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

[brookelizabeth]

Feb. 15, 2008 - Howdy - Who - How - Where - When

Hi there! I am writing this pre-trip report to log all my ideas and planning into one location. Plus, I love to hear from more experienced Disney-people, I love the advice and guidance, as I have only been to Disney once. So SHARE ON PEOPLE!

So lets see...first who's going on the trip:

Me - Brook, 28, will be 29 at time of trip
DH - Joe, 29, will be 30 at time to trip
DS - Henry, 5 months, will be just over 1 year at time of trip

We are techy computer nerds and we both work for a software company. Anything technology related sparks our interest. We love Epcot. DH also loves movies and anything film related - his favorite is DHS. We don't really have favorite characters, but DH enjoys every Disney film (and cartoon in general) and I enjoy most (Monsters Inc and Toy Story are my favorites I think). I LOVE the atmoshere and excitement of WDW. It truly is a magical place! We are very, very excited to take DS on his first trip!

Food wise, I enjoy being a bit adventerous. DH is adventerous in some things and not in others. He loves pizza, pasta and tacos. He gets bored with food quickly - he cannot be happy and have a steak every night. Unless it's pizza, which he will never get tired of. We do not like seafood except fried fish. Like fish sticks. I do NOT want the same old chicken, burger, etc. on vacation. I came to experience and enjoy my food! We are looking to try some new places, but will resort to one we tried and enjoyed on our last (first) trip if we have to!

Ride wise, we LOVE thrill rides. Roller coasters are my personal favorite. I love EE, RnR and all the others. My favorite is Space Mountain!! With DS coming on this trip and being just 1 year old, we'll be doing the Child Swap quite a bit, but also moving more slowly and taking in some shows. Which we did not do at all on our first trip-not a parade, not a show, we only watched Illuminations and that was not planned, so all that reserach has to be done!

Here are some pictures of us...
Me & DS

DH & DS (all dressed up for church!)

And here is the ongoing list of Table of Contents...
Who-How-Where-When - you're readin' it!
Baby Beginnings
The Real Planning Begins
Beautiful Black Liquid Deliciousness
A Stealthy Surprise for DH
The Plan for the Plan of Attack
Magic Kingdom Eats, ROUND ONE
Stroller Info
One HUGE, GIGANTIC Step Closer!
Epcot Eats, ROUND ONE
Hollywood Studios Eats, ROUND ONE
Animal Kingdom Eats, ROUND ONE
I'm making myself hungry! - ROUND ONE, DTD & Resorts - Or, the World's Longest Post
Round One Survivors - Who will be Voted out Next?
ROUND TWO! Woo-Hoo and Boo
It's REALLY easy to get sidetracked on the DIS
We have DISNEY MAIL!
Tea Time!!
Ugh, Minnesota
Makin' Magic
I have a feeling I have to do THAT...
Results of the Number Crunching: GREAT news!
I can't get my mind off the food!
Two Thumbs Up from DH
The Training has Begun
More Disney Training
Dinner at Hollywood Studios
iListen
I am Bionic Woman
Baby Notes
Backup Plans Needed
Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary!
Toffee Bars & Baby Strollers
Fun with knives
NYC, Next Steps and
Stroller Review
ADR Changes!
A Conversation Between DH and I Today at Work
ADRs are DONE!...almost
Food, glorious, glorious food!
A Mini-TR - The Windy City and the Big Apple Day One and Two, Day Three and Four
Name change and a possible addition to our trip
A Mini-TR - The Windy City and the Big Apple...con't, Day Five
The big change...
A Mini-TR - The Windy City and the Big Apple...con't, Day Six
My hubby is so sweet...
A picture report of my Birthday Trip (okay, a few words!) and Rides and more
Let's see how I did
A Mini-TR - The Windy City and the Big Apple...con't, Day Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten!
What to Wear?
Clothing Ideas
Family Fun!
A $300 Oopsie that makes DH very happy
Our Sytlin' Diggs
Making Lists of Lists
Adding an extra day! Pop here we come!!!
Speciality Photopass Pictures - Good info
84 Days and not a whole lot to say
Mickey Heads, Camping and a DIS meet!
Camping Mini-TR - Day One, Day Two, Day Three
A Craft by the "Craft Challenged"
A UPS Delivery
The countdown begins!
The final plans
A Countdown update, more shirts and a change in plans?
We've got....DISNEY MAIL!
"Ohhh, those are ammenities!"
MORE Disney Mail!
A few items off the To Do List
What is important about 25?
A Perfect Night: Dinner with my Love and new shoes!
Pictures and a countdown update
I'm a total sucker
SINGLE DIGIT DANCING!
Obeying the Countdown
Three Days
WE WILL BE IN DISNEY WORLD TOMORROW!


