Practically Perfect in Every Way - UPDATE-3/1 -- LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!!

[KatMark]

Last day plans sound great!

We fell in love with Kona in September and can't wait to go back there (thanks, Tim!).

I just rechecked your dates that you are there. You are going to miss our son Andy by four days; he is going with his girlfriend February 12 - 16.

 

[dizneeat]

I just rechecked your dates that you are there. You are going to miss our son Andy by four days; he is going with his girlfriend February 12 - 16.

Ah ...... that means we are missing him by a mere two days. That's a shame! Wish we could say hello and have him take home a few things for you.

 

[tinacaplan]

Hm, you have done most of your planning and NO mention of meeting with us .......







but I am sure we'll find a way!

I sent you your own PM about it!

 

[tinacaplan]

Here ya go!

Thanks, Tim! Just what I need right now!

Hmmm...the truffle oil sounds delicious....but I don't do artichokes. I'll have to see if they have other pizzas with truffle oil.

Really? Artichokes are soooo good!

Is that the Tonga Toast at top? That's what my DH wants to try.

I want to try the macadamia pancakes - is that them at the bottom?

This looks sooooooo yummy!!!

Yup...that's tonga toast on the top!

This looks like a lovely lovely day!

I've never made it to actual rope drop with my family. Close, when it was just the E's and I and it was EMH (so I guess technically pre-RD but not right when EMH started). Morning EMH was pretty stinking amazing at MK and at DHS, we LOVED it even with not on time arrival. Hit the big hitters and then had a lazy CS breakfast while folks were running in. It was wonderful.

I did make RD on my girls trip, twice. But...have yet to see an actual "show" as once was when we did the Trek (let us in, pre RD) and the other, I was on the WS side of Epcot so you don't see the show.

Not much help am I

I'm glad to hear so many good things about AM EMHs at MK, so you were helpful!

You got it! And if you can't decide between the two, order the tonga toast then order the Big Kahuna and split.

Ooohhh....ahhh....that looks delicious! I like that suggestion!

breakfast photos look yummy!!! I think one thing I really liked this last trip was doing the occasional ts breakfast. Just kinda sets the tone for the day.

I know...how did this become the unofficial food porn thread???

Since Tim shared some delicious-looking Kona breakfast pics, here's another great menu item, the Samoan. Basically their take on eggs Benedict, with eggs, Hollandaise, and pulled pork.



Also, don't forget, they have the Lilikoi juice here! (AKA frunch, jungle juice, POG juice...etc...)

I'm torn between the Samoan and the Tonga Toast...wonder which way I'll go!

I have to say, your plan for that final day is Practically, if not totally, Perfect! We did this very thing on our trip in 2010. Early EMH at MK, breakfast at Kona at 11 am (ish). This is the first time we have done a late breakfast and we loved it!!!

Here is the post from my TR (and it has pictures, too):

I promise the boys 3 Mountains and an Island. By 11 am. Can I deliver? And still make breakfast at Kona? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39137362&postcount=346
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39137570&postcount=347


Kona is my favorite breakfast on property and the Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes may be my favorite thing to eat in the world. Not WDW. The planet, world!

I am a huge proponent of early EMH! It is amazing how much you can get done in those first couple of hours, before the masses start to arrive. We enjoy the attractions with little wait, while we collect FP for use later in the day.

I've obviously got to make sure that I get there then!

I'm behind on all your park plans. You have so many trips planned now that I can't keep it all straight. But you already knew that!

I love CP breakfast. Its the one group ADR I did with my brother's family in June. Otherwise, I do not want to be tied down to ADRs with a group of 9. It's just too chaotic. But I figured if we were going to do one character breakfast, it had to be that one!

I love Cali Grill. The sushi and the flat bread alone make it such a wonderful meal and both times I have eaten there the wait staff have been exemplary.

Great plans!

Goodness..ADRs for 9? Not easy to manage. And I agree...we're paying for Cali Grill OOP and I may just have a flatbread and some sushi.

Last day plans sound great!

