So, I wanted to take this opportunity to share my basic plans for my quickly approaching April break trip! For those of you who may have missed mine spine-tingling PTR, I am returning to Disney on April 15. I got extremely lucky when the aunt of a co-worker gave her a week at SSR. Gotta love the DVC owners who apparently don’t use their points. When she told me she was going, I had already purchased an AP and I was able to get a cheap flight, so there you go.
One of the extraordinary things about this trip is that I am going on my own. My co-worker will be flying down Saturday and staying the week; I’m going down later in the day on Sunday and flying home that Thursday. As a mom (and a de-facto parent to another hundred kids at school) I sometimes feel as though I am never alone. Needless to say, this trip will remedy that to some extent and I’m looking forward to it. I’m also super excited to be going with an enthusiastic (although not a planner), energetic, thrill rider like my friend Lauren! It will be quite a different experience without Max. Or Mark, for that matter. I love them both, obviously, but the idea of freedom at Disney??? That just sounds so tantalizing.
Admittedly, I was a tad disappointed when I found out we were staying at SSR. I was sort of secretly hoping for AKL, but alas...who I am to complain about free lodgings at Disney? BUT, I got some rather unexpected news today when my friend sent me the reservation details: we are staying in a one bedroom villa! Woo-hoo. I kid you not when I say that the villa is almost as big as my house. Her aunt is also on it and requested the Springs (closest to the main pool, main building) and close to transportation. Fingers crossed that my run of pixie dust continues and we’re granted our room request.
Herewith, our plans:
Sunday, April 15 -- I arrive around six p.m. We currently have an 8:00 ADR at Kona, but I might change it. We will then head to MK for evening EMHs, one of my favorite things! Too bad BTMRR is still under refurb.
Monday, April 16 -- I have planned this day as a later start due to EMHs the evening before. I would like to get over to EPCOT by around ten, maybe, and check out the Flower and Garden Festival in full swing! Don’t care if I don’t get to ride much other than Spaceship Earth, I just absolutely love walking around EPCOT. We’ll grab CS lunch somewhere.
Now, my one dilemma for this day is the evening. There are EMHs at DHS that I want to go to. I think this will be my only time to get to DHS, actually. However, that leaves the question about dinner. I’m going to purchase a TIW card for this trip, as well as July and October, so I kind of want to make the most of it and do a TS everyday. That said, our options at DHS are a bit limited. Perhaps a late lunch at EPCOT would make sense? I don’t have Via Napoli on the list and I have become addicted to their carciofi pizza. Yummy....truffle oil and hot waiters.
Well, think I just made up my mind on that one.
Tuesday, April 17 -- This will be our day to (hopefully) hit RD at MK. Lauren would like to try out the spa at SSR. I would, too, but the prices are giving me pause. That said, I’d go for a massage. I am thinking about trying to make a mid-afternoon reservation. That evening we are back at EPCOT for an 8:30 ADR at La Hacienda. FEBRUARY TRIP SPOILER ALERT: I really did love this place when we tried it February.
Wednesday, April 18 -- This will be our day at AK. I am truly excited about being able to explore this park in a way that I’ve never been able to before. Mark isn’t a big fan and Max would spend all of his time in the Boneyard. Can’t blame him, but there’s a lot more I’d like to see.
That evening is my last night and I wanted to do something special for Lauren, giving her generosity, so we will be off to the Cali Grill for a great dinner complete with a viewing of Wishes!
Thursday, April 19 -- Departure Day -- Sigh... well, all good things must come to an end and I’m sure I will be itching to get back to Mark and Max by then. I really want to head back to EPCOT. Can you believe I’ve been to EPCOT three times since 2010 and haven’t ridden Soarin’ once?? Blame my short son. Lauren, however, might prefer time at MK, so we’ll see how that plays out.
I’m thinking of adding an ADR for a late lunch at Chefs. Despite having a not so great meal there in 2010, their lunch menu really does look good.
So, there you have it. Feedback is encouraged!
Ooooh, and one last some what IMPORTANT question... is it worth doing more TS because of my TIW card? Just curious to hear from folks who have them.
The food was great. We were seating in the back against the wall so it gave us a better atmosphere. My DD Michelle had the Tuna and loved it. I have the banana chocolate creme brulee too. I really liked it. Our server was a little slow but really great with helping with everything. I would most definitely go back there.
The People Mover? First? Hmmm....
Sorry, I can't help with the TIW question.
