Oh, Great, Mom's on her Disney kick again - 1st time ptr

[2princesses2princes]

Cape May is also the cheapest, that is if you're paying this one out of pocket. We're trying to work in a Cape May breakfast for our early January trip because it's guaranteed to have Minnie Mouse. I've also read it's a good place to go if you want to walk over to Epcot.

BOMA & Ohana are good ideas too. Do you get the tonga toast at Ohana? I'm dying to try the tonga toast!

I have never had the tonga toast, but it looks fantastic. I would love to try it sometime. Cape May is within walking to Epcot huh? That could weigh in his favor then. We didn't plan on hitting any parks on our last day, but we could if we were that close, maybe check out a few last things. Oh I don't know, I am so stumped, and yes we are paying out of pocket for this meal, all of our table service meals will be gone.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Who knew that going on a family vacation, especially to disney could be so full of what feels like life altering decisions? Ok, anyone that has actually planned a trip to Disney or has been there would know that. But things are driving me crazy. I am ready to start pre-trip shopping, but I have to hold off until we make our final payment on our trip to be sure, you know, just in case.

As of now my focus of research, and decision is:
Sleeping quarters for my will be almost 3yr old. There is no way she will sleep in a pack n play so we decided to do the airmattress route. Thought about buying a toddler aerobed, but then thought, why not just use one we have at home and save the cash? It will be larger and wont have the raised sides, then we can rotate kids if they want, from bed, to trundle to air mattress.

Camera, well I have a brand new point and shoot camera so that's not the issue. The issue is video, I want video of my babies in Disney, but refuse to lug around our video camera. Other options, thanks to Alli, is a pocket camcorder such as a flip ultrahd or kodak zi8. I have read a lot and can't decide, so one more thing to drive me crazy.

Still watching airfare too by the way. I know the plan is to drive, and if we fly we can't visit my little brother in NC on the way home. But honestly if we get a sweet deal on air, 2.5hrs travel time beats 24+hrs any day.

 

[Simba22]

I'm finally all caught up! I wasn't getting my email notifications!

It doesn't seem I have any readers, but I am going to keep trucking along for now. Feeling all alone though. I do wonder how some get so many readers, and others get next to none. I was really hoping to get others to help out with my planning, especially those that have been in the magic many more times than we could even dream of.

One thing I've learned is to go onto as many other people's TR's as you can and be as active as possible in their threads. If you start to feel like part of the family, they are more likely to hop onto your thread and bring others with them.

So as you know our park plans had to meet some rigorous criteria, and food plans had to meet a similar one. There are things we aren't willing to give up on, and others we are. One thing was that I wanted, as peacemaker to make everyone happy. Can you see that being a recipe for failure? 2 strong willed adults and 4 children, 2 of which are foodies and the other are ever so picky. Mac n cheese and pb & J are their fav's but assume this and they wont tough it. So here's the plan, of course open for changes if anyone has any other suggestions.

Friday- arrival day, Chef Mickey's 5pm
Saturday- AK- Donald's Breakfast 8am
Sunday- Epcot- Akershus Royal Banquet 6:30pm 1st time
Monday- MK- Liberty Tree Tavern 5:10pm
Tuesday- DHS- 50's Prime Time Cafe' 5:50pm 1st time
Wednesday- MK- Crystal Palace 6:10pm 1st time
Thursday- Epcot- Teppan Edo 7:00pm 1st time
Friday- If we get to stay the extra night 1900 Park Fare 7:15pm 1st timeSo what do you all think?

I think your food plans look pretty good! LTT was awesome! A lot of people complain about the food tasting like it's from a box, but we really liked it! It was one of our favorite meals in 2007 and it's already on the list for 2011!

I've never done Crystal Palace for dinner but we love the breakfast there. The restaurant itself always feels crowded to me, but food was fresh and tasty!

We're going to Donald's and 50's for the first time in October so I'll be sure to let you know what we think. I'm really nervous about 50's...not because of the food, but because I really don't like it when people bring attention to me, and if someone makes me sing "I'm a Little Teapot" I might just curl up and die right there. I keep trying to change to Mama Melrose's because it's one of my favorite restaurants, but they don't have anything available for the day I need them. I'll keep trying, but I think 50's is what's meant to be!

Never been to Akershus, Teppan Edo, or 1900. We almost schedule breakfast for 1900 for this trip but my BF vetoed it. I think we are doing Cape May instead.

For anyone that is reading this report could you help me out?

