Shaken, Not Stirred, With a Twist of Pixie Dust! A Food and Wine Trip!NEW! Pgs.75,76

[IluvXU]

June 19th- 21st I know a really nice family with super cute kids that would love to enjoy Stormalong Bay with you all!

 

[tiggrbaby]

I like the idea of the split stay, too. You could even organize your park days around the convenience of the resort locations!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Great updates! I got alittle behind!

Hope Chelsea is feeling better!

Oh, I would pick the Beach Club! The pool area is fabulous!

 

[castmemberb4]

Hi Jackie
Just catching up on all of the TRs I'm reading.
We were in EPCOT that afternon too ! Our plans had us in DHS that afternoon after our morning at AK, but that giant magnet that is F&W sucked us back. We saw Jamie Deen doing his autograph session, got some pictures but no way was I going to wait in that line. Wish I had gotten you cell number, Oh Well next time.
Have a Great Thanksgiving, and enjoy your week off.
Lynn

 

[Happydog]

Oh dear! What a conundrum I agree! Well, so I would say like others have, a split stay would give you the best of both worlds... And you could make the GF a "surprise" b/c if she knows you are going to BC then you suddenly switch to the other resort it could be a real surprise... I am excited to try BC this Decemember, but this summer would be even better!!

Then again, going to Disney in June at the moderate is an awesome savings as well.... A great deal, that is good too...

Definitely a tough call. Um.... can I ask without seeming to be stupid, what is a BTG?! Don't tell me if I am one!!!

I want that pin code!!!! Though it sounds like the bounce back offer they are giving out at WDW right now, so I should be able to get that rate in a few weeks...

Decisions decisions!!!

 

[BippityBoo]

HI!! I am still here. Sorry for not posting soon, but life has been crazy!!

As far as your updates, I love them. The food looks fab!!

As far as Chelsea goes, let me just say this. I stayed at the GF and it is very quiet and beautiful...a perfect setting for a "grown up" teen I have never stayed at the other resort you are considering, so I can not talk about that one. However, I have come to realize lately as my daughter lost her first tooth that our time with them is short. Sure, we are spoiling them. But, she will remember that trip forever. So, if she wants GF, go for the GF!!! I was going to tell you to go look at pics of our room and the resort on my TR, but I accidentally erased my photos from photobucket when I was organizing my family photos. Sorry I will try to post some for you soon. The room was great!!

I just used the pin code for our trip to the WL!! Saving me SOOO much money!! Let us know what you choose!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You've always planned for the GF on her 13th birthday, right? I say GO FOR IT! If you can swing it, go big! Do it!!!

Then again-I do like the idea that MeMom has with the split stay and sorta tricking her into thinking it will maybe be for her 16th birthday, but surprise!!!! 2 or 3 nights at the GF at the end...especially if her birthday is on these same dates...would be such an awesome surprise for her, complete with the Mad Hatter cake, tea and fireworks on the beach. LOVE that idea!

I am with ya on the "not able to put off trip planning" disease. I tell myself to just focus on December, but I keep thinking about December 2010's trip! I can't help but do some planning/dreaming for that one too!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh my. What a nice pin code induced dilemma to have! Think you can guess what resort has my heart and vote. Don't throw rocks or rotten tomatoes but honestly GF is just too fancy for me. I'm a flop on the couch, feet on the coffee table, track sand in the house Beach Club kind of gal. But "we" have to give some consideration to the fact that it's Chelsea's day and as others have pointed out GF has been the plan for a long, long time. And Charles' opinion? Like Wigd I'm ignoring it. A split stay could be a good solution for all.

Good luck with the deliberating!

 

[Charleston Princess]

CBR for most... then GF for two night? You have a car, so the move would not be too terrible or you can have the CM do it for you. Good luck... I know what CP dreamed of last night!

And last night, too! I have Disney on the brain again!

Having the special nights at the end of the trip would just add to the element of surprise. Tell her Beach Club is what you could get this time, visit GF during the trip at some point and talk about how maybe when she has her 16th birthday, you guys can stay there. Then surprise her with it at the end of this trip. She would be totally shocked!

When we switched over at WL for the last two nights, we just packed up almost everything and put what we needed in more like overnight bags for those last two nights. It worked out just fine, and there was a lot less packing to do on the last day. It's something to think about, anyway.

Chelsea would be so surprised! I can almost hear that high-pitched squealing just thinking about it!

Good point about just packing what you need for the last couple of nights! That's a great way to do it.

To piggyback on MeMom's idea. I second staying at the GF or the more deluxe at the end. It was crazy going from the space and magic at the Contemporary to CSR. We would have enjoyed CSR a lot more if we stayed there first...you just compare no matter what.

If we were to do a split stay, I would definitely want the deluxe on the back end of the trip -- like a grand finale!

