Not All Who Wander Are Lost Unless You’re Waldo. A Julyish PTR. UPDATED AGAIN! 7/28

[Disneyland_Mama]

Bored of Waldo - Never!! So glad you decided to bite the Mouse and do another PTR/TR!! I'm in

bite the Mouse! Welcome back!

I know, I know... I don't know why the heck I didn't do it right when I came home...

It's never too late to start.

PAGE freaking TWO?!?!

Dude. For future reference, a newly-begun PTR is totally text-worthy.

Awww... I'm text worthy ... I'm touched!

Didn't he claim to be "finished" with WDW last year?!

Actually to be honest, he said he was done in '06, '07 & '08.

Yay! I'll actually get to talk to them this year, right?!

Yup - they'll be joining us for adults night.... oops, I'm giving pieces of info away already!

OK new TFW rule. PM Mo when a new report is started.

Sheesh!

Waldo, TE and the Ducks, can't wait to read this one!

Sorry! I did post on TFW, though.

I agree... Page 2?!

Ummm... you coulda told us you were starting this last night...

I knew you'd do another TR. How could you not with this cast of characters and impending cameo appearances... I'm in... even if I don't post as often as I should. (Shout out to everyone else I'm neglecting... Mo... V... Janet... the list goes on... I love you guys even though I'm a bad DIS'er lately!)

Yup! Lots and lots of cameos this year, peeps! Soooo looking forward to "flat friends" coming to life!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

First, let apologize for my lack of pictures in this installment.


After last years hurricane and Waldo being sick for most of the time, Waldo and TE decided they were done with WDW and made other vacation plans. I was fine with that, trust me!

Our 7 month window opened and I called DVC MS for the very first time and made a reservation for my brothers family and my family in a 2 bedroom villa at SSR. I hung up the phone and without thinking casually said to Waldo, “I’ve booked my August WDW trip and I have enough points left over to book you and TE a studio if you change your mind and want to come.” No sooner had the words left my lips, when Waldo claimed they’d changed their minds. Um, ok. I did leave that open for them, didn’t I?

I started crunching numbers and realized I wouldn’t have enough points to add them for 10 days, so back to the spreadsheet for me. I came up with an alternate plan, cutting our vacation to 7 nights/8days and booking 3 studios instead. Yeah, I was a little disappointed I wouldn’t have a full kitchen or a washer/dryer – but that was OK. I took one for the team, this time. I hit the DVC member website to make sure I calculated points correctly and noticed the new “What Will You Celebrate?” scheme, errr I mean promotion and I decided to change our dates so we could officially celebrate Evan’s 5th birthday - which is Aug. 1st - with the mouse! I made the phone call and after a nice conversation and point transaction with CM “Michael” we were all set, including Waldo!

So our final dates are:
July 31th – August 7th @ Saratoga Springs Resort, Studio Accomodations.

Now I just had to figure out some flights. I really didn’t mind the red-eye we took last year and I really, really loved AirTran, but they’ve changed their outbound flights from LAX to MCO, we decided we didn’t want to have a 4 hour layover in Milwaukee and bagged AirTran.

We ended up using multiple airlines and scoring R/T tickets for $319 and some change. That’s pretty decent fare, if I do say so myself. Yes, I did miss out on AA’s $99 o/w fare, but the flight times sucked, so I blew them off. Who wants to travel home at 6:00am? Blech!

Our flight plans are set and we ended up with a red-eye

out of LAX on July 30 at 10:15pm, arriving at MCO at 6:15am then next morning (July 31) and our return flight is set to leave MCO at 6:40pm, arriving back at home at 9:00pm on August 7. Ahh, arriving at LAX on a Friday at 9pm… now that should be a joyful time!

Up next: To Dining Plan or not to Dining Plan … and how about some Annual Passes?

 

[jordanyosh]

I don't mind red eyes myself as Magical Express is usually dead at that time and make traveling to the resorts so much easier.

