Planning our Wilderness Lodge Adventure! Nov 8-15 ~ We are back!

[brookelizabeth]

02-19-2008 Round One Survivors - Who will be Voted out Next?

Okay, I need a summary for my own sake. Ugh. So many places to eat! But, that's a GOOD thing! Just makes for a lot of planning work, which is fun. So why am I complaining?

Here are the places that made it past Round One. Round Two will be reading reviews, and taking YOUR advice!

Magic Kingdom
Table
The Crystal Palace (a surprising contender!)
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant (a strong choice - just by the name DH will think Italian)

Counter
Cosmic Ray's
El Pirata Y el Perico
Peocs Bill
Main Street Bakery
The Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station



Epcot
Table
Coral Reef
The Garden Grill Restaurant
Le Cellier
Restaurant Marrakesh
Nine Dragons (must do more research)
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room (only with Illuminations)
San Angel Inn
Teppan Edo

Counter
Sunshine Seasons
Tangerine Cafe
Yakitori House
Yorkshire County Fish Shop



Hollywood Studios
Table
'50s Prime Time
Mama Melrose's

Counter
Flatbread Grill
Backlot Express (parade)



Animal Kingdom
Counter
Flame Tree

Table
Yak & Yeti (research needed)



Downtown Disney
Table
Wolfgang Puck's Grand Cafe

Counter
Wolfgang Puck
Earl of Sandwich


Resorts
AKL- Jiko (2 credits)
BWI - Spoodles
CR - California Grill (2 credits)
CR - Chef Mickey's
GF - 1900 Park Fare
POLY - Kona! DUH!
POLY - 'Ohana
POR - Boatwright's
WL - Whispering Canyon
YC & BC - Beaches and Cream

Coming up next, more research! Round Two-Readings Reviews and narrowing the list. If you haven't already, please, please share your input on my Round One choices above!

Hope I'm not borin' ya'll but this is REALLY helping me!

Eventually we'll get to more fun stuff. I hope...er, I promise. And if you stick with me through it all, you'll be able to share in the excitement of the final choices and final decision making of the entire trip!! Seems so far away at this baby stage, but I know it will come quickly.

I neeeeeeed to be in bed. See ya'll soon!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Can't wait to see who makes it through Round Two -- it's better than American Idol!

 

[emmiesmom]

Subscribing!
I can't wait to hear the reults of Round 2! Here are some of my thoughts on places I've been (although it's been awhile):
I LOVE California grill - been there twice and both times were wonderful

Nine dragons - went there once and it wasn't better than my local chinese restaurant and it was much more expensive

Mama Melrose's - one great experience and 1 time not so good - it's not on our list to do again because of our last experience - both times service was slow

 

[CJsMom]

02-19-2008 - Hollywood Studios Eats, ROUND ONE

ALRIGHT! Onto Hollywood Studios Eats...I will foreverly call this MGM I think! I literally have to stop and think about it before I type. D-H-S, not M-G-M.

Counter

• ABC Commissary
• Backlot Express
• Catalina Eddie's
• Rosie's All-American Cafe
• Flatbread Grill (Studio Catering)
• Toluca Legs Turkey Co.
• Toy Story Pizza Planet

Table

• '50s Prime Time Cafe
• Hollywood and Vine
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Well, this is a BREEZE compared to last night's list with Epcot!

Let's look at the Tables. My favorites.


'50s Prime Time

• Fun atmosphere
• Home-cooked food - I likes!
• Good milkshakes
• DH may not enjoy "playing" along...he's a tad shy when it comes to this sorta thing

Hollywood and Vine

• Character meal
• Buffet
• Fantasmic meal package!

Holywood Brown Derby

• Food sounds very tasty!
• Formal atmosphere
• Two DDP points
• Fantasmic meal package!

Mama Melrose's

• Pizza & Pasta - DH's favs
• Fantasmic meal package!

Sci-Fi

• We ate here in 2006, it was 'eh. Cool atmosphere, but no desire to go back

(this is pretty easy!!)

