PTR May 2009 for our 3rd Anniversary. We're home and want to go back! :(

[BridetobeDisney]

First of all, bare with me I've never wrote a PTR or TR. I'll try my best to keep you interested!!

Now for the introductions:

My name is Brandi. I'm 25 (26 in January). I just graduated college with my B.S. in early childhood education and special education. Now I'm working on my masters. My major is educational technology with a concentration in media library. Yes, I want to be an elementary librarian!! I am married to my wonderful DH, Brad (you'll meet him in a minute). We got married in May 2006. Also, I'm a SAHM of our sweet little DS Tyson. My family knows me as the go to girl for anything Disney. A few family members have asked for my help planning a trip but nothing else has been said...yet. I try to spread the DIS news to friends and family about new offers and such.

DH 25 (Brad) works for a popular soda company as a lead merchandiser. He's a wonderful husband and father. I lucked out finding someone who gets just as excited as I do about Disney. No one gets me like he does. He's definitely still a kid at heart. He loves his XBox 360. It's usually his bedtime ritual to play Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row.

DS 20 months (Tyson) is an absolute angel...when he gets his way! No I'm kidding. He's a great baby. He's one of those huggy kissy little boys and I love it. I constantly get hugs and a "Hey Mommy" like he's just making sure I still know he's here and loves me. He is getting into the terrible twos though. I've seen a few tantrums lately and I'm learning how to deal. The thing is you kind of have to calm him down and then talk about what he did wrong. If I get him more worked up than he already is, he throws up. The dr. said it's like when a child holds their breath and passes out when angry. My son throws up. I honestly don't know which is the lesser of two evils. LOL

Here's a few pics


Me and DS:

Me and DH:

DH and I honeymooned at Disney in 2006. We stayed at AKL and are still waiting for the day we can afford to stay there again. Here's a couple pics of the wedding and honeymoon.

We are obsessed with Disney! I am definitely the planner. DH leaves everything to me. Of course, I include him in all the decision making because we both want to be happy with the vacation.

We decided to stay at Pop this year. I've always wanted to stay there but our last trip in June 2008 was planned spur of the moment and the only thing available was Allstar Sports. Can you believe I planned a 6 day Disney vacation including ADRs in two weeks. I still can't believe I pulled that one off. This time I'm planning way in advance. Of course Disney is not helping me because the May hours have still yet to be posted!!

We booked with the 4 get 3 deal with 8 day tickets with park hopper and the DP, which ended up costing $1609. I loved the DP on our honeymoon so I'm sure we'll love it again. DS will either eat off my plate or I'll order him something OOP. I decided to add PH because it's nice to have that luxury to go to what ever park you want and eat at any restaurant.

Things I still need to do:
Plan what day to go to each park
Plan what restaurants to eat at and which day
Plan some special things for DH (that are low cost, free, etc)
Plan some special things for DS (little gifts left by Mickey maybe)

Up next, what restaurants have I narrowed my choices down to?
Should I upgrade to a moderate?
And maybe if you want it, I'll post pics from the June 2008 trip.

Thanks for reading!! I'll be back tomorrow!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

I'm signing up to follow your pre-trip report! Can't wait to read more!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

Wow! Thanks Mrs. Grumpy! I keep going back and rereading and adding more to the post. I just added info about DH and DS. I've been wanting to write a TR for a long time. It would be great to get this one going and then post a TR when I get back. I'd love that. Plus, it's nice to meet new people and become friends. Thanks so much for reading!! I'll post more tomorrow.

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

We are staying at POP for the second time in September. It is just DH and I and we are in our 30's and we really enjoyed it. I also was going to go up to a moderate this next trip but decided to stick with POP. We are only there to really sleep since we are at the parks at opening and stay until they close. I couldn't justify spending more right now. I still hope to someday try one out.

I bet AKL was really nce wasn't it.

 

[wlwilliams9]

WOW! We have a lot in common! I'm an early childhood teacher and my DH LOVES XBox 360! I have to admit, I play quite a bit too! We we're married in May, 2002 and are both Disney lovers! We're heading back to WDW in May for our 7th anniversary! I can't wait to read more!

