No ticker and no planning make me GO CRAZY.. Feb. 2013 PTR

[pinkxray]

Wow! A new ticker!! How awesome!!

My choices?? Value AOA no question!

Mod would be POR/POFQ because that is our fave!!

Deluxe: 1st: AK, nd WL and 3rd BW during Christmas (I would rank differently at other times of the year! )

I think you are the first person to list AKL as your first choice for deluxe. I think that is my first choice out of all of them, but I think it might be a bit over budget this trip. Plus, it makes no sense to stay so far away from everything, but I really really want to stay there.

AAH! Such a hard decision. I would LOVE to stay at CSR sometime. I know that Jen stayed there, but wasn't she sick that night? A re-do may be in order. That being said, the southwest isn't the most Christmassy. Trust me. I live here. No amount of Christmas trees will make me feel as though it is Christmas, and I have lived here my entire life!

I like AoA, but I refuse to support Little Mermaid anything. Ariel is awful.

POR is great because you would have the extra bed. If you choose somewhere besides POR, I force Jen make the resort selection and then say, "well, this was your choice so you have to sleep with Caitlin."

I've never heard of someone being against Ariel. What did she do to you?

I really wish they had spread the standard rooms throughout AOA so you could stay in a different section without getting the family suite. I would love to stay in the Lion King section but I'm not paying for the suite that I don't really need.

Alright let's see... and before I begin, take my opinion with a grain of salt as I've only ever stayed at Pop and am speaking not from experience, but from what I would want to do!



Ok so you might be able to tell from my own upcoming trip that I am all for this option. All the reviews coming in on it are amazing, the Big Blue Pool looks pretty awesome despite the lack of water slide or hot tub (assuming you get pool time and weather). The LM rooms look adorable for an all-girl trip. Also it's new and fun. If I only had 4 days I know I'd be spending them all in the parks and therefore unlikely to want to spend much on the hotel (and here you should keep in mind that I'm very cheap! ) This would be my first choice among values of course, but it would also be my first choice among all your choices.




Hmm, I think I'd have to go with POFQ since no one has stayed there, especially if your DH never wants to. Although the appeal of an extra bed in an AB room at POR is quite a draw. Personally I'd axe CSR, agreeing with oboedm (but without her firsthand knowledge!) that the southwest isn't someplace I'd jump to call Christmassy. So in order of my preference:
1. POFQ
2. POR
3. CSR




Alright, some thoughts.

ALK - I have to admit to putting myself in each situation and thinking about it as if it were me going, and I wouldn't go to AKL without my DH. I know how much he would adore the place and just couldn't do it without him. So I guess I have to sympathize with you when you wonder about Jen's wanting to do it without her DH. I wouldn't. Also as much as I want to stay at AKL (seriously, it's #1 on my list of somedays!) I just couldn't justify it for a quick trip. I'd have to spend more time at the resort to really enjoy it. But it would be awfully pretty at Christmas time...

WL - If not for Jen having seen it, this would be my top choice for a deluxe. Very Christmassy and as the cheapest, it would be my pick for a short trip.

GF - I have to agree with your DH, I don't much like that place. I have to put it last on my Deluxe list. Also, too expensive.

Boardwalk - My top choice. The ability to walk to two parks would be a bonus on a short trip and I think the Boardwalk is beautiful anyway, and would be stunning at Christmas!

In order of my preference:

1. Boardwalk
2. Wilderness Lodge
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge
4. Grand Floridian

Whoops! I've written a novel! Rainy weekday mornings make me want to talk Disney more I guess!

Thanks for all of your input! I'm glad it was a rainy morning b/c I love hearing other opinions. I really think we might end up at AOA. The three of us all seem to want to try it out, so why not save money if we can?

I think my top choice overall would be AKL and it is also Caitlin's top choice. But I would feel bad that since I know Brandon wants to stay there plus John actually likes it there.

My vote is for Wilderness Lodge.. I just think that would be a perfect place for Christmas feelings!

I always thought I would want to stay at WL if we went in Dec. If we hadn't stayed at VWL last year, it would probably still be my #1 choice.

 

[pinkxray]

It looks like our vacations plans are getting switched around once again.