We have always wanted to try another breakfast location but never wanted to compromise park time. Where would you recommend for our last morning, the day we leave? I have always wanted to try Tonga toast, but we really love breakfast buffets. Any suggestions? Could you back up your response with some reasons why you recommend it? Thanks so much.

Ohana is great for breakfast but they are SLOW! There is always a line to check in so we always end up checking in late, even when we were there on time, and then it's another 20 minutes or so to get seated.

Kona Cafe is one of our favorites. We went there for the first time in 2009 and it was the first place we made an ADR at for this coming trip. I had the Tonga Toast and my BF had Steak & Eggs. It was wonderful!

BOMA? For breakfast on our last day? I have never been there, so I am not sure what to expect but the menu sounds good, price seems good. I was thinking of Aloha breakfast, but it's kind of pricey and not much options for food. Although i do like the family style meals with 4 kids, trying to take everyone to the buffet can be challenging. It usually ends up that Dan and I don't even see eachother during the meal. We eat in shifts We are use to it, but I would be so upset if I missed out on a character while getting food. We do love Donald's breakfast though. Gosh why is this so hard to make decisions?

Boma is really nice and the food is really good! The problem is getting there. If you're relying on Disney Transportation, ask the bus driver for the AK bus if he would be able to bring you right to AKL. Otherwise, you have to go to a park, and have a CM call a bus to pick up. Of course, if you'll have a car, then no worries!

Although if your plan is to go to MK on your last day, then I would still stick with Ohana. You can all have a nice meal TOGETHER! and the kids can participate in the little parade thing they do, and all of your food is served to you, as much as you want.

So I went over breakfast options with my husband last night. He looked at each menu, the prices and locations and said Cape May all the way. I had to know how it was so easy for him, I struggled with it. You want to know his response? "They have smoke salmon!" Are you freakin serious? Our last meal in Disney World is going to be based on fish????? Thank goodness I have 4 months to convince him otherwise. I was really leaning towards Ohana or Boma. But I have done most of the planning and I should be thankful that he was so into making this decision.

We're eating here for the first time in October, so I'll make a lot of notes on this for you, too!

Camera, well I have a brand new point and shoot camera so that's not the issue. The issue is video, I want video of my babies in Disney, but refuse to lug around our video camera. Other options, thanks to Alli, is a pocket camcorder such as a flip ultrahd or kodak zi8. I have read a lot and can't decide, so one more thing to drive me crazy.

My brother loves the Flip. We should be getting ours soon so I'll make sure we test it out and let you know how we like it. The one we got is $200 directly from the Flip Website (although we got ours on Ebay for $140), and it records up to 2 hours of video. I'm not sure if they have others that record longer. You can always browse the Flip site and see what you like then look around and see if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Alli- thanks for all the tips and comments. It's great to have others to share the fun of planning with and to get their opinions and experiences. I can't wait to hear about your trip and how Cape May is.

I have been researching the Flips all day today. I found them on newegg for 149.99 and free shipping. I am just not sure what to do yet, we have a little while. I think 2 hours would be enough, then just upload onto my laptop each night and start fresh.

We have done Donald's breakfast before and LOVE it. And as for 50s Primetime, we are so excited about it. Normally I do not like to have attention on me either, I would rather just sit and do my thing, however with my 4 kids I would be ok with it for them. I am sure I will still want to die from embarassment but I just think of the great memories from it.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Took a blow to my surprise plans last night. Not huge, but it'll take some rethinking now. So the kids know we are going to Disney sometime in 2011 right? Well the new plan was to unveil the dates on Christmas in the form of a gift of sort. Well yesterday my ever so out spoken when it comes to Disney 8yr old son informed me that he does not want to know when we are going. I am not sure how it got brought up to be honest, but he was very clear that he does NOT want to know until the day we leave and he figures it out. I tried explaining how exciting it will be to know and plan and stuff, but he said NO. However my 11yr old wants to know at least a week ahead of time. Only to prepare to be out of school, in which I told her I have that handled. So I guess I get to replan my idea for CHristmas. Still doing Disney gifts but no revealing of dates like I really wanted to. We completely surprised them last time so I was kind of looking forward to a few weeks of them driving me crazy, and now that can't happen. i wont let the guy down.

 

[Simba22]

Since you know your kids will be excited, I would be happy to surprise them the day you leave. If they were gonna be like the kids in that video we talked about earlier, I might be hesistant! But your kids are excited at the prospect of going so go with it! Tell them you're taking them somewhere completely awful that you know they'll totally be upset about....and then POOF! Disney instead!

