Now Approaching... Sleepingbooty's Sept. PTR (We're BAAACK! 9/26)

[3princesses+aprince]

Awesome power point you got going on there! That looks like fun!! Makes me hungry!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Hi! And Thanks for joining in! September is my favorite time of year at WDW - have you ever been at that time before?

No, and I'm really excited about it! We went twice last year (in Jan and June) and before that Jan trip, I had only ever been to WDW in the summer months. We did take one trip in mid-March once too.

 

[Charlefours]

Well, as long as they planned things that you enjoyed - it was probably a great way to experience Disney for the first time. If you've never been before, you just have no idea how huge it is, how much there is to know before you go - well, you know what I mean! You don't know how much you don't know, until you go!

The only issue is they have their own preferences and really that is all that they took into account. They ate at their favorite restaurants (which were yummy) and decide how much time we should or should not spend in the parks. We spent hardly any time in MK--there are parts we have never seen--Fantasyland and most of Toon Town. I guess that is the biggest difference when planning everything ourselves, we are really tailoring it to what we want to do, see and eat.

It was a great introduction but I am sure looking forward to this trip even more!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey there! I'm usually not around much on the weekends either - too much family stuff goin on. Fun-filled yes, restful no! How was yours?

fun-filled? No. Restful- uh-huh! I worked on my planning journal some. The quilt some, this and that- mostly puttering. I like weekends like that!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Wow, Rebecca. You're really going the whole nine yards! It's great how you're taking everyone's opinions into consideration. Like most others have said, when I do the planning, it's usually what I want. I just make sure it's what everyone else wants. If it isn't, then I change it to something else.

I'd really like to see this powerpoint of yours....

I wish I could show it on here, but I don't know how. I could show a couple screenshots I guess - If Glenn would remind me how to do it. I think there was some free program that I downloaded that helped me convert a jpeg to a pdf or something? Maybe it was the other way around

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Awesome power point you got going on there! That looks like fun!! Makes me hungry!

I know! I have to think of a good Disney themed meal to go along with the showing of the PP this weekend. Any ideas?

No, and I'm really excited about it! We went twice last year (in Jan and June) and before that Jan trip, I had only ever been to WDW in the summer months. We did take one trip in mid-March once too.

How was June? I imagine the crowds get worse as the month goes along?

The only issue is they have their own preferences and really that is all that they took into account. They ate at their favorite restaurants (which were yummy) and decide how much time we should or should not spend in the parks. We spent hardly any time in MK--there are parts we have never seen--Fantasyland and most of Toon Town. I guess that is the biggest difference when planning everything ourselves, we are really tailoring it to what we want to do, see and eat.

It was a great introduction but I am sure looking forward to this trip even more!!

Oh, well that's a bummer - if they didn't really take your preferences into account. I can see why you are so excited to be in charge of the planning yourself this time!

fun-filled? No. Restful- uh-huh! I worked on my planning journal some. The quilt some, this and that- mostly puttering. I like weekends like that!

Ahh, quilting does sound restful. I could use a weekend like that. I don't think I'm going to get one for a while, lots of home projects lined up.

 

[eandesmom]

you should be able do a "save as" to convert it to a pdf and then convert the pages you want to a jpeg from there.

When are you showing it to the family?

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Chapter 14. Disney Dining Utopia vs. Disney Dining Reality

Well I’m not quite finished with my PowerPoint for our dining plans, but we are getting together Saturday night to look at it. I’ll get it done by then. I think I’ve got 10 or so more pages to do and then I need to link them together.

In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about where I want to eat. I’ve got two different versions. The first list is where I would choose if I didn’t have anyone else’s taste to consider. Or, if everyone enjoyed the exact same things I do. A perfect world. Disney Dining Utopia. Not gonna happen. But here’s the list anyway:

1. Le Chefs De France: I’ve never been, but I love the ambience of the France pavilion. The photos of the restaurant just look so quintessentially French to me. Although, having never been to France, I suppose I’m relying on the cinema for my notions of French culture. I don’t even know if I’d like French food. I like cheese – all kinds. I like heavy cream sauces. And I really want to see that Rat!

