xmas tree of course. In fact now that I think about it I think there is a Mickey in every room of the house except one bathroom. There are even Disney towel animals in one bathroom!! then we can really get going

Well I let you know what our plans are as we go about talking and planning. We can't wait for the 2012 rates to come out in Aug.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Looking back I see I have not even introduced the cast of characters for this trip
Me Judy (65) mom of 2, grandmom of 2..started going to WDW in 1983 when my parents gave us a trip as a Xmas gift. My kids were 3 and 5 and we stayed at the old FW trailers.That did it we were in love with WDW and started going often as possible as my kids grew up. Then there was a 10 year period when they were in college and my first DGS was boen. When he was 4 it was back to WDW.I love Mickey and have a huge collection of him all over the house

DD Meg (31) She loved Tinkerbell and does not like Winnie the Pooh! She has grown up with Disney and has so many happy memories that she couldn't wait to take her kids.

DGS Cody (10) has been to WDW 4 times and loves it. He is a huge Star Wars Fan right now and was disappointed that ride was closed this year. He finally went on Space Mt and Ex Everestt this ;ast trip. He has a heart condition but his Cardiologist gave the go ahead thsi year and he loved it. He loves rides!!! He is a straight A student, plays soccer and baseball and loves to cook and dance. He is a real happy child and loads of fun.

DGS Connor (2 1/2) has been to WDW 2 times. his first trip he was 4 months old. He loves "Mickey's House" as he calls it, toy story and Cars.He is very active and on the go 24/7. He is adorable.

So that is the group as we stand now! The grumpy men don't want to go again so soon.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Please comment

 

[GrammyJudy]

Already a change in plans. Now we are thinking POFQ. We were there in 1994 and loved it. Have decided the size of the resort and the newly done rooms would fit us better for this trip plus we can still go over to POR if we want to.

As soon as airline opens up our dates and Disney sets their rates we can plan fo rsure.

Arrival day we will probably hang at the resort or go to DTD. Last time we did Chef Mickey's the first night and the little guy loved the characters so maybe we will plan that. OUR FIRST PARK HAS TO BE MK!! It is our fav by far and always go there first and last day. Need to see that castle ASAP!!! We will do 2 days MK, 2 days EP, 1 day HS and AK.

My nephew works for Disney and this year he spent 2 days with us and that was very special so hope we can work that out again

Not sure about ADRs depends on Discounts this year. If no FD we may go OOP as the boys don't care and we could save some money there...but we'll see as time goes by.

Can't believe it is over 8 months away. Of course I have my summer vacation to the beach in Maine in July for a week to plan before Disney. I love the Maine coast and it is a very relaxing week but it's not Disney...I'm sure you know what i mean!

 

[micandminforever]

Good luck with getting FD, or a good room discount in Feb.. It was great getting FD last Feb. I love the convenience of POFQ to DTD, plus as you mentioned POR is just a short walk away.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Well I have been lurking on the DIS reading others TR and waiting to plan more. WE have plans for Jan 28 to Feb 4 at POFQ, Trying to decide what building to request and still debating DDP.

We think DGS(10) friend's family may be there the same week. They had a play date at the MK a few years ago so maybe that will work out again. It is fun to share WDW with people you know but of course everyone has there own way of touring and best to not plan too much.

I love the look of the refurb rooms and the resort in general. QWe want to be near foodcourt, bus and pool so thinking Bldg 4 or 5. We like first floor...easy to get my scooter and the stroller in and the less walking the better.

Our last trip Jan 2011 we stayed at ASMU and liked it but need a change and we think the boys would love the water slide.

I will let you know what we decide about ADRs as soon as we decide.

 

[Kat in GA]

I'm in!!

We always travel with my mom - I bet your grandsons just love having you vacation with them.

I completely concur about POFQ. It's my favorite resort because it's so small. We have always asked for building four - I like that it's so close to everything...from the bus stop to the food court - and just around the corner to the pool. You can even take the boat over to POR rather than walking (or scooting!).

Looking forward to reading more of your plans.

 

[GrammyJudy]

I'm in!!

We always travel with my mom - I bet your grandsons just love having you vacation with them.

I completely concur about POFQ. It's my favorite resort because it's so small. We have always asked for building four - I like that it's so close to everything...from the bus stop to the food court - and just around the corner to the pool. You can even take the boat over to POR rather than walking (or scooting!).

Looking forward to reading more of your plans.

