No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: A Tremendously Tropical PTR

[Woth2982]

Day two sounds awesome! I never thought about booking an ADR near the lagoon to watch Illuminations! What a great idea!

OK I have two favorite things for the World showcase. One is, I love Holidays around the world. I really enjoyed seeing all the different holiday traditions from around the world. Sadly we didn't get to see all of them because we got food poisoning from Chefs De France, needless to say I WON'T be going back there. My second favorite thing to do, and I haven't done it since I was 12, is getting the passport and having all the vendors stamp and sign it! I keep saying I want to do that next time I go.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Day two sounds awesome! I never thought about booking an ADR near the lagoon to watch Illuminations! What a great idea!

OK I have two favorite things for the World showcase. One is, I love Holidays around the world. I really enjoyed seeing all the different holiday traditions from around the world. Sadly we didn't get to see all of them because we got food poisoning from Chefs De France, needless to say I WON'T be going back there. My second favorite thing to do, and I haven't done it since I was 12, is getting the passport and having all the vendors stamp and sign it! I keep saying I want to do that next time I go.

I would love to do the Christmas around the world! I think that would be really neat. We've never been there while that was going on though. We might go during December next time though and I will be sure to do that.

My DD did the passport the last time we went and she really liked it too. She liked how they wrote her name in the different languages. It's a really cool and educational thing for kids (and adults!). I haven't decided if we will do one this year or not.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I think that is just the best idea of getting your daughter's picture taken with the CM's from the countries at WS! I certainly haven't heard that one before and it would make a great collage! That will be a must do for Harper in a couple of years!

When we had breakfast at Akershus with Harper last March, I managed to change her into a matching princess dress between each approaching princess. It was great fun!
I barely had time to eat a bite!

My first must have at f&w will be the escargot in France. Even if you tried it somewhere before and didn't love it, oh my goodness, it's tasty at Disney. It has this baked crust and isn't heavy on the snails at all.
I'm bummed that they took the short ribs off the menu in France. They were so yummy!

WS favorites. Sweet shop (Werther's) in Germany. The caramel corn. Take ziplock bags to take some home if you love it like I do....
Boulangerie Patisserie in France. Great for a sandwich and dessert.

 

[sjs314]

I somehow fell behind in reading your PTR but I am now caught up.

That was some story about the boat, that poor man sure has had some terrible luck between the boat and his restaurant.

I love WS too. I think your plan for watching Illuminations at La Hacienda is a good one. I had an ADR for Rose & Crown for Oct. and plan on making one for March, hopefully watch Illuminations from there.

I am in total agreement about the crowds at Mk for Wishes. If we had not cancelled for Oct. I had booked the dessert party to avoid the crowds and I had an adr for 'Ohana to watch HalloWishes.

In March the plan is now to watch from our balcony at CR. I am still not sure about paying all that money for a TPV room but when my knee acts up I have mobility issues so I may rent an ecv plus the monorail will be a big convience. Of course returning maybe 3 of our evenings to watch Wishes from the room will make for a more relaxing vacation.

 

[MeMom]

*Pecan Praline Bread Pudding- America

Out of everything you wrote about, I honed in on this. It is sooo good!

We had the lamb slider, but it didn't really have a lot of taste to it, in my opinion.

It's fun to think about all the good eating yet to come!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh your day sounds wonderful! I'm dying to go during Food and Wine! I'm hoping to go in October 2012.

I love WS as much as you. I love to browse through the shops and see the gardens and pavilions. When we went in December 09 we tried to catch all the "santas" from around the world. We missed a couple. We've done the passports too. The girls thought it was cool to see the CMs write something in their native language.

If I had my way, I'd just wander through the stores and get some little snack at all the countries. Then I'd park myself for Illuminations!
I have watched from Mexico, right next to the CS place, in the past. It's a good spot. When we stayed at BC, we watched from the little area down from the bridge near UK, easy escape to the IG!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I think that is just the best idea of getting your daughter's picture taken with the CM's from the countries at WS! I certainly haven't heard that one before and it would make a great collage! That will be a must do for Harper in a couple of years!

I think it will turn out cute... if I can remember! I just get so distracted when I'm there!

