September/October 2013 check in

[tapdancer]

Exactly the same day! We are flying on the 9:30 Air NZ flight. What about you?

The Disney World website is having a few issues at present and wasn't recognising my 180 days + 10. Resort guests get to make up to 10 days (or in my case 11) of bookings when the 180 day mark comes up. Non-resort guests can also make dining reservations, but they don't get the head-start resort guests do.

Last night (180 days from arrival) I was only able to make my arrival day dining reservation on the internet rather than all of them. I used the internet to make this first booking and wasn't impressed. It needed a US cellphone number (which I didn't have) and it wasn't as flexible with booking times. Ringing up ended up being way less hassle and the lady was really helpful. She also made my Pirates League booking which can't be done online at all.
I hope this makes sense. The 180+10 is a bit confusing to explain.

Same thing happened to me. Tried to book my dining at 180 days and would only let me book the first day, kept saying error on any of my other days even thought they were highlighted on my calendar.

Ended up getting my Disney Agent to call and book and she said she sent a report through to Disney stating what was happening.

Was very frustrating though.

 

[Minniemum]

Wow, they are similar.
Out of interest, which ones are the new ones and which ones are your favourites? I take it that if you're going back to some again, you must have really enjoyed them the first time.

I think I need to divide these into 4 categories.

The non-negotiable list:

Chefs de France - it's a great meal and you get to interact with Remy (check times). The animatronics still have the kids baffled! We've done both lunch and dinner and found dinner much better value. (visit number 3)

Coral Reef - the theming is wonderfully calming so it makes for a great place to stop and recharge in the middle of the day. (visit number 4)

Le Cellier - one of the best meals we've ever had. (new addition last year)

Liberty Tree Tavern - another one of our havens in the parks. The homeliness of the theming and meals is our draw card. We usually go for the a la carte lunch but are trying the family style dinner for the first time (visit number 4)

T-Rex (early dinner) - I can't wait for this one as I'm catching up with a couple of ANZ DISers!! Drinks will no doubt abound, I just need to remember the umbrellas and refillable cups. Hehehe (second visit)

Teppan Edo - this is both DD and DS's favourite. They get such a kick out of the Disney theatrics from the chef. Like all teppanyaki, the communal tables are a great way to meet other families. (visit number 4)

Recycled
Ohana - we are giving this one another go. We tried this one a few years ago and didn't really enjoy it. Everyone raves about it so maybe we just copped a bad night.

Oops! I said 5 new ones but it's actually 6.
Be Our Guest
Biergarten
Raglan Road
San Angel Inn
Sanaa
Yak & Yeti (lunch) - first time for TS

Finally, the ones we really wanted but couldn't fit in:
Sci-Fi - we love, love, love it, from eating in the cars, the kitsch movies, actually all the theming. (4 visits previously)

Tusker House - this is usually DH's must do (replaced with Le Cellier this year). We've done both breakfast and lunch in the past and really enjoyed them. (5 visits previously)

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Same thing happened to me. Tried to book my dining at 180 days and would only let me book the first day, kept saying error on any of my other days even thought they were highlighted on my calendar.

Ended up getting my Disney Agent to call and book and she said she sent a report through to Disney stating what was happening.

Was very frustrating though.

It is frustrating. It's been an issue with their system for months and months now and I'm quite surprised that it's still ongoing.

Either way, the good news is that we're now all booked and I was really happy with the service I got on the phone.

I just noticed that our WDW dates are almost identical. I'm there Sep 28th and leaving Oct 9.
Do you have a rough itinerary/schedule planned yet?

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I think I need to divide these into 4 categories.

The non-negotiable list:

Chefs de France - it's a great meal and you get to interact with Remy (check times). The animatronics still have the kids baffled! We've done both lunch and dinner and found dinner much better value. (visit number 3)

Interesting. I was going to book dinner here and then at the last minute opted for San Angel instead. I'm still not sure I've made the right choice. There are so many great restaurants in Epcot to pick from.

