Questions, questions, questions.....

[callahanjulie10]

We will be arriving Friday, Dec 19 staying at the Portifino until Monday, Dec 22. What would be our best plan to see and do it ALL!?
As for food, are there anything like the Connection voucher program? I love to prepay if possible- no hassles kind of vacation.
Is there still early entry if you stay onsite?
Thanks in advance for all of your knowledge and help.

 

[kellymonaghan]

With the Express Access you get with your room key as a hotel guest, seeing everything won't be a problem. Just go as the spirit moves you.

Remember that you can check in early on Friday, get your room key (even if the room isn't ready yet) and head for the parks. You can also use the key all day Monday, even after you've checked out.

I don't believe they have formal early entry now, but they often open the gates up to 45 minutes early, depending on crowds.

Relax. Enjoy!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

19th: Check in, get unpacked, explore/enjoy the hotel. See anything on your "must-do" list.
20th: USF (or IOA) all day
21st: IOA (or USF) all day
22nd: Catch anything you've missed/repeat favorites.

 

[thedisneymom]

Hey Julie! I thought of you today! We also booked PBH today with the ent rate for this summer. Wish I was going with you in Dec. Have fun! Give my best to all.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Calling for those entertainment rates.....hope they are out for my dates!!!!

 

[callahanjulie10]

Hey Disneymom-
How is Kaitlyn doing this year? Linds is really enjoying middle school. I wish you all were going in December as well. My cousin Kathy and her daughters will be joining Linds and I- you should bring Kaitlyn and we would have a girls vacation! Wouldn't that be FUN! Take care-
Thanks to everyone who helped me-
any suggestions on eating? Also- as for the holiday activities, what and when!
Anything special that I should and make sure to do?

 

[thedisneymom]

Hi There! Caitlin is working so hard but loves her school. Don't eat at Mythos- big prices and small portions. We found the food stands and smaller restaurants to be great at Islands.The Jurassic Park burger place is good and nice because it is an exact replica of the movie. Islands is so pretty. I could walk around for hours.At your hotel everyone recommends Mama's - family style. We have eaten at the Italian restaurant Louie's in US and also Monster's Cafe. They were good but I wouldn't rave. There's a website with all the menu's from the 2 parks and all the univ hotels. I'll try to locate and send to you. AS for the rides-go to Spiderman first, then Hulk, then dueling dragons. You will have no problems with lines at all. Nice chatting with you. Tell everyone we said a big COLD NY hi! Janet

 

[ChrisFL]

Sorry, but I disagree, I highly reccomend Mythos as a classy restaurant with great food, and many people here agree that is a "must do"

 

[damo]

Love Mythos and have never had a problem with small portions or high prices. Please check it out for yourself. We took a group of 12 last spring (consisiting of adults and children) and we all raved about it so much we had to go back to celebrate one of the teen's birthdays. It is by far our favourite restaurant at any of the parks (Disney and Universal)

 

[thedisneymom]

It is only my humble opinion but then again you haven't seen us eat at the cruise buffets!

 

[callahanjulie10]

Thanks everyone for your imput.
Disneymom-I trust your judgement on the dining though- just because you brought me that wonderful Palo dessert pizza. We have the same ideas on food!
We haved visited WDW about 4 times a year since my DD-12 was 4 and decided this year to try IOA/US!
Last Year- we were at MK for MVMCP and loved it- looking forward to using you great tips and seeing everything this CHristams- Thanks

 

[Motherfletcher]

Julie-
The closest thing I've seen to prepay at PBH is booking the Bed and Breakfast promo. You can charge to your room which is kind of hassle free. If you are into some serious bodybuilding buffet action you need to go to PBH's character dinner. Good food but too quiet for me. That features Woody (which most kids never heard of) and Scooby. You get a lot of attention since it is not crowded like any of the WDW's.
I'll be there the same time. Not to be missed:
Grinch storytelling at PBH.
Macy's Parade
Whoville

I think your DD12 will love it bc my DD10 and DS15 now prefer it to WDW.

 

[callahanjulie10]

Mother Fletcher-
I hope that she loves it but not more than WDW! I am a huge WDW fan and it is one of my favorite places. Actually anything Disney makes me drool!!!! Thank you for your suggestions, we will probably skip the character dinner since she really doesn't seem to care for those and I am not a big buffet eater.

 

[gschmerl]

I am a BIG eater and have never thought the portions at Mythos were small. I've always been stuffed by the time I've left there. I also don't think the prices are bad at all for the type of food and service they provide. It's one of my favorite all time restaurants!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Callahan -- I say you should check out the Extreme Ghostbusters Show, as well. Supposedly they change the show a bit for the holidays and is really funny. I missed it last year, but I keep getting told I *have* to see it this year. If it were the original show, I know without a doubt that your DD12 will like it. Can't say for sure about the Holiday version (again, haven't seen it -- yet) but will see it on November 27 and can always let you know what I think!!

I say, if you don't eat at Mythos for a meal, just go in there for dessert. Everyone raves about the Ooey Gooey Chocolate Banana Cake (is that what it's called??). Still have yet to try that, myself, but i hear it also comes with a little peanut butter icecream as well...yum!!
Confisco's at IOA also has good food. The atmosphere isn't "fun" like some restaurants (what I mean is...not a lot going on...just a restaurant...good food though).

My parents love Cafe La Bamba at USF. My mom loves the chicken and especially the cornbread!! Since my dad doesn't like cornbread, he gives her his, and she doesn't complain (says they have the best cornbread there). Portions are large and usually my parents share a meal.

Any questions, let me know!!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

thedisneymom-LOL!!!! I'm with you on those cruise buffets!!!! Especially on the MAGIC!!!!

I do however, love Mythos. I thought it was one very special meal. But I definitely respect your opinion.

 

[thedisneymom]

OK, OK I'll try it again Maybe I or it just had an off day.

 

[JessicaR]

Yes yes yes, try it again!!