CP, for the two years I have known you on these boards the plan has been the Grand Floridian for Chelsea's 13th birthday. I think you should stick with that idea. For anyone to have their heart set on the same resort for two years is a huge deal....especially you all mighty resort hopping Queen.

You are so right, LL! I have wanted to do the Grand for Chelsea's 13th for quite awhile. It's even stayed as Chelsea's favorite resort all this time, so that's saying something, too. I just have this image of what I want her birthday to be like.

LOL....I'm sure you already have a million different ideas going on in your head on what you should do with the pin code!!!!! So I'm going to try not to make it more difficult for you...LOL (I'm sure easier said than done). 13th birthday is a big deal and if you are doing this trip in mind for Chelsea I think you should go GF...besides it would be a once in a lifetime experience for your whole family and that would be AWESOME!!!!

We both know I love me some Beach Club...but for this occassion I'm okay with you passing on it LOL!!!!!!

PS...I want a pin code too LOL!!!!

Jen, yes, it would be a once in a lifetime experience for all of us! Chelsea would be over the top with excitement, and I know Connor would love being on the monorail loop. Charles has always liked the Grand as well, so I think everyone would be happy.

That pin code was like getting an unexpected present!

June 19th- 21st I know a really nice family with super cute kids that would love to enjoy Stormalong Bay with you all!

Awwww, Laura, you know I would love to hang out with y'all at Stormalong --- however, if we travel in June, we will have to stay moderate -- the deluxe prices, even with the discount, are just too high for us this year.

I like the idea of the split stay, too. You could even organize your park days around the convenience of the resort locations!

Good point!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great updates! I got alittle behind!

Hope Chelsea is feeling better!

Oh, I would pick the Beach Club! The pool area is fabulous!

Hi, Lisa!!! Chelsea is feeling better! Thank goodness because I hate it when my babies are sick!

Hi Jackie
Just catching up on all of the TRs I'm reading.
We were in EPCOT that afternon too ! Our plans had us in DHS that afternoon after our morning at AK, but that giant magnet that is F&W sucked us back. We saw Jamie Deen doing his autograph session, got some pictures but no way was I going to wait in that line. Wish I had gotten you cell number, Oh Well next time.
Have a Great Thanksgiving, and enjoy your week off.
Lynn

Hi, Lynn! Next time we must exchange cell phone numbers! We could have met up for a Dragonberry Colada!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!

Oh dear! What a conundrum I agree! Well, so I would say like others have, a split stay would give you the best of both worlds... And you could make the GF a "surprise" b/c if she knows you are going to BC then you suddenly switch to the other resort it could be a real surprise... I am excited to try BC this Decemember, but this summer would be even better!!

Then again, going to Disney in June at the moderate is an awesome savings as well.... A great deal, that is good too...

You see my problem with deciding, don't you?

Definitely a tough call. Um.... can I ask without seeming to be stupid, what is a BTG?! Don't tell me if I am one!!!

You are definitely not a BTG! Brazillian Tour Group -- any roving packs of teenagers inspire fear in me -- I would feel the same way if we traveled when all the cheerleaders are at Disney.

I want that pin code!!!! Though it sounds like the bounce back offer they are giving out at WDW right now, so I should be able to get that rate in a few weeks...

Decisions decisions!!!

I found the key to getting the pin code on the DIS -- go into the Disney travel site and save a few offers. Then, Disney sends you an email about Explore Your Resort Choices, and at the bottom there is a pin code. I really wanted Christmas dates, but it ended at December 16.

HI!! I am still here. Sorry for not posting soon, but life has been crazy!!

As far as your updates, I love them. The food looks fab!!

As far as Chelsea goes, let me just say this. I stayed at the GF and it is very quiet and beautiful...a perfect setting for a "grown up" teen I have never stayed at the other resort you are considering, so I can not talk about that one. However, I have come to realize lately as my daughter lost her first tooth that our time with them is short. Sure, we are spoiling them. But, she will remember that trip forever. So, if she wants GF, go for the GF!!! I was going to tell you to go look at pics of our room and the resort on my TR, but I accidentally erased my photos from photobucket when I was organizing my family photos. Sorry I will try to post some for you soon. The room was great!!

I just used the pin code for our trip to the WL!! Saving me SOOO much money!! Let us know what you choose!!!

Hi!!! Isn't that pin code fabulous? I appreciate all of your input on the Grand Floridian! I know Chelsea would just eat it up!!!

You've always planned for the GF on her 13th birthday, right? I say GO FOR IT! If you can swing it, go big! Do it!!!