Coral Reef - the theming is wonderfully calming so it makes for a great place to stop and recharge in the middle of the day. (visit number 4)

Le Cellier - one of the best meals we've ever had. (new addition last year)

Liberty Tree Tavern - another one of our havens in the parks. The homeliness of the theming and meals is our draw card. We usually go for the a la carte lunch but are trying the family style dinner for the first time (visit number 4)

It's great to hear you like it so much. This was another last minute decision for me. I booked dinner here mainly because it looks like the exact type of food my husband loves - meat, potato, gravy, and more meat

T-Rex (early dinner) - I can't wait for this one as I'm catching up with a couple of ANZ DISers!! Drinks will no doubt abound, I just need to remember the umbrellas and refillable cups. Hehehe (second visit)

Sounds like it will be a fun gathering. What area of the restaurant did you sit in last time? I think I read somewhere to try and avoid the blue area.

Teppan Edo - this is both DD and DS's favourite. They get such a kick out of the Disney theatrics from the chef. Like all teppanyaki, the communal tables are a great way to meet other families. (visit number 4)

After Thai (which there don't seem to be any of in WDW), Japanese is my favourite cuisine. So I feel like a bit of a fraud not booking in either of the Japanese places. It's just so difficult with all the choices.

Recycled
Ohana - we are giving this one another go. We tried this one a few years ago and didn't really enjoy it. Everyone raves about it so maybe we just copped a bad night.

I hope for both of our sakes you did just cop a bad night and this one is better. It's the most expensive of my ADRs and once again I mainly booked it to keep my carnivore husband happy.

Oops! I said 5 new ones but it's actually 6.
Be Our Guest
I'm thinking I might try and go here for lunch. The atmosphere looks great.
Biergarten
I'm really looking forward to Biergarten. Even if the food is average, I think I'm going to love the atmosphere.
Raglan Road
San Angel Inn
Sanaa
From all the reviews and pictures I've seen, I'm probably most excited about this restaurant. It'll be my son's birthday and I think the staff make quite a fuss of birthday celebrations. Also, I'm hoping his birthday will help score us a window seat.
Yak & Yeti (lunch) - first time for TS

Finally, the ones we really wanted but couldn't fit in:
Sci-Fi - we love, love, love it, from eating in the cars, the kitsch movies, actually all the theming. (4 visits previously)
Great to hear. I've read some not so good reviews about the food in this place, but figure I'm mainly picking it for the atmosphere.

Tusker House - this is usually DH's must do (replaced with Le Cellier this year). We've done both breakfast and lunch in the past and really enjoyed them. (5 visits previously)

Responses in red above.

How wonderful that you've got to try so many restaurants - many more than once.
Thanks for sharing this with me, it's helped make me feel better about some of my choices

 

[Jade+3]

My wonderful Dreams Unlimited agent confirmed out ADR's this morning.

'Ohana (dinner), one our our favourites from last time.

Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner), this is a first, had to cancel last time.

Sci Fi (lunch), another first that we did not have time for last trip.

Rose & Crown (dinner), late ADR for Illuminations. Have not eaten here before either.

Teppan Edo (lunch), another that we cancelled last trip.

1900 PF (dinner), for DD to get her princess fix, though she says she is too old for princesses now she is 8.

T Rex (dinner), another new restaurant for us. Youngest DS is not a fan of loud noises so hoping he does not freak out.

Crystal Palace (late breakfast), we prefer breakfast here over lunch, hope to get to MK for rope drop, ride a few rides then have a late breakfast/early lunch.

50's (dinner), tried this for lunch last time. Loved the food but were there for over 2 hours. The tables around us were seated after us, and they had eaten and gone before we even got our mains. Giving it a second chance as it was one of DH's favourites.

Garden Grill (dinner), a non-negotiable favourite.

Tusker House (breakfast), we were going to skip AK this trip but have squeezed in a breakfast. Loved the jungle juice.

