Sorry, boys...this time Mama's going SOLO! October 2016 PTR *NEW 7/8 Double Digit Dance!*

[ArielSRL]

Ok, I lied. I read the whole thing.

I did a solo trip across country one summer, that included DLR. it was 2002 and I was gone for 7 weeks. I did 4.5 weeks alone then my dad flew out to Seattle and spent 2.5 weeks with me. It was a long trip but I didn't have kids then, so much easier.

All your plans look wonderful at this point. Glad you got the ADRs you wanted! The 4 parks challenge sounds so fun!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[hokieinpa]

Yay for more ADRs!

That's always my sentiment!

For some reason I was not subbed in on this! In any case, issue resolved! I probably won't go back and read it tonight as its 12:30am...but I'll be back in the next few days!

Glad you found this! Even if it is neglected...

Ok, I lied. I read the whole thing.

I did a solo trip across country one summer, that included DLR. it was 2002 and I was gone for 7 weeks. I did 4.5 weeks alone then my dad flew out to Seattle and spent 2.5 weeks with me. It was a long trip but I didn't have kids then, so much easier.

I'm torn between thinking I will miss the boys like crazy and being crazy excited for so many days of "me" time. The only other time I've been away from them overnight is when I was in the hospital having a baby. Not exactly a vacation. So mixed feelings. But mostly excited!

All your plans look wonderful at this point. Glad you got the ADRs you wanted! The 4 parks challenge sounds so fun!

I keep thinking about MORE food I can try! But seriously there is too much food and too little time. And I'm excited about the 4 parks challenge!!

Can't wait to read more!

I have plans for a update (finally) tomorrow!

 

[hokieinpa]

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39 days until FP+
99 days until Disney!
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Hello?

*crickets*

I'm still here! This PTR has gotten left by the side of the road as I'm trying to push through my May 2016 TR (Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR). But it's time for an important milestone. So without delay, it's time for the

DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE!

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That's right! The countdown to a week of Mama-Disney-Solo time has reached 99 days!

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So while I haven't updated this PTR is far too long, I've been doing plenty of planning. Or at least planning to eat more food.

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I've added a few ADRs to my list because I have a problem. An addiction.

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(All pictures courtesy of the Disney Food Blog)

So first up on the new ADR list is a dinner at the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen!

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The menu sounds interesting, if a little outside of what I normally enjoy. The entrees are not very appealing to me but the appetizers and dessert are calling my name! So I think I'll get the Falls Family Falafel.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96HR]​

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And also the House-made Arepas. Both have gotten good reviews on the Disney Food Blog.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96vB]​

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And the Kungaloosh! cake looks amazing. Especially the Cashew-Caramel Ice Cream. Yum!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96zz]
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Next up on ADR additions is a dinner at Tiffins at Animal Kingdom.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96sk]​

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I'm hoping to eventually convert this into a dining package if Rivers of Light does open up. If the Jungle Book show is still running, I may likely keep the regular ADR and see the show stand by if at all.

The Flash-fried Icy Blue Mussels sound delicious so I'll start with those.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/HZEAp8]
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And the Waygu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib has gotten great reviews so that's what I'm planning on for my entree.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96pK]​

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And the cocktails sound both fun and yummy, especially the Hightower Rocks! Tequila, Watermelon, Sweet-and-Sour, and Lime Juice = Perfection!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96xa]​

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None of the desserts sound especially appealing so unless it's part of the dining package, I'll probably skip the sweets at the end in favor of something else later.


Last on my list of ADR additions is dinner on my final night at Yachtsmen Steakhouse. I had been going back and forth on this and finally decided to go ahead and book it. I'm thinking I'll spend the morning at MK this day and head back to my room to rest/change after Festival of Fantasy. Then probably use Uber to get over to the Yacht Club.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96mD]​

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Right now, none of the appetizers stand out to me so I may skip it and just eat more steak! I think I'll be going with the Prime New York Strip Steak as that tends to be one of my favorite cuts.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96jK]​

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And I know I'll want to add on a side of the heavenly Truffle Macaroni and Cheese!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JP96o2]​

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Some of the desserts do sound delicious but I may skip it here and opt for something from Ample Hills Creamery on the Boardwalk or the World Showcase.