 

[KatGarcia]

Subbing.

I dunno why any Fockers think NOT doing a TR is ok!

 

[cmp1111]

No sooner had the words left my lips, when Waldo claimed they’d changed their minds. Um, ok. I did leave that open for them, didn’t I?

I made the phone call and after a nice conversation and point transaction with CM “Michael” we were all set, including Waldo!

Woohoo!

Yes, I did miss out on AA’s $99 o/w fare, but the flight times sucked, so I blew them off. Who wants to travel home at 6:00am? Blech!

Not me!

Our flight plans are set and we ended up with a red-eye

out of LAX on July 30 at 10:15pm, arriving at MCO at 6:15am

That's even earlier than last year's arrival! I know, because I got to give you a big ole hug at ME.

 

[PrincessV]

So our final dates are:
July 31th – August 8th @ Saratoga Springs Resort, Studio Accomodations.

See, it's good that you're writing this - I'd lost track that you're now in 3 studios!

Ahh, arriving at LAX on a Friday at 9pm… now that should be a joyful time!

Oh yeah, THAT will be a quick return to reality!

Up next: To Dining Plan or not to Dining Plan … and how about some Annual Passes?

Yeah, how about some AP's?!

 

[DisneyJo]

You didn't honestly think Waldo wouldn't go back to WDW did you? How sweet of you to take one for the team, I did notice you said this time though

 

[rentayenta]

So our final dates are:
July 31th – August 8th @ Saratoga Springs Resort, Studio Accomodations.

Up next: To Dining Plan or not to Dining Plan … and how about some Annual Passes?

is that your home resort? That's ours. Can't wait to see pictures. If you are taking votes for the Dining Plan, I say no plan. Too hot, too much food. But I say to APs. If you are not taking votes then ignore me.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Yay T!!!

Great start!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I don't mind red eyes myself as Magical Express is usually dead at that time and make traveling to the resorts so much easier.

See? I actually like the red-eye... acclimates us west coasters to east coast time REAL quick!

Subbing.

I dunno why any Fockers think NOT doing a TR is ok!

Hi Kat! Thanks for coming over!

That's even earlier than last year's arrival! I know, because I got to give you a big ole hug at ME.

Yup no lay-over in Atlanta this time. Although I will miss not having any airport meets this time around.

See, it's good that you're writing this - I'd lost track that you're now in 3 studios!

You didn't honestly think Waldo wouldn't go back to WDW did you? How sweet of you to take one for the team, I did notice you said this time though

Yes, I honestly thought after last years fiasco, he'd want to take a break... guess not. My "taking one for team" days are over, especially with my family.

is that your home resort? That's ours. Can't wait to see pictures. If you are taking votes for the Dining Plan, I say no plan. Too hot, too much food. But I say to APs. If you are not taking votes then ignore me.

No actually our home resort is Kidani Village. BUT we got the developer points as incentive that had to be used at SSR, so that's were we are this year.
We stayed at SSR last year and I really loved it.

Yay T!!!

Great start!

Yay, you're here Kristel!


Brownies tonight. Update tomorrow.

 

[boysmom5150]

HOLY COW--we arrive late on 8/7 and will be at MK bright and early 8/8. We are staying at BLT and will head there for some pool action in the PM. Is it crazy to think maybe we can pass along the way somehow???I know its a tight day for you guys

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

HOLY COW--we arrive late on 8/7 and will be at MK bright and early 8/8. We are staying at BLT and will head there for some pool action in the PM. Is it crazy to think maybe we can pass along the way somehow???I know its a tight day for you guys

Ok, I got all excited and when I looked, I realized I put the wrong dates!!!! We leave on the 7th, not the 8th! What time does your flight arrive? Maybe we'll see eachother in the airport?

 

[lovealldisney]

OMG I am so excited you are doing another TR!!! Can't wait to hear all the adventures with Waldo!