Be Our Guest (dinner), would have preferred this not be on our last night but better than not at all.

I really wanted to try Raglan Rd, and it was a toss up between Rainforest Cafe vs TRex (we can go to RFC in Anaheim on the way home).

So glad that is over and done with.

 

[tapdancer]

I just noticed that our WDW dates are almost identical. I'm there Sep 28th and leaving Oct 9.
Do you have a rough itinerary/schedule planned yet?

We arrive Sept 28th from New York and checkout October 8.

I'm pretty organised, I had park hoppers then took them off, we really are happy to allocate one day to a park.

I've booked the dining but will amend and cancel some if free dining or some other type of discount isn't offered.

Raglan Road - 2nd visit
T Rex - new
Crystal Palace- 2nd visit
Le Cellier - new just 2 adults
San Angel Inn - new recommended by friends from their trip last year
House of Blues - DH's choice
50's Prime Time - new
Yak and Yeti - new
Boma - on checkout day for Breakfast - new

I have one day at Magic Kingdom I haven't booked a restaurant for and the day my DH and two boys go to Typhoon Lagoon my daughter and I will have a lunch somewhere maybe Kona at Poly.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

My wonderful Dreams Unlimited agent confirmed out ADR's this morning.

'Ohana (dinner), one our our favourites from last time.

Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner), this is a first, had to cancel last time.

Sci Fi (lunch), another first that we did not have time for last trip.

Rose & Crown (dinner), late ADR for Illuminations. Have not eaten here before either.

Teppan Edo (lunch), another that we cancelled last trip.

1900 PF (dinner), for DD to get her princess fix, though she says she is too old for princesses now she is 8.

T Rex (dinner), another new restaurant for us. Youngest DS is not a fan of loud noises so hoping he does not freak out.

Crystal Palace (late breakfast), we prefer breakfast here over lunch, hope to get to MK for rope drop, ride a few rides then have a late breakfast/early lunch.

50's (dinner), tried this for lunch last time. Loved the food but were there for over 2 hours. The tables around us were seated after us, and they had eaten and gone before we even got our mains. Giving it a second chance as it was one of DH's favourites.

Garden Grill (dinner), a non-negotiable favourite.

Tusker House (breakfast), we were going to skip AK this trip but have squeezed in a breakfast. Loved the jungle juice.

Be Our Guest (dinner), would have preferred this not be on our last night but better than not at all.

I really wanted to try Raglan Rd, and it was a toss up between Rainforest Cafe vs TRex (we can go to RFC in Anaheim on the way home).

So glad that is over and done with.

Yay, congrats on being another one to get all your ADRs sorted. I like your choices.

It looks like there's quite a few of us who are all very organised with our WDW planning.

Garden Grill, Rose and Crown, and Crystal Palace are all ADRs that I would have liked to have been able to fit in. Garden Grill in particular looks really cool.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

We arrive Sept 28th from New York and checkout October 8.

I'm pretty organised, I had park hoppers then took them off, we really are happy to allocate one day to a park.

I've booked the dining but will amend and cancel some if free dining or some other type of discount isn't offered.

Raglan Road - 2nd visit
T Rex - new
Crystal Palace- 2nd visit
Le Cellier - new just 2 adults
San Angel Inn - new recommended by friends from their trip last year
House of Blues - DH's choice
50's Prime Time - new
Yak and Yeti - new
Boma - on checkout day for Breakfast - new

I have one day at Magic Kingdom I haven't booked a restaurant for and the day my DH and two boys go to Typhoon Lagoon my daughter and I will have a lunch somewhere maybe Kona at Poly.

Small World! I will be in Boma for breakfast on the 8th October. I have a 9am reservation. Will have to keep a look out so I can say hi.

