PTR: WDW & DCL (Fantasy) WITHOUT the kids - October 16-29, 2012

[TheTXTaylors5]

For me, half the fun is planning our vacations. Okay, 10% is planning and 90% having fun. But, you know what I mean! I am soooooo excited for our upcoming trip. I just needed an outlet to build up the anticipation of this trip and to have a place to tell of our experiences. I am tired of the rolled eyes from family and friends when we talk about our Disney trips. I think y'all would appreciate it more . . .

As the title reads, we are leaving our three kiddos at home with my Mom for two weeks. She might need a straight jacket when we get home. We'll owe her big for this favor! We didn't want to take the kids out of school, two are in sports and to be totally honest, we want to get away on an adult-only trip. We have a group of friends meeting us on the cruise. We will spend a few days at Walt Disney World before embarking the Disney Fantasy. We've sailed on the Wonder, Magic and Dream. It's time to experience DCL's newest ship. I can't wait!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Cast of Travelers

Jennifer (Me)
40 - SAHM and self-proclaimed Disney nut.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (DHS)
(In the name of all that rocks. Hit it dude! - Stacy)
Favorite Disney Character: Snow White
(Brunettes need to stick together

Bill (My Hubby)
43 - Hard working IT Manager.
Our WDW trips are his "escape" from the fast-paced high stress environment of work.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Expedition Everest (DAK)
(This is from a man who when I met him, didn't ride rollercoasters. You've come a long way baby!)
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse
(He's a classic. Who doesn't love Mickey?!?!)

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I am a planner. I am one of those people who has a color-coded spreadsheet and already knew what ADRs I was going to book months before it was time. However, we don't go commando in the parks and DO take time to enjoy our resort. We are Disney Vacation Club owners. So, we know we'll be back!

ADRs have been booked for WDW. Here's our tentative dining plans . . .

Walt Disney World ADRs:

Epcot
Via Napoli*
Nine Dragons*
Les Chefs de France*

Magic Kingdom
The Plaza Restaurant*

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater*
Hollywood Brown Derby*

Resorts
Sanaa* (AKV)
Shula's Steak House (Dolphin)

* We've eaten at this restaurant in the past.

We don't do the DDP and pay OOP for all our meals. Also, we use a TIW card for the discount.

Usually, we don't make a visit to WDW without dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse or our new favorite Jiko. But, I decided to try Shula's this trip.

What is your favorite steak restaurant on property??? Any reviews on Shula's??? Should I cancel Shula's and go with our tried and true Yachtsman or Jiko???

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We will be visiting WDW during our second most favorite time of year (Christmas-time is #1!!!). While at WDW some great events are happening that we plan to take full advantage of . . .

Walt Disney World Events:

This will be our third visit to WDW during F&W. We love to meet friends at Epcot and Eat/Drink Around the World during F&W.

This year, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held from September 28, 2012 to November 12, 2012. If you are at WDW during this timeframe, I suggest you set aside an afternoon or evening to graze through World Showcase. We are foodies. So, I love this event.

For more information on Epcot International Food and Wine Festival check out the Disney link HERE

So glad to see that Disney has released more information on the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This is mecca for a foodie like me. I can't wait! The booth menus have been announced. In case y'all are interested, here are the food kiosks in World Showcase for the 2012 Epcot Food & Wine Festival . . .


ARGENTINA


Culinary Offerings: •Beef Empanada*
•Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
Beverage Selections: •Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay
•Terrazas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
• Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
•Terrazas Reserva Malbec
AUSTRALIA


Culinary Offerings: •Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze
•Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
•Lamington
Beverage Selections: •Rosemount Estate Traminer Riesling
•Rosemount Estate Chardonnay Semillon
•Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz
•Rosemount Estate Shiraz Cabernet
BELGIUM


Culinary Offerings: •Steamed Mussels in Hoegaarden Beer Broth and Baguette
•Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
•Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
Beverage Selections: •Hoegaarden
•Stella Artois*
•Leffe Blonde
•Leffe Brune
•Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee
BREWER'S COLLECTION


