Spending my birthday in Disney! Oct 2010 PTR - UPDATED 10/11 TR STARTED

[jenny105]

Congratulations on free dining! Love the idea of going to Beaches and Cream. If we end up adding park days in May, I want to go there. I have been thinking Flame Tree for CS at AK but now that it is closed during my dates, I guess I am back to the drawing board.

Thanks! I'm excited about it. I wasn't loving the idea of staying at Pop (AGAIN) but everybody is on board with free dining and is more excited for that lol. I know that if a travel agent deal comes out again like last year, I will be seeing if I can switch resorts yet again. I'd really like to stay somewhere different but I can't complain. It's free dining!

I am completely lost on CS at AK. I don't spend enough time there to know that park half as well as the others.

 

[jenny105]

84 more days to go!

​

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Biergarten sounds like fun! I'm looking forward to it. Do you have a picture of this "large" beer?

I had ADRs at LTT for a Feb trip but those plans fell through and I never got to go! The menu looks good!!

I don't have a picture of that beer, but the glass must have been about 12" tall. I'm getting much better at taking "food porn" or "beverage porn" now, but that trip it must have slipped my mind.

Oh, and I made a mistake it wasn't LTT that we like (we've never been there) it's Columbia Harbor House that has the fantastic sandwiches and chili. If you go, take your food upstairs - its much quieter and peacefull up there and if you sit by a window there's great opportunity for people watching.

 

[jenny105]

I don't have a picture of that beer, but the glass must have been about 12" tall. I'm getting much better at taking "food porn" or "beverage porn" now, but that trip it must have slipped my mind.

Oh, and I made a mistake it wasn't LTT that we like (we've never been there) it's Columbia Harbor House that has the fantastic sandwiches and chili. If you go, take your food upstairs - its much quieter and peacefull up there and if you sit by a window there's great opportunity for people watching.

I bet my sister will order one of those beers! I'll have to tell her about it. I don't think I'd be able to drink it all without feeling sick for the rest of the day.

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check that place out. I've heard of it but never been.

 

[princess_momma]

I think that BSB would probably be the opener with NKOTB being the main act since they've been around forever. I'm sure they'd probably do a song or two together. I can't believe you don't know any NKOTB songs! Blasphemy! Without them, there would be no BSB!

I can't believe you'll be there in a month!

I don't know how NKOTB and BSB would be together!! Maybe their trying to just fill larger places and charge more? But even though they are similiar, they were a few years apart and have a different following I think. Like BSB and NSync would be insane but I don't even know NKOTB because they weren't really coming out with stuff when I was into boy bands!

Who was NKOTB's opening act? Is it different every time or the same? BSB had this awkward dj that played lots of current club hits and it was really awkward because everyone was just sitting there while he was in the zone. AJ came on stage once while he was still spinning and the crowd stood up and went nuts and then it got even more awkward when he left again. I felt bad for the guy!

AHHHHHHH 3 weeks from today for me!!!! That means 3 weeks from now, you'll be getting some Disney related pics from me!! Yay!

 

[jenny105]

I don't know how NKOTB and BSB would be together!! Maybe their trying to just fill larger places and charge more? But even though they are similiar, they were a few years apart and have a different following I think. Like BSB and NSync would be insane but I don't even know NKOTB because they weren't really coming out with stuff when I was into boy bands!

Who was NKOTB's opening act? Is it different every time or the same? BSB had this awkward dj that played lots of current club hits and it was really awkward because everyone was just sitting there while he was in the zone. AJ came on stage once while he was still spinning and the crowd stood up and went nuts and then it got even more awkward when he left again. I felt bad for the guy!

AHHHHHHH 3 weeks from today for me!!!! That means 3 weeks from now, you'll be getting some Disney related pics from me!! Yay!

Yeah, NKOTB and BSB don't really have the same fan base since they were like 7 or 8 years apart. NKOTB got big in 89 and BSB got big in 97? I'm an exception. I was into both but far more into NKOTB. They had no problem selling out arenas when they first announced the reunion (it'd been like 15 years since they last performed together) so...I don't know what the appeal would be with both of them. Unless they're both trying to reach out to a new fan base?

There were a few different openers for NKOTB. Natasha Beddingfield, Lady Gaga before she hit it really big, Jesse McCartney, and the most awesome opening act they ever had, the Jabbawockeez. I don't know if you watch ABDC at all or know who they are but the're a dance crew and they are phenomenal. Absolutely love them. I got the chance to meet them all and they are the nicest people. One of the guys gave me a hug because I told him I voted for them when they were on ABDC.