So that concludes ADR changes to this point. If no Rivers of Light Dining Package becomes available, I might drop Tiffins. I need to add up my food spending because I have a feeling I may have gone slightly over budget.


In other news, my plans are a little bit of a mess. This was my original hand drawn spreadsheet, which is just a mess.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/JMMATc]
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I think I have everything worked out now. I'm park hopping almost every day, which will be new to me! I also have my 4 Parks in 1 Day Challenge scheduled! Disney has changed the hours and added some EMH, which made me rearrange everything. I still need to iron out FP+ plans but things are shaping up!

I think the last bit of news for today has to do with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. When ticket prices were released, I think I was in sticker shock like everyone else. I was undecided about the party anyway. The parade and Hallowishes are amazing, but I just wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it solo after having done the party with the whole family. The $91 tipped the scales and I made the decision to skip MNSSHP this trip.

So my plan was either an early night, visit another park, or Disney Springs. But then another little though crept into my head...

[url=https://flic.kr/p/HZECfc]​

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Why not take that $91 and put it towards a Park-to-Park ticket to Universal? I LOVE Harry Potter and I've been wanting to check out the WWoHP since it opened. So, Universal, here I come!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/HZEDGF]​

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I think I'll be spending most of my day in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley but will venture out to check out the rest of the park a bit. My plan is to use Uber for transportation so I don't need to rely on a shuttle pick up with multiple stops.

I've been reading all of the books again and it's getting me really excited for my Universal day!

[URL=http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/jwinfield3/media/GIFs/hphats_zpsckkeehaw.gif.html]​

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I think that's all for now...I'm thinking I'll update again once I get closer to my FP+ date! [/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[TinkLoverSam]

You will LOVE WWoHP it's amazing! I've been three times now and the new Diagon Alley stuff is just mind blowing!

 

[ariane37]

OMG this is SO weird! I was just looking at the Skipper's Canteen menu (in case I do some ADR rearranging for November ) and since the entree choices don't appeal to me I too would be ordering the Falafel and Arepas! Great minds I guess
Also love the hand-written planning sheet as my preference is always to write things out since I have real crappy luck with anything electronic lol.

Cool deal going to Universal We went last summer, first time for our boys and first time back for DH and I since 2000. Everything HP was awesome. I am the only one who had read the books; the boys had seen a couple of the movies so we're not HUGE fans, but still were extremely impressed with what they've done.

 

[Whit64130]

That's right! The countdown to a week of Mama-Disney-Solo time has reached 99 days!

Last on my list of ADR additions is dinner on my final night at Yachtsmen Steakhouse. I had been going back and forth on this and finally decided to go ahead and book it. I'm thinking I'll spend the morning at MK this day and head back to my room to rest/change after Festival of Fantasy. Then probably use Uber to get over to the Yacht Club.

I have been going back and forth between Yachtsman and Boma myself. Originally made a reservation to Boma but I have changed it to Yachtsman. I've got several more months to decide though.

Why not take that $91 and put it towards a Park-to-Park ticket to Universal? I LOVE Harry Potter and I've been wanting to check out the WWoHP since it opened. So, Universal, here I come!

I've only been once and that was several years ago. We enjoyed it but I am so wrapped in the Disney bubble by staying onsite I can't bring myself to venture out again. Maybe in a few more years...

 

[Dugette]

Yay for double digits!

Plans are sounding good. We've got Skippers and Tiffins planned too (also hoping for a RoL package).

Good idea to do Universal - I bet you can get a lot more done there solo vs. having the family along.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

Yay for double digits dancing!

The new ressies sound great (and exactly the same as my new additions!)

You'll love Universal - I had only seen the HP films before going last time but loved it some much I came back and read all the books just so I can appreciate it more this time!

I used uber last time from Pop to Universal (over two days so four trips) and it was fantastic. My hint would be to tell them to put citywalk into their GPS though because it you enter Universal it takes you to the staff entrance at the back!

 

[hokieinpa]

You will LOVE WWoHP it's amazing! I've been three times now and the new Diagon Alley stuff is just mind blowing!

I'm SO excited to see everything! I've read a few TRs with Universal included and I can't wait to check out all the details!