Long story short- Caitlin is out of school for the summer and is usually taken care of by Grandma. Unfortunately, Grandma is diabetic and has heart problems and not been taking care of herself and we ended up taking her to the hospital on Sat. She is expected to recover and be okay (for her anyway) if she takes all of her meds and watches her diet, etc. She would probably be okay to watch Caitlin in a week or two, but we decided to put her in summer camp to give my mom time to recover. Plus, I didn't want to take any chances again since I am already taking 3 unpaid days off this week to watch Caitlin.

Summer camp is not cheap and in my town there are no part day camps. Everything is Mon-Fri, plus I have to pay extra to drop her off early since I have to be in by 8. With the cost of camp and 3 days off this week, we used about half of the vacation fund for Sept. We could have taken it from savings or something but since we are saving for a new house we didn't want to touch anything else. It certainly doesn't qualify for an emergency so the cruise had to go.

Honestly, I do feel bad for DH but he doesn't seem too upset about it. We agreed to push it back until Feb. but are going to just cancel it and rebook later after we've had some time to think about when/where we want to go. DH is busy at work April- Sept so he doesn't like taking a week vacation during those months. I don't think he'll like going during Feb. vacation but we'll talk about it later.



We already have our flights booked for Sept and after this summer we still want to take at least a few days off.

I still want to make it to the TOT run so we looked at a few options.

#1 Take a Universal trip- stay at Universal for a few days, move to SSR for the one night to do the TOT run

#2 Stay at undecided hotel in Orlando and do a relaxing vacation. A day at Discovery Cove, a waterpark, lots of pool time.

#3 Stay at AKL and do a few days hanging out at the pool along with hitting all the waterparks. Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Aquatica.


DH picked option #1 so we will be spending 3 nights on the dark side before moving over to SSR for the TOT run.

Since Caitlin is now only missing 2 days off school (we fly out on a Jewish holiday that she has off anyway), Jen and I also decided to extend our trip by 1 night.


Our new Sept. dates will be Sept. 26-Sept. 30

Dec. dates are Dec.8- Dec. 12


Is anything else comes up and makes me have to switch something around, I am going to give up completely and forget all about going anywhere for a year. I just can't believe how many things have come up​

 

[amandaw]

Sorry to hear that y'all had to rearrange the vacation plans. But, at least you were able to make it work somehow instead of having to cancel everything! I think doing Universal & the run sounds like a very good plan. And for an extra night in December!

 

[jenseib]

UGH! I totally understand though. We seem to have things breakingleft andright here and I hate seeing the money go out to pay for new things.

 

[dizneeat]

Having to rearrange is NO fun at all, but it looks like you at least get to go on vacation .... for now
I'll have everything crossed so NOTHING else will go wrong.

And if you are thinking of a February cruise - we will be on the one from Feb 17 - 21. Just kidding ... I know you don't "want" to take a Disney one this time.

 

[pinkxray]

Sorry to hear that y'all had to rearrange the vacation plans. But, at least you were able to make it work somehow instead of having to cancel everything! I think doing Universal & the run sounds like a very good plan. And for an extra night in December!

I am very surprised DH picked the Universal trip. I figured he would just tell me to go for a solo weekend. I am going to try very hard not to bring him to the Disney side except for the night at SSR and the TOT run. I think if he sees we can go to FL without it being a Disney trip he will be more agreeable in the future. I would love to do a FL beach trip one year and he always says no because he is sure it will mean more Disney.


I'm so excited for one more night in Dec. 3 nights would have been a little rushed, so I am happy we will have a little more time to check out all the xmas stuff.

UGH! I totally understand though. We seem to have things breakingleft andright here and I hate seeing the money go out to pay for new things.

I guess it could be worse but I hate using my fun money on boring things like chilldcare Really though, I think she will have a bit more fun in camp than at Grandmas this summer, but I wish I would have known in advance so I could have budgeted for it.

Every time I pick up extra shifts or work overtime something seems to break around here too.

Having to rearrange is NO fun at all, but it looks like you at least get to go on vacation .... for now
I'll have everything crossed so NOTHING else will go wrong.

And if you are thinking of a February cruise - we will be on the one from Feb 17 - 21. Just kidding ... I know you don't "want" to take a Disney one this time.

Believe me, I would love to be on that cruise. DH threw out the month of Feb. b/c his job is slow during that time, but I think once I explain that it will be peak season for all the kids out of school he will not want to go. I need to find a way to squeeze in a non Disney cruise within the next year so that I can book the Fantasy for 2014.