Then again-I do like the idea that MeMom has with the split stay and sorta tricking her into thinking it will maybe be for her 16th birthday, but surprise!!!! 2 or 3 nights at the GF at the end...especially if her birthday is on these same dates...would be such an awesome surprise for her, complete with the Mad Hatter cake, tea and fireworks on the beach. LOVE that idea!

I am with ya on the "not able to put off trip planning" disease. I tell myself to just focus on December, but I keep thinking about December 2010's trip! I can't help but do some planning/dreaming for that one too!

Hi, Brook! I feel like the discount is just too great to pass up! It would be almost the same amount that I had budgeted for a moderate stay in June, so it would be such a shame to not use it.

I just can't help but think about our summer trip when I should be thinking about Christmas decorating and such.

Oh my. What a nice pin code induced dilemma to have! Think you can guess what resort has my heart and vote. Don't throw rocks or rotten tomatoes but honestly GF is just too fancy for me. I'm a flop on the couch, feet on the coffee table, track sand in the house Beach Club kind of gal. But "we" have to give some consideration to the fact that it's Chelsea's day and as others have pointed out GF has been the plan for a long, long time. And Charles' opinion? Like Wigd I'm ignoring it. A split stay could be a good solution for all.

Good luck with the deliberating!

What??? You mean I can't put my feet on the coffee table at the Grand Flo??? Hmmm, maybe it is time for these North Georgians to descend on the place and loosen it up a bit! (Why do I hear the strains of the Beverly Hillbillies playing in the distance ). We are so not fussy, formal people, but I think we would have fun pretending for a few days.

 

[Charleston Princess]

On the summer trip planning front, I called Disney yesterday and talked to a lovely CM. The July dates, resort, and room that I have decided that I want are available, so I put a hold on it. I have until next Tuesday to decide what I want to do and put down a deposit. That’s all I am going to say on the matter for now.

Back to our October trip, Charles and I fought our way through the crowds (which were increasing at an alarming rate) to America where we had another feast of crawfish etouffe, praline bread pudding, crab cakes, and a lobster roll. Oh heavenly delight! I do love seafood of all varieties.

Crawfish Etouffe:

Praline Bread Pudding:

Crab Cakes:

Lobster Roll:

I also got my Sazerac which I had wanted since I first read the Food and Wine menus. It was the VILEST, most DISGUSTING drink I have ever tried. I took a sip and thought, “I have had tastier cough syrups.” I tried another sip hoping it would grow on me. It didn’t. I guess I am just not a bourbon kind of girl. Charles wouldn’t even drink it for me. So disappointing.

Soon, Christine (2xcited2sleep), Jen (Jenjolt), and Paula (ILuvCrush) joined us at our little table, and we had a wonderful visit. Again, it further cemented my belief that the DIS makes the best friendships. I hope we meet up again for Food and Wine (or any Disney trip) in the near future.

After our delightful visit, Charles and I headed back to the resort for naptime. He was right and driving got us there much faster even though I got turned around and briefly lost.

UP NEXT: Evening Plans!

 

[punkin413]

So, you know me -- I am always looking ahead to the next vacation, and I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what we will be doing in 2010.

Well, the Disney gods must have been aware of what I was doing because today I got a pin code! It's for most of the year, and it's 20% off values, 30% off moderates, and 40% deluxes. Well, that of course got the wheels in my head turning, turning, turning.

If we traveled at the end of July right around Chelsea's 13th birthday, we would also run into value season for deluxes.

Now, here's where I need advice should I decide to go with the July idea.

Should we stay at the Grand Floridian for five nights/six days which is Chelsea's dream resort?

OR

Should we stay at the Beach Club for six nights/seven days?


Such a conundrum!!!

i just saw this! i usually just check TRs when i see they've been updated in the title....sorry i didn't see it! i would pick the beach club. although the GF is just "grand", there's something about it that's just too fancy for me. i like the beach club's vibe a little more. plus i love the area and the boardwalk is right there - so fun at night! i had a client who just raved about the entertainers that were out there in the evenings. and have you seen the pool at the beach club?????? in july that would be heavenly. plus epcot is right there so connor could do lots of kim possible missions! i bet chelsea would be TOTALLY happy there....she just probably doesn't realize it yet.

On the summer trip planning front, I called Disney yesterday and talked to a lovely CM. The July dates, resort, and room that I have decided that I want are available, so I put a hold on it. I have until next Tuesday to decide what I want to do and put down a deposit. That’s all I am going to say on the matter for now.

oh, the suspense!!!

I also got my Sazerac which I had wanted since I first read the Food and Wine menus. It was the VILEST, most DISGUSTING drink I have ever tried. I took a sip and thought, “I have had tastier cough syrups.” I tried another sip hoping it would grow on me. It didn’t. I guess I am just not a bourbon kind of girl. Charles wouldn’t even drink it for me. So disappointing.

what's in this? i'm not a bourbon girl, either. i think that stems from when i was a kid and my mom made me take tablespoons of bourbon and honey when i was sick. it was disgusting!!!