4 hour layover in Milwaukee and bagged AirTran

Hey I live here! I could have come and kept you company!

 

[boysmom5150]

Ok, I got all excited and when I looked, I realized I put the wrong dates!!!! We leave on the 7th, not the 8th! What time does your flight arrive? Maybe we'll see eachother in the airport?

OH NO!!ok we are flying Continental and our flt gets in at around 9pm but I think your on your way be then

Ok we are thinking about DL for our Apr trip instead of WDW, maybe there is still hope we will meet one day

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

My WDW trips are usually planned around some sort of DIS get together to meet old and new friends, but this year things just didn’t seem to work out.

A little DIStory… get it? DIS history? Heh heh heh… sorry. Ahem.

August 2007 – Rats In Pants and Fruity Booze! This was the trip in which I met fellow DISers and Team Focker Watch members, Lauralee131, PrincessV, DisneyJo and Sorul82?. We met for dinner and drinks and had such a blast together. Read the trip report(s) – you won’t be sorry!

August 2008 – "How to Lose Waldo in 10 days" This was the “BIG” meet with about 20 DISers and their families. We had a reunion meet at the scene of the first crime, the Polynesian’s Tambu lounge, where Jo, V, LL and I were reunited again along with about 10 of our new friends from the Team Focker Watch thread. We ended our glorious trips with a huge dinner at Catfoodgarten… ahem… Biergarten with a total of 20 DISers and their families. Meow.

Sadly there would be no Fockerfest 2009. We all had different plans this year. Our friend DisneyJo from England wouldn’t be there until December, V was planning her trip in June due to school schedules, LL was in the middle of moving to another state, the list goes on and on. I had no choice but to travel in August, as I had to use my incentive points by the 30th.

So as I was planning my trip I got an email from my dear friend PrincessV basically saying she’d changed her plans to August, rather than June. Read her PTR on the boards right now, it’s a riot! So V was in for August. Now we had to work on Lauralee or rather, Lauralee had to work on her DH. And holy crow, Lauralee pulled one off and managed to book an August trip after all! I was so excited to be vacationing with my friends again!

We always have so much fun together. Our husbands enjoy each other, our children enjoy each other, heck even Waldo loves these girls and their families! They’ve become extended family!

Eventually I got another email from V saying our DISfriend Michelle (mlill or TheDISneyFamily) would be in WDW at the same time. I was completely overjoyed! I really just love Michelle and her family. Read her trip reports – they’re fabulous! This family knows how to do Disney!

So now, not only would I have my 2 amigas, but I would be meeting a new amiga! And I’m still holding out for my 3rd amiga, Sharkb8.

Ok, so now you’ve got the history, let’s move on.

To Dining Plan or not to Dining Plan.

Let it be known that I hate the dining plan. There I said it and I’m owning it. My family on the other hand, loves the DDP. Waldo, TE, and The Ducks think it’s the greatest thing since slice bread and it was until all the changes. No appy? No tip? Forget that shizzle!

We did a NON-DDP trip last year and we spent probably a hundred bucks more, ate what we wanted and drank all the booze our guts could take. It was fabulous, except for the part where our gut couldn’t take anymore booze. And you’ll have to read all about that in my last trip report.

So the others decided to go ahead and order the DDP and we decided not to. Our kids are little, they don’t eat much and often share meals. I much prefer an appetizer over dessert, unless profiteroles are involved. After further discussion, Andy decided we should go with the DDP to avoid any confusion since we will be having TS meals together. So now it’s 3 for the DDP. Blech. Out voted again. D’Oh!

So where to eat?

Every year I send out a mass email to my family asking them to pick a few choice restaurants and every year they don’t. So I end up choosing all our TS places and no one better complain or they’re gonna hear it from me!

We’ll have 7 TS credits and I usually pick around 10 and then narrow it down based on menus and preferences. Usually. This year was a bit harder.