 

[amazingact21]

Ugh, I missed a couple updates!

I think it's great you, Jen, and Caitlin are taking a trip to WDW in December. That's the best time to go, and some time with the DHs is always fun. As far as resorts go, that's a hard choice. Deluxes during the holidays are mind-blowing, but I understand how insane the prices can be. So, I guess realistically,I'd choose CSR, just because I'm not a huge fan of the Port Orleans resorts.


Sorry to hear you had to cut the cruise out in September. Having to change your vacation plans can be so frustrating, but for what it's worth, a few days in Universal sounds like fun.

 

[pinkxray]

Ugh, I missed a couple updates!

I think it's great you, Jen, and Caitlin are taking a trip to WDW in December. That's the best time to go, and some time with the DHs is always fun. As far as resorts go, that's a hard choice. Deluxes during the holidays are mind-blowing, but I understand how insane the prices can be. So, I guess realistically,I'd choose CSR, just because I'm not a huge fan of the Port Orleans resorts.


Sorry to hear you had to cut the cruise out in September. Having to change your vacation plans can be so frustrating, but for what it's worth, a few days in Universal sounds like fun.

Our tickers almost match!

I am bummed about cancelling the cruise but I am happy with the alternative. I kind of had a bad feeling about going on the Western Caribbean in peak hurricane season anyway.

I am so excited about going with another Disney lover. I am wondering how different the trip will be without DH. I am hoping Caitlin will be a Disney convert, but I don't see it happening. I tried to get her to help me plan one thing today and she just rolled her eyes.

 

[pinkxray]

I think we are all set for our new dates and plans. Flights have been changed and new resorts have been booked.



I hope you don’t mind me sharing my Universal plans too. I am determined to keep DH away from Disney as much as possible. He will have to go to DHS for the TOT run and maybe DTD for a dinner, but I will not be buying him any Disney park tickets or booking any TS meals on Disney property. I think he will more agreeable in the future to non Disney trip to FL if I don’t bombard him with Disney this time.



Sept 26

Day 1
We will be flying out of Hartford at 8am on JetBlue. We usually fly out at 6:30am on Southwest, but I am looking forward to sleeping in a little bit later even if it means we don’t get to FL for an extra hour and a half.

I am hoping that since this is a short trip we can get away with just using carryons. If so we can head directly to the car rental area where we will pick up our rental car. I am super excited about my choice, but I am sure DH will not love it.

DH is not a big convertible fan, but they look like so much fun when Karin and Tom get one, so I had to book it. I think the one and only time I was in a convertible was when I was about 7 or 8? I expect a big eye roll from DH but I just don’t care, besides what guy doesn’t want to drive a Mustang?







We will hop in our cool new car and head for our resort for the next 3 nights.


Where are we staying?

The beautiful (well, it looks beautiful online)

Look they even have a Keurig in each room! Does it get any better than that?

I am very excited to stay here. All three of the Universal resorts look great, but I really love the theme of Royal Pacific. I can’t wait to get the express pass and early entry that comes with staying in a Universal Resort.



One we arrive DH will probably plop on the bed for his official start to his vacation. As soon as we arrive in any hotel room he always goes directly to the bed and turns on the TV.

Whatever. I am determined to let him have a good time so if he needs a little down time, I will probably head to the closest store to grab so beverages and snacks for the room.



I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up going to lunch here

Yum!

Once we have some lunch, I am hoping to head over to one of the parks but I’m not sure which one. US has the new Despicable Me ride which we would like to see, but IOA has the Mummy and Forbidden Journey which Caitlin is now tall enough to ride.


I believe the parks are open until 7 so by that time it will be dinner time.



Does anyone have any restaurants on City Walk or the Universal resorts that they recommend? I am also open to anything offsite close to the area that is good. The only one I have to stay away from is Bubba Gump’s. As much as I want to try it, DH is allergic to shellfish and won’t be very happy eating there.​

 

[dizneeat]

..... and here you go! Great plans!!!!!!!
You are going to love the Royal Pacific! We always stay there - it's real beautiful - be sure to ask for a higher floor though! Last time we had the choice between a "ready" lower floor (which turned out to be below the lobby ) or wait until the afternoon. We chose the lower floor and felt like we were in a jungle. Had to have the light on all day.

LOVE the car btw!