 

[DIS_Indoctrination]

How about a surprise compromise. Would the little man be annoyed with knowing, but not knowing? Tell them you're going in April or May - something aroundo spring break. Then when you go early it'll be a surprise.

 

[hollybearsmom]

I'm here to read and can't wait to hear how you decide to surprise them!

 

[tcuplvr]

Your plans sound awesome!!!!

For what it is worth, here is my 2 cents!

We LOVE 50s Prime Time and it is our new "tradition" (in quotes because this is only our 2nd time) of eating there on our arrival day. We are all a bunch of hams so we eat it up!!!! (no pun intended) Also, we LOVE comfort food!!!

1900 Park Faire is AWESOME!!! The characters not only come around to the tables but interact with each other as well!!! The step-sisters were hysterical!!! I told Lady Tremaine that she had to do something with her daughters and her response was "Madam, I am a single mother and am doing the best I can"

Tonga Toast- can't leave the world without it!!! I LOVE it!!! But the good thing is that you can get it at Capt Cook's which is a QS dining option so you can pay OOP and not have to use a dining credit!!!!

After reading one of the posts on the DIS I decided on the Kodak zi8. It just came today and is charging as we speak so I can't review it yet. The person who wrote the post that I read had 2 kodak models and a flip and recommended the zi8. One of the good things is that it takes sd disks and can accomodate up to 32gb. I bought a whole kit for 170.00. Send me a PM if you want to know where I ordered it from.

Keep up the good work!!!

Bonnie

Bonnie

 

[2princesses2princes]

How about a surprise compromise. Would the little man be annoyed with knowing, but not knowing? Tell them you're going in April or May - something aroundo spring break. Then when you go early it'll be a surprise.

That's an interesting and fun idea I'll have to run it by the hubby. One reason I can see that not working for us though is that we try to motivate our kids to work around the house doing extra chores to earn money, and if they think it isn't til April or May they will put it off, and I really want them to "earn" some of their fun money.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Since you know your kids will be excited, I would be happy to surprise them the day you leave. If they were gonna be like the kids in that video we talked about earlier, I might be hesistant! But your kids are excited at the prospect of going so go with it! Tell them you're taking them somewhere completely awful that you know they'll totally be upset about....and then POOF! Disney instead!

This isn't exaclty the same idea but my baby brother, their favorite uncle just moved to North Carolina from home here in Michigan. So we thought of just telling them were going to see Uncle Derek, and then go to Disney. We of course plan on visiting my brother on the way back too.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Your plans sound awesome!!!!

For what it is worth, here is my 2 cents!

We LOVE 50s Prime Time and it is our new "tradition" (in quotes because this is only our 2nd time) of eating there on our arrival day. We are all a bunch of hams so we eat it up!!!! (no pun intended) Also, we LOVE comfort food!!!

1900 Park Faire is AWESOME!!! The characters not only come around to the tables but interact with each other as well!!! The step-sisters were hysterical!!! I told Lady Tremaine that she had to do something with her daughters and her response was "Madam, I am a single mother and am doing the best I can"

Tonga Toast- can't leave the world without it!!! I LOVE it!!! But the good thing is that you can get it at Capt Cook's which is a QS dining option so you can pay OOP and not have to use a dining credit!!!!

After reading one of the posts on the DIS I decided on the Kodak zi8. It just came today and is charging as we speak so I can't review it yet. The person who wrote the post that I read had 2 kodak models and a flip and recommended the zi8. One of the good things is that it takes sd disks and can accomodate up to 32gb. I bought a whole kit for 170.00. Send me a PM if you want to know where I ordered it from.

Keep up the good work!!!

Bonnie

Bonnie

Thank you so much for all of your input. Glad to hear such good things about 50s PrimeTime and Park Fare.

I am going to have to figure out a way to get my hands on some Tonga toast, somehow someway, that and Dole Whip those are my goals.

As for the camera's let me know how it goes with the Zi8. I am concerned about the reviews of bad sound, the mic not picking up sound well outside and it having a buzzing or whistleing sound in it when played back. I wish you could take these things on "test drives" before purchasing.