How did it all start?

Well...DH and I went to WDW for our honeymoon in Oct 2006. We had an AMAZING time. Hands down the best vaction I've ever had. We gush about it often and to anyone who will listen. We aren't Disney crazy, and we aren't character people-but just the beauty of everything, the detail, the smoothness of everything - how you are treated, and the parks, we love rides! Oh, and the food. Ah, yes, the food.... So all that together, made us LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney World. I will admit, I am slightly obsessed, as I try to convince anyone I know that is getting married to honeymoon at WDW!

Sometime in January I got a piece of mail. DH saw it, and after I had recently (*whined complained whimpered *) spoken about how I want to go back to WDW, he saw the mail and said "Oh no, this is just going to make it worse."

I grabbed the mail out of his hand and what was it? A 40% OFF CODE!!!! Oh no! This WAS going to make the sickness worse! Now I HAD to price out a trip.

But, life with a baby is BUSY. The code laid there and laid there. Next to my computer, untouched.

About a week ago, something triggered in me to make that call (probably a Disney commerical playing in the background that I didn't notice! ). Find out how much a trip would be. Can we afford it? Dare we?

I looked on the web at a Moderate - CSR. Looked good. Priced it out. For 6 nights, with DDP and park passes, around $1500. We CAN afford that!

Then I brought DH into it...he is what I will call a "Deluxe Snob". As he sorta made a sick face when I mentioned CSR. I spoke it up - it's beautiful! We looked at it online, I showed pictures, gave stats, We'd love it! I said!........He convinced me to call about a split-stay - POP and BWI.

Okay, okay.

After a long call, we discovered the prices and yes, we could do this.

Negoation and discussion went on. Then DH says.... "We can go, on one condition. I decide the dates and where."

Ummmm....OKAY!

The next day was Valentine's Day. I am working upstairs, he is working downstairs (we both work at home). He comes up and says he wants to talk to me. I think of something cheesy, like he's gonna sing a silly love song or something.

"November 9, we will board a plane..........once we arrive we will check in at the CONTEMPORARY!"

I couldn't believe it!!!!! CR is one of my top choices! Woo-hoo!!!!!

"But, can we afford that?" Yep, we can. A Garden room.

WAIT...hold up.

"What's a Garden room?" I ask, being the Still Green WDW that I am.

"I dunno."

I frantically type in www.disneyworld.com and search to figure out what this Garden room was that we were booked in. I quickly find out, no balcony, just a railing sorta deal.

EEP. I love my balcony. And, I REALLY want to be in the main building...(talk about "Deluxe Snobs", eh?). But we just cannot afford the main building right now........

More discussion. More research. Discussion. Research. Research.

Fast forward to that evening. We are laying in bed dreaming of our November vacation and discussing the WL. WL never looked appealing to me for some reason. I don't know why. I LOVED AKL for our honeymoon, and I've heard, in general, if you love AKL, you'll love WL. So I looked up some pictures - and I fell in love. I knew this one of DH's top choices too! So, laying in bed, discussing and we were both settled on the WILDERNESS LODGE!!!!

It's official.

DH made the switch today - November 9 at the WL!!!

Now the fun starts. PLANNING!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Baby Beginnings

Now that we finally have our resort settled on, we have a few things left up in the air.

1. Do we want to do a Value the first night and get a later flight in?
2. ADRs!!! What are our MUST eats?
3. Strollers and other baby needs....gotta figure all that out
4. What parks on what days?
5. Events - Fireworks, parades - how will these fit into our schedule?