I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!! When my DIS friends go, I know my trip is getting closer!

 

[Lynn5700]

You are going to love Beirgaten! It is so much fun there and I just love the food.

 

[princess_momma]

Yeah, NKOTB and BSB don't really have the same fan base since they were like 7 or 8 years apart. NKOTB got big in 89 and BSB got big in 97? I'm an exception. I was into both but far more into NKOTB. They had no problem selling out arenas when they first announced the reunion (it'd been like 15 years since they last performed together) so...I don't know what the appeal would be with both of them. Unless they're both trying to reach out to a new fan base?

There were a few different openers for NKOTB. Natasha Beddingfield, Lady Gaga before she hit it really big, Jesse McCartney, and the most awesome opening act they ever had, the Jabbawockeez. I don't know if you watch ABDC at all or know who they are but the're a dance crew and they are phenomenal. Absolutely love them. I got the chance to meet them all and they are the nicest people. One of the guys gave me a hug because I told him I voted for them when they were on ABDC.

I can't wait to hear about your trip!!!! When my DIS friends go, I know my trip is getting closer!

Yeah, definitely a difference in fan base! Who knows what they are trying to do? As much as I hate to say it, NKOTB is definitely sounding like they are doing better with their reunion. I don't think BSB has sold out any concerts. It was kind of sad how many seats weren't filled at the concert I went to! All their fans that were there were still pretty hardcore. This is mean, but she did it to herself...this one chubbier girl was actually wearing a shirt that said "I may be larger than life but I'll never break your heart!" Sorry, I just had to share.

NKOTB has way better opening acts too. I would love to see all those people! Do you happen to ever listen to DisneyMania? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jesse McCartney's "When You Wish Upon a Star". It's my favorite version!!

 

[jenny105]

You are going to love Beirgaten! It is so much fun there and I just love the food.

I'm looking forward to it, especially the mac and cheese!

Yeah, definitely a difference in fan base! Who knows what they are trying to do? As much as I hate to say it, NKOTB is definitely sounding like they are doing better with their reunion. I don't think BSB has sold out any concerts. It was kind of sad how many seats weren't filled at the concert I went to! All their fans that were there were still pretty hardcore. This is mean, but she did it to herself...this one chubbier girl was actually wearing a shirt that said "I may be larger than life but I'll never break your heart!" Sorry, I just had to share.

NKOTB has way better opening acts too. I would love to see all those people! Do you happen to ever listen to DisneyMania? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jesse McCartney's "When You Wish Upon a Star". It's my favorite version!!

Oh those kinds of girls show up at NKOTB too. Some of their outfits...questionable. This sounds mean but a lot of them look like hookers. I know they're trying to get attention from the guys...but that's not the kind of attention you want or should be seeking!

I think one of the reasons NKOTB is doing so well is that they were gone for a longer amount of time and it's ALL the members. Isn't BSB missing Kevin? NKOTB refused to do the reunion unless everybody was on board. Plus, no offense, but NKOTB was much bigger than BSB ever was. They played the Super Bowl for crying out loud! You couldn't go anywhere, turn on the tv or radio without those guys being in your face. One of the local radio stations around here was required to play them every hour!

Yup, I've heard that version. I have it on my Ipod!

 

[princess_momma]

Oh those kinds of girls show up at NKOTB too. Some of their outfits...questionable. This sounds mean but a lot of them look like hookers. I know they're trying to get attention from the guys...but that's not the kind of attention you want or should be seeking!

I think one of the reasons NKOTB is doing so well is that they were gone for a longer amount of time and it's ALL the members. Isn't BSB missing Kevin? NKOTB refused to do the reunion unless everybody was on board. Plus, no offense, but NKOTB was much bigger than BSB ever was. They played the Super Bowl for crying out loud! You couldn't go anywhere, turn on the tv or radio without those guys being in your face. One of the local radio stations around here was required to play them every hour!

Yup, I've heard that version. I have it on my Ipod!

I think it's hilarious to see whats become of their fans. As mean as this sounds...a lot of BSB fans got chubby! I always laugh when girls dress like that. Whatever. I think the most ridiculous time was when I went to that Broncos ladies thing last year and we actually ran plays with some players and some girls were dressing like they were going to the club! Like seriously?