 

[kgle]

Wow your wedding pictures are beautiful! Very pretty

And uhh...let me take the time out to say that yes you should upgrade to a moderate...maybe CSR? LOL

Looking forward to seeing your restaurants...I am still looking for ideas on mine. I want to start looking into some neat countdown ideas as well.

Definitely post pictures from last year. Those are always fun.

Tyson sounds adorable. Rylan comes up to me when I am not feeling well and just cocks his head and says "You K mommy? You OK? You need some medicine? Medicine make you feel better?" He seriously cracks me up. Although he is slowing down on his lovey dovey stuff I miss that.

I am with ya on the PH...I originally wasn't going to do it because I didn't plan on park hopping all day with a 3 year old, but then I realized that I didn't want to so tightly schedule everything so that the park we visited was the same where our dinner ressies were. How much of a pain in the butt would that be...

 

[BridetobeDisney]

We are staying at POP for the second time in September. It is just DH and I and we are in our 30's and we really enjoyed it. I also was going to go up to a moderate this next trip but decided to stick with POP. We are only there to really sleep since we are at the parks at opening and stay until they close. I couldn't justify spending more right now. I still hope to someday try one out.

I bet AKL was really nce wasn't it.

It's good to hear you like Pop. I've wanted to stay there for a while but then I start second guessing myself. Do I want to upgrade? If I do, it will probably be at Coronado Springs. DH stayed there a lot growing up and it seems to be a fun atmosphere. I'm also feeling like you are though. I can't justify spending that much more because then we really aren't getting a deal with the stay 4 get 3. Disney would be getting more money from me then they would have and I'd just be staying in a slightly larger room with better amenities. Also, I think if we did that I'd have to take off PH and I refuse to do that. It's what I'm looking most forward to...freedom to choose! AKL was amazing. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. We didn't stay in a savannah view but the hotel is so pretty and I love all the music they play around the resort. Now if I see some kind of Africa documentary on TV and they start singing traditional songs I about start crying because it reminds me of AKL!! I'm such a softy.

WOW! We have a lot in common! I'm an early childhood teacher and my DH LOVES XBox 360! I have to admit, I play quite a bit too! We we're married in May, 2002 and are both Disney lovers! We're heading back to WDW in May for our 7th anniversary! I can't wait to read more!

We do have a lot in common. Does your DH like those games too? I'm thinking about getting DH guitar hero for christmas but I keep second guessing myself because he plays at night and DS sleeps in our bed at first then I move him to his crib, which is also in our room. DH would wake up Tyson. So I don't know if it's worth it. Sidenote: we live in an apartment that my DF added to his and mom's house so that I can afford to get my masters. I just couldn't bare the thought of working full time, taking two masters classes, being a first year teacher, and having a toddler. My parents said stay at home and just sub throughout the year. I still haven't started subbing yet. I don't like leaving Tyson!! LOL Oh and BTW isn't May the best time of year to visit Disney? Epcot is gorgeous, crowds are light, and it's not too hot yet. Also, Emily is adorable!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

My DH loves all games! As soon as they hit the store shelves, they hit our shelves! We have Guitar hero and I love it, probably more than my DH. I can understand being worried about the music waking up your DS, but then again, if Tyson sleeps like Emily, nothing will wake him up!
I was going to sub this year too, but have yet to do any. I can't imagine being away from Emily either. With my tenure, I was able to take a year off and would be guaranteed a position when I returned, but when the time came, I decided not to, I love being a SAHM!
Tyson is a cutie pie! I hope to have a boy next time around, another girl and we'll be broke for sure!!!
As far a planning goes, I can't wait for the May calendars & when the heck can I make those darned ADR's!! UGH!
Have a good night, can't wait to read about all of your planning!

 

[kgle]

Ahh I am jealous of you guys, there are days when I wish I could just quit work and continue with school but stay home with Rylan.

 

[BridetobeDisney]

My DH loves all games! As soon as they hit the store shelves, they hit our shelves! We have Guitar hero and I love it, probably more than my DH. I can understand being worried about the music waking up your DS, but then again, if Tyson sleeps like Emily, nothing will wake him up!
I was going to sub this year too, but have yet to do any. I can't imagine being away from Emily either. With my tenure, I was able to take a year off and would be guaranteed a position when I returned, but when the time came, I decided not to, I love being a SAHM!
Tyson is a cutie pie! I hope to have a boy next time around, another girl and we'll be broke for sure!!!
As far a planning goes, I can't wait for the May calendars & when the heck can I make those darned ADR's!! UGH!
Have a good night, can't wait to read about all of your planning!