Beverage Selections: •Radeberger Pilsner
•Altenmünster Oktoberfest
•Altenmünster Dunkel
•Hövels
•Schöfferhofer Weizen
•Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
•Berliner Kindl Dark
•Sion Kölsch
CANADA


Culinary Offerings: •Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup*
•Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and "Minus 8" Onion Jam
•"Le Cellier" Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
Beverage Selections: •Neige Première Apple Ice Wine
•Neige Bubble
•Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah
•Moosehead Beer
CARIBBEAN


Culinary Offerings: •Ropa Vieja with Cilantro Rice
•Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Chutney
Beverage Selections: •Bacardi® Frozen Dragon Berry Colada
•Bacardi® Torched Cherry Frozen Cherry Limeade*
CHEESE


Culinary Offerings: •Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread
•Trio of Artisan Cheeses: Beecher's Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Goat Brie and Rogue River Creamery Echo Mountain Blue Cheese*
Beverage Selections: •Sterling Vintner's Collection Sauvignon Blanc
•Sterling Vintner's Collection Riesling*
•Sterling Vintner's Collection Pinot Noir
•Sterling Vintner's Collection Meritage
CHINA


Culinary Offerings: •Mongolian Beef with Chinese Steamed Bun*
•Pork Pot Stickers*
•Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Pickled Vegetables
•Mango Tapioca Pudding
Beverage Selections: •Tsing Tao Beer*
•Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
•Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
•Happy Lychee with Vodka
•Sunny Guava with Coconut Rum*
CRAFT BEER


Beverage Selections: •Widmer Rotator IPA: Spiced IPA, Portland, OR
•Red Hook Pilsner, Portsmouth, NH
•Blue Moon Seasonal, Golden, CO
•Leinenkugel Berry Weiss, Chippewa Falls, WI
•Florida Beer Company's Devil's Triangle, Florida
•Abita Purple Haze, Lousianna
•Full Sail IPA, Oregon
•Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Nevada
DESSERTS & CHAMPAGNE


Culinary Offerings: •Yogurt Panna Cotta with Orange Cake, Raspberries and Pomegranate
•Lemon Custard Verrine with Blueberry Compote
•Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chili and Salted Caramel*
Beverage Selections: •Nesquick Frozen Chocolate Foam*
•Nesquick Frozen Strawberry Foam
•Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial
•Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial
•Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial
•Moët & Chandon Impérial
FIFE & DRUM


Beverage Selections: •Red Stag Lemonade by Jim Beam®
•Red Stag Honey Tea Lemonade by Jim Beam®
FLORIDA LOCAL – NEW!


Culinary Offerings: •White Corn Arepa with Mangalitsa Pork Rilette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad
•Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables, Fried Plantains and Cilantro
Beverage Selections: •Florida Beer Company Florida Lager
•Florida Beer Company Key West Southernmost Wheat
•Florida Orange Grove Key Limen
•Florida Orange Grove Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria
FRANCE


Culinary Offerings: •Escargots Persillade en Brioche
•Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni
•Créme Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait
Beverage Selections: •Chardonnay, Bouchard Aîné & Fils
•Merlot, Château de Mercade Bordeaux
•Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
•Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush
GERMANY


Culinary Offerings: •Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese)
•Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll*
•Apple Strudel with Karamel-Vanilla Sauce*
Beverage Selections: •Selbach-Oster Estate Spätlese
•JH Selbach Riesling Classic*
•JH Selbach Riesling QbA Red Label*
•Niersteiner Spiegelberg Dornfelder
•Radeberger Pilsner
•Altenmünster Dunke
GREECE


Culinary Offerings: •Greek Salad with Pita Bread*
•Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey*
•Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
•Spanakopita
•Dannon® Oikos® Greek Yogurt Cups
Beverage Selections: •Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
•Domaine Skouras St. George
•Sigalas Assytiko
•Alpha Axia Syrah
HAWAI'I


Culinary Offerings: •Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise*
•Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
Beverage Selections: •Seven Tiki® Mai Tai*
•Heitz Cellar Chardonnay
•Kona Brewing Company Big Wave Golden Ale
•Kona Brewing Company Pipeline Porter
HOPS & BARLEY


