Squeak, Squeaker, Squeakin'.....October 2014 PTR

[MidnightParade]

Happy weekend! And Happy May! Always nice to hit a new month and see the ticker slip from 5 months to 4 months! Woo!

And with May comes news of free dining! Now back in January looking at the historical numbers I figured it wouldn’t be available for our dates(which is when we decided to rent DVC) and looks like I was right. Kinda bittersweet as some of you have had to change resorts seeing as POR is not included. But who knows, this may lead to an even better vacation!

Since most things for this trip has been figured out and planned I’m already thinking about the next Disney trip! No, there’s actually no plans for it, Andy is going to want to try somewhere new and we have a rough plan of Hawaii in 2016 which will require lots of saving up for(is there a place to have non Disney PTR’s on the boards?). But I have been reading some of the Free Dining and room only discounts threads just trying to get a feel of how and when to book when we do decide to go back to Disney. Lol, I was even looking at some Disney cruises!

Time to focus on this Disney trip though! Almost had a heart attack after I ordered the UCT tickets. On my budget sheet on the ‘Still to buy’ column I removed the tickets but never changed the subtotal and then the next day I was panicking as to why we suddenly have $800 less “available funds”. Lol. Now I’m going to be extra paranoid and double checking the numbers anytime I make a change.

I also have decided to get Memory Maker! I had contemplated it for our 2010 trip but just seemed like too much $$$. Now I want to make sure we get some nice pictures together that aren’t selfies. See I can be very shy, I don’t like to be bothering people so asking people to take a picture is not something I’m sure I will be willing to do, even at Disney(although I enjoying helping other people and will offer to take their picture! Lol) . And with Memory Maker we can add the ride photos as well which is awesome. Something that really helped me decide was this thread. Just got me excited for the pics and just considering the $$$ numbers they mentioned. I haven’t called to add it yet. Hopefully with renting DVC there won’t be any issues doing so. Also we have the room in the budget so I feel pretty happy with this decision.

(going a little off topic now…)

Of course the Disney budget is okay but we just brought Mouse, our kitten, home from the vet after getting spade. Add on extra vaccinations and it was $500! And this vet actually has some very good pricing too. Of course very important to have the furkids happy and healthy and in no way able to give us grandfurs! Lol. I know that when we finally get a puppy(long time dream of ours) the vet bills will cost more for them. Mouse is doing good though. She’s been extra cuddly which has been cute. Of course she has been running around a little too which is freakin me out as I don’t want her to open her stitches and her guts spill out everywhere!!!! Okay so they may not spill out everywhere, what can I say I have a vivid imagination. Lol.
Okay I better go check on her now!! Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!
​

 

[teekathepony]

I'm here!! Joining in and catching up!

 

[MidnightParade]

I'm here!! Joining in and catching up!

Yay!!! Thanks for joining in! Happy to have you!

 

[tiredandwired]

Of course I'm following!! So excited for you!

 

[MidnightParade]

Of course I'm following!! So excited for you!

Yaaaaay!!! Thanks for joining!! /squish

(You will soon realize why I'm so bad at emailing, I spend all my time here! )

 

[khaleesi]

Nice to know the Buffalo airport is easy to navigate. I'm so used to Toronto which is still overwhelming as its huge!!

Super easy to navigate! If you're looking for a million gifts shops and a spa and a gym and a fake monorail you're out of luck. BUT there is one gift shop, several restaurants and you either turn left or right after going through security. People complain about it; I love it!

If you're going to be heading out for dinner the night you stay over, I recommend Danny's. It's on the same street the airport is on and they have good food with a lot of local flavor. Their chicken wing soup is absolutely delicious!!! I'll get the actual address if you're interested

Glad your kitty is doing okay!!!!!

 

[MidnightParade]

Super easy to navigate! If you're looking for a million gifts shops and a spa and a gym and a fake monorail you're out of luck. BUT there is one gift shop, several restaurants and you either turn left or right after going through security. People complain about it; I love it!

If you're going to be heading out for dinner the night you stay over, I recommend Danny's. It's on the same street the airport is on and they have good food with a lot of local flavor. Their chicken wing soup is absolutely delicious!!! I'll get the actual address if you're interested

Glad your kitty is doing okay!!!!!

