September '09, 22nd anniversary at Pop. FINAL THOUGHTS DECEMBER 3RD

[bouncycat]

Alrightie, gonna finish my stuff up, and add the bbq, chris is still camping, and tyler went outside to play...so I got some time before dinner!! DSIS wanted me to get a badge for her on pogo....so logged in there for her and just finished it. I guess this is what too much free time is LOL

Ya know, I've lived in this area for a while, and growing up, and I've NEVER been to a race! Can you believe that? We actually know better then to go near the track during that time of the year LOL My brother's boy scouts work a booth there, but I've never helped....maybe I will offer my help next year, it'll be nice to see a race just once. I've HEARD the cars. I guess it's another thing about living here we take for granted....but, the shuttle going up NEVER gets old!! LOL

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here Dana! I can't believe I missed the link to your pre-trip report. Thanks for pointing it out to me!

 

[racefanof88]

I finally made it over...
will read and catch up later...signing on for the moment...
We are moving Gwendolyn and Joe in to our house
he just purchased a very small house and 23 acres...it needs lots of work
(it really needs a whole new house) and its in the swamps so it needs to be lifted like 8 feet in the air...I think they will be here forever

Good luck with Gwendolyn and Joe. Hopefully they will remember it is your house and you make the rules.
at "it really needs a whole new house". So he bought 23 acres of swamp land?

Alrightie, gonna finish my stuff up, and add the bbq, chris is still camping, and tyler went outside to play...so I got some time before dinner!! DSIS wanted me to get a badge for her on pogo....so logged in there for her and just finished it. I guess this is what too much free time is LOL

Ya know, I've lived in this area for a while, and growing up, and I've NEVER been to a race! Can you believe that? We actually know better then to go near the track during that time of the year LOL My brother's boy scouts work a booth there, but I've never helped....maybe I will offer my help next year, it'll be nice to see a race just once. I've HEARD the cars. I guess it's another thing about living here we take for granted....but, the shuttle going up NEVER gets old!! LOL

It has been so hot here that there is no way I could camp. I can't wait to see the pictures of the bbq. I use to have a pogo account and I played on there all the time. I stopped it because I got tired of the games.

It is fun going to the races. The problem with the track at Daytona is they don't have enough bathrooms . And they don't have parking. When we went to the February race we had to park at the Mall and walk to the track. Then when we went to the July race we came in on the back roads and parked in a swamp. We were bused to the track. It was horrible. I love NASCAR it is so much fun to watch the race. I don't guess I won't get to see the shuttle go up since they are about to stop sending them.

 

[racefanof88]

I'm here Dana! I can't believe I missed the link to your pre-trip report. Thanks for pointing it out to me!

Thanks for joining in.

 

[racefanof88]

I want to leave about 5am on 9/26 and get to Pop about 1 or 2pm. I think we are going to make it a resort day and just hang out by the pool and eat at the food court. Eating at the food court will give us the extra TS credit we will need to eat at Narcoossees. Dale is not being very helpful in choosing TS restaurants so I am just going to decide and make the ADRs and he will eat something, or he won't . I have even printed out the menus so he could help me plan and he won't even look at them . Dallas loves to help me with the planning so I will hand him the menus. I'm glad I didn't ask for a preferred room, after reading on the Pop thread that it really isn't that much further from the standard rooms to the pool or food court. I really think it is going to be fun staying at Pop. I hope so anyway because if it isn't I will never hear the end of it .

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Ok! all caught up!! Danny was like that when I was trying to find CS meals before we left. Next, time I will just choose and make the ADR's and he can like it or not! Dayne is the pickiest one in the house so if he comes than I need to rethink ADR's or just let him find a burger!!

Like your ideas so far...the only place I would like to try that I did not see was Tutto's (???). I'm of no help w/ressie's we have not ever gone w/food as our target (being from New Orleans--when ever we travel we do not expect much).

Joe bought 23 acres just (very very close) North of Lake Ponchatrain. About 8 miles south of us. But, for every mile you put between us & the lake the land goes up. We are about 2 feet above sea level and we built our house another 4 ft up (but, we built up the foundation/not stilts). Where Joe's house is only needs to be raised 3 feet to be 5 feet above sea level but being that close to the lake everyone (who told him not to buy) is telling him while he goes up go up 8 feet.

Can't wait to hear what ya'll think of POP (noise levels and decor). ASSp was kinda on the loud side--the rooms were great, but the landscaping needed a little help; but, to be fair they were painting and pruning on our last two days. Just not as nice as POFQ (grounds and pool--but, that is value compared to moderate).

Can't wait to follow along... still trying to decide WHEN we want to go back next year...I can't wait for next years calendar to come out w/their suggestions. I will be in the fall, I do know that...