When we had breakfast at Akershus with Harper last March, I managed to change her into a matching princess dress between each approaching princess. It was great fun!
I barely had time to eat a bite!

I would love to do that with my DD, but I know I would never get a bite either! I bet that turned out really cute though. Totally worth missing a meal... I could stand to miss a few anyway.

My first must have at f&w will be the escargot in France. Even if you tried it somewhere before and didn't love it, oh my goodness, it's tasty at Disney. It has this baked crust and isn't heavy on the snails at all.
I'm bummed that they took the short ribs off the menu in France. They were so yummy!

Light on the snails hey? Hmmm, I don't know Wigd... snails is really pushing it! I consider myself open minded and a pretty adventurous eater, but when it comes to meat, you loose me. I'll try almost any plant product you can think of, but I'm not so brave with meat. Chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish and some shellfish... that's about the extent of it for me. Maybe I can get DH to try it though. He eats all kinds of weird stuff like frog legs, deer meat, etc.

WS favorites. Sweet shop (Werther's) in Germany. The caramel corn. Take ziplock bags to take some home if you love it like I do....
Boulangerie Patisserie in France. Great for a sandwich and dessert.

Now I am all over that caramel shop! Caramel I can do! It will be our first trip there so I am very excited about that. I'm taking notes.... caramel corn, got it!

replies in blue

I somehow fell behind in reading your PTR but I am now caught up.

That was some story about the boat, that poor man sure has had some terrible luck between the boat and his restaurant.

I know! He's had a hard time for sure.

I love WS too. I think your plan for watching Illuminations at La Hacienda is a good one. I had an ADR for Rose & Crown for Oct. and plan on making one for March, hopefully watch Illuminations from there.

If we like seeing them from La Hacienda, we will probably try them from R&C next time. That's another place I would like to eat at anyway!

I am in total agreement about the crowds at Mk for Wishes. If we had not cancelled for Oct. I had booked the dessert party to avoid the crowds and I had an adr for 'Ohana to watch HalloWishes.

I don't mind the crowds so much while the fireworks are going on... I hardly even notice them then, but when it's over...

In March the plan is now to watch from our balcony at CR. I am still not sure about paying all that money for a TPV room but when my knee acts up I have mobility issues so I may rent an ecv plus the monorail will be a big convience. Of course returning maybe 3 of our evenings to watch Wishes from the room will make for a more relaxing vacation.



I think your plans sound great! I'd love to watch Wishes from a CR balcony! In fact, I might be doing something pretty close to that!

replies in blue

Out of everything you wrote about, I honed in on this. It is sooo good!

We had the lamb slider, but it didn't really have a lot of taste to it, in my opinion.

It's fun to think about all the good eating yet to come!

I remember how much you liked the the bread pudding, that's why it's on the list! We may not get the lamb, especially since you didn't think it was anything special. I've got limited eating space, so I've got to be very efficient with my choices.

And yes, I very much look forward to all the good food b/c we rarely eat out here at home and it's nice to eat something other than what I have cooked, and not having to do any dishes afterwards is even better!

Oh your day sounds wonderful! I'm dying to go during Food and Wine! I'm hoping to go in October 2012.

I love WS as much as you. I love to browse through the shops and see the gardens and pavilions. When we went in December 09 we tried to catch all the "santas" from around the world. We missed a couple. We've done the passports too. The girls thought it was cool to see the CMs write something in their native language.

If I had my way, I'd just wander through the stores and get some little snack at all the countries. Then I'd park myself for Illuminations!
I have watched from Mexico, right next to the CS place, in the past. It's a good spot. When we stayed at BC, we watched from the little area down from the bridge near UK, easy escape to the IG!

I really want to do the Christmas around the world. Sounds like a good excuse for a December trip next time!

I'd love to stay at an Epcot resort and be able to use the IG. I think that is a great perk!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Touring Plans now has their recommendations up for our trip dates:

Sun, October 30- 2 out of 10 MK HS
Mon, October 31- 3 out of 10 MK HS
Tue, November 1- 2 out of 10 MK,HS EP
Wed, November 2- 5 out of 10 AK EP
Thu, November 3- 4 out of 10 EP,AK HS
Fri, November 4- 6 out of 10 MK EP
Sat, November 5- 6 out of 10 AK EP

Looks like it is going to be much more crowded than what I am used to. I'm not real excited about that. Maybe we should have just stayed with our old faithful second week of November.