Thanks..looks like you often...we are tooooo far away. Have a great trip this summer, do you have a TR?

 

[Kat in GA]

Thanks..looks like you often...we are tooooo far away. Have a great trip this summer, do you have a TR?

I grew up in Winter Park right outside of Orlando - so I feel like I grew up at Disney World! We took my girls for the first time in 2006 - and then when we go IN SIX DAYS!! we are buying annual passes - so we have a lot planned for this year.

I do have a PTR - it's in my signature.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Well FD made this trip a reality and there are some changes...doing POFQ like I wanted but looks like my DH wants to come. Son in law says no but I think my son may come. So far I have made a ressie for one room but will need to get another once I know for sure who is coming.

Made an ADR for the first night at Chef Mickeys as it is the little one's favorite. Still discussing other ADRs with everyone, I hate working with a "commitee" don't you?

Anyways here are some of our thoughts:
Ohana
Biergarten
50s Prime Time
Tonys or Mama Melrose
Liberty Tree Tavern
Captains Grill
Cap'n Jacks

First I try to plan the days and then the ADRs. Some of these we have done before but we need things to entertain the little guy as he gets impatient at meals, especially if he is tired.

The first day we will arive around noon at the resort and just stay around and enjoy the pool and then do Chef Mickeys. Early to be so we can be at MK at rope drop!!!!!

I"ll let you know what other plans when I know them

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well FD made this trip a reality and there are some changes...doing POFQ like I wanted but looks like my DH wants to come. Son in law says no but I think my son may come. So far I have made a ressie for one room but will need to get another once I know for sure who is coming.

Made an ADR for the first night at Chef Mickeys as it is the little one's favorite. Still discussing other ADRs with everyone, I hate working with a "commitee" don't you?

Anyways here are some of our thoughts:
Ohana
Biergarten
50s Prime Time
Tonys or Mama Melrose
Liberty Tree Tavern
Captains Grill
Cap'n Jacks

First I try to plan the days and then the ADRs. Some of these we have done before but we need things to entertain the little guy as he gets impatient at meals, especially if he is tired.

The first day we will arive around noon at the resort and just stay around and enjoy the pool and then do Chef Mickeys. Early to be so we can be at MK at rope drop!!!!!

I"ll let you know what other plans when I know them

I am so excited that you were able to take advantage of free dining! And, that your husband and son may be coming along as well.

I am not one for working with a "committee" either. I like to throw out options and make a fairly quick decision and some folks don't understand that you need to get moving on making that decision.

We ate at Ohana this trip and will definitely be going back. We also ate at Mama Melrose's with the Fantasmic Package and it's worth booking simply for the Fantasmic privileges. 50s Prime Time was good a was Liberty Tree Tavern. We have never eaten at the others on your list.

 

[Villainess]

Joining in! I'm co planner of my group and yes, I certainly do not like the procrastination, uncertainness, or indescisiveness! My rule: no opinion when asked = no complaints!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Well my husband and son are definitely coming. SIL is still saying no but that is his lose. My son has not gone since 2007 so that will be fun and he and my 10 yr old GS get along great. So now there are 6 0f us going!!!!!!

Made some ADRS:
Chef Mickey
Liberty Tree Tavern
Mama Melrose
Biergarten
Le Chefs de France
Ohana

Still have one more night to decide and can not get anyone in the family to make a suggestion.
We not do hoppers and it will be our AK day so it can be DTD or a Resrt....still thinking on it!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Well it has all changed...but it is for the best. Dates changed..now Jan,21 to Jan.28 and the airline tickets arebought and non refundable so that is set! Moved to AS MOvies with Free Counter Service. The little guy can not sit through a long meal each night so that is a waste. It is only going to be Me, DD and 2 boys as originally planned.The rest have bailed for various reasons.

So this will be different for us...no ADR so no preplanning. Well I can't promise that as I love the planning. But the boys will dictate this trip...where they want to go and when and we will see how that goes. I am sure I may miss some of the yummy meals. But my DH is talking about going again in DEC, 2012 so I have that to look forward to...we have never seen the Xmas decorations so that will be super.

ANyway this trip will be low key and hopefully relaxing. we decide to go back to ASMovies as it is recently refurbished and I know the boys will love the Icons. We have a preferred room and asked for 1st floor in Fantasia near the pool. I am excited about it too.

Any suggestions for CS restaurants will be greatly appreciated. I love WDW and just being there is what is important to me and watching the boys enjoy it.