As for restaurants - we have eaten at Mythos in the park some years ago, and the hotel restaurant (which's name escapes me at the moment) was really nice. We loved having breakfast there too. (It's not the Emeril place - it's the other one.)

I loved the photos of your DH at Steak and Shake. I knew I had seen it in your trip report - Tom cannot wait to go back and have one of those shakes again.

 

[jenseib]

We liked margaritaville. Also off property I enjoyed the cheesecake factory.

 

[amandaw]

Your Day 1 plans sound fantastic!

I can't wait to see what you think of Royal Pacific. I am determined to do a Universal/WDW split stay in 2014. We've stayed at Hard Rock & loved it but I want to learn more about the other Universal resorts as well.

We love Steak & Shake too! YUMMY! Wish we had one here!

As for places to eat:

I agree with a previous post that suggested Margaritaville. We eat here anytime we're in a location that has one.

Also agreeing with another post....Cheesecake Factory offisite. Delicious!

If you're in IoA, you should consider trying the 3 Broomsticks. We really enjoyed our meal there back in 2010.

 

[jenseib]

We did eat breakfast at 3 broomsticks too and that was pretty decent as well. I would've loved o tried lunch, but just never made it there then.

 

[pinkxray]

..... and here you go! Great plans!!!!!!!
You are going to love the Royal Pacific! We always stay there - it's real beautiful - be sure to ask for a higher floor though! Last time we had the choice between a "ready" lower floor (which turned out to be below the lobby ) or wait until the afternoon. We chose the lower floor and felt like we were in a jungle. Had to have the light on all day.

LOVE the car btw!

As for restaurants - we have eaten at Mythos in the park some years ago, and the hotel restaurant (which's name escapes me at the moment) was really nice. We loved having breakfast there too. (It's not the Emeril place - it's the other one.)

I loved the photos of your DH at Steak and Shake. I knew I had seen it in your trip report - Tom cannot wait to go back and have one of those shakes again.

Thanks for input. I checked out the menu for Mythos and it looks pretty good. Do you have to make a reservation and if you do how do you do that? I thought I read somewhere that you are able to do it as you enter the park, or was it City Walk?

I hope we are able to check out the breakfast buffet. It seems to get pretty good reviews.


I am have to make sure that I request a higher floor. There are certainly a lot of trees right around the building.

We liked margaritaville. Also off property I enjoyed the cheesecake factory.

Great choices. I haven't been to either one, can you believe it? I'm going to have to make it to at least one.

Your Day 1 plans sound fantastic!

I can't wait to see what you think of Royal Pacific. I am determined to do a Universal/WDW split stay in 2014. We've stayed at Hard Rock & loved it but I want to learn more about the other Universal resorts as well.

We love Steak & Shake too! YUMMY! Wish we had one here!

As for places to eat:

I agree with a previous post that suggested Margaritaville. We eat here anytime we're in a location that has one.

Also agreeing with another post....Cheesecake Factory offisite. Delicious!

If you're in IoA, you should consider trying the 3 Broomsticks. We really enjoyed our meal there back in 2010.

I hope we like RP. It certainly looks pretty. I was going back and forth between this one and Hard Rock, so I hope I made the right choice. The third choice looks pretty but is my least favorite option, plus is seems farther away than the other two.

Two votes for Cheesecake Factory and Margaritaville. Looks like I have my dining plans for the three nights.

I would love to try 3 broomsticks. I wanted to try it last year but WWOHP was such a madhouse I just wanted to get out of that area. I hope it's a little less crazy this time around.

We did eat breakfast at 3 broomsticks too and that was pretty decent as well. I would've loved o tried lunch, but just never made it there then.

I really hope we are able to eat there this time. I just couldn't deal with the crowds in WWOHP last time. I am hoping it's not as bad this time, but I doubt it. I remember reading in your TR that you wish you could move around in the stores more and might have bought more if you had the chance to look. I love the look of the area but it is so hard to be smushed in there. I would love a chance to check out the stores a bit more.Hopefully the early entry will help.

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks for input. I checked out the menu for Mythos and it looks pretty good. Do you have to make a reservation and if you do how do you do that? I thought I read somewhere that you are able to do it as you enter the park, or was it City Walk?

I hope we are able to check out the breakfast buffet. It seems to get pretty good reviews.

I am have to make sure that I request a higher floor. There are certainly a lot of trees right around the building.

