***OFFICIAL*** October 2011 - Updated 10/08/11

[Coopers2006]

Hey everyone! I love these boards! The advice on these boards have help me plan 2 incredible Disney trips. In 2009, when my DGS finally turned 7, just him and I went. We stayed off site and took our lunch into the parks everyday. In 2010, my husband and I went for our anniversary and stayed at PC with the DDP. So, going again in Oct. with my DD age 27,DGS age 9, and DGD age 3. We booked in Feb. are so excited. I have a container that I have just been throwing stuff in like toys for our window, some really cute Disney T-shirts at Walmart for only $5!, etc. Im trying to make a binder also. I did that in 2010 and it was so helpful. Also good Disney apps on Iphone make planning easier too.

 

[stasijane]

I am so ready to get our trip started, We will be staying Oct 1-7 at the ASMu It will be My first trip to the F&W and my DB first trip ever to Disney! we are making the trip the the Food and Wine Half but plan on spending the rest of the time enjoying ourselves.

 

[lmbcdb]

Subscribing!

We are headed to Pop Century on October 25 with Free Dining.
6 nights
Base tickets
Disney Dining Plan
2 connecting rooms

Me, my DH, and our two kids - DD3 and DS8.

Plans: 2 days at MK, 2 @ EP, 2 @ HS and 1/2 day at AK.

Our ADRs:

Boma on arrival day (1st time) (we want to check out AKL for possible trip next year)
Garden Grill (1st time)
Crystal Palace
Spirit of Aloha (1st time)
Sci-Fi
Akershus

As you can tell, we prefer the character meals over the meet n greets. We are trying some new restaurants this time, along with a lot of new attractions.

Now the wait begins!

First wait: until 8/18 when my bonus check comes in to pay for our trip and airfare. Right now I have priced all of us at $707 round trip from Dallas to Orlando. That's pretty awesome, so if everyone could keep their fingers crossed for 12 days, let's hope it stays that low.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

 

[InTheBubble]

We'll be down for our 4th Food and Wine festival! Also hoping to join in on some of the 40th Anniversary gatherings. Staying at BLT for the first time. Sept 28-Oct 2nd.

 

[funhouse8]

Congratulations!! Our anniversary is also Oct 9th - but we are only married for 13 years this year! And we are also going on the 15th for our anniversary trip!!! How funny! We spent our 10th anniversary in DW and just had the most fabulous time. Be sure and get your anniversary buttons to wear throughout your trip!!

We are going Oct 9th for our 30th anniversary, good call about the pins I completely forgot about that. Thanks

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

That's tough trying to convince a non-believer . Have you tried sitting him down at the computer and showing him the on-line F&W Fest guide? Or at least you can tell him about all the different kinds of food and beer that's available? I was just talking to my cousin who is a Disney lover like all of us, and we noticed that there are many more beer varieties available than wine even from the different countries...hope that it helps! Good luck!!

 

[sjs314]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

As pp mentioned I would try to show him pics of someones TR of F&W Fest, maybe if he sees all the great food there is to sample, and added plus if he is a beer lover as there are lots of beers he might find to his liking. Just make sure you avoid going to WS on the weekends, Friday Night, all day Sat & Sunday during the day as it will be much more crowded .

Since it is your first visit surely you will not want to miss WS the countries is my favorite place to go(show him pics of the countries) and then there is Illuminations shown nightly at 9pm.

I use food to lure my DH to Disney, I constantly save pics from food reviews to show him and if he happens to be nearby he will sit down and look through a review. It works for me , my DH is very excited about some of the meals he will be eating while we are there.

DH and I can no longer drink due to meds we take but that is not stopping us from heading to the F&W Festival.

Good Luck

 

[FigmentChick]

Hi Everyone..hope all of you "Octoberer's" are enjoying your summer. The DIS and the countdown are the only thing keeping me going. We had a really bad July, DH had a motorcycle accident, 5 broken ribs, a bruised lung, internal bleeding from his spleen and fluid from the broken ribs pushing up against one of his lungs making it hard to breathe. Spleen was fixed and fluid was drained and all was well. A week later, back to the hospital with severe pain on his right side, kidney stones! Thank goodness he passed it and he is on the road to recovery. Not to mention work being a complete nightmare!