I've been checking out the restaurants in the airport trying to figure breakfast options. So anything you can recommend is appreciated! I know airport food can be hit or miss.

I googled Danny's and its only 5 minutes from our hotel! Although we are getting in pretty late so I'm not sure if we'll be up for it....of course we will probably be too wired to sleep!(okay I will be too wired) Thanks for the tip!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Hi there I came over from my PTR and figured I would follow along. AKL is such a great resort and I think you will get more out of it on this trip. You've made some great ADR choices too, I hope that you enjoy them all. Looking forward to reading about your trip!

 

[khaleesi]

I've been checking out the restaurants in the airport trying to figure breakfast options. So anything you can recommend is appreciated! I know airport food can be hit or miss.

I googled Danny's and its only 5 minutes from our hotel! Although we are getting in pretty late so I'm not sure if we'll be up for it....of course we will probably be too wired to sleep!(okay I will be too wired) Thanks for the tip!

There aren't a whole lot of restaurants in the airport. I've never actually eaten breakfast there before because it's so close to my house. There is an Anchor Bar, which is the original home of the buffalo wing, so on your way home that might be an option!

There is a Tim Hortons and a McDonalds right on Genesee street all within a 1/2 mile of the airport (if that!)

 

[annegirl]

Just found your report. Sounds like a lot of fun. WOW on AKL. So beautiful.
I think it's really cool that you worked there. I wish I would have done that when I was younger but I didn't even know about it. Dang.
Your cats are so cute.

 

[MarbleBob]

I've been reading through your PTR the last couple of days, but forgot to subscribe, so here we go

Looks like a great trip so far. I've had the opportunity of enjoy my birthday at WDW twice (both times as an adult) and it's lots of fun. I'm sure Andy will have an awesome day. Hard to imagine a better way to celebrate your birthday than at Disney

I haven't stayed at AKL before, so I'm looking forward to you see how you like it. That being said, we've visited the grounds quite a few times because Boma is one of our favorite restaurants. So good!

 

[MidnightParade]

Hi there I came over from my PTR and figured I would follow along. AKL is such a great resort and I think you will get more out of it on this trip. You've made some great ADR choices too, I hope that you enjoy them all. Looking forward to reading about your trip!

Thanks for following along! I enjoyed your TR on AKL and it just helped me get more excited for it myself(just when I think I can't get anymore excited I do! )

There aren't a whole lot of restaurants in the airport. I've never actually eaten breakfast there before because it's so close to my house. There is an Anchor Bar, which is the original home of the buffalo wing, so on your way home that might be an option!

There is a Tim Hortons and a McDonalds right on Genesee street all within a 1/2 mile of the airport (if that!)

I mentioned to Andy the chicken wing soup at Danny's and he got very interested. He pointed out that they should be moving him to a earlier shift by the time we leave so then we would have the time to stop and try it! lol. Ooooh Timmy's! I'll keep that in mind for some BLT bagel goodness the morning of departure! Thanks!!

Just found your report. Sounds like a lot of fun. WOW on AKL. So beautiful.
I think it's really cool that you worked there. I wish I would have done that when I was younger but I didn't even know about it. Dang.
Your cats are so cute.

Sure the cats looks cute, until they decide that the hallway is a roller derby at 7am on a sunday morning! lol. Working there was pretty awesome! I only found out about it as an old roommate of mine had done it, but I didn't look into it until a few years later. D'oh! Thanks so much for joining in!

I've been reading through your PTR the last couple of days, but forgot to subscribe, so here we go

Looks like a great trip so far. I've had the opportunity of enjoy my birthday at WDW twice (both times as an adult) and it's lots of fun. I'm sure Andy will have an awesome day. Hard to imagine a better way to celebrate your birthday than at Disney

I haven't stayed at AKL before, so I'm looking forward to you see how you like it. That being said, we've visited the grounds quite a few times because Boma is one of our favorite restaurants. So good!

Thanks so much for stopping in!! I'm very excited for Andy to have his birthday at Disney! I'm hoping that will help him become more inclined to visit the world more often. Plus my birthday is during the crazy insane time between Christmas and New Years so I don't think we will ever be there to celebrate it so need to live it up through him. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go and drool over your D23 expo pics!

