Oh Yeah, V's At It Again! A May 2007 Pre-Trip Report

[mlill]

Michelle don't encourage V to make more changes BTW I really hope you guys get the English sarcastic humour

Of course we do!

Besides, V doesn't need much of a push to get her to change ADR plans... we live for that kind of thing! It's a challenge to get it to all work out perfectly!


-Michelle

 

[twob4him]

Gosh I feel like such a loser. I picked our parks and our favorite restaurants one day, called to make ADR's the next. That was two months ago. That was it. Now that is soooo boring. It doesnt make half as good a pre-trippie as your speadsheet and 9 or so changes. Well I do know that as soon as you say those are your final plans, someone will change them???
Now, Miss V, are you as detailed in your touring plans as your ADRs??? Just wondering if you plan out each minute at the parks???
Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Man oh man! My head would have been spinning and my patience would have went out the window I think. Sounds like you kept your cool!

 

[meeskamouska]

I am on board!! This is already a great story!! BTW I think that you are an amazing and completely organized person!! And incredibly kind!!

Can't wait for more!!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Whew.................insert tired smiley here.........glad you have it all settled. That is some major planning/changing going on.
Glad it all worked out the way you wanted it to........I only have one little ADR to make for our October trip for MNSSHP night before we board the Magic......wow not nearly as exciting as your planning-so many people, so many variables, so much time still left to make changes .

 

[PrincessV]

This installment, my friend, explains perfectly WHY such binders, notebooks and spread sheets exist. There is NO WAY I would be able to keep up with what you've planned. Simply no way. And I am NOT going to flame you. You were simply doing what you had to do until people decided where they were going to be and when. Securing dining is key. We all have to eat.

Brilliantly executed.

Thank you sharkB8! Something I left out: apparently E got a bit worried when D told her I'd made a spread sheet for our trip. Remember, E hasn't been to WDW a bazillion times. D hasn't really,e ither, but she did work next to me for 5 years and has seen WDW trip-planning first-hand. She reassured E that the intinerary was merely to ensure we could all have a relaxing, stress-free vacation in which little thought would be necessary.

I may make a DISer out of D yet.

I'm really looking forward to reading about this one. I booked us there for breakfast. M & E love Little Einsteins!

To be honest, I'm a teency bit worried about this one. Leo doesn't do well with an over-abundance of noise and activity around him. Chef Mickey's was WAY too much for him on his 2nd Bday. I'm hoping the presence of the Little Einstein's will be enough to make him ignore any loudness!

Just spreading the pixie dust for some poor non-ADR making schmuck! ixiedust:

EXACTLY!

Speaking of master spread sheet. I've got to show you this one I found on TGM. It's a trip planners dream. KWIM... a really good dream!

Ooo, ooo, ooo - where is it?!
And. You're gonna wind up in detention one of these days.

got to say you handled it like any super duper-diser would and hogged up all the adr's, a woman after my own heart!!!Lets see here,,,,hmmm we both have the same dates so between the 2 of us at some point, we were prob holding at least 1 if not 2 tables at every TS thoughout WDW!!!

I totally thought of that, too - that I might be taking up ADR's my fellow TF Watchers might be looking for on the same days. And I did feel badly about it. Really.

OK, kinda.

 

[PrincessV]

wow.... that was exhausting!

Tell me about it!

We're doing Coral Reef...but only for dessert cause no one liked the menu. Oh yea, and we're cheap!

That's exactly what I'm thinking of doing, too! Nothng on the menu sounds thrilling to me... except that Chocolate Wave. And we'll have had lunch at Biergarten that same day - I can only handle one big meal a day. I might see if we can bump the Coral Reef to a later time and jsut do dessert. Know what that means? More ADR changes.

Oh V I was just laughing all through your post good job you're an organised person So is that it now are those ADR's final?

I must confess, I wasn't always so organized. It really started when Leo came along. The only way I could function on little sleep and get things done was to have lists and schedules. I quickly discovered that doing the same for WDW meant not having to think much on vacation - my favorite way to relax!
Final?? Maybe.

I approve of all your ADRs, except one.... we had a HORRIBLE dinner at Concourse Steakhouse. Bad. No, really. It was BAD. Your mileage may vary, but I have seen a lot of bad reviews lately, too. Don't forget about the construction on the Contemporary concourse. It might be in full swing when you go. Might I suggest Kona Cafe for dinner? Or Grand Floridian Cafe?