Needless to say, we need a vacation and are counting the days until we get on that plane for some magic!

Oh, my goodness!!!! I do hope everything is working out ok and he is healing fast. My dad has had three major motorcycle accidents, one that damaged his knee quite bad, so I understand how bad and scary it can be. Tell him to rest up now so he has enough energy to walk around the world.

I can also empathize with work being a nightmare; I had to let go one of my assistants on Friday. Not fun. But, try to think of this: in two months, we'll be enjoying pixie dust at Disney!!! (at least, that's what I am trying to keep in mind)

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

Tell your DH to email my DH!!! LOL Seriously, though, my DH doesn't drink (has never had a drop of alcohol in his life) and he loves the F&W Festival. We truly do eat our way around the world. We try to get the marketplace booth menus before we go down and pick at least one thing from each booth to try. We had sushi and lamb for the first time at the F&W Festival. I do drink a little, so I will have one margarita or one glass of wine as we walk around each day. But my hubby enjoys trying all the different styles and flavors of food. He'll be fine even if he doesn't drink.

And, if I remember correctly, the booths are actually showcasing some of the better wines from that region, not necessarily pairing a wine with a dish. You can enjoy the dishes just fine with a bottle of water....my hubby is a prime example of that.

 

[snykymom]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

I suggest, rather than showing him anything, just stop trying to convince him of anything. If there's something you want to try that you have to reserve, just reserve it. Otherwise, why not just wait until you get there and head over to World Showcase? You'd do that anyway as a first-timer, right? So once you're there, he'll see all the kiosks and decide what he does and doesn't want. You'll have an idea of where to go once you get there. Then just let F&W itself do the rest!

 

[lmc318]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

I suggest, rather than showing him anything, just stop trying to convince him of anything. If there's something you want to try that you have to reserve, just reserve it. Otherwise, why not just wait until you get there and head over to World Showcase? You'd do that anyway as a first-timer, right? So once you're there, he'll see all the kiosks and decide what he does and doesn't want. You'll have an idea of where to go once you get there. Then just let F&W itself do the rest!

I agree. Let Disney do the magic, because you know they will. Just get your "you'll see" smirk on whenever he gets a puss face about it and let it wash right over you. You know once you get there and he sees the kiosks and what they are about, he'll get a happy face on and realize it's not about food AND wine, it's about food, or wine, or food, or beer, or food, or drinks, or food... I wouldn't let it stress you out. It's called Disney magic for a reason! And you know what? If, when you're there, he's still Mr. Grumpy, let him walk off by himself and change his own mood. Sometimes it takes other people to do it. When he is touched by a little pixie dust, he'll come around, you'll see! Don't let it ruin your trip and your excitment!

 

[Bellamouse]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

I don't drink at all, and I disagree that it's "all about the food and wine pairings". We have been to the F/W festival probably 5 times (maybe more) and we only go to WDW during the F/W Fest, we love it that much. I don't do any of the classes or special events, I just love to EAT! Does he like to go to restaurants? Does he feel like they're not worth going to because he doesn't pair wine with his meals? I just go around and eat the most wonderful foods all day long. Wine has nothing to do with it if you're not interested in it. My DH doesn't drink wine really either - he prefers beer, and so he chooses from among all the different beers with his food. I just drink water

No disrespect to your DH intended, but I love how people who have never been already "know" exactly what it's all about

The most ironic thing is, if you do get him to go, he will be the one who loves it the most. I can almost guarantee that.

 

[cemeb4dk]

We are going Sept 27-Oct6th. We are staying at Kidani village for the first time. It will be my 5 1/2 year old daughters 9th trip, but first surprise one. Its been killing me holding it all this time but the surprise will be worth it I hope as she usually is my little planner. We went last Oct, and earlier this year she stated she didn't want to go to disney til she was 7, but lately shes been talking about WDW more and more so I think she is starting to miss the fun, and I keep playing it off not til your 7.