2. Teppan Edo: I love Japanese hibachi style restaurants. I’ve never been to one I didn’t like. In fact, they’ve all been pretty much the same. I haven’t tried this one yet, so maybe it’ll be different. But if it’s not, that’s okay. I like the Asian vibe – always makes me feel very relaxed (maybe that’s the sake).

3. Le Cellier: Scott and I ate here on our anniversary trip in 2007 and we loved it. What’s not to love. I’m a steak lover (Scott prefers chicken), but it was the cheese soup that really had me in a tizzy.

4. Boma: Eaten here three times, I think. In 2007, they had the most fabulous ribs I’ve ever tasted. In 09, no ribs. I guess the offerings change a bit. Like everyone else, I love the Zebra Domes, but the best part about Boma is the soups. I like to get a little bowl of each.

5. 50’s Prime Time: Went here for the first time last spring and we really loved it. Scott said it was the best fried chicken he ever ate. And it was just such a good time. The décor reminded my of visiting my Grandma’s house. (Which is, I imagine, what they intended – so bravo, Disney!)

6. Ohana: This is a tradition for us, we’ve eaten here on every trip. Typically on the first night. Love the food (although I wish they’d bring back the Maui Scalloped Potatoes), and I really love spending time at the Polynesian. Someday, I will spend an entire week there.

7. Whispering Canyon Café: We tried this last spring and really enjoyed our meals. I love me some good bbq. Plus, I just really liked soaking up the atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge. Definitely made us want to stay there.


Now for the second list. This one is more realistic, and based on not just what I would like, but what I think the group as a whole would like. Of course, I do like all these places too – and I would be very pleased with this list.

Some from the first list remain on this list:

1. Ohana: This is my dad’s favorite

2. 50’s Prime Time: I know my parents will love this.

3. Whispering Canyon Café: My dad the carnivore will dig the skillet – my mom would probably be the lone dissenter and order a chicken salad. She may vote this one down.

4. Le Cellier: It’s just so good!

And then by removing Boma, Teppan Edo, and Le Chefs de France (which I don’t think they’ll go for), I’ll substitute in

5. Chef Mickeys: It’s a crowd pleaser, and I know the girls really want to go back

6. San Angel Inn: My mom’s favorite is Mexican, plus this is just a fun place to eat.

7. 1900 Park Fare: Number 1, we’ve never been here, so it would be trying something new. Number 2, it’s a buffet, everyone should find stuff they like, and number 3, I want to get my fill of characters before the girls outgrow it. Already last year Jenna was luke warm about getting autographs.

Now to throw a wrench in it: We’ve thrown around the possibility of doing the Hoop De Doo Review. That’s a 2 credit shindig. So, we’d have to remove 2 of the above choices (and then probably do a CS for dinner one night). Which would I take out to add in Hoop? Probably Whispering Canyon (similar style food), and Chef Mickey’s (we’d still have one character meal.)

What do you think?

Click here for the next chapter: Disney Dining PowerPoint!

 

[Charlefours]

when are you showing it?!? I am looking forward to hearing their reactions.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

you should be able do a "save as" to convert it to a pdf and then convert the pages you want to a jpeg from there.

When are you showing it to the family?

I'm going to have them over for dinner on Saturday night, and show it then. I'm thinking of doing an Ohana style meal.

So, save the whole slide show as a pdf and then convert individual pages into jpegs? How do I convert them? I think I downloaded something to do that before our computer crashed, so I no longer have it. And I don't remember what it was called

 

[jenbear123]

Sorry I'm no help with converting your powerpoint slides to jpegs. I'm more a Mac kinda gal

Great selection you got there. I saw Remi for the first time in November. So glad I got to see him before he gets the boot. Those are great pictures by the way. Did you take those yourself?

