Oh me, oh my! Are we really going to WDW in.....JULY!?! UPDATES TODAY 07/19 pg 30!!

[micandminforever]

Thoughts and Prayers for your friends family. News like that makes your realizes that each day with friends and family is filled with blessings.

 

[MegansMom]

Sorry for your loss.
Alexia would respond the same way Megs did with just focusing in the part that she was scared of. I can't wait to hear about your ADR's.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sorry for the loss of your friend Jen. My prayers are with his family that they will feel at peace.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Jen!

Thoughts and Prayers for your friends family. News like that makes your realizes that each day with friends and family is filled with blessings.

Thank you all for your kind words and sincerest sympathies. It is unreal to think it has already been a week since his funeral....it is unreal how something like this affects you....absolutely makes you re-evaluate everything, one more time. I know I have been hugging everyone a little deeper this week, making sure that the last words my loved ones hear from me are "I LOVE YOU," and trying to cherish and appreciate the blessings each day brings with it. Thanks again for all the comfort and prayers!


Now, speaking of blessings, I have an UPDATE to post! Be back REAL soon!

 

[MegansMom]

ADR DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

How on EARTH did that get here so soon??? Usually I am well-prepared, list in hand of MUSTS, back-ups, and the like ready to tackle the early morning ADR reserving! But as of right now, I have to say, I am NO where near ready!

I know, crazy right!!!! With the funeral, with work, with taking care of Megan, planning a small anniversary trip for my parents, and every other little thing that has absorbed my time lately, I have nothing ready.....AT ALL!!!!!! I have sent Allen and Nicole a wordy, but wonderful email about the Dining Plan (they didn't use it last time they stayed) and making reservations---with menus included---to help get their input about the meals as well. BUT, I haven't even consulted the calendar of park hours or any of the other helpful information I normally use to start planning our days. (Yes, panic is setting in!)

THANK GOODNESS, and trust me I am shivering with disgust as I say this, I actually have a SNOW DAY today!!! I am shivering with disgust because we have had more than enough snow around here---I am so DONE with winter, and we still have two more months to trudge through----BLECH!!! But I SO needed the time off to get my "ducks in a row" shall we say in reference to this trip!

I feel like making ADRs won't be as challenging this trip though because we have visited so many of our favorites in the past, that we are really open to everything and anything this trip. I am looking forward to incorporating whatever anyone wants---I have asked for a list of ideas from each party member, even the girls. I am going to do my best to appease everyone. We know what we LOVE, but I really have no must do's! It is kind of a nice, freeing feeling. No stress, no anxiety, no clock synchronizing to do to GET THAT ADR THAT WE MUST HAVE! I am also going to do something that is probably "illegal"--I am going to make a couple of different reservations for now for each day that we can throw around and discuss to determine which we will end up with in the end. (Shhh...don't turn me into the Disney Police, okay?) I think since it is summer, it would be nice to do some lunch sit-down meals---get out of the heat, the crowds, and the sun and enjoy a leisurely lunch. That is, if everyone is up for that!

I think this is the nicest thing about planning this trip with Allen and Nicole---and this probably says quite a bit about our friendships---I have NO worries whatsoever about traveling to WDW with them! I know that we are all so laid back, that regardless of ANYTHING, we are going to have a GREAT time! We can be honest with each other about what we want to do, and no one gets upset! It is the greatest feeling! I know there are going to be so many great memories of this trip....I really can't wait to share them with you all, but it just makes me even MORE excited to plan it!

Okay, so since I have NO ADRs on my list yet, and no restaurants to book for that matter, I need some help everyone. I would love it if you could give me some recommendations on where the 6 of us should go---maybe places that accommodate large groups well, provide LOTS of variety for varying tastes, are good lunch options (worth the TS credit), or any restaurant that you have enjoyed that might not be at the top of the radar. I want your help, NEED it actually, so share away my friends!!!!! I'm listening.......

 

[cherbear]

I can't remember if yall have been to Whispering Canyon Cafe yet? That one is fun! and tasty too...

 

[MegansMom]

I can't remember if yall have been to Whispering Canyon Cafe yet? That one is fun! and tasty too...

We did WCC on our Nov 2007 trip with his parents and did enjoy our meal. I will have to keep that one in mind! Thanks for the suggestion Cherbear!

 

[MeMom]

I think this is the nicest thing about planning this trip with Allen and Nicole---and this probably says quite a bit about our friendships---I have NO worries whatsoever about traveling to WDW with them! I know that we are all so laid back, that regardless of ANYTHING, we are going to have a GREAT time! We can be honest with each other about what we want to do, and no one gets upset! It is the greatest feeling! I know there are going to be so many great memories of this trip....I really can't wait to share them with you all, but it just makes me even MORE excited to plan it!