Counters...
ABC Commissary

• Variety of foods
• Sounds decent

Backlot Express

• Basic foods - burgers, chicken, etc.
• Good for watching parade

Rosie's All-American Cafe

• Food sounds similar as Backlot Express, but other stands are near-by so lots of choices in one area

Flatbread Grill

• Good soundin' sandwiches
• Some lighter fare
• Outside, sheltered, tables

Toluca Legs Turkey Co.

• What a crazy name!
• Turkey leg. Yummm. But might be messy. Messy is not cool with DH. But I usually say "Messy food means it's good!"
• Near other stands

Toy Story Pizza Planet

• We ate here in '06.
• Toy Story + Pizza = Happy DH
• It was alright, but I would rather choose something new

The Fantasmic Dinner Package takes 2 DDP points no matter what place we eat...so while I like the idea of doing the show VIP style, I'm not sure if I'm willing to part with 2 of my Table meal credits!

Let's see who's been voted off the island and who's left:

Table

• '50s Prime Time (if I can convince DH-this is Round 1, Round 2 is Reviews, Round 3 is DH...we'll see how long it lasts!)
• Mama Melrose's (the most likely winner if we eat dinner at MGM...er DHS.)

Counter

• Flatbread Grill (sounds the best, but none sound great or awful...)
• Backlot Express - we could watch the parade from here

Hmmm....they should move a couple places from Epcot over to DHS.

I KNOW we'll be spending a whole day at DHS, it was DH's favorite and he didn't get enough time here. So, I'm thinkin' we might have to venture to a near-by resort for meal time....we'll see.

Up next, AK Eats! An even shorter list!

This may have changed, but we did the Fantasmic Dining Pkg at Mama Melrose in December and it was only one credit on the DDP. Mama Melrose was really good. I would do it again, especially to get the Dining Pkg because it was so nice not to have to get a seat for Fantasmic an hour early!

We also are big fans of Sci Fi - just love the atmosphere!

 

[CJsMom]

02-19-2008 - Animal Kingdom Eats, ROUND ONE
Well, the winners are obvious!

Counter

• Flame Tree!
• DH will be at Pizzafari I'm sure.

• 
  
  I got a great chicken caesar salad at Pizzafari!

 

[CJsMom]

02-19-2008 - I'm making myself hungry! - Round One, DTD & Resorts - Or, the World's Longest Post

Wow, that was a lot!

Okay, let's look at the Survivors.

• Jiko (IF I can part with 2 credits...)
• Spoodles
• California Grill (again, IF I can part with 2 credits...)
• Chef Mickey's
• 1900 Park Fare
• Kona! DUH!
• 'Ohana
• Boatwright's
• Whispering Canyon
• Beaches and Cream

Also, the Hoop-Dee-Do Revue sounds like fun, but again, 2 Table Credits. We'll keep it on the list for Round 2.


I am so amazed that I knew most of the DIS-lingo on the abbreviations for the Resorts.

I give two thumbs up to Chef Mickey's.

One thumb to 'Ohana.

We did HDDR - it was fun - but I paid OOP for it because I didn't want to use 2 TS credits AND I wanted Category 1 seats - which were worth it IMHO.

I'm enjoying this restaurant review and it's getting me thinking about which ones I want to try on our next trip!

 

[John's Mom]

Brook,

I hope you don't mind some comments from me.

Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant is open. It is a buffet restaurant and some compare it to Boma.

Magic Kingdom: We always eat at Columbia Harbour House (CS). The food is very good. I have read very few negative reviews.

Magic Kingdom: 95% of Tony's reviews that I have read are negative.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jiko is our favorite restaurant at WDW--delicious food, great service and atmosphere.

The Poly: We love Kona Cafe for breakfast and dinner.

That's all for now.