We fell in love with Kona in September and can't wait to go back there (thanks, Tim!).

I just rechecked your dates that you are there. You are going to miss our son Andy by four days; he is going with his girlfriend February 12 - 16.

Aww...it would have so cool to say hi to Andy!

 

[glennbo123]

Your plans look great -- nice and relaxed!

Since Tim shared some delicious-looking Kona breakfast pics, here's another great menu item, the Samoan. Basically their take on eggs Benedict, with eggs, Hollandaise, and pulled pork.



Also, don't forget, they have the Lilikoi juice here! (AKA frunch, jungle juice, POG juice...etc...)

Oh. My. Gosh. I've never seen the Samoan....it looks awesome!

I know...how did this become the unofficial food porn thread???

Now the question is: how do we make it official?

 

[tinacaplan]

Your plans look great -- nice and relaxed!



Oh. My. Gosh. I've never seen the Samoan....it looks awesome!



Now the question is: how do we make it official?

Smother anything in some good hollandaise suace and I'm all over it. And, hey, make it something more interesting than Canadian bacon and well... Oooh, I think I know what I'm going to order.

And...hey...I don't like to make things official. Unofficially speaking, of course.

 

[tinacaplan]

Super sad face. Who likes the last day at Disney? Well, I don’t and I’m guessing you don’t either.

And if you thought my plans for yesterday were relaxed... you haven’t seen anything yet. No you really haven’t seen anything. Because those are pretty much my plans for our last day. Who knows what we’ll want to do? Go back to the MK? EPCOT? DHS? Will Max make a last minute play to go to AK? Will the sun be shining so brilliantly we will want to spend one last afternoon in the sun?

One thing I do know...I’m sure we’ll be meeting with Karin and Tom (aka Dizneeat) at some point this day.

Look! Max was so excited to meet them that he was literally jumping for joy! Seriously, though, I’m really looking forward to meeting up with them again.

Personally, I’d love to check out their accomodations at the BLT, but we’ll have to see about that.

I think DME will be around to pick us around five-ish. And back to reality for me...at least until the next trip....April here I come!

 

[amandaw]

How much fun....a DIS meet! I think y'all are going to have a great trip! Is Max getting excited to go back?

 

[Moira222]

Oh...yes. Although, I'll likely be on the monorail. I've not had the best experiences with Disney boats, but we'll see. I can't believe we're going to be THAT close.

The ferry ride from Poly to the MK is just wonderful, especially at sunset.

You got it! And if you can't decide between the two, order the tonga toast then order the Big Kahuna and split.

OMG Tim, that is a WONDERFUL idea

Last day plans sound great!

We fell in love with Kona in September and can't wait to go back there (thanks, Tim!).

I just rechecked your dates that you are there. You are going to miss our son Andy by four days; he is going with his girlfriend February 12 - 16.

hhmmmm a disney trip over valentines day?

Look! Max was so excited to meet them that he was literally jumping for joy! Seriously, though, I’m really looking forward to meeting up with them again.

I love the jumping in air picture!

You will love EMH by the way. We have never seen an opening "show" anywhere, though we did catch the last 2 minutes of the one at the MK. I am not convinced there IS one at any other park! but its so nice to enter early, catch a few rides before the lines pile up.

your plans sound great Tina!

 

[that's nice]

Since Tim shared some delicious-looking Kona breakfast pics, here's another great menu item, the Samoan. Basically their take on eggs Benedict, with eggs, Hollandaise, and pulled pork.

That looks really good!

Also, don't forget, they have the Lilikoi juice here! (AKA frunch, jungle juice, POG juice...etc...)

Look at my picture again... top left corner. I love that juice too. It is like liquid gold.... and it costs as much too!

 

[dizneeat]

Tina, I got both your PMs - sorry for not answering right away - but this week was a bit crazy and I did not have enough DIStime to decide anything - or update.
I'll get back to your PM tonight! And we WILL meet - I promise!!!!!!!!


PS - love the picture of Max jumping up and down! It was so much fun meeting you then at the BC!