Oh, and I'm sure there are so much more, but it's 1:30 am and my brain is starting to shut down!

#1 I'm letting DH decide. I vote yes, but he's undecided.
#2 My favorite thing. ADRs. Also the most intimadating for me, as I have only tried a handful of places thus far, so I must research the best of the best and work those into the schedule.
#3 Baby. He'll be 1, so he'll be slightly less dependant; however, I must factor in his food, his diapers, stroller (rent or bring ours? how does all that work?), clothing for him (warm and cold). Naps during the day, riding the bus/boats with him....so many things to think about here.
#4 I want to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours if possible. And we want to dine at a resort/park that we are close to/in, as we don't have Park Hoppers.
#5 I would like to do one of the dinner/fireworks shows, but I can't even remember which ones they are off hand! lol I want to sit on the beach and watch either fireworks (if that's possible somehwere?) and/or the electrical water parade. Gotta figure out viewing areas/days/times they all run. And for Pete's Sake, I can't even remember the name of all the things!! I'm so green....

Oh, and the biggee....we'll have one down day at the resort. Plus, with DS needing naps, we'll be back at the resort from time to time. What activites are there at WL? What about the kiddy pool?

So many things to think about! We'll start with my favorite.....


FOOD!

I think I'll make a list of my and DHs Top Choice for meals. Then, look up the menu and ensure we are getting a good deal with the DDP (I'm a dork like that), and ensure they have food on the menu that my then-1 year old, will be able to eat off my plate. Or, if I can bring food in for him? (oh, another question!)

So, next installment of my Pre-Trip report. Top Choice Resturants. (sorry i can't spell that word!)

And I just thought of something else, but I quickly forgot it as I am starting to fall asleep! Eh, I'm sure I'll think of it...!

 

[BeeBopp]

I'm in... You've got a lot of planning to do! Fun Fun Fun!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm in... You've got a lot of planning to do! Fun Fun Fun!

Yes I do!!! It's a bit overwhelming, but so addicting and exciting at the same time!

 

[stagemomx3]

I'm reading along.

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-16-2008 - The real planning begins...

So today not a whole lot of actual planning went on. DH, DS and I traveled to the nearest "big city" to visit some friends and pick up a few things. One of those items was a Passporter!!

When we planned our Honeymoon I found this book at my then-local Barnes & Noble in NYC and just loved the book. It had such great tips in it, and organized in a way that helped me understand the complexity and craziness of WDW. We loved the maps and tips during our stay and carried it with us everyday. As soon as DH booked this trip, the old Passporter came out and we decided we wanted a new one to record our plans and adventures!

My little DS seemed to agree. This book was GOOD!

I've started to read bits of it - mostly about the budget, and yes...that's another thing we need!!

Here's a shot of our well-used Passporter from 2006 and the brand new one!

DH and I did discuss Disney all the way to and from the town we visited. We have some loose dinner ideas - Le Cellier, Coral Reef, California Grill, Narcroossee's, Kona Cafe, Whispering Canyon. Of course I haven't really looked into most of these places - just heard a few reviews here and there that have stuck out in my mind. Plus, we are on the DDP - so we gotta be careful about credits otherwise we'll end up paying more out of pocket than we'd like!

I also learned a bit more last night during computer research about the Wilderness Lodge grounds and that they are designed to represent some of the country's national parks - complete with a geyser!! Reading that, and then reading about the beach, and the ease to Ft. Wilderness to also use their ammenities, made me even more excited about staying at WL. I am confident I am going to quickly fall in love this resort!!! (which could be very, very dangerous! )

Okay, I'm off to devour a bit more of the Passporter and dream, dream, dream!!

 

[FPtigger]

About the strollers, bring your own. My wife and I went in oct of 07 with our 6 month old at the time. Having our own stroller made things much easier. Also don't forget that each park has a Baby Care center. These were life savers for us on our trip.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm reading along.

Welcome to my crazy journey!

 

[stagemomx3]

Satuday Feb 16


My little DS seemed to agree. This book was GOOD!

What a cutie!