I think that's awesome that NKOTB didn't want to re-unite until it was everyone. I don't know if BSB even counts as a reunion because I don't know if they ever even officially disbanded. They've been sneaking out new cd's all the time. I actually even missed one! I do miss Kevin though...his voice was dreamy with his depth

And I have to pull the youth card here...I have no idea how big NKOTB was! Didn't you say they were big in like 89? I wasn't born until 90!! Did they like do an actual halftime show for the Super Bowl? Because if you don't recall, BSB sang the National Anthem for one. Which is no halftime show but it was still my favorite Super Bowl ever (well, tied with the ones the Broncos won!)

 

[jenny105]

I think it's hilarious to see whats become of their fans. As mean as this sounds...a lot of BSB fans got chubby! I always laugh when girls dress like that. Whatever. I think the most ridiculous time was when I went to that Broncos ladies thing last year and we actually ran plays with some players and some girls were dressing like they were going to the club! Like seriously?

I think that's awesome that NKOTB didn't want to re-unite until it was everyone. I don't know if BSB even counts as a reunion because I don't know if they ever even officially disbanded. They've been sneaking out new cd's all the time. I actually even missed one! I do miss Kevin though...his voice was dreamy with his depth

And I have to pull the youth card here...I have no idea how big NKOTB was! Didn't you say they were big in like 89? I wasn't born until 90!! Did they like do an actual halftime show for the Super Bowl? Because if you don't recall, BSB sang the National Anthem for one. Which is no halftime show but it was still my favorite Super Bowl ever (well, tied with the ones the Broncos won!)

You youngin! Yes, they were big about the end of 1988-1991 or 92. You would've been way to young to remember. They had their faces on everything. Posters, jewelry, trading cards, tshirts, dollas, action figures, board games, boxers, bedsheets, comforters, watches. I had all of that stuff! In fact, I still use the comforter as my beach blanket! It's bright pink and has their pictures on it so it's really easy to spot! They did the Super Bowl halftime show when it was still sponsored by Disney. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QwkNVmWANc Take a look if you want, it's hysterical to see the way they were dressed!!

The Rangers have something similar to what the Broncos had except it's a casino night and you're supposed to get dressed up! I can only imagine what some ladies wear to that though. I haven't been lucky enough to get a ticket to that (very expensive!) but if I did I'd be hanging around the goalie all night. He's dreamy lol

 

[jenny105]

Hi everybody! I hope you're all having a great weekend. My weekend came early this week! I had Thursday and Friday off and spent those days at Foxwoods Resort in CT. I had given Kris Weezer tickets for his birthday a few weeks ago and the concert was Thursday night. We had a blast! Made our way up Wed night after work (it's about a 2 1/2 hour drive). We didn't hit any traffic and got there around 10:30. We stayed in the MGM Grand tower, which is the newest, and it is just gorgeous. I've stayed there once before for NKOTB and we loved it so we just had to stay there again! On Thursday before the concert, we ordered room service for breakfast and spent most of the day by the pool sipping on Coronas and margaritas. It was just so relaxing.

The concert itself was AWESOME! I like Weezer but I'm not really into them, I mainly only know their popular songs. Kris listens to them all the time so I'm starting to learn a little bit of their other stuff. They were just great live. The lead singer, Rivers, is so full of energy! He was running out into the crowd, giving people the mic to sing along, and even had a trampoline on stage. At one part of the show, they covered Pokerface and he put on a blonde wig. They were really great and if I had the chance to see them again, I definitely would!

On Friday, we left around 11:30 after a short stint at the blackjack and slot machines. We stopped at an outlet center off I-95 to break up the drive a little bit (there was traffic!) and I picked up a few things at Aeropostale. Everything was on clearance!

Same top but the flowers are a brighter blue.

I also got a pair of denim cutoffs and white sweat capris that I can't find on the site. I got the capris just cause they said Laguna Beach on them. I'm such a dork. They're so comfy though, I love them!

In the 70s, woo! 78 days and counting!

 

[jenny105]

Hello! Is everybody still with me?

It's been awhile since I did an update of our daily plans but I'm back on track. This is the day I think I may be most looking forward to and it's not even Disney related.

10/7 Day 4 - Universal Orlando

I'm going to see Harry Potter, I'm going to see Harry Potter! I am super excited about it, I can't wait! Obviously the plan is to wake everybody up at the crack of dawn and get to the park at opening. As a TA perk, I'm able to get two complimentary 2 park tickets so I'm hoping we can get over to Universal Studios as well. It really depends on if everyone else wants to splurge on a 2 park ticket. My sister already said she wanted to go to US too but she might change her mind after she sees the price tag for that ticket. But anyway, we'll start off at Islands of Adventure.