 

[2princesses2princes]

I thought of something kind of fun to try out. We have only been to the World 2 times so far. So this isn't too challenging, but I am going to list new things we are for sure trying or are going to try. Any combinationg, restuarants, food, attractions,etc

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside (have only stayed at POP Century before)
Driving instead of flying
Restaurants-
Crystal Palace
1900 Park Fare
Teppan Edo
50's Prime Time
Akershus Royal Banquet
New Foods-
Try to aquire a Tonga Toast and Dole Whip
New Attractions-
Tom Sawyer Island
Swiss Family Treehouse
Country Bear Jamboree

I am sure there is more, but that's it for now. Maybe later I will list things we might be skipping this time that we have done before.

 

[pinkxray]

Hi

I just found your pre-trip report and am joining in. Your kids are adorable and it looks like you have a great trip planned.

I am trying to plan a trip for the last week of Feb. but need to wait until DH agrees. I won't know until maybe next month if we are going or not. If not then we won't go until next Oct.

We stayed at POR on our trip last year and it was awesome!

I am not sure if you have picked your last breakfast or not but I just figured I would throw in some opinions. We have not tried Cape May but I really want to. I think we will save it for a future trip through. We had breakfast at Boma and Ohana last year and they were both great. DD5 would pick Ohana just b/c she loves Lilo and Stitch but she really enjoyed Boma b/c we got to check out AKL and see the animals. I personally liked Boma better based on the food. I really loved the variety of the buffet whereas Ohana only has eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, and waffles(which are good but not my favs). I also loved checking out AKL.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Hi

I just found your pre-trip report and am joining in. Your kids are adorable and it looks like you have a great trip planned.

I am trying to plan a trip for the last week of Feb. but need to wait until DH agrees. I won't know until maybe next month if we are going or not. If not then we won't go until next Oct.

We stayed at POR on our trip last year and it was awesome!

I am not sure if you have picked your last breakfast or not but I just figured I would throw in some opinions. We have not tried Cape May but I really want to. I think we will save it for a future trip through. We had breakfast at Boma and Ohana last year and they were both great. DD5 would pick Ohana just b/c she loves Lilo and Stitch but she really enjoyed Boma b/c we got to check out AKL and see the animals. I personally liked Boma better based on the food. I really loved the variety of the buffet whereas Ohana only has eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, and waffles(which are good but not my favs). I also loved checking out AKL.

Thanks so much for joining, and reading, and most of all sharing your stories and opinions.

We have not decided on our last breakfast yet, and I figure we have time to figure that one out, free dining will be done and we wont need an early breakfast so I think ressies should be open for a while. I am just so torn and pretty much between the 3 you mentioned. My concern with Boma is how to get there in the morning, without driving our own car.

I am so happy to hear you enjoy POR, I can't wait to try it out. It looks absolutely beautiful from the pics I have seen.

I will have to jump on and check out your dining report, i love to read about others experiences with food in the world.

 

[20thingamabobs]

I thought of something kind of fun to try out. We have only been to the World 2 times so far. So this isn't too challenging, but I am going to list new things we are for sure trying or are going to try. Any combinationg, restuarants, food, attractions,etc

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside (have only stayed at POP Century before)
Driving instead of flying
Restaurants-
Crystal Palace
1900 Park Fare
Teppan Edo
50's Prime Time
Akershus Royal Banquet
New Foods-
Try to aquire a Tonga Toast and Dole Whip
New Attractions-
Tom Sawyer Island
Swiss Family Treehouse
Country Bear Jamboree

I am sure there is more, but that's it for now. Maybe later I will list things we might be skipping this time that we have done before.

I think you'll really like POR, I love how quaint it is and make sure you take the boat ride to DTD at least once! I think you'll really like Crystal Palace, it's one of my favorites and I'm excited to try 1900 PF and Akershus on my upcoming trips too! I LOVE the Dole Whip, it's delicious so that's a must! I also enjoyed the Tonga Toast but it's REALLY sweet first thing in the morning... so be prepared for a sugar high, should be a productive day at the parks after eating it . Finally, if you can, you might want to head to Tom Sawyer Island first thing when it opens to see if you can find one of the hidden paint brushes and get a Fast Pass for turning it in!

 

[2princesses2princes]

I think you'll really like POR, I love how quaint it is and make sure you take the boat ride to DTD at least once! I think you'll really like Crystal Palace, it's one of my favorites and I'm excited to try 1900 PF and Akershus on my upcoming trips too! I LOVE the Dole Whip, it's delicious so that's a must! I also enjoyed the Tonga Toast but it's REALLY sweet first thing in the morning... so be prepared for a sugar high, should be a productive day at the parks after eating it . Finally, if you can, you might want to head to Tom Sawyer Island first thing when it opens to see if you can find one of the hidden paint brushes and get a Fast Pass for turning it in!