Culinary Offerings: •Linda Bean's® Lobster Claw Cuddler® Chilled with Herb Mayonnaise
•Linda Bean's® Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®*
•Linda Bean's® Maine Home Style Clam Chowder*
•Pumpkin Mousse with Craisins and Orange Sauce*
Beverage Selections: •Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
•Samuel Adams® Seasonal*
•Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
•17th Anniversary Festival Beer– Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock
•Samuel Adams Light®
•Samuel Adams® Cream Stout
•Samuel Adams® Latitude 48 IPA
•Angry Orchard Cider
IRELAND


Culinary Offerings: •Lobster and Seafood Fisherman's Pie
•Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Cashel Blue with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread
•Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey's Ganache*
Beverage Selections: •Guinness*
•Bunratty Mead Honey Wine
•Bunratty Potcheene Chilled Irish Coffee
ITALY


Culinary Offerings: •Ravioli di Formaggio All'emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella)*
•Salsiccia e "Papacelli" Napoletani (Sweet Sausage, Red Pepper, Ciaibatta Bread)*
•Cannoli al Cioccolato (Chocolate-Covered Cannoli filled with Ricotta, Chocolate, Candied Fruit)*
Beverage Selections: •Moretti Beer
•Prosecco Zardetto*
•Pinot Grigio Mezzacorona*
•Chianti Castello di Quercetto
•Italian Margherita*
JAPAN


Culinary Offerings: •Spicy Hand Roll (Tuna & Salmon with Chili Pepper, Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil Topped with Kazan Volcano Sauce)
•Karaage Hand Roll (Crispy Chicken Breast with Sushi Rice and Spicy Mayonnaise)*
•California Roll (Avocado, Cucumber, Crab, Mayonnaise, Smelt Roe Rolled in Sushi Rice and Seaweed)
•Sukiyaki Beef Pan (Marinated Thinly Sliced Rib Eye with Sauteed Onions and Teriyaki Sauce Served in a Bun)
Beverage Selections: •Kirin Ichiban Draft Beer*
•Sake-Kikusui Super Dry, Junmai
•Sake-Bishounen Junmai Ginjo
•Sake Strawberry Mist
MEXICO


Culinary Offerings: •Crispy Shrimp Taco with Chipotle Lime Mayo and Cabbage Served on a Flour Tortilla*
•Taco de Filete with Cascabel Pepper Sauce and Scallions Served on a Flour Tortilla*
•Natilla de Cajeta (Caramel Custard Served with Sauce)
Beverage Selections: •Dos Equis Beer
•L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
•L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah
•Lime Strawberry Margarita On the Rocks*
•Tequila Flight: Tequila Blanco, Reposado and Anejo
MOROCCO


Culinary Offerings: •Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket)*
•Merguez Sausage (Beef and Lamb Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions)
•Baklava
Beverage Selections: •Casa Beer
•Amazigh Red
•Sangria
•Mimosa Royale*
NEW ZEALAND


Culinary Offerings: •Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad*
•Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Beverage Selections: •Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio*
•Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
•Kim Crawford Un-Oaked Chardonnay
•Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
POLAND


Culinary Offerings: •Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream*
•Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup*
Beverage Selections: •Chandon Carneros Chardonnay
•Tyskie
•Belvedere® Frozen Lemon Apple "Tea"*
SCANDINAVIA


Culinary Offerings: •Taste of Scandinavia: Cured Salmon, Herring and Shrimp Salad
•Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries*
•Rice Pudding with Driscoll's® Only The Finest Berries™*
Beverage Selections: •Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee
•Xanté
•Xanté Sunshine*
SINGAPORE


Culinary Offerings: •Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice*
•Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and "Singa" Sauce
Beverage Selections: •Tiger Beer
•Marqués de Cáceres Satinela
•Singapore Sling
SOUTH AFRICA


Culinary Offerings: •Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce*
•Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket*
Beverage Selections: •Fairview Sauvignon Blanc
•Fairview Pinotage*
SOUTH KOREA


Culinary Offerings: •Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw*
•Mung Bean Pancake with Shrimp and Kimchi Sauce
Beverage Selections: •Bohae Black Raspberry Wine-Bokbunjajoo*
•Chung Ha Soju Fruit Slushy
•Chung Ha Soju

TERRA – NEW!