 

[Tress1975]

I know how exciting it is planning!!! Your baby is sooo cute! I will be staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins. The only reason we are staying there is because my DH is not much for the parks and he can sit outside, grill and relax. I don't think he would have that same experience at the All-Stars or somewhere else so in order ot make him happy and actually go with us I decided to stay there. My dream is to stay at the Spa hotel.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hey look! I figured out the mulit-quote dealy! I think I used it once before but forgot how it worked. Slick!

Can't wait to see who makes it through Round Two -- it's better than American Idol!

too funny! I've never gotten into that show, but can ya tell I like Survivor?

Subscribing!
I can't wait to hear the reults of Round 2! Here are some of my thoughts on places I've been (although it's been awhile):
I LOVE California grill - been there twice and both times were wonderful

Nine dragons - went there once and it wasn't better than my local chinese restaurant and it was much more expensive

Mama Melrose's - one great experience and 1 time not so good - it's not on our list to do again because of our last experience - both times service was slow

Thank you! I am currently creating a spreadsheet of all the boo's and YEAs! I read about on here, so thank you thank you!

This may have changed, but we did the Fantasmic Dining Pkg at Mama Melrose in December and it was only one credit on the DDP. Mama Melrose was really good. I would do it again, especially to get the Dining Pkg because it was so nice not to have to get a seat for Fantasmic an hour early!

We also are big fans of Sci Fi - just love the atmosphere!

*Frantically grabbing PassPorter* the PassPorter says 2 Credits, but it could be wrong! Gotta look that up, plus I have to remember DS-will he be fussing throughout the entire show due to exhaustion? Hmmmm.... Thanks for the tip! I'm also marking down a "Woo-Hoo" for Mama Melrose from ya.

I got a great chicken caesar salad at Pizzafari!

Very good to know! When I told DH about my Flame Tree choice he asked where we ate last year. "Pizzafari." "Oh yea! YES!" So we'll see where we end up! Good to know about the salad. I just read a TR too where they got a sandwhich, so I won't rule out Pizzafari, it's back on The List.

I give two thumbs up to Chef Mickey's.

One thumb to 'Ohana.

We did HDDR - it was fun - but I paid OOP for it because I didn't want to use 2 TS credits AND I wanted Category 1 seats - which were worth it IMHO.

I'm enjoying this restaurant review and it's getting me thinking about which ones I want to try on our next trip!

Thanks! I'm glad I'm not boring everyone! I know most PTR aren't quite like mine, mine is a HELP ME PLAN MY PTR! Thank you as well for the reviews on the eats!

Brook,

I hope you don't mind some comments from me.

Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant is open. It is a buffet restaurant and some compare it to Boma.

Magic Kingdom: We always eat at Columbia Harbour House (CS). The food is very good. I have read very few negative reviews.

Magic Kingdom: 95% of Tony's reviews that I have read are negative.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jiko is our favorite restaurant at WDW--delicious food, great service and atmosphere.

The Poly: We love Kona Cafe for breakfast and dinner.

That's all for now.

Nope! I LOVE hearing the reviews from you! PLEASE share your 2 cents! I just glanced back at my PassPorter and it was closed in November 2007. Oops! It's back on the list, I've heard good things about that one and it sticks out in my mind. Thank you for letting me know! And thank you as well for the other reviews.

I know how exciting it is planning!!! Your baby is sooo cute! I will be staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins. The only reason we are staying there is because my DH is not much for the parks and he can sit outside, grill and relax. I don't think he would have that same experience at the All-Stars or somewhere else so in order ot make him happy and actually go with us I decided to stay there. My dream is to stay at the Spa hotel.

Thank you! DH and I almost stayed at the Fort Wilderness Cabins for our honeymoon-they look wonderful! And that is a great compromise with your DH. I have a good friend who wants to go to WDW, but her DH is more of a outside, hike, camp type of guy....maybe this would be a good balance for both of them...hmmm... Which one is the Spa Hotel? Anything with a spa sounds wonderful!