 

[mindyd]

Touring Plans now has their recommendations up for our trip dates:

Sun, October 30- 2 out of 10 MK HS
Mon, October 31- 3 out of 10 MK HS
Tue, November 1- 2 out of 10 MK,HS EP
Wed, November 2- 5 out of 10 AK EP
Thu, November 3- 4 out of 10 EP,AK HS
Fri, November 4- 6 out of 10 MK EP
Sat, November 5- 6 out of 10 AK EP

Looks like it is going to be much more crowded than what I am used to. I'm not real excited about that. Maybe we should have just stayed with our old faithful second week of November.

We are used to going in June and so those numbers look really good to me lol. Hopefully it won't be bad.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Those aren't bad numbers!! You will still have a fabulous vacation no matter how crowded it is!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Don't worry Rinky! Those numbers may seem high to you, but it's not bad at all!! Remember, those really pertain to things like wait times at the popular rides etc. That time of year just isn't all that crowded but on the weekends. Not sure which days you plan to be at which park, but I'd avoid Epcot on the weekends because the local people tend to hit there for food and wine and it can get really crowded. I think you said Day 2 or 3 was Epcot, so that should be mid-week, right?

I'd love a trip with nothing higher than a 6! Our last two trips were summer and spring break. I don't think we had anything lower than an 8!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We are used to going in June and so those numbers look really good to me lol. Hopefully it won't be bad.

I know you're right. I guess we are just spoiled because on our last two trips, the numbers were more like 1 and 2 all week. I'll get over it and it will be fun no matter what.

Those aren't bad numbers!! You will still have a fabulous vacation no matter how crowded it is!

I know we will, I'm just thinking about our last trips that had extremely low crowds. It was so nice!! But it will be great no matter what!

Don't worry Rinky! Those numbers may seem high to you, but it's not bad at all!! Remember, those really pertain to things like wait times at the popular rides etc. That time of year just isn't all that crowded but on the weekends. Not sure which days you plan to be at which park, but I'd avoid Epcot on the weekends because the local people tend to hit there for food and wine and it can get really crowded. I think you said Day 2 or 3 was Epcot, so that should be mid-week, right?

I'd love a trip with nothing higher than a 6! Our last two trips were summer and spring break. I don't think we had anything lower than an 8!!

Yeah, we''l just have to use FP for the big stuff. It was so nice not to have to always do that though when we went in November. I got really spoiled by that. Even the big stuff was walk on then except for just a few things like Soarin and TSM. I knew this trip probably wouldn't be like that, but when the numbers came out it was sort of a slap of reality! I know we will have a fabulous time either way... I'm just pouting a bit about it!

 

[MEK]

Awesome Epcot day. sounds like so much fun! I think the Poly beach for MVMCP might be a great option for me in December. Although, I will be at the Cali Grill that night, so depending on timing I may just watch from there. but thanks for the idea.

I was lucky enough to get a window seat at La Hacienda in May. It really was a nice way to see the fireworks, although I enjoyed them a tad more from the deck at R& C. The shrimp tacos were very good and I highly recommend the mango blueberry margarita!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Awesome Epcot day. sounds like so much fun! I think the Poly beach for MVMCP might be a great option for me in December. Although, I will be at the Cali Grill that night, so depending on timing I may just watch from there. but thanks for the idea.

I was lucky enough to get a window seat at La Hacienda in May. It really was a nice way to see the fireworks, although I enjoyed them a tad more from the deck at R& C. The shrimp tacos were very good and I highly recommend the mango blueberry margarita!

Fireworks from the Poly beach are fabulous! Very relaxing, very peaceful and quiet! We love it.

Yay! Someone who has eaten at La Hacienda! I was about to think no one had gone there. I'm glad to hear you liked the shrimp tacos. I think they sound good and I've never had anything like that before.

I'm glad to hear you liked the fireworks from there too. I think they would be a little better from R&C because you can sit outside and hear the boom when they go off. I plan on trying that out on our next trip! Always thinking ahead!