Culinary Offerings: •Trick'n Chick'n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick'n Breast
•Chili Colorado with House Made Chips & Cashew Cheese, featuring Gardein Beefless Tips*
•Chocolate Cake with Passion Fruit Sorbet and Coconut Foam*

Beverage Selections: •Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc*
•Paul Dolan Pinot Nior
•Silk® Berry Smoothie

* On our "To Eat/Drink" list.

(The above list is from the Disney Parks site. Link HERE.)

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

After drooling over the F&W menu, I may need to rethink our Epcot ADRs . . .

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Another event happening while we are at Walt Disney World is . . .

(Yes, that's Bill in a banana suit. It was a fun night. You don't know how many people yelled at him, "Peanut Butter Jelly Time!" LOL!!!)

Of all the parties we've attended at the MK, this is my favorite! Where else can you trick-or-treat as an adult! LOL!

This year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be offered at the Magic Kingdom on select nights from September 11, 2012 to November 2, 2012.

We plan to attend a Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party while at WDW in October. But, I'm on the fence on which date to attend.

Here are our choices:
October 16, 2012 (Tuesday)
October 18, 2012 (Thursday)
October 28, 2012 (Sunday)

They're ALL the same price. So, price isn't a factor. Any suggestions?!?!

I am not one to wing it and buy the tickets while at WDW. We have so much I want to see and do while there without the kids. I don't want to chance a party being sold out and not being able to attend. So, I plan to pre-purchase the tickets.

For more information on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party check out the Disney link HERE

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

LODGING
We will be staying at Walt Disney World four nights pre-cruise and two nights post-cruise.

Pre-cruise will be spent at our "home" resort, Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. We are currently waitlisted for Boardwalk Villas. We'll see if that works out. If not, I am fine with AKV. We've stayed here a few times in the past. Contrary to how most people feel, I like it being far, far away from the other resorts and parks. You really feel immersed in the environment and transported to Africa. This is probably the closest I will ever get to Africa. So, I appreciate the attention to detail.

We are staying in a Studio with a non-savanna view. We have yet to stay in a savanna-view villa. However, on our first visit we had a partial savanna-view and our second visit had a nice view of the pool area. I am honestly fine where our room is. I'll be at Walt Disney World!

After the cruise will be spent at Disney's Boardwalk Villas. Again since it is just the two of us, we are staying in a Studio villa. I love this location during Food & Wine because we can walk to Epcot and enter the park via International Gateway.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Our Walt Disney World itinerary is still tentative. It will probably be tweaked up until we depart. For right now, this is what I have planned . . .

Walt Disney World Itinerary
(tentative)

PLAN A:
Tuesday - October 16, 2012
Depart: Dallas (Love Field)
Arrive: Orlando (MCO - Walt Disney World)
Lodging: Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

Park: Epcot
Event: Food & Wine (L)
ADR: Via Napoli (D)

Wednesday- October 17, 2012
(AM)
Park: Magic Kingdom
ADR: Plaza Restaurant (L)
(PM)
Park: Epcot
ADR: Nine Dragons (D)

Thursday - October 18, 2012
Park: Disney's Hollywood Studios
ADR: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (L)
ADR: Hollywood Brown Derby (D)

Friday - October 19, 2012
(AM)
Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom
(PM)
Dinner with my Dad. (He has a winter home in FL.)

Saturday - October 20, 2012
Depart: WDW
Arrive: Port Canaveral - Embark Disney Fantasy

Seven days of "fun in the sun" in the Caribbean.

Saturday - October 27, 2012
Depart: Port Canaveral
Arrive: WDW
Lodging: Boardwalk Villas

Park: Epcot
ADR: Les Chefs de France (L)
Event: Food & Wine (D)
(Eat/Drink Around the World with friends!!!)