 

[tinacaplan]

How much fun....a DIS meet! I think y'all are going to have a great trip! Is Max getting excited to go back?

I think we will, too! And he is so excited. He talks about it constantly and super excited to get luggage as a Christmas gift.

That looks really good!


Look at my picture again... top left corner. I love that juice too. It is like liquid gold.... and it costs as much too!

Is that juice similar to the juice at Boma and Tusker House? If so, its delicious.

The ferry ride from Poly to the MK is just wonderful, especially at sunset.



OMG Tim, that is a WONDERFUL idea

hhmmmm a disney trip over valentines day?

I love the jumping in air picture!

You will love EMH by the way. We have never seen an opening "show" anywhere, though we did catch the last 2 minutes of the one at the MK. I am not convinced there IS one at any other park! but its so nice to enter early, catch a few rides before the lines pile up.

your plans sound great Tina!

Hmmm...now I'm thinking. I hadn't thought about the ferry ride happening at sunset...that does sound amazing.

I've never seen the opening show at MK. And I'm totally fine with that.

Tina, I got both your PMs - sorry for not answering right away - but this week was a bit crazy and I did not have enough DIStime to decide anything - or update.
I'll get back to your PM tonight! And we WILL meet - I promise!!!!!!!!


PS - love the picture of Max jumping up and down! It was so much fun meeting you then at the BC!

Karin..this is too funny. I only sent the second one after I saw your previous comment here and then wondered if I had possibly sent it to the wrong person! Didn't mean to inundate your inbox.

 

[KatMark]

I hate last days.

But I think your plans are perfect for it -- playing it by ear and meeting up with Karin and Tom.

 

[tinacaplan]

We got Mickey mail today...and the most exciting thing is that our ME tags say POLYNESIAN. We're really going! ​

 

[amandaw]

I think we will, too! And he is so excited. He talks about it constantly and super excited to get luggage as a Christmas gift.

Awww, that's so cute!

We got Mickey mail today...and the most exciting thing is that our ME tags say POLYNESIAN. We're really going! ​

How exciting! Mickey Mail & you're going to POLY!!!

My best friend's family leaves on 2/16 & she got her Mickey Mail today, too.

I'm so excited for y'all both.....but a (little) jealous, too!

 

[dizneeat]

We got Mickey mail today...and the most exciting thing is that our ME tags say POLYNESIAN. We're really going! ​

Isn't Mickey Mail wonderful!

and especially if it says Polynesian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had that same feeling last week when ours came - only ours said Disney DREAM. (Mickey doesn't send us any hotel mail )

 

[annmarieda]

We got Mickey mail today...and the most exciting thing is that our ME tags say POLYNESIAN. We're really going! ​

That is so cool!!

 

[tinacaplan]

So, just as they say that weather in New England changes every second...

Max, outside today, helping to shovel us out.

...Disney likes to change things up, too. I had been waiting for this, I suppose...and now its happened: Disney changed their park hours and nearly every site I checked (OK, only EasyWDW and Touring Plans) is practically screaming that this week is going to be BUSY.
Thus, park hours have changed. Of course.

And with that...so have my plans. Sigh. There is another reason my plans have changed, too, but we’ll get to that a in minute.

Anyway, I have decided that trying to get into the Magic Kingdom the afternoon of President’s Day is probably nearly suicidal. That said, our first park is now going to be...

Try and contain your shock. Truth is, it just makes sense. I was tempted to say we’d keep our dinner ADR at Kona and just hang out at the resort all day, but it seems somewhat cruel to be at Disneyworld and not get into a park that first day. Of course, I could roll the dice and hope it would be a pool day and then, perhaps, all would be fine. But, its February and we’re not guaranteed perfect weather.

This meant last minute ADR change, too.

Quick...try and guess where we are. I’ll give you a few hints..








This picture was taken on our anniversary trip in 2010, thus no Max.






Got it yet?



What, you have not followed my career as a Disboard TR/Dining Review writer closely enough to recall where I ate my first meal on my very first trip back to Disneyworld as an adult?