That is a great feeling. That's why our family trips work well. We do some things together and some things in separate groups. Sometimes I stay back with Bella and/or Brooklynn and let the adults go do grown-up stuff or ride big rides with Brook. Sometimes all the guys go off together. Sometimes just Jill and I will run to DTD to shop while the guys have the girls napping. If everyone just gives and takes, it does make for a nice time.

Disney trip planning is, indeed, some kind of fun!

As for your ADR's maybe you could make a list of some places you've never tried but would like to and people can give their input.

 

[IluvXU]

I am impressed by your laid back nature in the ADR craziness! Hooray Jen!

I totally agree about over booking, we have a few extra meals for our trip that I will cancel closer to the time, or at least before the day of.

 

[Trentmom]

I am very sorry for your loss

 

[Trentmom]

One of our favorites is the breakfast buffet at Boma.

Such good food....some regular American food and then exotic mixed in and awesome juice

 

[MegansMom]

That is a great feeling. That's why our family trips work well. We do some things together and some things in separate groups. Sometimes I stay back with Bella and/or Brooklynn and let the adults go do grown-up stuff or ride big rides with Brook. Sometimes all the guys go off together. Sometimes just Jill and I will run to DTD to shop while the guys have the girls napping. If everyone just gives and takes, it does make for a nice time.

Disney trip planning is, indeed, some kind of fun!

As for your ADR's maybe you could make a list of some places you've never tried but would like to and people can give their input.

That is exactly what I envision for this trip too! Go where you want, when you want, with whomever you want! I know there will be times the guys will want to go hang out at ESPN Zone, but then again, Nicole and I might just have to go find something girly to do! I am so excited! . EEEKKK!

What? You want me to make a LIST!?!?!? Okay.....if I HAVE to! Off to make that list!

 

[MegansMom]

I am impressed by your laid back nature in the ADR craziness! Hooray Jen!

I totally agree about over booking, we have a few extra meals for our trip that I will cancel closer to the time, or at least before the day of.

I am surprised too--it's a new ME! Right?!??! I just hope I can keep this composure through Monday! I am loving having the variety to choose from so that we can figure it out together! It will definitely be fun to see what it ends up being in the end!

So are you frozen with all this snow and frigid temperatures? BRRRRR....

 

[MegansMom]

One of our favorites is the breakfast buffet at Boma.

Such good food....some regular American food and then exotic mixed in and awesome juice

Thank you for your condolences! I really appreciate it!

I am adding Boma breakfast to the list---1e LOVE their dinner buffet, and we are going to be RIGHT there......mmmmmmmmmmm my stomach is growling just thinking about it!

 

[MegansMom]

One of our favorites is the breakfast buffet at Boma.

Such good food....some regular American food and then exotic mixed in and awesome juice

Thank you for your condolences! I really appreciate it!

I am adding Boma breakfast to the list---1e LOVE their dinner buffet, and we are going to be RIGHT there......mmmmmmmmmmm my stomach is growling just thinking about it!

 

[KristEn87]

I'm a big fan of Sci-Fi Drive In Restaurant in Hollywood Studios. We usually go for lunch and their burgers are great. I can't remember if you've been there or not, but the atmosphere is really cool and one of the "car" table would easily sit 6.

We will have a group of 7 when we go in July and I think we are highly considering going to Hoop De Do Review. We did this once in 2007 as a family of 4 and can't wait to go back with a bigger group!

 

[IluvXU]

Tutto was a fantastic meal for us, an expensive lunch for the dining plan that we added spur of the moment two years ago when our park schedule changed. It was yummy, and I would recommend it!

Have you ever done O'Hana's breakfast? It would be fun to hit some rides at MK and then take the monorail over for a late breakfast. That is one meal my girls still talk about .... I thought it was yummy and nice to have a family style meal so no buffet walking with kids. We also loved Cape May, sooo cute to see the gang in their swim gear. It too could be a late breakfast after an early morning at HS or EPCOT.

Did you request Jambo yet Jen? We loved Mara there, we ate their last summer when we were checking out the resort (and maybe took a dip in the pool). It was one of the best CS we have ever had!

 

[jenjolt]

Well I would try to get a before park opening CP so you guys can do some empty Main Street and of course a buffet is always good for a crowd!!

I was so sorry to hear about your friend Jen!! I will definitely be sending prayers your way and to the family!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love your laidback attitude, Jen! Isn't it nice to plan a trip without being stressed out about it?