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-23-2008 - ROUND TWO! Woo-Hoo and Boo

So, being the nerd that I am I created another Excel spreadsheet to help me do my research for Round Two. I have a column with all my Round One choices (with a few added as I stated in my above reply to ya'll) and a "Woo-Hoo" and "Blah" column. I was going to make it a "Woo-Hoo" and "Boo" column as my title suggests, but it's midnight and I think the rhyming would totally mess with me and I'd end up confused and frustrated!

And as a side note, I have begun to speak to my DH in DISTalk. In acronymns. Today I said to him something about our ADRs. "Our what?" "ADRs. I would like to be ready by that 180 day mark...oh wait, Advance Dinner Reservations. Sorry, that's that they are called on the DIS." He just rolls his eyes.

I'm off to do some research here on the DIS. Thank you again for your comments and suggestions, I truly, truly value them. I am still a newbie, overwhelmed by the vast amount of information out there-I treasure any personal suggestions and experiences!

I'll be back to post my findings. Might be tomorrow-or the next day. We are headed to the Mall of America tomorrow. NONE of my pants fit. That's a good thing, but annoying. Since having DS I've been slowly, but steadily loosing weight. I'm not quite into my pre-pregnancy pants, but everything I bought so far after DS is now HUGE. So going to the MOA, which I'm sure has a Disney store as well. I'm not a huge character person, I don't desire any toy or t-shirt, but I'm sure I'll drag DH in there just because I'm so stinkin' giddy. And I'll give some lame excuse of DS looking cute in something, or whatever. Hee hee

Oh, and if you happened to notice, I have added another trip to my ticker. It has nothing to do with WDW, but DH, DS and I are headed to Chicago on May 9 to see my brother graduate from school and have a little party at my Aunt's house. Then we are flying out to NYC! I used to live there and am soooooooo excited to go back and visit. My heart is still there, I miss it so so much. It will also give us a great "test run" for traveling with DS!

Off to research!

 

[stagemomx3]

Then we are flying out to NYC! I used to live there and am soooooooo excited to go back and visit. My heart is still there, I miss it so so much. It will also give us a great "test run" for traveling with DS!

That should be a great test run.

 

[CJsMom]

*Frantically grabbing PassPorter* the PassPorter says 2 Credits, but it could be wrong! Gotta look that up, plus I have to remember DS-will he be fussing throughout the entire show due to exhaustion? Hmmmm.... Thanks for the tip! I'm also marking down a "Woo-Hoo" for Mama Melrose from ya.

I wonder if it has changed for 2008? I just checked a couple of other websites and they still say it's only one credit for Mama Melrose and Hollywood and Vine. It's 2 credits for the Brown Derby. Let us know when you find out for sure!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I speak to my husband in DIS acronyms too, and he just shakes his head. I figure it is fair play though because he speaks to me in his online game acronyms!

I have to confess that I ordered the Passporter this past week because you were having so much fun with yours! It came today, and I am looking forward to playing with it!

 

[BeeBopp]

I am LOVING your PTR! All this reading is making me hungry! DH and I will be eating at: San Angel Inn, Coral Reef, Kona Cafe, Garden Grill, Crystal Palace & Mama Melrose in April. I will let you know about our dining experiences!

 

[emmiesmom]

I hope the shopping trip went well!!! Having too big clothes is always a nice reason to go shopping! Can't wait to read more updates!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That should be a great test run.

I hope so - NYC with a little one and a stroller is gonna be interesting to say the least-all those Subway stairs! But, going there is always, always, always worth it to me!

I wonder if it has changed for 2008? I just checked a couple of other websites and they still say it's only one credit for Mama Melrose and Hollywood and Vine. It's 2 credits for the Brown Derby. Let us know when you find out for sure!

I haven't found out yet-have it on my list of "To Do's"...but I will report back. I don't even know yet if DH will want to go to Fantasmic...or if DS will stay up that late!

I speak to my husband in DIS acronyms too, and he just shakes his head. I figure it is fair play though because he speaks to me in his online game acronyms!

I have to confess that I ordered the Passporter this past week because you were having so much fun with yours! It came today, and I am looking forward to playing with it!