Here’s our 1st draft picks:

Boma
‘Ohana
Narcoossee’s
Tutto Italia
Chefs de France
Chef Mickey’s
Marrakesh
Turf Club
1900 Park Fare
Sci-Fi Dine In
Tusker House

And here’s what we ended up with:

Arrival day – Le Chefs de France
Day 2 – Chef Mickey’s
Day 3 – Narcoossee’s
Day 4 – Tutto Italia
Day 5 – Sci-Fi Dine In Lunch/ 1900 Park Fare Dinner
Day 6 – ‘Ohana
Day 7 – Boma
Day 8 – Turf Club

Did you notice we have 2 more TS places than TS credits? Yeah, me too. I think we’ll pay Turf Club and Narcoossee’s OOP.

Now I feel the need to ‘splain some of our choices.

We chose Chefs de France because we are HUGE Remy fans. Heck, Remy traveled with us from LA to WDW back in ’07. Granted he was lost, but quickly found and he got us lots of CM attention.

Chef Mickey’s was Evan’s birthday dinner choice. Our friends V and her son Leo and LL and her DH and DS will be joining us that night to celebrate. I’m ordering a Mickey Mouse head cake and treat bags for the kids at that meal.

Narcoossee’s… Surf-N-Turf… ‘nuff said.

Tutto Italia – despite some negative reviews, LL said she really enjoyed it – so we’re in.

Sci-Fi – I’ve always wanted to eat here, but I worried my kids would freak out about the dark, etc. I think they’re old enough now and from the pics on allears, they excited to try it. Yeah, I know… stick to burgers and shakes.

1900 Park Fare – this was actually Maddie’s choice. She wanted a character meal, but nothing too Princessey. Since we’ve already got dinner with the Mouse, I thought this one fit the bill. CRT was something we’d done and didn’t see the need to do again and Yakerhaus… errr.. Akerhaus was GROSS and I’ll never go there again.

‘Ohana – Meat! Glorious Meat! And no bones! Yippeee!!!

Boma – no explanation needed. Soup. Yummy.


Up Next: AP’s and TIW and Trip Planning Obsessions begin… where the heck is my laminating paper???

 

[Hedy]

Refresh my memory-is it Leo and Maddie who are getting married?

 

[boysmom5150]

Ok ---now I even more sad to know that I will miss not only you but V AGAIN and LL. WTH!!!I have no mojo

ADRS look good.

We didnt like TUTTO either but I think you have to judge for yourself. We know friends who like it:confused

I totally agree ---I would rather have appetizer than dessert but we seem to always do DDP and pay OOP for the other stuff

 

[cmp1111]

Well, that all sounds yummy!

 

[jordanyosh]

Tracy,

I hope the following 2 pictures put your mind at ease about Tutto Italia

Before:

And after:

It was one of our favorite meals of the week.

Jordy

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

OMG I am so excited you are doing another TR!!! Can't wait to hear all the adventures with Waldo!

Hey there! Long time no see! I would have loved to visit Wisconsin, just not en route to WDW, KWIM?

Ok we are thinking about DL for our Apr trip instead of WDW, maybe there is still hope we will meet one day

Oh you need to come to DLR! They're building Carsland in a few years! Happy and Bashful would love it. Oh and FYI - GCV open this fall!

Refresh my memory-is it Leo and Maddie who are getting married?

No it's Michael and Maddie who are betrothed.

Ok ---now I even more sad to know that I will miss not only you but V AGAIN and LL. WTH!!!I have no mojo

See now, you need to come in a day early! Purty pleeeeeeease!!

Well, that all sounds yummy!

I'm a bit worried about CM's, though.

Tracy,

I hope the following 2 pictures put your mind at ease about Tutto Italia

Before:

And after:

It was one of our favorite meals of the week.

Jordy

SOLD! Yummy, green pasta! So would it knock the socks off of Olive Garden? I'm kidding!