I'm sorry just realized I'm rambling about everything...that is what happens when you are stuck in the house w/a two year old for a week...
Danny spent the day yesterday w/a friend and worked in the yard today...I finally took Ashton out this afternoon but did not want him to get too hot or sweaty...there I go again...I'm signing off check in with you later

 

[mickeystoontown]

I want to leave about 5am on 9/26 and get to Pop about 1 or 2pm. I think we are going to make it a resort day and just hang out by the pool and eat at the food court. Eating at the food court will give us the extra TS credit we will need to eat at Narcoossees. Dale is not being very helpful in choosing TS restaurants so I am just going to decide and make the ADRs and he will eat something, or he won't . I have even printed out the menus so he could help me plan and he won't even look at them . Dallas loves to help me with the planning so I will hand him the menus. I'm glad I didn't ask for a preferred room, after reading on the Pop thread that it really isn't that much further from the standard rooms to the pool or food court. I really think it is going to be fun staying at Pop. I hope so anyway because if it isn't I will never hear the end of it .

I wish our drive to WDW was that short. It takes us between 14 and 16 hours depending on weather and traffic. But, we do break it down into two driving days so it's not that bad going. Coming home, we drive the entire way!

Every year, I print out menus to some of the Disney restaurants and give them to my husband, John, to look over. He always says "I hate doing this." Our son, Hunter, is a totally different story. He'll grab up those menus and help me decide. I don't know why Hunter is all gung-ho about the menus since all he eats is pizza, burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs and fries.

John won't make the decisions, he'll just say "this one sounds okay" or "I might like somethiing from here." Once I have it down to just a few, I do the final decision making. I don't know why I even ask him. Yes, I do. Because if we end up at someplace like Rose & Crown (you know the story from my trip report), then it's not all my fault when it's yucky.

 

[racefanof88]

Ok! all caught up!! Danny was like that when I was trying to find CS meals before we left. Next, time I will just choose and make the ADR's and he can like it or not! Dayne is the pickiest one in the house so if he comes than I need to rethink ADR's or just let him find a burger!!

Like your ideas so far...the only place I would like to try that I did not see was Tutto's (???). I'm of no help w/ressie's we have not ever gone w/food as our target (being from New Orleans--when ever we travel we do not expect much).

Joe bought 23 acres just (very very close) North of Lake Ponchatrain. About 8 miles south of us. But, for every mile you put between us & the lake the land goes up. We are about 2 feet above sea level and we built our house another 4 ft up (but, we built up the foundation/not stilts). Where Joe's house is only needs to be raised 3 feet to be 5 feet above sea level but being that close to the lake everyone (who told him not to buy) is telling him while he goes up go up 8 feet.

Can't wait to hear what ya'll think of POP (noise levels and decor). ASSp was kinda on the loud side--the rooms were great, but the landscaping needed a little help; but, to be fair they were painting and pruning on our last two days. Just not as nice as POFQ (grounds and pool--but, that is value compared to moderate).

Can't wait to follow along... still trying to decide WHEN we want to go back next year...I can't wait for next years calendar to come out w/their suggestions. I will be in the fall, I do know that...

I'm sorry just realized I'm rambling about everything...that is what happens when you are stuck in the house w/a two year old for a week...
Danny spent the day yesterday w/a friend and worked in the yard today...I finally took Ashton out this afternoon but did not want him to get too hot or sweaty...there I go again...I'm signing off check in with you later

I think Dale doesn't want to make a decision because if it isn't good then he doesn't have to take the blame . We are OK with CS places because they all sell hamburgers. I would like to eat at Tutto too, but I know Dale and Dallas wouldn't want to eat there.

23 acres is a lot of property to have to take care of. I like my little yard and we don't even have to do the yard work.........

From everything I read about Pop on here it is a good place to stay. I am ready to get back down there. It is so hot here right now it takes your breath away just to walk outside, so I am hoping we will be on the cooler side in September. We usually run about the same as Orlando. Today it is 93 but feels like 96 in Orlando and we are 92, feels like 96 here.

I am glad to hear that Ashton is doing so well. Kids are really resilient and bounce back much better than us ummmmmm not so younguns............
You were not rambling either. I know you are so relieved that Ashton is doing good and the surgery is over. I get giddy when I have been under pressure and it finally lifts. I think it is just the adrenaline rush for coming through.

I wish our drive to WDW was that short. It takes us between 14 and 16 hours depending on weather and traffic. But, we do break it down into two driving days so it's not that bad going. Coming home, we drive the entire way!

Every year, I print out menus to some of the Disney restaurants and give them to my husband, John, to look over. He always says "I hate doing this." Our son, Hunter, is a totally different story. He'll grab up those menus and help me decide. I don't know why Hunter is all gung-ho about the menus since all he eats is pizza, burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs and fries.

