Reservations? We don't need no stinking reservations, we do it TODD'S way! COMPLETE

[smidgy]

just wanted to let you know Im reading along! thanks for your reviews..

 

[dizneeat]

Wait a minute, Tom loves coffee right? THen he should absolutely get the pressed pot, it is amazing! I would much rather go to Austria and have a cup of coffee with both of you!

Pressed pots have gone "out of fashion" here a long time ago. We used to have one, but never used it.
You would love the "coffee houses" here Nicki, maybe you SHOULD plan that trip to Austria rather sooner than later!

Oh, I remember that cooler! We got two of them from friends a year ago and they came in VERY handy and still do. We still take them back to Florida now! Nice for taking chocolate home in the summer months!

I am glad you liked Boatwrights. We have eaten there lots of times for breakfast - so yummy, rest in piece, Banana Stuffed French Toast!
And we had dinner there too and really enjoyed it. But the bad reviews lately made us skip our reservations there, now it's definitely back on the map, especially looking at the breadpudding!
And staying "just up the road" at OKW makes it really easy to get to. Can't wait for the summer!

Sorry about your breakfasts - I am NOT a fan of their CS breakfasts at all, I would rather go without breakfast.
Yummy cupcake at MSB though. Maybe we should join the line and try one during the summer!

 

[mommycrawford]

Loved reading your reviews (as usual!!!!) You realy cracked me up recounting the whole Kona scene!...Thanks!...It is great to smile early in the morning when the rest of the house is asleep!

 

[disnutt]

Filled with lots of yummy snacks that kept him going throughout the week! Thanks you guys, we love you! The cooler was awesome for toting around our frozen waters too...we really needed it that week since it felt like we were at a theme park located on the sun!

Where did your kind friend order this from? Would love to get one in the room for my kiddos on our upcoming Nov trip.

Speaking of said trip, today was my 180 day mark. I feel ashamed after reading this review that I still felt compelled to make my ADRs.

I've got 3 kids on the trip and I'm unwilling to risk having to walk around to find something to eat with crabby kids in tow. Once all 3 kids are old enough to forage for themselves I won't worry so much. Or if I can ever get DH on an adults only trip.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Holy cow!! California Grill??? Maybe we are all missing something with the 180 day thing. .

Sorry it was so hot. I have been there when the heat index was way up there and it can definitely make an impact on your enjoyment level.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Being a dessert lover I am in love with your cup cake (am so glad Oreo won your coin toss) and the bread pudding from Boatwright's!

Wow at getting a ressie at CG!! I am wondering whether to just cancel our reservations for our trip and go where the wind takes us!!

 

[scanne]

Arriving at MK at 7:30 am is a beautiful thing, especially when they open at 8am and there is literally no one waiting to get in...I mean like a dozen people tops. The weather so far was not bad but the forcast called for 95-96 degrees so I knew we had to cram as much stuff in as possible and leave before we melted into the pavement. Now we live in FL but as Todd calls us we are "House Cats" and try not to go out in the dead heat We go from air conditioned house to air conditioned car to air conditioned work...get the picture? This week was going to be torture

The good thing about getting to MK so early is there are no lines...I mean no crowds, no lines, nada, nothing, zilch. First off we had to go to BTTR but it was not open yet so we got FP and went to the Haunted Mansion to see the new queue which we loved! Then Fantasyland, the construction is moving right along and we cannot wait until Fall 2012!

I wanted to do Space Mountain but we did the people mover first and from above we saw it was closed. Later found out a woman rode it and came to the end she was unconscious so they shut the ride down the entire day.

Back over to Adventureland and both of us were starting to get hot. We were drinking water like we were fish and I was getting that water gut ache. Did a few more things and the crowds were picking up so at 11am I called it quits and wanted to leave.