I don't know as if I have ever met a Disney restaurant that I didn't like, so narrowing it down to a few suggestions will be hard for me.

Restaurants that handle a larger group? Well, Boma and Teppan Edo come to mind -- both are lots of fun, too. Do you want to do a character meal? Do the girls want to see the princesses? We liked our breakfast in Norway back in '04. Of course, we also loved Tutto Italia.

 

[MegansMom]

I'm a big fan of Sci-Fi Drive In Restaurant in Hollywood Studios. We usually go for lunch and their burgers are great. I can't remember if you've been there or not, but the atmosphere is really cool and one of the "car" table would easily sit 6.

We will have a group of 7 when we go in July and I think we are highly considering going to Hoop De Do Review. We did this once in 2007 as a family of 4 and can't wait to go back with a bigger group!

I was definitely thinking about the Sci-Fi as an option....I think everyone would think it was fun!

I do think we will probably pass on the Hoop De Do Review though....I think the two boys--they are both accountants--will probably veto almost any 2 TS credit meals because it won't make "sense" to them....may keep it in the back of my mind as an option for an OOP though.....hmmmm.......

Tutto was a fantastic meal for us, an expensive lunch for the dining plan that we added spur of the moment two years ago when our park schedule changed. It was yummy, and I would recommend it!

Have you ever done O'Hana's breakfast? It would be fun to hit some rides at MK and then take the monorail over for a late breakfast. That is one meal my girls still talk about .... I thought it was yummy and nice to have a family style meal so no buffet walking with kids. We also loved Cape May, sooo cute to see the gang in their swim gear. It too could be a late breakfast after an early morning at HS or EPCOT.

Did you request Jambo yet Jen? We loved Mara there, we ate their last summer when we were checking out the resort (and maybe took a dip in the pool). It was one of the best CS we have ever had!

I am so glad to hear MORE rave reviews of Tutto!!! I think it will be a great option for us....especially since Tom is Italian. He liked Tony's, but I think he would love to speak to actual Italians......that might surge ahead as a priority selection!

We have done Ohana's for dinner, but I like the breakfast option that you just detailed......we could still hit our rope drop, and then fill ourselves later with great food. Will keep it on the "table!" I know that Tom will want to keep Ohana's on the table too......he and Allen would LOVE the neverending MEAT!!! Boys!

Well I would try to get a before park opening CP so you guys can do some empty Main Street and of course a buffet is always good for a crowd!!

I was so sorry to hear about your friend Jen!! I will definitely be sending prayers your way and to the family!!!

You know that is ALWAYS on the back of my mind....love the early entrance time....LOVE CP too!

Thank you for your sweet condolences....you all would have LOVED him!

Love your laidback attitude, Jen! Isn't it nice to plan a trip without being stressed out about it?

I don't know as if I have ever met a Disney restaurant that I didn't like, so narrowing it down to a few suggestions will be hard for me.

Restaurants that handle a larger group? Well, Boma and Teppan Edo come to mind -- both are lots of fun, too. Do you want to do a character meal? Do the girls want to see the princesses? We liked our breakfast in Norway back in '04. Of course, we also loved Tutto Italia.

I think Boma and Teppan Edo are both going to be there as possibilities! I LOVE that we would be in the same place as Boma, and Teppan Edo might be a great option---Tom loves Benihana (isn't it like that place), and I think Allen and Nicole do too......I will have to check! Two votes for Tutto!!! I like the thought of the Norway breakfast---Megan still wants to see princesses, and hopefully the breakfast food would be a little better than their dinner---it wasn't bad, but definitely something I would have to convince Tom to do again!

Happy Saturday everyone!!!!!!

On trip news: Last night I signed up for TGM to help establish dates for each park....I really like his site and commentary.

Also......can you guess who is SERIOUSLY talking about adding 3 nights on to our trip???????? And it is NOT me.......Hmmmmmmmm...............

 

[2xcited2sleep]

A potential 3-day add-on!! How exciting! As for ADRs I can't disagree with any of the suggestions so far. I'll add a vote for Via Napoli... so yummy!

On a separate note, I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

 

[MegansMom]

A potential 3-day add-on!! How exciting! As for ADRs I can't disagree with any of the suggestions so far. I'll add a vote for Via Napoli... so yummy!

On a separate note, I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

The three day add on is REALLY looking promising!!! EEEKKKK!!!!!

Thank you for your condolences C!

PLEASE, tell me more about Via Napoli.....I know nothing!!! Sounds Yummy!