OK...kidding aside...we decided to go with Biergarten. Will the food be as good as Kona? Yeah, probably not. And I know, I know that this goes against my anti-buffet stance, but Biergarten is kind of an exception. It has the serious nostalgia factor for me, as I ate here with my parents back in the ‘80s, before it had gone buffet. Also, Max enjoys the dancing and the music and its a good deal when you’re on the DDP. Its one of those places on property that, love it or hate, just screams Disney to me. You know those places...the ones that you just could not find outside of Disneyworld? Yes, Biergarten is that for me.

Moving on... I panicked again when I found out that MK was opening at 8 a.m. all week, thus my fabulous 8 a.m. CP ADR plan would not work. We’d miss an hour of valueable early morning park time. No way. So cancel that... I’ll grab a cup of Kona Coffee on the way out of the Poly and we’ll grab breakfast..um..somewhere.

This means we’ll end up doing some CS somewhere in MK. I’m fine with this. I’d like to try Columbia Harbor House, but I’m fine with Pecos Bill’s, too. Depends on where we are at that moment.

Then, that evening, I’m keeping our ADR at ‘Ohana.

Wednesday has no major changes during the day: we’re headed to DHS, we’ll have breakfast at the Writer’s Stop after we battle our way through Pixar Place. If we can, we’ll avoid the wonderful DHS CS and maybe have some ice cream, like we did this past summer.

This was, after all, the evening of my California Grill reservation. You know...that mythical meal I’ve been chasing on each of my trips since 2010? Well, in much the same way as a garden wing room at the CR did not sit well with me, neither did my 5:45 ADR at Cali Grill. I’ll have linner with Max and absolutely an early dinner, but when its a romantic meal for just my husband and I that may or may not involve me dressing for dinner, 5:45 felt silly. Then I checked out Citrico’s menu and fell in love. I promptly proceeded to change my ADR to Citrico’s for 8 p.m. Max will be spending some time at the Neverland Club at the Poly that evening, while we hop a ride on the monorail to the Grand Floridian.

Then, there’s Thursday. Morning EMHs at MK which now start at 7 a.m.. And we will be there. Seriously. I love that wake up call anyway. We’ll then head back to the Poly for our late morning breakfast at Kona.

And then, in the afternoon, we’ll hook up with Dizneeat aka Karin and her brother Thomas, somewhere in the EPCOT vicinity. I’ve cancelled our Via Napoli ADR, so we can be pretty flexible that afternoon/evening.

Friday is our last day...and finally...I save something good for the last day. This is where I moved our CP ADR to. We’ll get to MK at or around rope drop, have some fun, and then head to CP at 10 a.m.. to see our friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. After that, we can head back out into MK, or hop on over to pretty much anywhere in the world. And by world, I mean, the one contained within the confines of Central Florida.

What did you do today?

 

[amandaw]

Max is so cute in the snow! But, just looking at that picture makes me cold....brrrr! It makes me more appreciative of our un-January-like high temperature of 79 today.

Don't you just hate it when they change park hours so close to a trip? But, it sounds like you've rolled with the punches pretty well. And you still have a great game plan!

 

[tinacaplan]

Max is so cute in the snow! But, just looking at that picture makes me cold....brrrr! It makes me more appreciative of our un-January-like high temperature of 79 today.

Don't you just hate it when they change park hours so close to a trip? But, it sounds like you've rolled with the punches pretty well. And you still have a great game plan!

OK...Miss 79 degrees... How jealous are you trying to make me? Though I often wonder what it would be like if it were warm all year...does summer seem less special because of it?

Anyway...yes, I do hate it! But I was sort of it expecting, as Disney's published hours didn't quite match what I've seen the last two years. But the crowds look like they're going to be insane. So, I've just gotta be prepared to get there early and hit the ground running. Then we can go back and do the rides with FPs and the rides and shows that are easier to get into. Like Carousel of Progress! Or Nemo...which is a walk on every single time.