Sunday - October 28, 2012
(AM)
Downtown Disney
Counter Service: Earl of Sandwich (L)
(PM)
Park: Magic Kingdom
Event: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Monday - October 29, 2012
Park: Epcot
Event: Food & Wine (L)

Depart: Orlando (MCO)
Arrive: Dallas (Love Field)

PLAN B:
Tuesday - October 16, 2012
Depart: Dallas (Love Field)
Arrive: Orlando (MCO - Walt Disney World)
Lodging: Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

Park: Epcot
Event: Food & Wine (L)
ADR: Via Napoli (D)

Wednesday- October 17, 2012
(AM)
Park: Magic Kingdom
ADR: Plaza Restaurant (L)
(PM)
Park: Epcot
ADR: Nine Dragons (D)

Thursday - October 18, 2012
(AM)
Relax
ADR: Sanaa (L)
(PM)
Park: Magic Kingdom
Event: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Friday - October 19, 2012
(AM)
Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom
(PM)
Dinner with my Dad. (He has a winter home in FL.)

Saturday - October 20, 2012
Depart: WDW
Arrive: Port Canaveral - Embark Disney Fantasy

Seven days of "fun in the sun" in the Caribbean.

Saturday - October 27, 2012
Depart: Port Canaveral
Arrive: WDW
Lodging: Boardwalk Villas

Park: Epcot
ADR: Les Chefs de France (L)
Event: Food & Wine (D)
(Eat/Drink Around the World with friends!!!)

Sunday - October 28, 2012
(AM)
Downtown Disney
Counter Service: Earl of Sandwich (L)
(PM)
Park: Disney's Hollywood Studios
ADR: Shula’s (D)

Monday - October 29, 2012
Park: Epcot
Event: Food & Wine (L)

Depart: Orlando (MCO)
Arrive: Dallas (Love Field)

(L) = Lunch
(D) = Dinner

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

This will be our sixth Disney cruise. Yea!!! Finally, I get a gold lanyard!!! First cruise without the kids. We are booked on the Disney Fantasy for an Eastern itinerary. We were able to book our onboard dining and excursions last month.

DCL (Fantasy) ITINERARY

Saturday - October 20, 2012
Leave WDW (AKV)
Embark Disney Fantasy

Sunday - October 21, 2012
At Sea
Dinner in private dining room at Palo.

Monday - October 22, 2012
At Sea
Palo Brunch

Tuesday - October 23, 2012
Port: St Maarten
Excursion: 12 Metre Regatta

Wednesday - October 24, 2012
Port: St Thomas
Excursion: St John Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel

Thursday - October 25, 2012
At Sea
Palo Dinner

Friday - October 26, 2012
Port: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Excursion: Couples Cabana Massage @ Serenity Bay

Saturday - October 27, 2012
Port: Port Canaveral
Disembark the Fantasy
Back to WDW (BWV)

We did this same itinerary a few years ago on the Magic with the kids. This time, we are doing more adult excursions. Last time, we visited the Butterfly Farm on St Maarten and Coral World on St Thomas.

I've already been researching online to do some duty-free shopping too. There's a Gucci bag with my name on it, IF the price is right!!!

(We've opted to NOT dine at Remy on this cruise.)

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Phew! Okay, those are our plans. Like previously mentioned, it's all tentative until we actually get there and do it. So, our itinerary is open for changes/updates.

Would love any and all feedback and comments.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

64 days until . . .

Two happy child-free parents on a plane heading to Walt Disney World!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

TRANSPORTATION

Normally, we drive to Walt Disney World with the kids. Over 19 hours each way with three kids. Yes, we are a glutton for punishment. LOL!!! Luckily, we make one stop each way at a hotel. Who knows how much longer we'll do that. Initially, it was due to cost. Airline ticket x 5 = $$$$$ However, gas prices and hotel prices seem to have gone up over the years. It might eventually be so close in cost, flying might be our "norm" for WDW trips.

When driving, we've gotten used to having the freedom to venture off property to grocery shop or drive to a park if the bus lines are too long. Since it's just Bill & I, we are flying. It will be strange relying on Disney transportation this trip.