IOA - Must Dos
WWoHP - Obviously. This will be the first thing we do. I'm going to sprint to it if need be! All the attractions here are a must!
Jurassic Park River Adventure- Kris is really looking forward to this, it's one of his favorite movies. He keeps trying to convince me to do this first. I don't think so!
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls - unlike Splash Mountain, EVERYONE gets soaked on this ride!
Popeye's Bilge Rat Barges
Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster - this ride makes me feel like I have a concussion when I get off of it but it's a must.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man - Best. Ride. Ever.
The Cat In the Hat

Do If Time
Carosuessel - probably gonna be hard to talk the guys into this one...
High in the Sky Trolley Train - super cute but essentially a kids ride
Doctor Doom's Fearfall - fun but if you've done one, you've done them all


If we make it over to Universal Studios...

Must Do
Rip, Ride, and Rock-It Roller Coaster - went on this during the fam last year. A head-knocker but awesome anyway!
Jaws
Men In Black - love, love, LOVE this ride!
The Simpsons
Revenge of the Mummy
Disaster
ET

Do If Time
Terminator 2 in 3D
Jimmy Neutron
Shrek 4-D I like Shrek and all but I am just not a fan of this ride, I don't know why!


Usually when I've gone to Universal mid-week, the rides are pretty much just walk on. I don't know how different it will be now that Harry Potter is open. I'm expecting to wait for that but I don't know about the other attractions.

My gripe with Universal is that the parks close so early. Universal Studios is open until 5 (seriously???) and IOA is open until 7. For someone who is trying to compete with Disney, why do they close so early?? I know they're having Halloween Horror Nights too but when I went in November a couple years ago, both parks closed at 6. What's up with that??

I'm hoping to cap off the day with a trip to Margaritaville for dinner. I absolutely love that place and there are none around here!! I mentioned Pat O'Briens to everyone too so we may make a stop there as well.

75 days to go!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm still here! Love the clothes you got from Aero! I might have to swing by there to see what deals they have. I almost bought that flower shirt, but then I realized I already have a lot of shirts with flowers!

Love the plans for US. I've only been to each park once: US in 1997 and IOA in 2006. I'm a roller coaster junkie, so I'd love to ride the Rip Ride Rockit!

 

[jenny105]

I'm still here! Love the clothes you got from Aero! I might have to swing by there to see what deals they have. I almost bought that flower shirt, but then I realized I already have a lot of shirts with flowers!

Love the plans for US. I've only been to each park once: US in 1997 and IOA in 2006. I'm a roller coaster junkie, so I'd love to ride the Rip Ride Rockit!

I actually thought of you when I bought that shirt! It looked like something you would buy. They gave me a promo card for a jean sale they're having starting Friday through August 8th. You need the card to purchase in store but if you want to go online, I think the code is JEANS20. Any jean, $20! I can't pass that up!

Rip Ride Rockit is a lot of fun! The hill is CRAZY! You go straight up in the air right after you pull out of the station. The seats are all stadium style so everyone has a view and you can pick from 25 or 30 songs. I picked the Beastie Boys!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I actually thought of you when I bought that shirt! It looked like something you would buy. They gave me a promo card for a jean sale they're having starting Friday through August 8th. You need the card to purchase in store but if you want to go online, I think the code is JEANS20. Any jean, $20! I can't pass that up!

Rip Ride Rockit is a lot of fun! The hill is CRAZY! You go straight up in the air right after you pull out of the station. The seats are all stadium style so everyone has a view and you can pick from 25 or 30 songs. I picked the Beastie Boys!

I am a big fan of Aero shirts, aren't I?! I've never tried on their jeans, so maybe I'll have to go try some on.

That roller coaster sounds amazing!

 

[klacey1]

Cute top!! Your IOA plans look great-- there's a great thread over on the Universal board called "Harry Potter Crowd Report" that is talking about different strategies for offsite and onsite guests. People there have been SO helpful-- since the parks are only open for a short time, it may help you plan your trip.
We LOVE IOA/US-- Men in Black and the Mummy are FANTASTIC rides. Spiderman is amazing, too-- I think they definitely are Disney-level as far as themeing, line decor, etc.