John won't make the decisions, he'll just say "this one sounds okay" or "I might like something from here." Once I have it down to just a few, I do the final decision making. I don't know why I even ask him. Yes, I do. Because if we end up at someplace like Rose & Crown (you know the story from my trip report), then it's not all my fault when it's yucky.

I read in your TR that it takes y'all that long to drive . I am about to crawl out of my skin with it taking us 8-9 hours. I use to sleep as much as I could to make the time pass, but now I am too nervous to sleep. Dale's driving scares me sometimes . and of course I have to stay awake to yell at him .

What is it about men?. I like to try new foods, but I like to have a decent idea of what is on the menu. I have noticed that Disney really doesn't do fried shrimp or fried crab claws. I love raw oysters too, but I totally understand why they don't serve them. I am making myself hungry for a big ole plate of seafood now .

Dale won't make a decision either because then he would have to take the blame if it isn't good . I was worried about Le Cellier but that was fine so I am just going to make the ADRs and Dale will just have to deal with it. In 13 days I can make all my ADRs so I am looking forward to that. I am hoping the on line ADR system is up and running by then .

 

[racefanof88]

I can't believe they have extended booking time on free dining. I guess that says they did not sell as many rooms as they wanted. Maybe that means I will be able to get my ADRs. I don't know if I really want the on line ADR system up before I make my ADRs or not. I know how many glitches a new system has and I don't want to show up at a restaurant and the system didn't make the ressie . I have got to get to Home Depot and get some more Mouse heads for our countdown. Some of them from my May countdown calendar got lost . I think I am going to do the Mouse heads on the door this time. I think that would be fun. For those who did the MH on a door before what did you use as an adhesive? I was thinking of tape, but if you know something better I would love to know . I have metal doors so tape won't pull the paint off.

 

[racefanof88]

Well, it looks like the released the on line ADR booking today. Now, I will be up at the crack of dawn on June 28th to make sure we get in where we what to eat. I am so hoping this new system is not going to be a bust. I DO NOT want to show up at a restaurant only to be told they don't have an ADR scheduled for me . Dale would never let me live that one down .

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Good Luck! I can't wait to see how things work our for you!
Hope you are able to get the ADR's you are trying for!!!! Hopefully, it won't be too busy w/ the extension you may be right.

 

[racefanof88]

Good Luck! I can't wait to see how things work our for you!
Hope you are able to get the ADR's you are trying for!!!! Hopefully, it won't be too busy w/ the extension you may be right.

I am hoping all goes well with this and it is easy to make ADRs. I hope the system doesn't let people make multiple ressies for different restaurants at the same time and lock up open slots .

I am getting excited about our trip. I really want to see Disney at Christmas too so I am looking for something cheap for mid December. I have stayed at some really inexpensive hotels in Orlando and it was OK because I usually spend most of my time in the parks.

I am so glad you are following my PTR .

 

[longing2Batdisney]

We really like choicevacationhomes.com
the townhouse was clean and in a gated community
w/the magicard it was only $72 a night for a king bed, a queen bed, and 2 twins, w/a sofa sleeper and 2 baths. It was not that far out of the way and chicagoshannon has found what looks like a great condo not sure on the cost???

magicard gives you some really great rates

 

[racefanof88]

We really like choicevacationhomes.com
the townhouse was clean and in a gated community
w/the magicard it was only $72 a night for a king bed, a queen bed, and 2 twins, w/a sofa sleeper and 2 baths. It was not that far out of the way and chicagoshannon has found what looks like a great condo not sure on the cost???

magicard gives you some really great rates

I love Magicard . Our second trip, in 2000, was planned entirely with the Magicard discounts. I have never stayed in a house though, but that would be really nice since we would have a pool . What I really want to do is plan a big Disney trip with family and friends and just have a good ole Southern cook out, shrimp boil, fish fry, type deal. I just can't seem to talk the rest of my family into it................

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just wanted to let you know how easy it was to book online ADRs. I decided yesterday to check it out.

I needed a back up reservation for our luau night. The Disney dining castmember actually suggested that I have a backup and to cancel the backup ADR if it the luau didn't get rained out.

When I booked our ADRs (on the phone) a while back, they couldn't book an ADR for Planet Hollywood for our two kids (ages 22 and 12). My husband and I are eating at the Grand Floridan Cafe for our anniversary dinner (which the castmember booked) and our kids wanted to go to Planet Hollywood to let us have a date night. The Disney dining castmember said she couldn't book Planet Hollywood because she would be "double booking". Anyway, I was able to get an online Planet Hollywood ADR on 8/10/09 at the exact same time as we are booked for the Grand Floridian Cafe.