Glad I'm not the only one! I hope you enjoy the PassPorter - I love it because of the envelopes in the back. In '06 I stored all our recepits and the schedules and Times Guides (is that what they are called?) it in and it fit perfectly into our Baggalini (bought due to several suggestions on the DIS!). The maps are excellent-REALLY helped these Newbies.

I am LOVING your PTR! All this reading is making me hungry! DH and I will be eating at: San Angel Inn, Coral Reef, Kona Cafe, Garden Grill, Crystal Palace & Mama Melrose in April. I will let you know about our dining experiences!

Thank you! I look forward to hearing your reviews!!!

I hope the shopping trip went well!!! Having too big clothes is always a nice reason to go shopping! Can't wait to read more updates!

Shopping did go well....the Mall of America was SO busy. I have never, ever, ever seen it that busy and I've been there a bazillion times. I have no idea if they were giving something away or what the deal was. There was some volunteer expo thing happening, but I cannot imagine that drawing the MOBS of people. Navigating with a stroller was a good work-out and good training for NYC and WDW. And the best part was, due to my different post-pregnancy shape I could not purchase jeans at my regular Gap or Old Navy. I had to go on a jeans hunt. Old Navy-one is HUGE, next size down is so tight I can't button them! So after much jeans trying on, and a very, very, very patient DH I find a store called Maurices. I try on jeans, they are PERFECT. And even better, buy one get one 50% off! And the kicker is....out of the 5 stores my puny little town has to offer, Maurices is one of them! Seriously. And the "mall" where this said-Maurices is, is within WALKING distance of my house. But instead we end up driving 1.5 hours to the crazy-packed-mega-mall to find the jeans. ALL WELL! It was a fun day anyway. I have a couple pics I will share later... And I guess it's nice to know the jeans I love are so close to my home, I don't have to travel very far! (And that is slightly dangerous as well!)

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-24-2008 - My DH thinks I'm (even more) crazy

Tonight DH and I had plans to watch our new Netflix and cuddle up on the couch after putting DS to bed. Well, work called him and they needed his help. We both work at the same software company and we both love our jobs-so it's not a huge deal. Plus, he works right from home. He's currently sitting at the kitchen island and working on his laptop. With all that said, I had the lovely opportunity to put in a few extra DIS hours!

I did a bit more research on the restaurants-almost done there, I will be sharing some of my findings very soon...but I also found some very, very interesting things here on the DIS that I'm sure most people know about, but are new to me!

One of these in particular has officially fueled the fire of my DH thinking I've truly lost it.

Custom t-shirts.

Yep. It all started with stagemomx3's (Cherl) Pre-Trip Report. I found the DDA (Disney Design Addicts) and they proudly show off their custom t-shirts. After viewing about 50 or 60 different designs I thought it would be beyond adorable to make all of Henry's shirts for his 1st trip. Afterall, he'll still be too young to protest!

"Wouldn't it be fun to make all of Henry's shirts and onesies? I found all these designs for his 1st trip and other cute ones." (said while showing him a "Mom I need a Mickey bar" shirt)

*silence with a stare from DH*

I'm still gonna do it!

(I also have about 20 designs for Mousekeeping envelopes saved...those will be a "surprise" for DH!)

 

[stagemomx3]

Custom t-shirts.

Watch out, it is way to easy to get addicted to that Creative DISign board.

I just spent all evening over there request invitations to all our ADRs.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Watch out, it is way to easy to get addicted to that Creative DISign board.

I just spent all evening over there request invitations to all our ADRs.

Ooooh, what is this? Like an invite to your kids from "Pooh" or another character? I can just picture me making those for DH now... I picture his eyes rolling

But, they could be really cute suvioners for DS....

 

[stagemomx3]

Ooooh, what is this? Like an invite to your kids from "Pooh" or another character? I can just picture me making those for DH now... I picture his eyes rolling

But, they could be really cute suvioners for DS....

Check out this thread-

Natalie's Bag of Tricks