 

[kschafer]

Your food looks good but this looks even better! I'm SO jealous you all got to meet!!!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

You are such a tease not telling us what you decided!

I love the picture of you and the other ladies, so adorable.

 

[ladybugmom]

You ARE a tease!!! I want to know what you're planning!!

That bread pudding looks sooooo good!! And I agree, the DIS does make the best friendships!!!

 

[MeMom]

Praline Bread Pudding:

Soon, Christine (2xcited2sleep), Jen (Jenjolt), and Paula (ILuvCrush) joined us at our little table, and we had a wonderful visit. Again, it further cemented my belief that the DIS makes the best friendships. I hope we meet up again for Food and Wine (or any Disney trip) in the near future.

A whole bunch of these for the bread puddding. I have to seek out the recipe and make it at home. I made a pineapple bread pudding with macadamia nuts for the teachers' brunch last week, and it was very good, too. I know a lot of people don't like bread puddings, but I do. I've made a raisin bread pudding with butterscotch topping, too, that's yummo!

I'm so glad you got to have that awesome DIS meet!
You all look great and so happy to be on vacation.

 

[ampc3]

just got caught up again food looks soo good, that lobster roll looked yummy!

I can't wait to hear what Ya'll decided about next summer, I LOVE the idea of a split stay best of both worlds for sure!

and I'm serious after the Holidays let's try and get together!

 

[IluvXU]

A ticker is coming- hooray! Honestly Jackie the room rates at the deluxes, plus the no extra $$$ on the dining plan make late summer awfully appealing. You are a smarter tourer than the BTG I promise! As for the heat.... we went in August and nothing was worse than last June.

 

[winkers]

praline bread pudding!!!!

that looks so good.....how was it?

 

[Charleston Princess]

i just saw this! i usually just check TRs when i see they've been updated in the title....sorry i didn't see it! i would pick the beach club. although the GF is just "grand", there's something about it that's just too fancy for me. i like the beach club's vibe a little more. plus i love the area and the boardwalk is right there - so fun at night! i had a client who just raved about the entertainers that were out there in the evenings. and have you seen the pool at the beach club?????? in july that would be heavenly. plus epcot is right there so connor could do lots of kim possible missions! i bet chelsea would be TOTALLY happy there....she just probably doesn't realize it yet.

It's always so hard for me to decide where we will be happiest. Although, if I get right down to it, I would be happy spending the week at any resort if it meant I was at Disney!

oh, the suspense!!!

Gotta have something for the trip report.

what's in this? i'm not a bourbon girl, either. i think that stems from when i was a kid and my mom made me take tablespoons of bourbon and honey when i was sick. it was disgusting!!!

Maker's Mark and other nasty stuff.

Your food looks good but this looks even better! I'm SO jealous you all got to meet!!!!!!!

They were all so much fun to hang out with!

You are such a tease not telling us what you decided!

I love the picture of you and the other ladies, so adorable.

You know me -- I will hold out for a little bit, but then I won't be able to stop myself from spilling the beans.

I love that picture, too!

You ARE a tease!!! I want to know what you're planning!!

That bread pudding looks sooooo good!! And I agree, the DIS does make the best friendships!!!

Big plans, Becky. Big plans!

The bread pudding was so yummy! I wish I had some more right now.

A whole bunch of these for the bread puddding. I have to seek out the recipe and make it at home. I made a pineapple bread pudding with macadamia nuts for the teachers' brunch last week, and it was very good, too. I know a lot of people don't like bread puddings, but I do. I've made a raisin bread pudding with butterscotch topping, too, that's yummo!

I'm so glad you got to have that awesome DIS meet!
You all look great and so happy to be on vacation.

I wish I worked at your school, MeMom! I adore bread pudding in any form!!!

just got caught up again food looks soo good, that lobster roll looked yummy!

I can't wait to hear what Ya'll decided about next summer, I LOVE the idea of a split stay best of both worlds for sure!

and I'm serious after the Holidays let's try and get together!

Everything was two thumbs up!

I am excited about the plans running around in my mind right now!

I definitely think we should plan a get-together! We are so close, we should take advantage of it!

A ticker is coming- hooray! Honestly Jackie the room rates at the deluxes, plus the no extra $$$ on the dining plan make late summer awfully appealing. You are a smarter tourer than the BTG I promise! As for the heat.... we went in August and nothing was worse than last June.

It is very tempting! I decided yesterday that even if the heat and crowds were unbearable, I would be okay with spending the majority of the time at our chosen resort.

praline bread pudding!!!!

that looks so good.....how was it?

It was delicious! Very moist and flavorful!