I'm still thinking about getting guitar hero. I just found the guitar for 9.99 on Toysrus.com. Maybe I should buy it and then try to find one of the games for sale. It was originally 59.99. What do you think? After shipping it comes up to 18.00. Still good but not 10.00!

I would have done the same thing you did and stay home. They're only young once. And honestly sometimes I miss that little baby that I could rock and love on. Now he's so independent and defiant at times. I know that's just the terrible two's creeping up. He's so loving most of the time.

I noticed that the June calendar is up but no hours so maybe May hours will be posted soon. I think I'm just going to wing it with the ADR's if the hours aren't posted before we can book.

Ahh I am jealous of you guys, there are days when I wish I could just quit work and continue with school but stay home with Rylan.

You know, I love being a SAHM so much but there is no way I could have done it without my parents. They're just wonderful and support us a lot. We don't even pay rent. I mean we offer all time to help with everything but they won't take it. I try to help them in any way I can, even if it's something little. Also, some days I'm so depressed and feel like I'm trapped at home. Maybe my husband took our car instead of his old car(96 rodeo I don't feel safe putting DS in it) or it's so much extra work to get ready while dealing with a screaming DS. It's not the best feeling when DH comes home and I'm still in my PJ's. I want to start getting out and taking DS somewhere during the day but I live in a smaller city with not a lot to do except go out to eat, to a movie or shopping. There are no safe playgrounds or parks and no cute children's museums. Plus, gangs are so much worse this year and they've been targeting women (like shooting them) as an initiation. Police haven't confirmed it but it's the talk of the town. I don't want to be alone shopping with DS and get mugged, car jacked etc. Sometimes I do wish I was subbing so at least I'd be out of the house. You know?

 

[stacikristine]

I'm so excited to get in on your PTR! Your family seems precious.

I've never done one either, and I'm going to start mine today or tomorrow! My fiance and I are getting married in a couple of weeks, and we're already planning a trip for Sept!

As far as upgrading to a moderate, it depends on how much time you'll spend in your room...We stayed in POP a couple of years ago, and it was great. It's just great to be on-site. My cousins stayed at a moderate, and the pool was really the biggest upgrade. Have you thought about renting from a DVC owner? We're getting our AKV room for almost the same price as POP would be...

Good luck with the planning!!! I'm anxious to follow this trip with you!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

I left off my report last night contemplating a switch to a moderate resort. You know I just keep talking myself out of it because of the extra money. I want to save some on this trip not spend more. If I decide to switch it will be at CSR. It seems like such a great resort and DH has stayed there before. Also the pool looks awesome!!

I called about the May hours this morning and the CM couldn't tell me a thing. She just said any day now. I've been hearing that for a while!! I wonder what the delay is though. I did notice that the June calendar is up so hopefully May will be posted soon.

I've been thinking about ADRs for the last week or so since hopefully we will all get to book ours in mid Dec. I have so many that I want to go to that it's hard to narrow it down. I'm going to list all the ones that are a must and then the ones that I have to narrow down.

Must do TS restaurants

Ohana breakfast
Chef Mickey (Already booked for May 9 for dinner)
Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining
Le Cellier
Boma (anniversary dinner)

]
TS restaurants to choose from

San Angel Inn
Coral Reef (I like the personalized menus and diver)
Mama Melrose
50's Prime Time
Yak and Yeti
Kona Cafe
California Grill (Maybe for sushi and dessert one night)

I would love opinions on my choices. I have not ate at San Angel, 50's Prime Time, Yak and Yeti, Kona, CG or CM. Since i have park hopper it doesn't matter too much what day we eat at each restaurant.

I'm also looking for anniversary ideas.

Here are some I've thought of so far:

A small castle cake while eating at one of our restaurants. Which ones can the castle cake be delivered to?

A gift from me to DH and DS upon arrival

The personalized menu and diver at CR and the menu at CG.