Poor husband, the look on his face...he must of thought I was going to make us leave before he had lunch! Todd was dying for a taco salad so we went to Peco Bills. I was not hungry, just hot and very thirsty so I didnt have anything. Boy did he give me grief over this so I took a bite of taco salad to shut him up It was pretty good! He doctors it up with everything from the toppings bar and plenty of pickles too...wonder if he is pregnant? One bite was all I could handle...I dont like to eat hot foods when I am slowly sweating to death

As we were heading out he was making me nuts about me eathing, he thought I should at least get a salad or tuna sandwich but I couldnt...the thought of food was making me queasy and I just wanted to jump in the pool...but....on the way out of Main Street I spied with my little eye a girl with a giant cupcake. Now I am a cupcake killer, I could eat every single one I see and while I wasnt hungry persay I just had to check it out....its what any girl would do right?

No lines at the Main Street Bakery so I took some new pics

Everything looked so good and fresh but I had a decision to make, Red Velvet or Oreo cupcake? I asked DH to share it with me and he couldnt decide either so we flipped a coin and tails one so it was Oreo

This was cupcakes from the heavens...the moistest chocolate cake ever and not too sweet either and the frosting was Oreo cookie buttercream that was super light and creamy and not gritty or overly sicky sweet. Nothing on the inside but that was fine with us. I could eat this all the time but my goal was to get the Red Velvet another day...or would I?

We left MK and the incoming crowds were getting heavier, still very manageable though. The next stop? POOL TIME! I needed to cool off fast and I think Todd's sunscreen was failing as he was getting very red...or maybe that was because I asked him

"Whats your plan for dinner Merlin?"

Its so fun to drive him mad

Loving your report! We are doing the QSDP this August, so no concrete plans here, either. It sounds great to be able to go where you want when you want....Also, I showed my DS the picture of the oreo cupcake and he nearly keeled over. He is now planning that for his breakfast one morning. On vacation, that's ok, right?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

The Coke machine is awesome! You choose from any Coke product and then you get to add certain flavors to that one product. If you buy a large you get to refill as many times as you want. Never seen anything like it before. I really want to try Kouzzina soon, for dinner too!

We were just as shocked to eat at Fultons as you were to hear about it!

Those Coke machines sound like so much fun! And if it's like my theater, the large is only like 25 cents more then a small, so it would totally be worth it for refills.

Your pizza at POFQ sounds like it was better then your meal at Fulton's, there's something seriously wrong with that.

Boatwright's looks yummy! I've never been there, but I think I've had an ADR there on two seperate trips now, but it's always one I cancel, because it's out of the way, and I just never feel like going there since it didn't get the best reviews before now. But actually now I am considering staying at either PO or AKL for my 30th b-day, which one would you choose? I know you've stayed at both.

Todd needs to have worse luck with getting reservations! No one should be able to be that lucky, it's just makes their egos too big. But I am glad you got to eat at CA Grill. How does he not remember restaurant names though? My mom went with me to Disney in 2007, and if I mention restaurants to her, she can remember what it is.

 

[janeapplemeadow]

Wow, I've been off my computer for just 2 days and already you're on page 9 of another fun filled dining report. It's been a long time since I did Disney without ADRs, but Todd restores my faith that you don't starve without them. I wonder if it was just a LUCKY fluke? I enjoyed the Boatright's review. It's been many years since I have eaten there and the meal looked really great. Can't wait to see your CG review and if you tried the sushi!

 

[mpetti]

I am joining in. What I have read so far is great!! I have always wanted to go without the ADR's but with 2 DS's I am afraid of not getting in to a place they really want. I love the cooler your friend sent Todd where did they order it? I would love to have one ordered for my DS who is turning 9 when we go in August. I look forward to reading more. Thanks.

Maryann

 

[sbprincess]

Hi Nicki! I have read most of your past dining reports but I don't think I've ever seen you in process. Woo hoo! I'm so glad I made it for this one.

I'm glad the no-ADR plan is working out for Todd since it's his birthday. But I know it must be driving you crazy. I would be the same way. Fortunately for me, my DH still accepts most of what I say as the Disney-gospel. I hope to keep it that way for as long as possible!

Hope CG was good. It is one of my favorites!

 

[tinacaplan]

I'm pretty sure we won't make it to Boatwright's any time soon, unless we stay at POFQ sometime soon, which I would love to do now that its been rehabbed. The Pecos Bill taco salad looks yummy! I had pretty good cheese fries there last year. And that cupcake looks divine. I actually like cupcakes that haven't been too gussied up so they get super sweet. Blech.