OMG this is SO weird! I was just looking at the Skipper's Canteen menu (in case I do some ADR rearranging for November ) and since the entree choices don't appeal to me I too would be ordering the Falafel and Arepas! Great minds I guess

Yes! We have good taste! I do wish they served alcohol though...

Also love the hand-written planning sheet as my preference is always to write things out since I have real crappy luck with anything electronic lol.

I much prefer to start out writing it by hand since I can format it just how I like it. Usually I make a spreadsheet after FP+ time but I'm not sure how I'll make it all fit this time with so much going on!

Cool deal going to Universal We went last summer, first time for our boys and first time back for DH and I since 2000. Everything HP was awesome. I am the only one who had read the books; the boys had seen a couple of the movies so we're not HUGE fans, but still were extremely impressed with what they've done.

I'm really excited to visit Universal in general just to compare! And I have loved Harry Potter since the movies first came out when I was in college. It looks like they have done a great job with all the details!

I have been going back and forth between Yachtsman and Boma myself. Originally made a reservation to Boma but I have changed it to Yachtsman. I've got several more months to decide though.

We really enjoyed our Boma breakfast this past trip. I don't think you can go wrong, really! I'm excited to try Yachtsmen this trip since it's less kid-friendly and that's pretty much the goal of this trip!

I've only been once and that was several years ago. We enjoyed it but I am so wrapped in the Disney bubble by staying onsite I can't bring myself to venture out again. Maybe in a few more years...

I was so undecided from the time I started planning this trip. I even though about a night at a Universal resort but the transportation and luggage issues were too much for me to think about, especially since it would take 1.5-2 days away from Disney! I can handle a day but that's all I'm willing to give at this point!

Yay for double digits!

It's starting to feel real!

Plans are sounding good. We've got Skippers and Tiffins planned too (also hoping for a RoL package).

I'm really hoping they can work out the issues they are having and get ROL up and running! I think the only way I'll keep Tiffins is with a dining package.

Good idea to do Universal - I bet you can get a lot more done there solo vs. having the family along.

That's my thinking. Jake is not tall enough for most of the rides there so I think we'll wait another 2 years or so before attempting it as a family. Plus I want a chance to really explore the Harry Potter stuff without worrying about them getting bored!

Yay for double digits dancing!

The new ressies sound great (and exactly the same as my new additions!)

We have good taste! I really hope Disney comes through with ROL so I can get a package booked!

You'll love Universal - I had only seen the HP films before going last time but loved it some much I came back and read all the books just so I can appreciate it more this time!

I'm really excited to check out all the shops and restaurants! The rides look pretty amazing too! I think I'm going to love exploring and seeing all the little details!

I used uber last time from Pop to Universal (over two days so four trips) and it was fantastic. My hint would be to tell them to put citywalk into their GPS though because it you enter Universal it takes you to the staff entrance at the back!

Good tip! I've heard drop off at Universal can be a pain. This will be my first time using Uber so I'm a bit nervous but I really want the easiest way to get there and this seems to be it!

 

[missangelalexis]

DOUBLE DIGITS!! YAY!!!

Your additional meal plans sounds nice!

That's great that you are adding a day at Universal!! You're going to have a blast!!

 

[KathyM2]

I love your idea to head over to US for a day with that cash...and how awesome that you don't have to consult ANYONE else to just go for it lol. Sounds like so much fun!!

And all that foooood....yummmmm

 

[hokieinpa]

DOUBLE DIGITS!! YAY!!!

Your additional meal plans sounds nice!

I'm excited to try some new things! Just crossing my fingers for ROL to be ready!

That's great that you are adding a day at Universal!! You're going to have a blast!!

I'm so excited! The boys aren't tall enough for lots of the rides and would be a little bored at the HP stuff, so this will be perfect!

I love your idea to head over to US for a day with that cash...and how awesome that you don't have to consult ANYONE else to just go for it lol. Sounds like so much fun!!

I'm very excited, especially since I'm the only HP nerd in our group. I don't have to worry about making anyone else bored when I want to spend forever exploring!

And all that foooood....yummmmm

My thoughts exactly! And they just released F&W menus so now even more to drool over!