Diane, I have been thinking and I BELIEVE that we made a reservation at the restaurant itself. But then we were there for several days. I would ask at the hotel front desk if they could make the reservation for you.
The breakfast buffet was nice and plentyful, and they had a nice a la carte selection at the hotel restaurant as well.
PLEASE, go for the higher floor - unless you want to look out onto the jungle.

 

[lbuzz52]

good idea to keep DH off property as much as possible LOL. i agree with Jen- Cheesecake factory is always good. the menu is about a hundred pages and there is definitely something for everyone there.

 

[pinkxray]

December Dining Dilemma

Right now I am trying to decide which adr's to book but I am really having a tough time choosing. I don't think we are going to do the dining plan since most options aren't the best use of credits. I would love to do the deluxe dining plan and it might make sense if I can't cut down my adrs but then I don't really want to lose the flexibility of deciding spur of the moment what park to go to, plus if we stay at AOA it will be a pain making it to the resorts and parks to get to an ADR. My sister is mostly likely going to get an AP and will be able to get the TIW card which could be the best bet, depending on which adrs I make.

The toughest part is that we still haven't decided where we are going to stay. We will definitely be at AOA for 2 nights. It could end up being 4 nights, but we would really like to do 2 nights at AOA followed by 2 nights of a deluxe. Which deluxe and if a deluxe will depend on if there are any room discounts available which are taking forever to be released. So should I book my adrs assuming we will be at AOA the whole time? Book the extra that I would add if we stay at the deluxe we will most likely pick?


Also, I am not sure how to divide up the places that are new/favorites. I pretty much want to try most of the WDW restaurants and have a huge list of new places I would like to try. But then, again I have a few that I just love and want to return to. How would you divide up the new/favs for a 5 day/4 night trip?

Here are a couple of places I would like to try to get an adr for-

new to Caitlin and I
true and tried favorite


BREAKFAST OPTIONS

1900 Park Fare Breakfast- One of the few characters breakfast we haven't tried, plus Jen's favorite Disney movie is Alice in Wonderland. It would be a great time to check out the decorations at the GF plus DH wouldn't like it so it would be nice to get it in while he isn't there.

Crystal Palace I'm really having a tough time deciding on whether or not to add this. This is my favorite character breakfast and I love, love getting into the park early. However I had said I wasn't going to do many character meals this trip. But now that I think about it, I just love it and I told myself last trip when I didn't book it that from now on it will be booked every trip.

I would also like to try Kona or GFC which are both new to me, but only if we stay at a monorail resort.


LUNCHES

Via Napoli It looks soooooo good! It looks like it would be a great option for OOP b/c we could just split the pizza between us.

Chefs de France Caitlin and I love Ratatouille and I would love to see Remy. The menu looks okay, but based on food Via Napoli seems better. We could do Chefs lunch and Via Napoli for dinner but I am determined to try some CS places in WS this time.

Liberty Tree TavernThis has been on my must try list for awhile but it has always been pushed aside for CP and CRT. I know that Caitlin won't like dinner, so that isn't an option. I guess we could do an early morning at CP and later lunch at LTT. Lunch isn't much more than a CS place would cost so I don't feel to bad about the cost. If I was to book it and had an 8ish ADR what time would be good for lunch, 1?

DINNERS

Ohana I wasn't going to book this but I happened to look for an adr and there was a 5pm time which is perfect. It was a sign that we should be eating there. When is there ever a 5pm slot open a few weeks after the 180opening for adrs.

T-rex-(could be lunch or dinner)Caitlin and I enjoyed this place last year, and this is one place Jen has actually never been . We weren't going to plan on going to DTD but now that we have an extra night, I think we could manage to make it over there. Now that T-rex is on the DDP can you still call direct to book an adr b/c there are no openings whatsoever.

Be our GuestI am hoping this will be open and they start taking adrs for Dec soon. If not we can just eat here CS for lunch, but we have to check it out. It looks amazing!

Some other options that could be in the running if we were to do the dining plan-
Cape May dinner
Flying Fish,Yachtsmen, or California Grill I would love to try a signature while DH is not around but not sure about taking Caitlin. Maybe I should just forget about signatures until she is a bit older?
TuttoThis would be an option that I would only pick on the dining plan. It looks very good, but I think I'm leaning towards Via Napoli.