 

[jenny105]

I am a big fan of Aero shirts, aren't I?! I've never tried on their jeans, so maybe I'll have to go try some on.

That roller coaster sounds amazing!

It is! You guys should take a trip out to Universal sometime

Cute top!! Your IOA plans look great-- there's a great thread over on the Universal board called "Harry Potter Crowd Report" that is talking about different strategies for offsite and onsite guests. People there have been SO helpful-- since the parks are only open for a short time, it may help you plan your trip.
We LOVE IOA/US-- Men in Black and the Mummy are FANTASTIC rides. Spiderman is amazing, too-- I think they definitely are Disney-level as far as themeing, line decor, etc.

Thanks! I found the thread but since it just opened, it's all about the summer crowds. I'm subbing so hopefully as the trip gets closer there will be more information. I'm hoping the crowds will die down a bit by October! It sounds scary to go there now!!

I agree. I like a lot of Universal's rides but as far as theming goes...meh. Take Dudley Do Right for example. Fun ride but nowhere near the theming of Splash Mountain, doesn't even come close. But they really stepped up their game with MIB, Mummy, Spiderman, and the Simpsons is themed really well too.

 

[Rora]

Jenny! Sorry, I know I'm behind on your fantastic updates but I just got home from the Baltic Sea Disney Cruise. Catching up now!

Thank goodness Kris found his keys at the state fair! Jackson lost his at our local fair and we searched forever trying to find them to no avail.. and then wound up waiting 3 hours for AAA.

I'm so excited you switched to Pop for Free Dining!! WOO! I know you're a little bummed about SSR but I think this is a pretty good trade off.

Your ADRs are looking great-- you'll love Biergarten, it's so much fun in there! And of course, your Chef Mickey's ADR is perfectly placed!

And I know what you mean about the concert going girls' outfits. DH and I took his niece to see Taylor Swift and oh my goodness.. they were like little cow bell hookers. I was horrified. I guess I don't understand how their parents let them out of the house like that.

As far as your next update: So glad you had fun at Weezer! Sounds like a great weekend! And I'm loving the purchases! Thank god for the outlet malls!

Can't wait to hear about HP. I heard that it's still so croweded but I hope the crowds lighten for you! Your Must Do rides look great but I can't believe how early the parks close! That's crazy!

Your trip is getting closer and closer!! WOOHOO!

 

[jenny105]

Jenny! Sorry, I know I'm behind on your fantastic updates but I just got home from the Baltic Sea Disney Cruise. Catching up now!

Thank goodness Kris found his keys at the state fair! Jackson lost his at our local fair and we searched forever trying to find them to no avail.. and then wound up waiting 3 hours for AAA.

I'm so excited you switched to Pop for Free Dining!! WOO! I know you're a little bummed about SSR but I think this is a pretty good trade off.

Your ADRs are looking great-- you'll love Biergarten, it's so much fun in there! And of course, your Chef Mickey's ADR is perfectly placed!

And I know what you mean about the concert going girls' outfits. DH and I took his niece to see Taylor Swift and oh my goodness.. they were like little cow bell hookers. I was horrified. I guess I don't understand how their parents let them out of the house like that.

As far as your next update: So glad you had fun at Weezer! Sounds like a great weekend! And I'm loving the purchases! Thank god for the outlet malls!

Can't wait to hear about HP. I heard that it's still so croweded but I hope the crowds lighten for you! Your Must Do rides look great but I can't believe how early the parks close! That's crazy!

Your trip is getting closer and closer!! WOOHOO!

Hi! Wow! Baltic cruise?! How was that?? Do you have pictures??

It took Kris a couple hours to realize he lost his keys (we were just about to watch the circus show) but we figured it had to be on the Gravitron since he was trying to turn upside down. And that figures about AAA!

I'm warming up more to Pop. I do love that resort and we're not going to be spending a huge amount of time there anyway. If we were doing a 10 day trip or something where we would spend a day at the resort, I would've kept the deluxe reservation, but free dining trumps SSR for this trip!

I've heard so many good things about Biergarten. Really looking forward to it.

I don't get what people wear to concerts. The Weezer crowd were normal. I didn't see people hoochied out at that. NKOTB on the other hand. Some of those girls outfits. I look cute for my boys but not to that extreme! Can't wait to see the outfits at Maroon 5!

I'm officially scared of WWoHP after reading the crowd thread. I'm expecting to wait an hour or two for the actual ride...but to wait in a line to get into the land itself?? That's insanity!!!!

73 more days!