-Michelle

I know - trust me, I'm going in with low expectations! But it's one I've never tried and want to do it before it gets moved away from the monorails. I'm planning on a salad and soup, washed down with a martini... or 3

BTW I really hope you guys get the English sarcastic humour

I LOOOVE English humour! And sarcastic is my middle name.
It's D's first name.
Can you imagine being stuck with us both for a week? Poor Gramma. BWAHAHAHAHAA!

 

[PrincessV]

Gosh I feel like such a loser. I picked our parks and our favorite restaurants one day, called to make ADR's the next. That was two months ago. That was it. Now that is soooo boring. It doesnt make half as good a pre-trippie as your speadsheet and 9 or so changes.

Maybe, but it keeps you twice as sane!

Now, Miss V, are you as detailed in your touring plans as your ADRs??? Just wondering if you plan out each minute at the parks???

Kind of... not so much that I plan every minute, as I list the things we'll want to do, in the best order to have short waits. Then I add in the times I think we'll be at each attraction, just to get an idea of how much time we'll be touring. I find that helps me figure out ADR times, post-park pool time, etc. But once in the park, I'm definitely not stop-watching everything!

Man oh man! My head would have been spinning and my patience would have went out the window I think. Sounds like you kept your cool!

Believe me - I tried! Inside, I may have gotten a tad steamy, but then I remembered: we agreed that D and family would do what they need to do and not worry about it affecting us. I need to do the same.

I am on board!! This is already a great story!! BTW I think that you are an amazing and completely organized person!! And incredibly kind!!

Can't wait for more!!

Hi meeska - thank you!! Glad to have you with us

Whew.................insert tired smiley here.........glad you have it all settled. That is some major planning/changing going on.
Glad it all worked out the way you wanted it to........I only have one little ADR to make for our October trip for MNSSHP night before we board the Magic......wow not nearly as exciting as your planning-so many people, so many variables, so much time still left to make changes .

This is the first time I've had to plan for more than my tiny little family. I did have another friend and her family join us once, but only for one day; that was easy. This has been a bit more difficult. Let me say, I have a HUGE newfound respect for thsoe who routinely plan WDW trips for large families!

 

[DisneyJo]

V thought I'd just tell you I'm away (going back home to see my Mum) till Tuesday so no more changes till I get back OK

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Ooo, ooo, ooo - where is it?!
And. You're gonna wind up in detention one of these days.

What do you mean?

 

[puggymom]

WOAH!!!, I feel dizzy and lightheaded, need to sit down. UH-OH, I am sitting down...

That was just amazing, forget being a princess, you are the ADR Queen.

 

[lexmelinda]

You are a master organizer! You should be a travel agent, sister!

Firstly, I decided the safest bet was to make some new ADR’s for a party of six. And keep the existing ADR’s for five, until further information came in about E.

I'd do the same thing, V!!!

But Gramma, who can out-rationalize even me, put it this way: I was merely securing some tables for those poor folks who don’t know they need an ADR and try to walk-up.

Brilliant! She's right, you know!?

Yep – I made some new ADR’s in D’s name, under her cell number. Really, flame away – I deserve it.

Oh, V! You're a genius!

Dinner at Boma
Lunch at Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine
Dinner at Ohana
Dinner at Concourse Steakhouse
Lunch at Biergarten
Possible dinner at Coral Reef – if we’re hungry and not too tired
Lunch at Garden Grill

Now, on to other things.

WHAT OTHER THINGS??? There'll be no ADRs or tour/cruise reservations left anywhere that week!

 

[Lauralee131]

Absol-lime-lutely!

Just doesn't have as good a ring to it as words from the "OTHER" list...

 

[Lauralee131]

I can’t remember exactly how it started. It did not start with a mouse. That much I know.

But something set the wheel in motion. And once started, it has yet to stop.

What “wheel” you may ask? Why the Dining Roulette, wheel, of course! The one I spin almost daily in an attempt to better my previous ADR’s.

Somewhere along the way, I got the notion that, with two Einstein fans along (Leo with his Little E’s and B with his Baby E’s), we all might enjoy lunch at Hollywood & Vine more than the Brown Derby. Once again, the wonderful Rhonda was able to score me an ADR and we canceled the Brown Derby. That makes ADR change #4.

Not long after – it may even have been the same day – D hit me with some exciting, yet anxiety-inducing, news: her sister, E, *might* be coming down and joining us at WDW.

Okay, for the record, I really like E. I met her when D and I were just getting to know each other and E and I totally hit it off. I haven’t spent a lot of time with her, but I know she’ll make a fun addition to our group!