That's all I've thought of so far. I'd love ideas. I'm also looking on the anniversary cakes thread.

Now for pics from May and June 2008:

First, in May we took my grandma to Daytona and decided to spend a day at MK. It was a great day. I didn't take many pics. Later that week we visited Dh's grandma in Orlando and stopped by DTD on the way back.

Anniversary dinner at Boma in May

On the bus going back to DTD to get the car

Grandmama trying to wrangle Tyson so I can get a pic. Notice DH resting in the background.

I brought Tyson's fave snack...Cheese Puffs!

In front of the potted plants fountain in DTD

Noticing the pretty flowers

Next post the June trip!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Love all the pics!

As far as your dining list we have only done San Angel and 50's Prime Time. 50's was a lot of fun and we are doing it again in September. San Angel we did last trip also even though I had read so many bad reviews. We actually thought it was pretty good and again had planned on doing it again on the next trip but then I saw the updated menu on All Ears and it kind of scared me. Not too many things on there that I think I would try. I am trying to get DH to try somewhere different but I think he really wants to go back so we probably will.

 

[kgle]

I think your TS choices are great. I really want to try 50s Prime Time, but mainly for the atmosphere not the food. I hate the idea of spending fifteen dollars on fried chicken! I think that will be on I will go to if Dsis comes with us.

I have heard such rave reviews of CG and if I could afford it, personally I would go just because it looks good. I have never had sushi before either and I LOVE seaweed lol.

As for upgrading resorts. It took me a LONG time to decide to upgrade. For me, I was willing to shell out the extra $300 for the upgrade because I know we will probably spend more time in the room than most. The fridge and coffee pot were a must, which would have added another $100 onto my value cost. I also liked the bus system at CSR plus the deluxe amenities. Its all personal taste though..I just wanted a room a little bit bigger than pop had and sucked it up and finally did it lol.

Curious to see what you decide, but either way you are sure to have a blast!

 

[stacikristine]

Must do TS restaurants

Ohana breakfast
Chef Mickey (Already booked for May 9 for dinner)
Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining
Le Cellier
Boma (anniversary dinner)

]
TS restaurants to choose from

San Angel Inn
Coral Reef (I like the personalized menus and diver)
Mama Melrose
50's Prime Time
Yak and Yeti
Kona Cafe
California Grill (Maybe for sushi and dessert one night)

YUMMY! I love Disney Dining!

I'd do Teppan Edo over Tokyo Dining...it was amazing when we went a couple of years ago!
I've heard that Coral Reef is SO good, and the personalized menus are great! (PS what is the cost for this, and how do you plan for it?)
I've also heard that San Angel is NOT good.
50's PTC is a lot of fun. But the food isn't the greatest in the world. And the crabby lady might scare your son.
Have you thought about Breakfast with Pooh at MK? You can get into the park early and take a picture in front of the Castle. Plus, it's a really good buffet.
I've heard Mama Melrose is to die for....we went to Tony's in MK and it was really good as well...

I'm getting excited even thinking about you and your family enjoying these great restaurants!!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

I had just two weeks to book and plan a 6 day trip to Disney. We stayed at ASSp, which I really liked. Check in was quick and easy. The CM gave us the fridge for free since DS needed it to keep his milk cold. She considered it a medical need. Tyson got a pirate balloon from her also. They did not have us down for a King even though I requested it. I mentioned that to the CM and she took care of that too. Next we went to the concierge desk to get our tickets. We had only booked a room only deal. The CM was really nice and soon we were on our way to the car to drive around to our room. We were so glad that the parking was close to the room because I couldn't be much help carrying anything. I carried what I could and Tyson, then stayed inside to watch him while Brad went to get our luggage.

On the way to Disney

Entertaining a bored DS (He was tearing up tissue paper and putting it in a tupperware container LOL. How much more redneck can we be? But it keeps him busy at home while I'm cooking so I figured I'd give it a shot.

This was on our bed when we checked in!

After relaxing for a while we decided to go to EMH at MK. We left around 7 for the bus. There was a really nice family in line from S. Carolina that kept talking to Tyson. We saw them later that night too. By the end of the night, DH and I agreed that it's easy for DS to make friends. He calls out to people and wants them to say hey. If you're a girl and standing by him, he'll try to grab your hair to pet you. He doesn't pull it. He just holds it because he thinks hair is pretty. I had to stop him several times from doing this.