 

[brookelizabeth]

About the strollers, bring your own. My wife and I went in oct of 07 with our 6 month old at the time. Having our own stroller made things much easier. Also don't forget that each park has a Baby Care center. These were life savers for us on our trip.

You know, I was thinkin' the other day that if we rented a stroller, those are rented at the Parks - correct? So that would mean no stroller to and from the resort from the Park, and could mean carrying a very heavy and very tired 1 year old for quite a distance. When Mommy and Daddy are equally as tired... Is this what made it easier for you? Also, I was thinking the WDW strollers might be just very basic and not having the basket/cup holders/etc that we love.

Also, I had NO idea about the Baby Centers! Gotta check that out! Thank you!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a cutie!

Thank you!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-16-2008 - Beautiful Black Liquid Deliciousness

This is for my future reference (and for those of you who love coffee!) I posted a question on the Dining boards about where to get good coffee in the World. A beautiful person has been gathering all the suggestions made on the thread into one big post, I just copied and pasted it here so I have it, Kona is the most popular choice and therefore a "must visit" on this girl's list:

In Resorts -
Boardwalk Resort - Spoodles restaurant
Contemporary Resort - coffee bar in the lobby
Coronada Springs Resort - Counter
Polynesian resort - Kona Cafe you can either buy in the restaurant or to take away at the Kona Isle next door - and O'hanas
Swan/Dolphin hotel - Starbucks
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Boma

At Theme Parks -
Animal Kingdom Park - Right before entering the AK gate...when walking up WAY over to the far right (near the souvenir stands) is a GREAT coffee stand. In Africa they have another one of these coffee stands. Also at their Rainforest Cafe. Also at McDonalds.
Epcot - right before you come to Mexico (from Future world). There is another in America.
Hollywood Studios - The Writers Stop

Other locales:
DTD - Ghirardelli
Starbucks at the Prime outlet mall - 5 min. from DTD (really need a car)

TIPS -
If you can't use your DDP snack credits for coffee, you know it's good coffee!
Bring your own 4-cup coffee filters, disposable travel cups w/lids, and sugar/splenda minis from home then buy a small carton of 1/2 and 1/2 in the gift shop.

 

[stagemomx3]

In Resorts -
Coronada Springs Resort - Counter

Glad we are staying at CSR! I have to have my coffee or as I refer to it my Liquid Crack.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Glad we are staying at CSR! I have to have my coffee or as I refer to it my Liquid Crack.

Oh me too! On that thread someone said they do NOT have Nescafe, instead they have an Italian blend! Yum, yum!

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-16-2008 - A Stealthy Surprise for DH

Found an item on another Pre-TR...

At Coral Reef you can get a diver to hold a sign in the tank and a personalized menu for FREE!

I'm looking for little things to do for DH like this - I really want to surprise him in ways he would NEVER expect, but funds are limited in this category....!

And how long ago did I say I was getting off the boards? I really should be in bed....

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-17-2008 - The Plan for the Plan of Attack

I believe I have figured out a Plan to create our Plan of Attack on the World.

I am going to create a list of each resturant and research each one, looking at reviews, costs, what is offered, etc. Then choose my favorites based on what DH and I like. Then present them to DH for the final decision making.

For the parks, I am going to list the parks and then research each ride in the parks to make a loose Plan of Attack on the parks. I prefer going about things a bit loosely here, but to have a good idea of things that we'll do the Baby Swap on and things that we all can enjoy. Plus, thinking about DS' naps and eating in there...

So, that's the plan. This Pre-TR will be my base of research. So get ready for a list of resturants, then research done on each one. Hopefully it doesn't get boring for you Vets!

I was also thinking I should be "responsible" and do the budget first, to know how much extra money we'll have, but eh, like I said yesterday, I'm gonna do the fun part first. Bring on the food!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm in (with my coffee)! Have fun planning!

As far as the budget goes, just remember that your room, tickets, and dining (for the most part) are all included -- so all you have to budget for are your incidentals! One of the many, many, many reasons I love WDW vacations!

Oh, and don't forget you will need to get a First Visit pin for your darling baby ! Those are free and will definitely make a great keepsake!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm in (with my coffee)! Have fun planning!