Out of all of these I believe Jen has been to most except T-Rex and maybe Tutto? She also says she doesn't really care where we eat since she is already getting to pick all of her ADRs on her Nov trip that is 3 weeks before this trip.


Hmmm, that doesn't look to bad. I thought I had a lot more than I do.

Maybe I could schedule something like this-

Sat.- dinner at Ohana
Sun- breakfast at CP, lunch at LTT, CS dinner
Mon-lunch at Via Napoli, dinner at T-rex
Tues- lunch at Yak and Yeti, dinner at Be Our Guest if open, otherwise CS
Wed- 1900 Park Fare breakfast

What do you think? Too much? I think the best bet for this itinerary is using the TIW card, right? Not enough for DXDP, but too much for DDP.​

 

[pinkxray]

Diane, I have been thinking and I BELIEVE that we made a reservation at the restaurant itself. But then we were there for several days. I would ask at the hotel front desk if they could make the reservation for you.
The breakfast buffet was nice and plentyful, and they had a nice a la carte selection at the hotel restaurant as well.
PLEASE, go for the higher floor - unless you want to look out onto the jungle.

Thanks Karin I just posted possible dining options and I'm looking foward to your input.

good idea to keep DH off property as much as possible LOL. i agree with Jen- Cheesecake factory is always good. the menu is about a hundred pages and there is definitely something for everyone there.

I looked at the menu online and it was like 100 pages. We'll have to check it out. Is it pretty close to Universal?

I would like to keep DH away from Disney the whole trip but I really want him there when I complete the TOT 10 miler. Plus it will be Caitlin's first time on an upside roller coaster since she is able to go on the Rock and Rollercoaster. I keep thinking about booking an ADR for Hoop de Doo or the BBQ but I am going to fight the urge. MUST AVOID DISNEY!! I think if I do, I'll get more vacation time overall and that will make me happy

 

[dizneeat]

1900 Park Fare Breakfast-

Never been - sorry!

Crystal Palace

Getting into the park early is the perk for me to go there. Tom and I do not care much for the characters, even though they are nice, but breakfast there is pretty tasty ..... and getting into the park early!!!!

Via Napoli

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that place. It comes very close to real Italian food - their pizzas are awesome and the Zeppole are devine!

Chefs de France

If you go for the food ... I would suggest skip it - we eat a lot of real French food and it is much better than what is offered there - BUT, Remy is a huge magnet and if you go for lunch Remy would be my deciding factor.

Liberty Tree Tavern

Very nice eatery! We have often been for lunch and always liked it!

Ohana

Always a winner!

T-rex

Never been - sorry again!

Be our Guest

I am really looking forward to trying it in February for both lunch at the CS and dinner at the TS! The menu looks really good (and French) - have you seen it?

Cape May dinner

We have never been - we both are not really keen on buffets, even though I am not sure that Tom WOULD enjoy the seafood.

Flying Fish,Yachtsmen, or California GrillTutto

Now that brings me to signatures .....

Flying Fish - food was devine, but it was pretty loud in there. Don't know if that is the norm, as we have not returned yet.

Yachtsmen - OMG did we enjoy this place! BUT - will it be open for your visit? They are closing for renovations in late August I think.

And I guess you know what I think about California Grill. IF you go, do NOT forget to ask for Ron. He can make it extra special for you!

Okay, that brings me to reservations:
I make my reservations and then change them and change them again - I have found that with the new CC hold it's much easier to even find something nice last minute.
And IF your sister is getting an AP then in my opinion a TiW card is the way to go. You can still make ADRs, but if you don't feel like it you can easily cancel without having to worry about losing so many credits.
And when we did the DxDDP we felt like we were constantly eating and there was no time to enjoy the parks. We have done it once - never doing it again.
Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Nermel9]

December Dining Dilemma

Here are a couple of places I would like to try to get an adr for-

new to Caitlin and I
true and tried favorite


BREAKFAST OPTIONS

1900 Park Fare Breakfast- One of the few characters breakfast we haven't tried, plus Jen's favorite Disney movie is Alice in Wonderland. It would be a great time to check out the decorations at the GF plus DH wouldn't like it so it would be nice to get it in while he isn't there.

Crystal Palace I'm really having a tough time deciding on whether or not to add this. This is my favorite character breakfast and I love, love getting into the park early. However I had said I wasn't going to do many character meals this trip. But now that I think about it, I just love it and I told myself last trip when I didn't book it that from now on it will be booked every trip.