 

[jessiegirl84]

I also managed to book some ADR for our trip!! That damm website is driving me nuts!! I ended up ringing!
I got
Crystal Palace for B'fast
The Plaza for Dinner
Teppan Edo for Dinner
50's Prime Time for lunch
Sci-fi Drive In for Lunch
Our wedding welcome dinner for 23people at Ohana (so so happy we got this!
Then our farewell breakfast for 23 people at Chef Mickeys!

Im still waiting for our next window to open online as I really dont want to ring again!

Its all so exciting! Im so frustrated though with all the aurlines. We found $1190 return flights with Qantas leaving Brissie the 18th september, the next day they were up to $1900! Then the day after that, they went back down to $1190!
Doing my head in! Especially for our friends & family thinking about buying tickets to come to the wedding!
I realky really hope they annouce free dinning soon for September!! Keeping my fingerd crossed!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks. If I'm correct, your 180 days must be around now also?

Yes. I'm going to book tonight. Been so busy that I haven't had time til tonight.

 

[Minniemum]

My wonderful Dreams Unlimited agent confirmed out ADR's this morning.

'Ohana (dinner), one our our favourites from last time.

Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner), this is a first, had to cancel last time.

Sci Fi (lunch), another first that we did not have time for last trip.

Rose & Crown (dinner), late ADR for Illuminations. Have not eaten here before either.

Teppan Edo (lunch), another that we cancelled last trip.

1900 PF (dinner), for DD to get her princess fix, though she says she is too old for princesses now she is 8.

T Rex (dinner), another new restaurant for us. Youngest DS is not a fan of loud noises so hoping he does not freak out.

Crystal Palace (late breakfast), we prefer breakfast here over lunch, hope to get to MK for rope drop, ride a few rides then have a late breakfast/early lunch.

50's (dinner), tried this for lunch last time. Loved the food but were there for over 2 hours. The tables around us were seated after us, and they had eaten and gone before we even got our mains. Giving it a second chance as it was one of DH's favourites.

Garden Grill (dinner), a non-negotiable favourite.

Tusker House (breakfast), we were going to skip AK this trip but have squeezed in a breakfast. Loved the jungle juice.

Be Our Guest (dinner), would have preferred this not be on our last night but better than not at all.

I really wanted to try Raglan Rd, and it was a toss up between Rainforest Cafe vs TRex (we can go to RFC in Anaheim on the way home).

So glad that is over and done with.

Congrats on your ADR's Jade+3!

I'd be keen to hear what you think of Rose & Crown. It's on my "to do list". Maybe next time! At 1900 PF be sure to try their famous strawberry soup.

We arrive Sept 28th from New York and checkout October 8.

I'm pretty organised, I had park hoppers then took them off, we really are happy to allocate one day to a park.

I've booked the dining but will amend and cancel some if free dining or some other type of discount isn't offered.

Raglan Road - 2nd visit
T Rex - new
Crystal Palace- 2nd visit
Le Cellier - new just 2 adults
San Angel Inn - new recommended by friends from their trip last year
House of Blues - DH's choice
50's Prime Time - new
Yak and Yeti - new
Boma - on checkout day for Breakfast - new

I have one day at Magic Kingdom I haven't booked a restaurant for and the day my DH and two boys go to Typhoon Lagoon my daughter and I will have a lunch somewhere maybe Kona at Poly.

Great choices tapdancer!

I also managed to book some ADR for our trip!! That damm website is driving me nuts!! I ended up ringing!
I got
Crystal Palace for B'fast
The Plaza for Dinner
Teppan Edo for Dinner
50's Prime Time for lunch
Sci-fi Drive In for Lunch
Our wedding welcome dinner for 23people at Ohana (so so happy we got this!
Then our farewell breakfast for 23 people at Chef Mickeys!

Im still waiting for our next window to open online as I really dont want to ring again!

Its all so exciting! Im so frustrated though with all the aurlines. We found $1190 return flights with Qantas leaving Brissie the 18th september, the next day they were up to $1900! Then the day after that, they went back down to $1190!
Doing my head in! Especially for our friends & family thinking about buying tickets to come to the wedding!
I realky really hope they annouce free dinning soon for September!! Keeping my fingerd crossed!!!