But.

Remember ADR change #2? The one in which Rhonda was able to switch all my ADR’s to tables for 5? Join me now for a little arithmetic:
V = 1
Leo = 2
Gramma =3
D = 4
B = 5


E…… 6!

I’ve done my time in the restaurant biz. I know 3 adults, one child and a high chair will fit at most four-top tables. Sometimes, that same party is seated at a 6-top. But only if the 6-top isn’t needed for a party of six.

However, a party of six will not, under any circumstances, be seated at a table for four. Not at WDW, anyway.

So what was I to do? This was only a couple weeks ago, so a bit over a month from our trip. From what I could see on the DIS, ADR’s were flying off the shelves for early May. If I waited to know for sure that E was coming, there might not be any more ADR’s left for our (my) restaurants of choice. If I changed all our ADR’s for 5 into ADR’s for 6, and E didn’t come, would we lose our spot in line? Just as bad – would our party of 5 be stuck at the cruddy 6-top in the back, next to the restrooms?

And. I was NOT about to embroil Rhonda in all of this craziness. I’d given her enough already and whatever commission was coming her way was definitely not worth dealing with my Dining Roulette.

So I took matters into my own hands. Get ready with those flame throwers – I can take it…

Firstly, I decided the safest bet was to make some new ADR’s for a party of six. And keep the existing ADR’s for five, until further information came in about E.

Next, I worried that if I made new ressies at the same restaurants in my name, then canceled the old ones, the wrong ones might get canceled inadvertently.

Third(ish), I figured I could make the new ADR’s under Gramma’s name and cell number, thereby separating the ADR lists. This way, I could cancel from either list without affecting the other.

ADR change #5 complete.

Brilliant, no?! Okay, okay, I felt a smidge guilty about tying up precious ADR’s. But Gramma, who can out-rationalize even me, put it this way: I was merely securing some tables for those poor folks who don’t know they need an ADR and try to walk-up. She’s right, by Lime! Guilt assuaged, I continued planning the trip.

Until Gramma announced that she needs to attend a training class on one day of our trip. No big deal – it’s only a 2 hour drive, so she’ll just be gone for the day and we can have fun without her. Good thing I kept the ADR’s for five, huh?!

But she did mess up my itinerary. Gramma loves EP, hates MGM and AK, and doesn’t have much to say about MK. I had us scheduled for EP the day she’d now be gone. A few changes to the master spread sheet and all was well again. Except that it royally messed up the ADR’s for a couple days.

Are you still with me?

We were now a party of 3, 4, 5, or 6, depending on the day and whether or not E comes. My head is spinning now just thinking about it.

Again, I was afraid to mess with the existing ADR’s with everything so up in the air. Any idea how I handled it?

I’m betting some of you have me figured out. Yep – I made some new ADR’s in D’s name, under her cell number. Really, flame away – I deserve it. But, gosh-darn-it, I’m GETTING my dining on! And. That’s ADR change #6. In case you were wondering.

I had to call D and let her know what I’d done, on the off-chance that WDW Dining chose to call her about “her” ADR’s. She actually asked me: “Do you have all of these written down so we’ll know which is under whose names?”

Oh c’mon – she knows me better than that! I informed her that I, of course, had an entire spread sheet keeping track of all this. To which she replied, “Sorry, I forgot. Of course you do.”

Okay – so at this point, I have ADR’s every day for parties of 5 and 6, half in my name, half in Gramma’s. I also have a couple random ADR’s in D’s name. I had no choice but to sit and wait it out while E made her plans.



Don’t worry – this one’s not a cliffhanger! Are you even still reading this mindless drivel? Hello??

A couple days ago, I got the call… E is coming, but not until May 3. I made a beeline for the spread sheet and felt the smile spread across my face, warming my entire being. This was PERFECT! The only ADR I couldn’t get for 6 was Ohana. But with E not arriving till 5/3, the remaining 5 of us could use the ADR I’d kept for a party of five on 5/2. And, for everything else, I’d made ressies for 6.

Something told me not to cancel anything just yet, and I’m glad I didn’t. D called last night: E really, really wants to go to AK, the one park I wasn’t planning. No problem – they decided to do it on our last day, while Leo, Gramma and I hit the MK and EP.

Uh, YEAH, problem…. that’s the day I booked the Garden Grill for lunch! And the CM specifically told me they put a party of 5 at a different table than a party of 6 there. And the 6-top wasn’t in a great location. Guess who was on the phone this morning, making an ADR at Garden Grill for 3? Uh-huh – ADR change #7.