I would also like to try Kona or GFC which are both new to me, but only if we stay at a monorail resort.


LUNCHES

Via Napoli It looks soooooo good! It looks like it would be a great option for OOP b/c we could just split the pizza between us.

Chefs de France Caitlin and I love Ratatouille and I would love to see Remy. The menu looks okay, but based on food Via Napoli seems better. We could do Chefs lunch and Via Napoli for dinner but I am determined to try some CS places in WS this time.

Liberty Tree TavernThis has been on my must try list for awhile but it has always been pushed aside for CP and CRT. I know that Caitlin won't like dinner, so that isn't an option. I guess we could do an early morning at CP and later lunch at LTT. Lunch isn't much more than a CS place would cost so I don't feel to bad about the cost. If I was to book it and had an 8ish ADR what time would be good for lunch, 1?

DINNERS

Ohana I wasn't going to book this but I happened to look for an adr and there was a 5pm time which is perfect. It was a sign that we should be eating there. When is there ever a 5pm slot open a few weeks after the 180opening for adrs.

T-rex-(could be lunch or dinner)Caitlin and I enjoyed this place last year, and this is one place Jen has actually never been . We weren't going to plan on going to DTD but now that we have an extra night, I think we could manage to make it over there. Now that T-rex is on the DDP can you still call direct to book an adr b/c there are no openings whatsoever.

Be our GuestI am hoping this will be open and they start taking adrs for Dec soon. If not we can just eat here CS for lunch, but we have to check it out. It looks amazing!

Some other options that could be in the running if we were to do the dining plan-
Cape May dinner
Flying Fish,Yachtsmen, or California Grill I would love to try a signature while DH is not around but not sure about taking Caitlin. Maybe I should just forget about signatures until she is a bit older?
TuttoThis would be an option that I would only pick on the dining plan. It looks very good, but I think I'm leaning towards Via Napoli.


Out of all of these I believe Jen has been to most except T-Rex and maybe Tutto? She also says she doesn't really care where we eat since she is already getting to pick all of her ADRs on her Nov trip that is 3 weeks before this trip.


Hmmm, that doesn't look to bad. I thought I had a lot more than I do.

Maybe I could schedule something like this-

Sat.- dinner at Ohana
Sun- breakfast at CP, lunch at LTT, CS dinner
Mon-lunch at Via Napoli, dinner at T-rex
Tues- lunch at Yak and Yeti, dinner at Be Our Guest if open, otherwise CS
Wed- 1900 Park Fare breakfast

What do you think? Too much? I think the best bet for this itinerary is using the TIW card, right? Not enough for DXDP, but too much for DDP.​

I'm pretty much leaving all of our dining options up to you, since I'm going in November, you can decide everything for this trip! However, we have to keep 'Ohana. And try for Be Our Guest, those are my top 2 choices!

I love CP and LTT, so if we go to CP at 8 and then LTT at 1 that would be a decent amount of time in between. If you want to try Kona, I'm fine with that too. I do want to try GFC, but I've heard it takes a long time to get your food, so we might want to skip that.

1900 Park Fare sounds good, especially if we end up at the GF for 2 nights! And that way I don't ever have to drag Brandon there!

Via Napoli is great, the pizza there so good! Chef's is good too, I'd like to try it again without a migraine, but I'm pretty sure I have an ADR there for November, but I'll do it again if you want to go there.

We don't have to do TRex if you don't think we will have enough time, I'd like to try it, but if we can't fit in DTD, it's not a big deal. I think I have an ADR there in November too, so if we end up going there, I'll probably try Raglan Road in November instead.

Out of all of the signatures you mentioned, I've only been to California Grill, and it was great, but it takes SOOOO long, it's going to cut into park time a lot.

Like I said though, as long as you keep 'Ohana and try for Be Our Guest, I really don't care where we go, I'm pretty much thinking of this trip as yours and I'm just tagging along since I'm already going in November and eating everywhere I want to eat!

And if we stay in a deluxe, it has to be the GF or Boardwalk. My first choice the the GF though. Because really, when other time will we ever get to stay in the Grand Floridian? And it looks SO pretty decorated for Christmas. If anything makes Caitlin a Disney convert, the GF will!