As far as the budget goes, just remember that your room, tickets, and dining (for the most part) are all included -- so all you have to budget for are your incidentals! One of the many, many, many reasons I love WDW vacations!

Oh, and don't forget you will need to get a First Visit pin for your darling baby ! Those are free and will definitely make a great keepsake!

I love that abouut WDW vacations too-makes it so much less stress!!

Thank you for the advice on the pin for Henry (DS), I hadn't even thought about that!

 

[brookelizabeth]

02-17-2008 - Magic Kingdom Eats - ROUND ONE

I'm going to list out all the eateries given in my PassPorter for the MK. Then read their description as my peliminary research. If the place passes Round 1, then we'll move onto Round 2 where I do some more extensive review readin'!

Counter

• Casey's Corner
• Columbia Harbour House
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
• El Pirata Y el Perico
• Main Street Bakery
• Pecos Bill Cafe
• The Pinocchio Village Haus
• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

Table

• Cinderella's Royal Table
• The Crystal Palace
• Liberty Tree Tavern
• The Plaza Restaurant
• Tony's Town Square Restaurant

First up, Table meals! (those are the ones I care a bit more about! )

Cinderella's Royal Table

• 2 Table Service Credits on DDP
• DH will not go for this - too "girly"
• Sounds like a lot of food and a photo package to boot
• DH will NOT go for this...moving on... (maybe someday if/when we have a little girl! )

The Crystal Palace

• Buffet - two thumbs up from DH
• Ice Cream Sundae Bar - another thumbs up from DH
• The title of the restaurant sounds "girly" I would have to do some convincing (might not be too hard with the word "buffet" and "ice cream").
• Worth digging into...

Liberty Tree Tavern

• Character dinner - we aren't huge on the characters visiting us during dinner. I know at some point DS will want this, and it will be fun with him, so until then, we'll go for the more relaxing meals...
• Food sounds great though!

The Plaza Restaurant

• Nice sounding atmosphere
• Milkshakes....mmmmmmmmm
• Sounds like some "lighter fare" is available if DH or I are feeling sluggish

Tony's Town Square Restaurant

• Italian - BIG props from DH
• Quote from PassPorter "This could be the best table-service meal at Magic Kingdom"

Onto the Counter meals!

Casey's Corner

• Hot dogs.
• Enough said. (I am not eating a hot dog on vacation! )

Columbia Harbour House

• Inside = cool air
• Basic food
• Vegetarian dishes - Neither DH or I are vegetarian, but some of these are lighter meals
• Nothing spectacular here, but nothing awful

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

• Sounds like lots of choices
• Cafeteria style
• Big portions

El Pirata Y el Perico

• Tacos - a family favorite!
• Seating is joined with Pecos Bill's and shaded

Main Street Bakery

• Cookies, pasteries, other yummy stuff
• HOT breakfast! I LOVE a hot breakfast!
• COFFEE!
• Okay, we have to stop here....no questions asked.

Pecos Bill Cafe

• We ate here in 2006 and liked it!
• Big portions
• A bird lives (lived?) here that ate chicken. Highly entertaining.
• Can watch parade from here
• Self-Service operating kiosks - sounds a bit "techy", which this family loves!

The Pinocchio Village Haus

• Italian!!
• Pizza...DH's favorite food in all the world.

Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

• Asain - I like it, though not DH's favorite - he does like it
• Lighter fare
• Shaded in the open air
• May only be open seasonally

And our Survivors are....
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 (we ate here last year and are all about trying new stuff, but still a contender)
• MAIN STREET BAKERY - I must go. I will use my cash if we don't have meal credits! DH will hear the word "pastry" and agree.
• The Pinocchio Village Haus
• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

Uh, didn't really narrow it down with the Counter meals did I? Well, I guess depending on what we decide for Table (not doing Italian twice), and depending on what our day will shape up, AND Round 2 Reviews, it might elminate one or two....

Up next, Epcot Eats! (oooh, this is gonna be a doozy!)

 

[brookelizabeth]

Side note...
For those of you just reading the new posts on here, I added a couple pics of my family to the first post - so ya'll know what we look like and our real names!