The park attendance was average for June. I personally don't like going in June but any time is a good time for Disney. We rode some rides and then decided to eat at Cosmic Ray's. I love this CS restaurant. People have mixed views about it but I always have to eat there once or twice. We watched fireworks but missed the parade. We realized later that the parade runs again around midnight. I never knew that. We met Pluto and got his autograph. Unfortunately I can't show the pics because you can see my white bra right through my shirt. I wondered why the CM looked at me funny after he took the pic for us. A couple took a pic of us in front of the castle right after meeting Pluto. I strategically placed my arm in front of me so the pic would be usable. I didn't want another bra shot!

Strategic pose

We left the park around 1:30 and got back to the hotel around 2 am. Tyson had got his second wind by then and I have hilarious video of him running around the room and being hyper. He was laughing and just happy to be there. He finally went to sleep soon after.

The next morning we went to AK. I couldn't get up early enough to make it to rope drop. I think we got there around 10 am. We went straight and got fast passes for the safari. I had never done it before so it was the most important. Thanks to a fellow Dis'er, we had matching shirts for the whole week. It's the first time I have ever done this and it made the trip even more special. Here's pics from AK

He's never seen Lion King and had no clue who Rafiki is. Needless to say he was freaked out a bit.

I love DS's facial expressions. He's saying "Get me outta here!"

Pal Mickey came along for the day in his Safari gear. Can you tell Ds was hot and tired? This is on the train to Rafiki's Planet watch (or something like that)

Mickey and DS look at fish in Africa

He finally knocks out right before the FP time for the safari ride. I wanted to go on in because we would be done around the time for the parade.

Later that evening we meet Donald (DS didn't like him much)

and Goofy

After that we left the park to take a nap and eat. We decided to come back for EMH that night. Well after DS ate, he was knocked out. We decided to take a nap too. We didn't wake up until 9. Oh well, we did get some much needed rest and decided to just stay in and get up bright and early.

Little did I know that mother nature had different plans for the next day.
Ever ran in crocs with a stroller covered with your poncho to save the stuff inside from getting wet while your husband runs and holds your baby in a lightning storm? LOL we did. Never again will I drive to the parks to avoid the buses.

 

[BridetobeDisney]

I'm so excited to get in on your PTR! Your family seems precious.

I've never done one either, and I'm going to start mine today or tomorrow! My fiance and I are getting married in a couple of weeks, and we're already planning a trip for Sept!

As far as upgrading to a moderate, it depends on how much time you'll spend in your room...We stayed in POP a couple of years ago, and it was great. It's just great to be on-site. My cousins stayed at a moderate, and the pool was really the biggest upgrade. Have you thought about renting from a DVC owner? We're getting our AKV room for almost the same price as POP would be...

Good luck with the planning!!! I'm anxious to follow this trip with you!

First of all, congratulations and thanks for reading my PTR!!! That is so exciting. Are you going on your honeymoon now or is the Sept. trip your honeymoon? I'm so excited for you. I really wanted a Christmas wedding but with school it was hard to plan it around Christmas. Thanks for the compliments. I think they're precious too!! I agree about the hotel. You're mainly paying more for the pool, which are wonderful but we don't really use them at all. I've never been in a pool at Disney. I don't really know what goes into renting. But I got that 4/3 deal so I'm probably saving by going this way instead of DVC. However, I would LOVE to stay at AKL again. Can you fill me in on how to rent?

Love all the pics!

As far as your dining list we have only done San Angel and 50's Prime Time. 50's was a lot of fun and we are doing it again in September. San Angel we did last trip also even though I had read so many bad reviews. We actually thought it was pretty good and again had planned on doing it again on the next trip but then I saw the updated menu on All Ears and it kind of scared me. Not too many things on there that I think I would try. I am trying to get DH to try somewhere different but I think he really wants to go back so we probably will.

50's does seem fun. It's traditional home cooking types of foods right? I'm going to look at the menu again. I've heard bad reviews for San Angel too. It's just so pretty inside that I want to eat there! I'm going to look at the new menu.