23 people. Wow! At Ohana. Double wow! What a magical place WDW will be for your wedding. I really, really hope you are going to do a TR.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

23 people. Wow! At Ohana. Double wow! What a magical place WDW will be for your wedding. I really, really hope you are going to do a TR.

Agreed.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding Jessiegirl.

 

[Jade+3]

Congrats on your ADR's Jade+3!

I'd be keen to hear what you think of Rose & Crown. It's on my "to do list". Maybe next time! At 1900 PF be sure to try their famous strawberry soup

We cancelled Rose & Crown last time, but I like the look of the menu and it seems to have some reasonable gluten free options too. Our ADR is for 745pm, so hoping for an outside table to see illuminations.

Strawberry soup is up there with the peanut butter and jelly breakfast pizza. It sounds so wrong.

 

[PrincessInOz]

congrats to everyone with adrs. Looks great and I'm hungry!

 

[Jade+3]

congrats to everyone with adrs. Looks great and I'm hungry!

What about you Princess, have you made your ADR's yet?

 

[Michaella]

TA made our ADRS We did not want stacks.. we prefer to eat "on the run"..

We booked
HDDR Cat 1 6.15 show 6th Oct
Prime Time Dinner 9th Oct
Ohana Breakfast 10th Oct

and will also book Wishes dessert party when it is available.

 

[5ofus]

. I'm so jealous of all these ADRs!

 

[PrincessInOz]

What about you Princess, have you made your ADR's yet?

My ADRs are partially booked by me and some by the other DisGamers. On my list and booked so far:

• Crystal Palace (breakfast)
• Cape May (breakfast)
• Yak and Yeti (lunch)
• Raglan Road (dinner)
• The Wave (dinner)
• Tony's (dinner)

Still to book:

• Fantasmic! dining package at Hollywood Brown Derby (one of the others to book)
• Wishes/Hallowishes Specialty cruise (me to book, waiting for the 180 day mark to tick over)

We are doing a cookout one of the nights we're there with the DisGamers. On the menu so far:

• Queso & Chips
• Summer Salad
• Watermelon
• Florentine Croissant wraps
• Tri Tip
• Pesto Mushrooms
• Fried Rice

We're staying at BCV; so we're planning on having toast and porridge in the room a couple of mornings. Alternatively, we're at the Boardwalk area...so we could try Kouzzina or pick something up at the Bakery.

We're planning on grazing at Epcot F&W for two days; so we've left lots of lunch time available so we can do just that. I considered Via Napoli; but figured that I should take advantage of F&W. I also considered Prime Time; but we're having a character breakfast on that morning and already have a full dinner planned. So, we'll think about a light lunch on that day.

And out of the 7 nights, we have full-on dinners planned for 5 of them. So, I'm quite happy with a salad at a CS in the parks.

And my next post on my PTR would be around ADRs....

 

[Jade+3]

I will be reading your PTR to hear about the cookout. Sounds fab.

I haven't done F! at WDW, went once at DL and it was crazy and crowded and raining. We did consider the Fantasmic dining package but I figure the crowd prediction is low, and I don't know how mr 4, who is scared of loud noises and darkness will cope. There is a big chance we will be walking out early with a screaming child.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I will be reading your PTR to hear about the cookout. Sounds fab.

I haven't done F! at WDW, went once at DL and it was crazy and crowded and raining. We did consider the Fantasmic dining package but I figure the crowd prediction is low, and I don't know how mr 4, who is scared of loud noises and darkness will cope. There is a big chance we will be walking out early with a screaming child.

I couldn't decide about the Fantasmic dinner package either. The problem is that neither of the two places I want to dine at in HS are included in the package.
I'm hoping that the opening of F&W Festival will draw the crowds to Epcot and HS crowd levels will be low.