I also canceled some of the no-longer-needed party of 5 ADR’s in my name. Tomorrow, I’ll cancel some more in Gramma’s name that we opted not to use. That’ll make ADR change #8.


Sure hope I don’t regret it.

To end this ridiculous post, I present to you…… our dining:

Dinner at Boma
Lunch at Hollywood & Vine Play & Dine
Dinner at Ohana
Dinner at Concourse Steakhouse
Lunch at Biergarten
Possible dinner at Coral Reef – if we’re hungry and not too tired
Lunch at Garden Grill

Now, on to other things.

I am in awe of your brilliance my very good friend... I was able to follow right along for the most part. You are the UBER-Planner and I bow in your presence...

I am very excited for you...this trip sounds like it's going to be so much fun!!

 

[twob4him]

Quick question How do you quote only part of someone's message? I've been wondering for two months now and thought I would ask. Thanks, ok now back to our regularly scheduled trippie...

 

[DisneyJo]

Quote the person then just delete what you don't want (make sure you keep the

marks at each end), you can even multi quote 1 person by copying and pasting hope that helps and we'll be waiting to see you do it

 

[aldisneygrl]

But Gramma, who can out-rationalize even me, put it this way: I was merely securing some tables for those poor folks who don’t know they need an ADR and try to walk-up.

Think of it this way, when you cancel one of your ADR's, you are spreading your own pixie dust to someone who is looking for a last minute ADR!

Also, I have been a little busy and had to catch up on your last two posts. I have been very busy at work making crafts with my four year olds for Easter and the end of the year. I am about 5 flower pots away from painting 140 for all the children in our preschool. They are their end of the year goodie. They have put three fingerprints on each pot that we (meaning the other creative ladies I work with) have turned those fingerprints into cute insects. Then we put foamy flowers on the outside, and personalized each one. I tell you this to let you know that I am NOT ignoring your TR, just a little busy.

I am so glad that you are celebrating Leo's birthday! My kids have always had week long birthday celebrations. Usually one with us, one with friends, one with family, and one at school. Now these aren't full blown cake, presents, and goodie bags everytime, but my kids don't feel like they have had their birthday until we have celebrated it several times. I guess that is my fault, but I'm glad that Leo will have his DAY in DW!

YOU ARE A PLANNING GODDESS!!!!

 

[PrincessV]

V thought I'd just tell you I'm away (going back home to see my Mum) till Tuesday so no more changes till I get back OK

Jo, you'll be happy to hear I've made ZERO changes while you've been gone!

What do you mean?

Uh... nothing...

WOAH!!!, I feel dizzy and lightheaded, need to sit down. UH-OH, I am sitting down...

That was just amazing, forget being a princess, you are the ADR Queen.

Thank you, thank you very much! Wanna know a secret, though? Making ADR's is my LEAST favorite part of the planning. Honest. I like eating, and I like looking at the food porn threads, and I love reading the menus on allearsnet. But not so much a fan of actually palnning the ADRs. I'm really hoping this is it for the rest of the pre-trip!

WHAT OTHER THINGS??? There'll be no ADRs or tour/cruise reservations left anywhere that week!

Heh, heh, heh... you'll just have to wait and see! But I can tell you this: it does not involve food.
Wait...


No, definitely not food.

I don't think, anyway.

Just doesn't have as good a ring to it as words from the "OTHER" list...

AGREED!!!

I was able to follow right along for the most part.

THAT's becasue you've got your own crazy/OCD/planning addiction my friend! Great minds and all...

I tell you this to let you know that I am NOT ignoring your TR, just a little busy.

No explanations necessary - but WOWEE, that's a lot you've got goin' on there! Here's hoping you get some down time soon

YOU ARE A PLANNING GODDESS!!!!

Oooo, I kinda (really) like that! Think I can slip that into my siggy without seeming immodest?

 

[PrincessV]

My computer's going crazy and I double-posted. So I've cleared it out, but I don't know what else to put in here.

How about this:

From our last Bday trip to The World, Leo's 2nd birthday! This was one of the kids' fun areas in the Flower & Garden Fest - Leo's going through a flap of clear plastic.

 

[DisneyJo]

Jo, you'll be happy to hear I've made ZERO changes while you've been gone!

V go ahead and do some more changes I'm DISsing from my Mum's and keeping up to date even though she thinks I am totally obsessive not sure what she means

What a little cutey pie those big eyes awwwww!