I think your TS choices are great. I really want to try 50s Prime Time, but mainly for the atmosphere not the food. I hate the idea of spending fifteen dollars on fried chicken! I think that will be on I will go to if Dsis comes with us.

I have heard such rave reviews of CG and if I could afford it, personally I would go just because it looks good. I have never had sushi before either and I LOVE seaweed lol.

As for upgrading resorts. It took me a LONG time to decide to upgrade. For me, I was willing to shell out the extra $300 for the upgrade because I know we will probably spend more time in the room than most. The fridge and coffee pot were a must, which would have added another $100 onto my value cost. I also liked the bus system at CSR plus the deluxe amenities. Its all personal taste though..I just wanted a room a little bit bigger than pop had and sucked it up and finally did it lol.

Curious to see what you decide, but either way you are sure to have a blast!

I looked at the prices of the sushi at CG a minute ago... Who spends $18 on a California roll? It better be so big that it fills up my whole plate for that price. I really want to eat there because I heard the sushi is great but wow that's a steep price tag. I love seaweed salad too! It's great at Tokyo dining.

I am in a fridge swap for Pop that's been going for two years now. The lady who owns it is really nice and it's actually free. You just have to make sure you pass it along to the next person or make sure it goes into Disney storage safely. I hope no one loses it before May!

YUMMY! I love Disney Dining!

I'd do Teppan Edo over Tokyo Dining...it was amazing when we went a couple of years ago!
I've heard that Coral Reef is SO good, and the personalized menus are great! (PS what is the cost for this, and how do you plan for it?)
I've also heard that San Angel is NOT good.
50's PTC is a lot of fun. But the food isn't the greatest in the world. And the crabby lady might scare your son.
Have you thought about Breakfast with Pooh at MK? You can get into the park early and take a picture in front of the Castle. Plus, it's a really good buffet.
I've heard Mama Melrose is to die for....we went to Tony's in MK and it was really good as well...

I'm getting excited even thinking about you and your family enjoying these great restaurants!!

I'm thinking Teppan Edo too. We have ate at Tokyo Dining and it was great but I want to try the hibachi grill. Coral Reef is awesome. On our honeymoon our table was on the left corner of the tank. We had a little fish protecting his rock our entire dinner. It was so funny seeing him fight off big fish. The Chocolate Wave cake is amazing and the CM gave me the recipe. I still haven't made it and don't know where the recipe is. As far as the menu goes, i think you contact this lady (Debbie maybe?) about two months before your trip. You email her pics and what the special occasion is along with your ADR and confirmation #. It's free and the menus are so cute. As far as I know the diver is free, unless they start charging next year (I'm just speculating. I haven't heard that at all but you know how it is. It's the Celebrate year and Disney could see this as an opportunity to make more money.) I don't care for CP. I either caught a bad virus or had food poisoning right after eating there on our honeymoon. I was sick from Tuesday to Saturday. I probably should have gone to the hospital for an IV but I was too stubborn. I just can't bare even looking at that place...bad memories. Mama Melrose is great and the more I think about it the more I am leaning on making it a must do!! Can't I get the fantasmic package? Is it still one TS or two?

 

[hlrababy]

Hey Brandi!!! I finally made it over!! I just saw the link in your siggy! I am going to read now so I can catch up!!

Oh, and you made a killing Friday!!

 

[hlrababy]

Okay, I am now caught up!! I love the pictures from your last trip!! Your pictures are so good!! You and your family are just beautiful!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Hi, came over from hlrababy, enjoying it so far.

I wish I was going in May. It must be so pretty during the F&G Festival.

Your wedding dress was so beautiful. So princess like. Your DS is a cuttie.

I was a SAHM for 6yrs, and I can relate to being a little bored. I was so happy when DS started school and I could volunteer there.

Did I see a Burberry bag in one of the pics? Very nice pics by the way.

I love coming in at the begining of a PRE TR, I really enjoy the planning stage, making ADR's and deciding what to do when. I am a PHopper fan too, it's so worth it.

I havn't been to San Angels or 50's Prime Time, so I'm no help. I would agree, Coral Reef was a very good meal.