 

[MidnightParade]

Just a small update! Since we are in Canada we do not get Magic Bands mailed to us which means no personalization before we go(I plan to bring some nail polish though to magic them up a little once we are there) and since we are renting DVC we don't get any Mickey mail with vacation details or the magnet or anything! . So I'm gonna get excited for the froggy mail! Which are our Undercover Tourist tickets! Yes they arrived safe and sound!

And they only took a week! Very impressed and happy that I found a little faith that they would make it safe and sound. As you see there are the 2 Universal tickets and only one Disney ticket. Have been waiting on our Airmiles to tick over to the magic number to have enough to order one ticket through them. Finally happened on friday so I ordered it yesterday for a 7 Day base ticket!! Waaahooo! Once at the parks we will add the Park hopper and Water Parks option which should be around $91.59 including tax. We're still saving $350 getting our base ticket through Airmiles. Yaay! More to spend on other things!

Must Eats!

I think most of us have either specific things that must be eaten or places to eat. I have a tab on my spread sheet for these and thought I would share whats on my tummy bucket list! lol. These are just snacks/quick service items and with almost daily emails from the Disney Food Blog and reading others trips reports it hard to not have this get overwhelming!


Universal Studios
Lard Lad Donut (from the Simpsons area)
Krusty Burger
Butter Beer (Frozen)
Cauldron Cake
...and everything else from Honeydukes in Hogsmeade

Walt Disney World

Some of these items can be found in any park but I just stuck them in the park we will most likely get them.

Magic Kingdom
Gourmet cupcake - Cheshire Cafe
Dole Whip - Aloha Isle
Some kind of fudge
Birthday cake ice cream cookie sandwich - Sleepy Hollow (Seasonal so fingerscrossed its still around)
One of the Mac and cheese's from Friars Nook
Sweet and spicy Chicken waffle - Sleepy Hollow
Rice Krispie Treat

Hollywood Studios
Carrot Cake cookie - Writers Stop
Butterfinger Cupcake - Starring Rolls
Turkey Leg
PB&J milkshake - 50's Prime Time (I can order this from the bar to walk around with, too much to have with a meal!)

Epcot
Cronut
.....and thats it! There is just TOO much in world showcase for me to look up and list out and make sure I eat all of them ! ESPECIALLY with F&W. I'm just going to with the flow and hopefully get some really awesome nomnoms!

Animal Kingdom
Jalapeño cream cheese pretzel
Something from Dawa Bar
Cupcake of some sort!


Other
Zebra Domes - AKL
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie - Boardwalk Bakery
Make your own treat at Goofy Candy Company - DTD/Disney Springs
Lapu Lapu - Polynesian Village Resort
Tonga Toast - Capt Cooks(And Kona)
Sundae from Ghiridellis

So actually the list isn't too big! (And again its only for snacks and quick service). As you can see I have a sweet tooth. Their might be some things I don't have listed cause I don't even need it on the list to remember to eat it(Like the Mickey Bar!).

So what does everyone else have on their list and what would you highly recommend?!

​

 

[MarbleBob]

Tickets arrived. Yahoo!!!

You have a great treat/snack list started! I'm not the biggest treat person, so I haven't actually tried a lot of what you have listed. I'm looking forward to seeing how you liked everything in your TR!

I've had more butter beer than I care to admit. Good stuff!!! (We went to the DISapalooza party in 2011, which was held at HP. They had "all you can drink" beverages, and I think I had 4 or 5 butter beers over the course of several hours. LOL.) We've gotten a few chocolate frogs too. The chocolate is fine (not the greatest), but you've got to love the lenticular wizard cards that are included

At MK, getting a Dole Whip Float is a MUST for me. Can't miss it! DW likes to get a citrus swirl... happy that they brought them back. We also love the ice cream cookies at Sleepy Hollow. Otherwise, we usually just for the boring stuff. Mickey ice cream bars, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream cones, etc. Except for some reason, this boring stuff becomes magical at Disney

At Epcot, DW absolutely MUST get the strawberry shortcake at Sunshine Seasons. She discovered this the first time we had the dining plan many years ago and insists that we stop by for it at least once each trip. I didn't know it until recently, but apparently a lot of other people love it too. Here's a write up/photo from the Disney Food Bog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/...wberry-shortcake-a-best-snack-value-in-epcot/

Personally, I cannot resist the melon flavored Kaki Gori in Japan. I know it's just shaved ice with syrup on it, but the melon flavoring is incredible, and then eating it on the ledge of the pagoda is just too much fun. We also always spend more than we should on candy inside the main Japanese store.