Thanks for the tips, I never heard that about Tom Sawyer Island, interesting. We are hoping to spend 3 days in MK so enough time to really just enjoy it, our last time, first time with the kids we only had one day and we missed out on a TON. There are things my kids don't know exist. Sad really.

I am trying to figure out how to get my hands on the Tonga toast. Sugar is fine, but I will be prepared for a crash. Maybe we'll get a regular breakfast for each of us and share a few bites each of the toast.

The dole whip is driving me crazy. I want to try it so bad, I can almost taste it.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Ok so here's a question for you all. We have never driven to Disney or around Disney, always flew and used resort transportation. That was the plan for this trip, well drive down but then park for the week. However I am finding a few things I would love to do that might be easier if we drive. So for instance downtown disney on our last day, do we have to pay to park, if so how much? Also say we want to go to the Poly for breakfast one day and decide to drive do we have to pay to park there? If it's a park day should we just park at the TTC and hop the monorails to get to the poly and then just drive back to the resort that day? How much is parking at the parks? Sorry for the crazy questions but I never really thought of it.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Today I thought I'd post our driving plans. This is definitely not set in stone and if anyone has any suggestions or anything, please feel free to pick it apart or whatever. We have 3 possible driving plans so far, but I will post the one that is most thought out and researched. However while reviewing this keep in mind I may change my times by 3 hours, as in leave 3 hours earlier than what we planned. The plan is to arrive at POR by noon on Friday the 11th, to have time to explore, swim and nap before a 5pm ressie at Chef Mickeys. We are new to the driving and all that so please if you think I am nuts let me know.

So here's the plan
11:00am pack up van, get gas and pick kids up from school
12:00pm on the road (eat lunch while driving)
3:10 potty break
3:25 hit the road again
6:25 dinner and gas fill up
7:30 hit the road
9:50 potty break before kids hopefully passing out for the night
10:00 hit the road
1:00am break
1:10 on the road again
2:40 break and gas
2:50 back on the road
5:50 break
6:00 on the road
7:40 break, breakfast and gas
8:40 hittin the road
11:20 arrive at POR

Now I realize this is just a tenative schedule driving leaves lots of room for change, traffic, weather, the fact we will have 4 kids in a car for 20+hrs. So that is why I thought that leaving 3 hours earlier gives us more time for breaks if need be. I just don't see the point in stopping at a hotel, I really don't I wont sleep neither will the kids any better than in the car, however we might just possibly make a reservation somewhere just in case. But that will totally change our schedule. However the drive home we will be stopping. Are my breaks too short? Are there not enough? I thought I'd try not to break during "nap time" and limit the at night stops aside from Dan and I switching the driving position. I have never driven more than 6 hours at once and we did that with one stop and I drove the whole thing.

 

[20thingamabobs]

Every day they hide (I think 6) paint brushes (used) on Tom Sawyer Island. The families that find them can turn them into the raft drivers and are given a Fast Pass for a ride (usually Big Thunder or Splash). You'll have to be on the first raft over though if you want to stan a chance of finding one before they're gone.

Ok so here's a question for you all. We have never driven to Disney or around Disney, always flew and used resort transportation. That was the plan for this trip, well drive down but then park for the week. However I am finding a few things I would love to do that might be easier if we drive. So for instance downtown disney on our last day, do we have to pay to park, if so how much? Also say we want to go to the Poly for breakfast one day and decide to drive do we have to pay to park there? If it's a park day should we just park at the TTC and hop the monorails to get to the poly and then just drive back to the resort that day? How much is parking at the parks? Sorry for the crazy questions but I never really thought of it.

As a Disney resort guest, you will not have to pay to park anywhere. Parking is free to all Disney visitors at Downtown Disney and the water parks. Parking for NON DIsney Resort guests is $14/day at the theme parks. As you are entering the park gates just show your Key to the World card and they'll let you through without charging you parking OR at check-in the should give you a parking pass for your car, if you lay that on your dashboard they'll wave you through the gates without needing to show your key. You could park directly at the Poly for your breakfast but only for 3 hours so you'd have to move it after. If you're going to MK after breakfast I'd park at TTC, monorail to POLY, monorail to MK, and monorail back to TTC at end of day. If you are going Epcot (or any other park) I would park at Poly during breakfast then drive directly to that park for the day to limit traveling that night when everyone is tired and ready to get back to the resort.