I have to say that I've been going back and forth about California Grill. I know you didn't have the best experience there last time, but Karin and Tom still did. And it still stands out in my mind as the single best meal I've had at Disneyworld. So I can't wait to hear what you say about it this time. I'd just go ahead and make an ADR, except that you have to secure it with a cc, and I don't want to do that. What to do...what to do...

Its funny about the ADR situation, actually. I didn't start to really plan for this trip until April 1, way inside the 180 day window. I was worried about what I'd be able to get. I have to say that I have had absolutely zero problems getting what I want every time. And I'm still able to mess with things, at only above forty-five days out. So, I wonder how necessary it is that everyone freaks out about making their ADRs?

 

[TigerKat]

I hear you on the heat! It was MISERABLY hot. We've decided that will be our last time going during the summer months.

I'm at Todd getting a next day ressie for CG!!!! I hope y'all enjoyed it as much as we did on this last trip!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hiya, Nicki!! Geez, guess it's time to admit that I skimmed over on Kathys PTR and missed the link to this one! Darn, I hate being so late...but...it's been great lazy morning reading!

So glad you enjoyed FQ! It's always been one of my fave mods - so pretty and quaint - although hate the masks in the food court - scary!! The pics of the new decor doesn't look great to me. Does it happen to look better in person? Any pics of your room view?? Those drinks from FQ pool bar look incredible! Never thought of asking for coconut rum in a pina colada! Your dink looks fantastic and think I'm gonna have to try one next trip!!

Ya know, I like the way Tood thinks sometimes - for 25 years we never made a PS/ADR, but after free dining started it became impossible to walk in...and early December has gotten waay too popular...though I might try to convince Rosie to go free and easy for at least part of our birthday celebrations in 2012!

MK is the only park I like for morning EMH - it's just incredible to walk in to a practically empty MK. BUT an extra early opening without EMH is the absolute best! Your days remind me of the August trips when my kids were young - hit the park early, back to the resort to swim for the afternoon, then back at a park for the evening. Just too gosh awful hot to be at the parks midday!!

Nine Dragons - haven't been back after an awful meal. Glad yours was mostly delicious!
I've always had a regular custard eclair in France too..would not like chocolate filling. Guess Todd gets there on the wrong eclair day?!?
Fultons - that's really awful! So sorry! Haven't eaten there since it was Empress Lily!
Boatwrights - really glad you enjoyed it! We tried it once, yrs ago, when staying at POR - it was horrid! Dirty floors dirty tables, awful food!
Kona - a definite on Rosie's list for our birthday celebration. We're thinking we'll share a Big Kahuna.

Can't wait for the next update!!

 

[alpinemouse]

Where did your kind friend order this from? Would love to get one in the room for my kiddos on our upcoming Nov trip.

Speaking of said trip, today was my 180 day mark. I feel ashamed after reading this review that I still felt compelled to make my ADRs.

I've got 3 kids on the trip and I'm unwilling to risk having to walk around to find something to eat with crabby kids in tow. Once all 3 kids are old enough to forage for themselves I won't worry so much. Or if I can ever get DH on an adults only trip.

It's from the Disney Florist!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I was curious so just tried a little experiment and checked to see what might be open for dinner tonight. WOW! For a holiday weekend, I am shocked. Times varied but there was a wide variety including 50's Primetime, Brown Derby, Citricos, Flying Fish, Jiko, Bistro, La Hacienda, Rose and Crown. But still not sure I have the "courage" to go without ANY ADRs!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Where did your kind friend order this from? Would love to get one in the room for my kiddos on our upcoming Nov trip.

It would not be in the room when you arrive, but would be delivered sometime that first day.

http://www.disneyflorist.com/

We've ordered from here a few times for friends & family and everyone always enjoys whatever we send!

 

[DrMomof3]

I can't believe you got a next day reservation for California Grill! Too awesome!!! I was starting to think about a few lunch reservations for August but maybe I'll wait and see what we feel like doing. We are a family of 5 which I'm sure is harder than 2 but still. This is so inspiring!!!
We go to Disney often enough that the sky won't fall if we miss Chef Mickey on one of our trips.
I did find that Signature Restaurants are somewhat easier to get later in the game (except probably Cinderella, maybe?). We were in Disney in January with a party of 8 and had no trouble getting California Grill or Narcoosee's at the 4 month mark (more or less).