It was easy as pie to navigate the online ADR system. And that's coming from someone who is definitely not computer savy.

 

[bouncycat]

Maybe the online thingie won't be too bad. Our DU lady made all of ours, got all that we wanted, and within good times, all are within 20 minutes, and match pretty good with the park plan too. Thank GOD, my SISTER wouldn't let me live it down if I did a big boo boo!! LOL

 

[racefanof88]

Just wanted to let you know how easy it was to book online ADRs. I decided yesterday to check it out.

I needed a back up reservation for our luau night. The Disney dining castmember actually suggested that I have a backup and to cancel the backup ADR if it the luau didn't get rained out.

When I booked our ADRs (on the phone) a while back, they couldn't book an ADR for Planet Hollywood for our two kids (ages 22 and 12). My husband and I are eating at the Grand Floridan Cafe for our anniversary dinner (which the castmember booked) and our kids wanted to go to Planet Hollywood to let us have a date night. The Disney dining castmember said she couldn't book Planet Hollywood because she would be "double booking". Anyway, I was able to get an online Planet Hollywood ADR on 8/10/09 at the exact same time as we are booked for the Grand Floridian Cafe.

It was easy as pie to navigate the online ADR system. And that's coming from someone who is definitely not computer savy.

That is great to hear. I went on and played around with it and I do like that it offers alternate restaurants and gives more than one time slot. Of course I couldn't book anything yet because my 90 + 10 is not until June 28th. Do you know if it opens up the whole 100 days? I guess it would though. I read on another board that they made their ADRs on line and called to confirm and they were not showing up in Disney's system. I am going to call as soon as I book mine just to make sure they went through.

I have GFC on my short list, but PH is out of the question. We didn't care for it last year and they were selective about what type desserts you could order if on the DDP.

Maybe the online thingie won't be too bad. Our DU lady made all of ours, got all that we wanted, and within good times, all are within 20 minutes, and match pretty good with the park plan too. Thank GOD, my SISTER wouldn't let me live it down if I did a big boo boo!! LOL

LOL. I just have to live with the person who is going to rub it in if there is a boo boo .

 

[bouncycat]

That's true....I'm glad I don't have to live with my sister, I love her and all, she's my ONLY sister, but DANG she's high maintenance!!! So, when do you make your adr's??? Coming up soon huh? We got my step daughter from jacksonville this week, so we're going to universal on saturday, I'll try to get pictures, don't worry!! LOL

 

[mickeystoontown]

I noticed, after I had made one online ADR that the Disney site said if you log in before making your reservations, you could come back later and view them online. Since mine are just "backup" reservations (with the exception of Planet Hollywood), I haven't gone back and looked to see if they come up on my vacation information yet.

I have never eaten at the Grand Floridian Cafe but I have seen pictures of the food over on the Disney Food Pictures thread and it looked quite good. The reviews haven't been too hard on the food or service. We figured the only time we'd get over to the Grand Floridian was by eating there. I sure can't afford the resort room prices.

Planet Hollywood is one of our kids' favorites. The lasagna is to die for.

 

[racefanof88]

That's true....I'm glad I don't have to live with my sister, I love her and all, she's my ONLY sister, but DANG she's high maintenance!!! So, when do you make your adr's??? Coming up soon huh? We got my step daughter from jacksonville this week, so we're going to universal on saturday, I'll try to get pictures, don't worry!! LOL

I know what you mean. I love my sisters too, but I don't think I could live with them either . I can make my ADRs on June 28th. I have been playing with the system today and the places we want have openings 100 days from today, all except Le Cellier. I am sooooo hoping they will have an opening when the time comes.

Oh, you are just so lucky to live that close to everything. I would be broke all the time if I lived there with Disney, US and Daytona I wouldn't have a penny in my purse . I hope y'all have a good time at US Saturday. I will be looking for those pictures .

I noticed, after I had made one online ADR that the Disney site said if you log in before making your reservations, you could come back later and view them online. Since mine are just "backup" reservations (with the exception of Planet Hollywood), I haven't gone back and looked to see if they come up on my vacation information yet.

I have never eaten at the Grand Floridian Cafe but I have seen pictures of the food over on the Disney Food Pictures thread and it looked quite good. The reviews haven't been too hard on the food or service. We figured the only time we'd get over to the Grand Floridian was by eating there. I sure can't afford the resort room prices.

Planet Hollywood is one of our kids' favorites. The lasagna is to die for.

Thats good. I am going to make sure I am logged in so I can check them.

I know we are going to eat at Narcoossee's and I loved the GF when we had our pictures made in May so the GFC is right up my alley . I don't think we will be staying there anytime soon either . One day though, I WILL stay at one of the deluxe resorts .