Love trying the caramels in Germany and we almost always get something from the bakery in Norway. Yum!!! And sometimes a treat from the bakery in France.

I don't recall anything special that we look forward to in Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. Probably just a Mickey bar or an Itzakadoozie popsicle.

Reading through your list makes me think that I should be more deliberate about my treat experience this year. Maybe I'll start a treat list too

In the meantime, did you know that you can order Dole Whip mix on the internet? I had read that Dole Whips weren't truly exclusive to Disney and that you could get the mix online, but the place that I had found charged about $25 plus $15 for shipping. $40 is a lot (at least in our household) for some treats, so I never tried it. Just yesterday, I found a place that sells the mix for $21 shipped.

http://www.precisionfoodsstore.com/dole-pineapple-each.html

They list that the powdered mix makes 72 4oz servings. I don't know how many ounces you get in a serving at Disney, but at 4oz, that's like 30 cents per serving. Disney is making a killing on this stuff!!! There are instructions on the internet for breaking it up into smaller batches that you can make in a home ice cream maker. Cool!! So, I placed an order for it yesterday. Looking forward to see how it works. Authentic Dole Whips at home?!?!?! I sure hope so

 

[Denovagirl]

In the meantime, did you know that you can order Dole Whip mix on the internet? I had read that Dole Whips weren't truly exclusive to Disney and that you could get the mix online, but the place that I had found charged about $25 plus $15 for shipping. $40 is a lot (at least in our household) for some treats, so I never tried it. Just yesterday, I found a place that sells the mix for $21 shipped. http://www.precisionfoodsstore.com/dole-pineapple-each.html They list that the powdered mix makes 72 4oz servings. I don't know how many ounces you get in a serving at Disney, but at 4oz, that's like 30 cents per serving. Disney is making a killing on this stuff!!! There are instructions on the internet for breaking it up into smaller batches that you can make in a home ice cream maker. Cool!! So, I placed an order for it yesterday. Looking forward to see how it works. Authentic Dole Whips at home?!?!?! I sure hope so

We did this, it was delish!

 

[Denovagirl]

Some things on my list:

Things I need again:
Bear Paw Brownie (AK sooo good)
Kaki-Gori (Japan in EP)
School Bread (Norway)
Dole Whip
Fried Rice (AK Y&Y walk up)

To try for the first time:
Zebra Domes
Butterfinger Cupcake
Homemade Ice cream cookie sandwich
Mini kitchen sink
Cheese Soup (Canada F&W)
Churro
Mickey Pretzel
Cronut

 

[annegirl]

I tried the jalepeno pretzel at AK and loved it. It is a must for the next trip.

I really want to do Harry Potter again but this time we will be staying in Disney World. I have to go again sometime to see the expansion!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Yay for snail mail!! It is so exciting to get something other than bills in the mail

That update made me hungry, so many delicious choices! I am usually so full from the dining plan that I don't eat too many snacks. I like to get a Mickey Bar just because, and then I often use my snack credits to get packaged snacks to eat later. I really NEED to try Zebra Domes on this trip though, I can't believe I didn't try them last time we were there. I see that you have them on your list too, good choice!

 

[MidnightParade]

Tickets arrived. Yahoo!!!

You have a great treat/snack list started! I'm not the biggest treat person, so I haven't actually tried a lot of what you have listed. I'm looking forward to seeing how you liked everything in your TR!

I've had more butter beer than I care to admit. Good stuff!!! (We went to the DISapalooza party in 2011, which was held at HP. They had "all you can drink" beverages, and I think I had 4 or 5 butter beers over the course of several hours. LOL.) We've gotten a few chocolate frogs too. The chocolate is fine (not the greatest), but you've got to love the lenticular wizard cards that are included

At MK, getting a Dole Whip Float is a MUST for me. Can't miss it! DW likes to get a citrus swirl... happy that they brought them back. We also love the ice cream cookies at Sleepy Hollow. Otherwise, we usually just for the boring stuff. Mickey ice cream bars, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream cones, etc. Except for some reason, this boring stuff becomes magical at Disney

At Epcot, DW absolutely MUST get the strawberry shortcake at Sunshine Seasons. She discovered this the first time we had the dining plan many years ago and insists that we stop by for it at least once each trip. I didn't know it until recently, but apparently a lot of other people love it too. Here's a write up/photo from the Disney Food Bog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/...wberry-shortcake-a-best-snack-value-in-epcot/

Personally, I cannot resist the melon flavored Kaki Gori in Japan. I know it's just shaved ice with syrup on it, but the melon flavoring is incredible, and then eating it on the ledge of the pagoda is just too much fun. We also always spend more than we should on candy inside the main Japanese store.