 

[absolutmey]

I've been reading TRs about going solo and, honestly, it's something that I'd never even thought about doing. But being able to choose all your own ADRs, activities, parks, etc. sounds VERY nice. I hope you have a great time.

I'm also super jealous that you're going over to the dark side for a day. I'm still plotting that one. DH told me that we can go back to WDW once the new lands are complete (2018???) but I'm angling for a 2017 HP/WDW split stay ... muahhahahahahah!

 

[ariane37]

So you know how upthread I commented that I wanted to try Skipper Canteen and get the same 2 appetizers that you want, the Falafel and Arepas, and was trying to fit it in to our Nov. trip? Well, DH and I just booked a quickie Aug. trip and I made a lunch ADR there Had to let you know!!!

 

[ArielSRL]

Ok, I'm here. I didn't get a DIS notification of your update! Ugh, so annoying. I've heard apps and dessert are the way to go at Skippers. Oh and I'm with you on the hand written planning sheet. I already have one for June 2017......lol.

Yay for Harry Potter! We'll get over there eventually but it will be awhile. Enjoy it enough for me!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Food over budget??! Nah, you must be nourished on your trip. Guilt-free Mommy dinners?! Yes, please!!!

Great idea to spend your MNSSHP money on the Wizarding World! I have really been dying to check it out, but not dying enough to take a day off Disney!! Can't wait to hear what you think of it all!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Double Digits!!! That's so close!!! And that was like a week ago!!!

So first up on the new ADR list is a dinner at the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen!

Yum! this menu is right up my alley! Too bad no one else in my brood is interested. I hope you enjoy it!

And the Kungaloosh! cake looks amazing. Especially the Cashew-Caramel Ice Cream. Yu

That looks heavenly!

Next up on ADR additions is a dinner at Tiffins at Animal Kingdom.

OO! That'd be quite a treat.

And the Waygu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib has gotten great reviews so that's what I'm planning on for my entree.

Oh wow! that looks amazing!!

and just eat more steak! I think I'll be going with the Prime New York Strip Steak as that tends to be one of my favorite cuts.

Yes to more steak! And always yes to truffle mac and cheese!!!

If no Rivers of Light Dining Package becomes available, I might drop Tiffins. I need to add up my food spending because I have a feeling I may have gone slightly over budget.

Heehee, this is your solo adventure, stretching the budget is allowed. But I agree with the Rivers of Light thing. Tiffins looks great, but the price point is quite high.

Why not take that $91 and put it towards a Park-to-Park ticket to Universal? I LOVE Harry Potter and I've been wanting to check out the WWoHP since it opened. So, Universal, here I come!

Super fun! I've not yet been to the Universal side, but we did the portion in IoA. They really did a great job with how everything looks and is put together. And the butterbeer! While not at all like it's described in the books it's very yummy. I recommend the slushy one over the iced one.

 

[NJlauren]

What how did I miss this PTR!

Better late then never! Jumping in even if I need lots of catch up everywhere!!

 

[Elevationist]

DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE!

AAAHHHCCKKK! I'm so sorry I missed double-digit dancing with you! I've been such a bad DISfriend lately!

Or at least planning to eat more food.

That's the only thing that really matter anyhow.

I've added a few ADRs to my list because I have a problem. An addiction.

Totally legit.

Next up on ADR additions is a dinner at Tiffins at Animal Kingdom.

Oooh, I'm excited to read your report on this one!

And the Waygu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib has gotten great reviews so that's what I'm planning on for my entree.

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Mmmmmm. Look at all that delicious red meat. Be still my carnivore heart.

Then probably use Uber to get over to the Yacht Club.

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YAAAAAAAY! This is the ADR that I am MOST excited for! What time is your ADR? I hear it's, like, a 2-hour meal. Is this the night we were going to try to meet somewhere at the Boardwalk after I leave Hollywood Studios?

Why not take that $91 and put it towards a Park-to-Park ticket to Universal? I LOVE Harry Potter and I've been wanting to check out the WWoHP since it opened. So, Universal, here I come!

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Excellent decision-making skills! You're going to LOOOOOVE it!!

 

[Leshaface]

Uh, what the heck?! How did I not see this? Or did I and I never subscribed?? Either way i'm here now and subbed!