We're taking advantage of Magical Express from MCO to WDW. But, we need to get to Port Canaveral for our cruise. The transfer DCL offers is honestly expensive. We are traveling with a group. So, our wonderful friend/TA coordinated a bus for our group from WDW to PC and back to WDW after the cruise.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We just paid off our cruise transfer today. I’m doing a happy dance. One less expense paid for this trip. When breaking down the cost of a WDW and DCL trip, it can look daunting on paper. Thank goodness we've spread out our trip purchases.

First booking: Cruise
Paid

Second booking: Lodging
We are DVC Members. So, we are staying on points this trip.
Paid

Third booking: Flight.
As soon as Southwest came out with October 2012 flights, my hubby was online booking. It actually paid off. There are no flights in sight at the price we paid.
Paid

Fourth booking: DCL dining reservations and excursions.
We don't have to pay these until onboard.

Fifth booking: DCL transfers
Just paid it off.
Paid

So, I guess now I need to budget what we still need to purchase . . .

Park Tickets:
We let our Annual Passes expire. So, Bill and I will be purchasing new APs with the DVC discount. This AP will take us through two WDW trips. We're taking the kids in May 2013 for a week. We have to refrain from visiting WDW more than two times next year. It is so tempting with an AP burning a hole in your pocket. But, we have a Disneyland trip planned next Christmas.

Dining:
We plan to purchase a Tables in Wonderland card. This will give us a discount at all our sit down restaurants. This will be valid for both upcoming WDW trips. For us, it normally pays for itself during one trip. We will be paying out-of-pocket for all our meals.

Souvenirs:
We can't go away and not come home with souvenirs. I think that is honestly why the kids aren't giving us a hard time taking a trip without them. As long as we bring them back "something", they're happy.

DCL Excursions, Dining & Tips:
While onboard, we plan to eat in Palo which has an added fee. Also, we have an excursion booked at each port. We need to pay for those once onboard. You can't take a cruise without tipping your room host and the main dining room staff. I also make sure to have lots of $1 bills to tip room service for my late night Mickey bars. Yum! Yum!

Anything I am missing???

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I casually mentioned to Bill that I had made an ADR for Shula's and he wasn't overly excited. His comment, "I really want to eat at the Italian place at the Swan or Dolphin." I assume he means Il Mulino at the Swan. So, I just cancelled Shula's and made an ADR for Il Mulino.

Anyone eaten at Il Mulino????

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

48 days until . . .

We'll be on a Magical Express bus. Next stop . . . Walt Disney World!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

CRUISE UPDATES:
Our TA has set-up a private martini tasting and mixology seminar for our cruise. I can't wait! There might be a little drinking done on this cruise! No one is driving and we don't have far to our stateroom. LOL!!!

We've been informed that some Halloween events will be going on while onboard (a costume party and trick-or-treating).

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Castaway Cay 5K
My husband and I plan to do the Castaway Cay 5K. However, I haven't been training like I did the race we did last year during F&W. I'm injured. I have an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon this Friday. Wish me luck! Worst case scenario, I will be doing a 5K power walk. Does anyone know how much time they'll give me to finish? I want my medal!!! Do people walk and run or is it mostly runners???

 

[Southern Bell]

The thing that caught my eye in reading your plans was that during your vacation you had planned a time for your Dad! Thats great! Enjoyed reading it all and hope you have a great time!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

FYI - I haven't abandoned this thread. I just got over knee surgery and have been trying to recover. I am on week two of physical therapy. It has been a slow and painful process. I am still relying on the use of one crutch to get around. At least it's progress. I was in sooooooo much pain that first week. However, the Hydrocodone was making me sick. So, I tried to wean off it ASAP and worked through the pain with just Advil and ice packs. Has anyone on here had knee surgery? Y'all know my pain!

With me still limping around, this trip IS still "on". I just may have to modify some of my activites and may have to rent an ECV for longer days in the parks. I have little to no cartilage in my left knee.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

13 days until . . .

we meet up with friends for a "Drink Around the World" at Epcot.