Love trying the caramels in Germany and we almost always get something from the bakery in Norway. Yum!!! And sometimes a treat from the bakery in France.

I don't recall anything special that we look forward to in Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. Probably just a Mickey bar or an Itzakadoozie popsicle.

Reading through your list makes me think that I should be more deliberate about my treat experience this year. Maybe I'll start a treat list too

In the meantime, did you know that you can order Dole Whip mix on the internet? I had read that Dole Whips weren't truly exclusive to Disney and that you could get the mix online, but the place that I had found charged about $25 plus $15 for shipping. $40 is a lot (at least in our household) for some treats, so I never tried it. Just yesterday, I found a place that sells the mix for $21 shipped.

http://www.precisionfoodsstore.com/dole-pineapple-each.html

They list that the powdered mix makes 72 4oz servings. I don't know how many ounces you get in a serving at Disney, but at 4oz, that's like 30 cents per serving. Disney is making a killing on this stuff!!! There are instructions on the internet for breaking it up into smaller batches that you can make in a home ice cream maker. Cool!! So, I placed an order for it yesterday. Looking forward to see how it works. Authentic Dole Whips at home?!?!?! I sure hope so

Oh man! I forgot about the shaved ice in Japan! See this is why I wasn't trying to think about World Showcase cause thats going to double my list right there! I'm not sure if we'll be making it to Sunshine seasons but I'm gonna make note of the strawberry shortcake cause I think Andy will like that!

Oh man! That Dolewhip link is getting book marked. That would be the best thing ever for a BBQ or you know every night during the summer! Thanks so much for sharing the info! Looking forward to your review of it!

You absolutely should start a must try treat list!!

Some things on my list:

Things I need again:
Bear Paw Brownie (AK sooo good)
Kaki-Gori (Japan in EP)
School Bread (Norway)
Dole Whip
Fried Rice (AK Y&Y walk up)

To try for the first time:
Zebra Domes
Butterfinger Cupcake
Homemade Ice cream cookie sandwich
Mini kitchen sink
Cheese Soup (Canada F&W)
Churro
Mickey Pretzel
Cronut

Ohoh! See things I missed adding, churro, kitchen sink(totally getting the Mickey Pants sundae!) and that fried rice looks yummy! Also noted on that bear paw brownie!Thanks!

I tried the jalepeno pretzel at AK and loved it. It is a must for the next trip.

I really want to do Harry Potter again but this time we will be staying in Disney World. I have to go again sometime to see the expansion!

That jalapeño pretzel and the turkey leg are big reasons why Andy is very willing to go to Disney again!

Pretty excited for Harry Potter! When we were there in 2010 it was still under construction. I'm hoping it won't be too crazy busy come October but I'm sure it will be over the usual crowd amount. Nice for you to wait to see it though as then it will be less new ie crowded when you go!

Yay for snail mail!! It is so exciting to get something other than bills in the mail

That update made me hungry, so many delicious choices! I am usually so full from the dining plan that I don't eat too many snacks. I like to get a Mickey Bar just because, and then I often use my snack credits to get packaged snacks to eat later. I really NEED to try Zebra Domes on this trip though, I can't believe I didn't try them last time we were there. I see that you have them on your list too, good choice!

Snail mail is fun! We always get a ton of flyers for stuff that just go straight in the blue bin! Blah!

I've been hanging out on the AKL resort thread and apparently the zebra domes are a requirement or they kick you out of the AKL club! lol (j/k) I'm not usually a fan of liquor in my chocolate but I'm hoping it will be superawesomeamazing!

 

[AAshleySEG]

When the Food&Wine Festival Food List comes out, I will definitely recommend some things for you! We love F&W, I have eaten almost everything that they offer! It is such a great time of year to be at EPCOT!