Amanda

 

[butiflfeet]

So I'm a little behind but we just got back from our trip too and I had to go right back to work so I'm finally caught up! I can't wait to hear about your meal at California Grill. Our last meal there was almost 2 years ago now and we haven't been back because the food was just way too salty. I'm considering making a reservation for our trip in October but I'm not sure if I can do it!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I've always loved following your reports, I guess it's time I post to one!

I hated hearing about Fultons, we have an ADR there in 2 weeks and it's the one my mother is looking forward to the most. I'm really hoping they were just having a bad day.

Looking forward to hearing the rest of your report!

Thank you, I am happy to have you post away! I hope your experience at Fultons is alot better than ours..as I mentioned before this was a first time bad experience there and all our other meals were fantastic.

too bad for fulton's!! dave won't ride space mountain either he said at 6'2" / 260 it's just uncomfy i dunno anything about that cuz i'm 5'2" i've never had anything from main st. bakery. there's some mix of smells in there that doesn't agree with me... but maybe I'll have to hold my nose and get that cupcake, lol. i LOVE oreos!!

it was HOT the whole last part of our stay and i was nauseous and not hungry a lot. i wanted to be in air conditioning or under water from 12-5 every day. i definately know what you were feeling.

can't wait to see what's up next!!

DH is a pretty tall guy as well, 6'1 and I am just 4'11 so we make quite a pair I think this was the hottest trip we ever had at WDW and I was the same as you, give me cold ac and a nice bottle of water and that is fine!

Loving the reviews and the photos, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading!

We really enjoyed Boatwrights on our trip in '09. Don't tell Todd, but the fried chicken was fantastic! Glad you enjoyed it.

It was a great dinner, hopefully the next time we go they will have that fried chicken

just wanted to let you know Im reading along! thanks for your reviews..

So happy to have you here!

Pressed pots have gone "out of fashion" here a long time ago. We used to have one, but never used it.
You would love the "coffee houses" here Nicki, maybe you SHOULD plan that trip to Austria rather sooner than later!

I would love that! We have a pressed pot we received as a wedding gift and it has never been out of the box!

Oh, I remember that cooler! We got two of them from friends a year ago and they came in VERY handy and still do. We still take them back to Florida now! Nice for taking chocolate home in the summer months!

Oh yes thats right, you have that cooler dont you It came in very handy to pack our water for the parks.

I am glad you liked Boatwrights. We have eaten there lots of times for breakfast - so yummy, rest in piece, Banana Stuffed French Toast!
And we had dinner there too and really enjoyed it. But the bad reviews lately made us skip our reservations there, now it's definitely back on the map, especially looking at the breadpudding!
And staying "just up the road" at OKW makes it really easy to get to. Can't wait for the summer!

I wish they were still open for breakfast, that french toast sounds awesome!

Sorry about your breakfasts - I am NOT a fan of their CS breakfasts at all, I would rather go without breakfast.
Yummy cupcake at MSB though. Maybe we should join the line and try one during the summer!

I agree..I would rather just have cereal but now that I found out I am lactose intolerant I need to come up with another plan. I have tried Lactose milk but its gross and the Dairy Ease pills work some times and not others. Cupcakes for breakfast would be great!

Loved reading your reviews (as usual!!!!) You realy cracked me up recounting the whole Kona scene!...Thanks!...It is great to smile early in the morning when the rest of the house is asleep!

So happy it put a smile on your face..it is just unbelievable how easy this trip was and I was sorta hoping it would be difficult just to prove him wrong!

Speaking of said trip, today was my 180 day mark. I feel ashamed after reading this review that I still felt compelled to make my ADRs.

I've got 3 kids on the trip and I'm unwilling to risk having to walk around to find something to eat with crabby kids in tow. Once all 3 kids are old enough to forage for themselves I won't worry so much. Or if I can ever get DH on an adults only trip.

I dont blame you, if I was going with kids I would def make reservations!