 

[jenjolt]

Finally all caught up!!! Love the pictures from WS, what a great place!! I was so sad that they took the short ribs off the menu in France...so good!!! Definitely going to try a few of those that you mentioned, I can't wait!!!

Love the idea of pictures with the CMs that is such a creative and fun idea!!!!

Don't worry about the numbers!!! You are a Disney pro, you won't even notice and you'll have a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Finally all caught up!!! Love the pictures from WS, what a great place!! I was so sad that they took the short ribs off the menu in France...so good!!! Definitely going to try a few of those that you mentioned, I can't wait!!!

Love the idea of pictures with the CMs that is such a creative and fun idea!!!!

Don't worry about the numbers!!! You are a Disney pro, you won't even notice and you'll have a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well you are the second person to say the short ribs are gone. Guess I need to take that off the list. The survey I read was from last year's F&WF, so I guess they are gone for 2011. I wonder why they would get rid of one of the favorite items when there are others that they could've done away with and no one would have missed it. Oh well, we will have plenty to eat, so no worries!

I sure hope I can remember to get those CM pictures. I am just so forgetful once I get there. Overstimulation I suppose!

I know we will have a great time, I'm just spoiled by crowd levels of 1 and 2 on our previous trips. We'll just have to be more diligent about getting FPs. That hasn't been a must do on our other trips.

 

[sjs314]

Touring Plans now has their recommendations up for our trip dates:

Sun, October 30- 2 out of 10 MK HS
Mon, October 31- 3 out of 10 MK HS
Tue, November 1- 2 out of 10 MK,HS EP
Wed, November 2- 5 out of 10 AK EP
Thu, November 3- 4 out of 10 EP,AK HS
Fri, November 4- 6 out of 10 MK EP
Sat, November 5- 6 out of 10 AK EP

Looks like it is going to be much more crowded than what I am used to. I'm not real excited about that. Maybe we should have just stayed with our old faithful second week of November.

I know what you felt seeing the crowd level numbers for your dates. The last time we were at Disney was Spring Break March 24-31 of 2009 and it was wall to wall people in the parks

Now the last two trips I planned one in Nov and the one in Oct this year were mostly showing all 1's and 2's.

We postponed until the first week in March which is before the start of Spring Break and compared to weeks in January and February and is also rated as the best week to go in March and I see these numbers for our dates.

March 4 - 7 out of 10
March 5 - 6 out of 10
March 6 - 1 out of 10
March 7 - 6 out of 10
March 8 - 6 out of 10

How are the indiviual parks for your days? Mine range from a low of 1.1 @ AK one day to a high of 9.1 @ MK the day we arrive

What worries me is crowd levels only rise as you get closer to your dates.

No worries Rinky, I told myself as long as I have a good plan it will not be too awful, that was what ruined our trip in 2009, no plan, we sorta just ran around WDW Helter Skelter, we had no ADR's so it was quite stressful.

I know you have a good plan so I am sure it will all work out.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I got behind again I seriously need to learn how to say the word 'no', I've stretched myself way too thin!

Your day at WS sounds awesome! I love the idea of getting your DD's picture taken with a CM from every country - make sure you do that this time!

I can't wait for all the F&W treats! Wig'd is right, you should try the escargot. I was afraid to try it, but did on the cruise and it was really good!

The crowd numbers don't look too bad, you guys will be fine.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I know what you felt seeing the crowd level numbers for your dates. The last time we were at Disney was Spring Break March 24-31 of 2009 and it was wall to wall people in the parks

Now the last two trips I planned one in Nov and the one in Oct this year were mostly showing all 1's and 2's.

We postponed until the first week in March which is before the start of Spring Break and compared to weeks in January and February and is also rated as the best week to go in March and I see these numbers for our dates.

March 4 - 7 out of 10
March 5 - 6 out of 10
March 6 - 1 out of 10
March 7 - 6 out of 10
March 8 - 6 out of 10

How are the indiviual parks for your days? Mine range from a low of 1.1 @ AK one day to a high of 9.1 @ MK the day we arrive

What worries me is crowd levels only rise as you get closer to your dates.