Anyways I am hoping they will be doing something for the 40th and for Repunzel on the 2nd. As we have a dress and the hair to surprise my daughter with. I just wish they would release something, but maybe its better as it will keep the crowds down.

 

[pilferk]

I have a DH that really doesn't get the magic. We have never been to WDW. We planned to go during Oct because of a better chance of good weather, Halloween, low crowds, and the F&W festival. When I was first telling him about it, he was saying that he was going to leave me with the kids and he was going to eat his way around the world. So yesturday, he was saying we aren't doing the festival because "it's all about pairing wine with food and we don't drink wine." I'm tring to tell him that while they do have some classes that tell you how to do that, there's more to it than that. That Disney wouldn't do anything that left kids entirely out of the picture because it's a family destination. He wasn't hearing it. He was in one of those "I'm right, you're wrong, stop talking moods".

This will be our 3rd or 4th trip to F&W. My wife and I do not drink all that much wine when we attend. OCCASIONALLY, we'll have one of the "sample cups" at a specific country.

But we hit almost every country to try their sample foods. WE do eat our way around the world, and drink almost nothing. The samples are not sold with wine, you are under no onus to buy the wine with the food, and while they do have people on hand explaining how and why the wines are paired with which food offering...you don't have to listen to them or engage them.

While it's called "Food and Wine"...it can be "Food" or it can be "Wine". The "and" isn't enforced.

 

[srauchbauer]

how much does it cost to rent a locker for the day, thinking of renting a locker to store items that we only need once a day?

tia

 

[srauchbauer]

I have been working on transportation this morning getting from either park to dinner and dinner to park. I think I have the two figured out hoping you will all take a peak and let me know if they will work or give me a better plan. I have never had to worry about this part of Disney - we usually eat at the parks, but with Deluxe we are going to enjoy some nice meals.

here are my plans to get from Animal Kingdom to the Grand Floridian:
Bus from Animal Kindgom to the Grand Floridian.
From Grand Floridian to MK
Monorail from Grand Floridian to MK

From CBR to Yacht Club
6:15 Bus from resort to Epcot, catch the Yacht club bus to the Yacht club resort.
From Yacht Club back to CBR
take bus to DTD then catch a bus to CBR.

thanks for taking the time to help me out.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Epcot has no busses to the yatch and beach club and they are next to the park. You have to enter thru the international gateway.

So you can either take a bus to Hollywood studios and walk to Yatch or take a boat or you can still take your bus to Epcot but you will be walking farther since you have to walk to the international gateway. Hollywood studios would be a shorter trip I think

 

[Figaro972]

I have been working on transportation this morning getting from either park to dinner and dinner to park. I think I have the two figured out hoping you will all take a peak and let me know if they will work or give me a better plan. I have never had to worry about this part of Disney - we usually eat at the parks, but with Deluxe we are going to enjoy some nice meals.

here are my plans to get from Animal Kingdom to the Grand Floridian:
Bus from Animal Kindgom to the Grand Floridian.
From Grand Floridian to MK
Monorail from Grand Floridian to MK

From CBR to Yacht Club
6:15 Bus from resort to Epcot, catch the Yacht club bus to the Yacht club resort.
From Yacht Club back to CBR
take bus to DTD then catch a bus to CBR.

thanks for taking the time to help me out.

Your plans from AK to GF sound good but you can walk from epcot to yacht club. its a VERY short walk. use the back exit between UK and France.

 

[srauchbauer]

Your plans from AK to GF sound good but you can walk from epcot to yacht club. its a VERY short walk. use the back exit between UK and France.

thanks for your thoughts, we are not planning on going into Epcot on Friday night, so would a better bet be take the bus from CBR to DTD, then from DTD to Yacht Club.


or a second thought how much would a cab be from CBR to Yacht; and what about booster seats we have a 6 and 4 year old.

Thanks.

 

[two*little*birds]

O.K. I admit it... just posting to see my tickie!