Hope you're a fan of country music if you're planning on doing Hoop Dee Doo!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm going to have them over for dinner on Saturday night, and show it then. I'm thinking of doing an Ohana style meal.

So, save the whole slide show as a pdf and then convert individual pages into jpegs? How do I convert them? I think I downloaded something to do that before our computer crashed, so I no longer have it. And I don't remember what it was called

Exactly.

Check out photoshop express online, you should be able to convert through that I think without downloading anything. Full acrobat will let you export a pdf as a jpeg but most people don't have that.

There are other programs though....Glennbo would probably know!

 

[eandesmom]

I would take out WCC and go for some Hoop. You would LOVE Hoop, it is so much fun!!!!!

Teppan Edo though....really it's pretty basic food. Hibachi grilled steak, chicken, prawns or scallops with "sauce" on the side. It appeals to a pretty wide base, I'd encourage reconsidering!

Not to mention the "show" the chef's put on is SOOOOO much fun. My kids favorite meal (all 4 of them) hands down and our only repeat ADR for the next trip.

 

[All7OfUs]

I would agree that taking out WCC would be a good choice, but I think taking out Chef Mickey's be a better one to ditch. Like you say you still get a good character meal in.

Cynthia is right, Teppan is pretty basic. Who doesn't like grilled steak or chicken with a big pile of noodles or white rice?? For me, it's like you get the food AND a show.

Hoop is worth it. Much better than anything you've got up there!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I
How was June? I imagine the crowds get worse as the month goes along?

June was hot and crowded, but not unmanagable. Before our Jan trip, I had only ever been to WDW in the summer months. Plus, last year, it was my birthday trip! We took advantage of AM EMH each day, left the park midday for a swim/nap at the hotel, and then returned to a park (we had hoppers) in the late afternoon/evening. It worked out really well. We are also experts at using our fast passes. Plus, since we had been in Jan (and did everything that we wanted) June was like a bonus trip.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

LOVE your choices! I think I would take out CM and WCC for Hoop and I think you should at least suggest Chef's in place of Le Cellier, since you have already been to Le Cellier!

Can't wait to hear what they choose!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

when are you showing it?!? I am looking forward to hearing their reactions.

This Saturday night. I need to save it on a flash drive so I can open it on Scott's laptop - which I'll connect to the big tv so we can view it in style!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Just thought I'd let you know I started my PTR. Come on over and check it out if you'd like.

"I Want To Go Back!!!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Sorry I'm no help with converting your powerpoint slides to jpegs. I'm more a Mac kinda gal

Great selection you got there. I saw Remi for the first time in November. So glad I got to see him before he gets the boot. Those are great pictures by the way. Did you take those yourself?

Hope you're a fan of country music if you're planning on doing Hoop Dee Doo!

When are they giving Remy the boot? And do you know where (if there is one) I can find his schedule?

No, I didn't take those pics. Some of them I got here on the Dis. There is a thread categorized by restaurant on the dining board. Some of them I found elsewhere on the web. To those whose photos I appropriated - thank you!

Country music is not my favorite, but I can get into the spirit of the show and enjoy it. I've been to Branson enough to be able to appreciate corny down-home humor for exactly what it is - and not expect any more from it

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Exactly.

Check out photoshop express online, you should be able to convert through that I think without downloading anything. Full acrobat will let you export a pdf as a jpeg but most people don't have that.

There are other programs though....Glennbo would probably know!

I don't have full Acrobat. I'm pretty sure it was on Glenn's ptr - he mentioned a free download that does this very task, and I used it. But alas, when I reinstalled Windows after my virus, I lost it. Maybe he'll come along here in the next day or two and educate us.... Or I guess I could go comb through the back pages in his PTR and probably find it. Too much work! Glenn, where are you?