No worries Rinky, I told myself as long as I have a good plan it will not be too awful, that was what ruined our trip in 2009, no plan, we sorta just ran around WDW Helter Skelter, we had no ADR's so it was quite stressful.

I know you have a good plan so I am sure it will all work out.

I went back and looked at the individual parks like you said and the wait times weren't that bad. It was mostly 25-45 minutes for the big rides like Soarin', TT, TSM, and Peter Pan. Most of the others were less than 20 minutes. So that made me feel better. We have always had to use FP for those 4 rides so this is nothing new. I think we will be fine. Thanks for reminding me to check the individual ride times for each park!

I think you'll be ok too. I didn't think March was quite that crowded though? I thought Jan-Mar was a slower time??? Guess there's not many of those left anymore!

I got behind again I seriously need to learn how to say the word 'no', I've stretched myself way too thin!

Your day at WS sounds awesome! I love the idea of getting your DD's picture taken with a CM from every country - make sure you do that this time!

I can't wait for all the F&W treats! Wig'd is right, you should try the escargot. I was afraid to try it, but did on the cruise and it was really good!

The crowd numbers don't look too bad, you guys will be fine.

I'm an overstretcher too sometimes. I've done better this year though. I've actually said no to teaching a women's Bible study at church and to being the room mom at DD's school! That's a record for me! But you have to do that sometimes or you will be nutty as a fruitcake! Hope things settle down for you soon. Maybe after school gets going a bit and you are back into your routine, it will get better.

Maybe I need to give all of you my cell phone number so you can text me on our WS day to NOT forget the CM pictures! Maybe if I got like 40 texts, I could remember!

Ok, ya'll are killing me with the escargot! I just don't know if I can do it! It's just like eating deer to me... I know it tastes good, but I just cannot bring myself to put it in my mouth!

 

[sjs314]

I went back and looked at the individual parks like you said and the wait times weren't that bad. It was mostly 25-45 minutes for the big rides like Soarin', TT, TSM, and Peter Pan. Most of the others were less than 20 minutes. So that made me feel better. We have always had to use FP for those 4 rides so this is nothing new. I think we will be fine. Thanks for reminding me to check the individual ride times for each park!

I think you'll be ok too. I didn't think March was quite that crowded though? I thought Jan-Mar was a slower time??? Guess there's not many of those left anymore!



I'm an overstretcher too sometimes. I've done better this year though. I've actually said no to teaching a women's Bible study at church and to being the room mom at DD's school! That's a record for me! But you have to do that sometimes or you will be nutty as a fruitcake! Hope things settle down for you soon. Maybe after school gets going a bit and you are back into your routine, it will get better.

Maybe I need to give all of you my cell phone number so you can text me on our WS day to NOT forget the CM pictures! Maybe if I got like 40 texts, I could remember!

Ok, ya'll are killing me with the escargot! I just don't know if I can do it! It's just like eating deer to me... I know it tastes good, but I just cannot bring myself to put it in my mouth!

The first 10 days of March are suppose to compare to Jan-Feb, That is why we decided on early March when we changed our trip dates but like you the individual ride times as of now are not bad the longes was soar'n at 48 mins

I had to laugh about the escargot, sorry but that is one thing I do not think I will ever try, I just picture garden slugs. I have never tried sushi either and did plan on maybe trying it at F&W oh well maybe someday
DH and I were talking yesterday about calamari, now I only tasted it once when someone gave it to me and told me it was clams, it did not taste all that different just chewier, but I was reading a review of the calamari at Tony's(we are eating there) and DH like calamari and said it looked good in the pic, but the person noted they serve rings there and not suckers Ok that did it now I have the mental picture in my head of the squid tenticles and sucker nope can not do it.

I have never tasted deer, but I know what you mean, my one uncle use to hunt squirrels, and there was no way I was eating that either.

I hope you can remember to do the WS pics with the CMs. That is such a good idea.

You really do need to find a way not to over extend yourself, when I was younger I use to fall victim to saying yes all too often. My big problem was someone would approach me and say to me I need a favor and my response would always be sure thing, no problem what do you need before ever asking what. I did finally stop myself from uttering yes before knowing what the favor entailed.