Summer and Serendipity ~ July PTR ~ LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[PirateKate]

I agree, there's no ADR worth waking up a sleeping kid over. Nine Dragons never seems very busy, so I bet you'd have a good chance of getting in there.

I hope Max will watch Illuminations with you. I've never had much luck getting Carter into it, but Max is quite a bit older. Perhaps if you stop by the caramel store first...

 

[tinacaplan]

I agree, there's no ADR worth waking up a sleeping kid over. Nine Dragons never seems very busy, so I bet you'd have a good chance of getting in there.

I hope Max will watch Illuminations with you. I've never had much luck getting Carter into it, but Max is quite a bit older. Perhaps if you stop by the caramel store first...

Probably would... We'll see how Max does. Back in February, he had no interest in staying up particularly late, not did he want to stay in the parks for very long, regardless of the time of day. He also seemed to think the resort buses were an actual attraction, which given Max's love of vehicles, should have come as no surprise.

I think the key for the fireworks is to just still be there as they're starting, caramel corn in hand, and we'll see what happens.

 

[tinacaplan]

OK, so I've been reading Mickeynicki's dining reviews, which if you haven't ever checked them out, you really should.... Between the heat and her dining recommendations, I'm thinking I might want to re-think all of my plans. For one thing, I think we might just need to squeeze in some extra time at DHS. Anyone know how long the boat ride is there from the BC? Anyone eaten at 50's Prime Time lately? We ate there way back in February 2010 and we seem to have hit it on an off night. I can also see how the place might be really entertaining for Max. If we go back to DHS, it will probably be in the evening, so we need a place for dinner? I know many people have had good experiences Mama Melrose? How's the Brown Derby?

ACK! Obviously, I need some help...so PLEASE...feel free to weight in!

 

[annmarieda]

When we stayed at YC, it wasn't a long ride by boat to DHS. (maybe 10 to 15 min. ) I think it was longer to wait for the boat. I believe it is walkable too.

I can't weigh in on two of the restaurants since I have never been them. Mama Melrose is nice though. I really enjoy it for the Fantasmic dp... but that honestly has more to do with being able to get an ap on the dp than the food itself (although, the food is pretty good)

I think I need to go over and read her reviews. I know her tread is fast moving though...so I would probably have to lurk. I hate to lurk.. but I know it is really nice to read recent reports of the various restaurants.

 

[dizneeat]

OK, so I've been reading Mickeynicki's dining reviews, which if you haven't ever checked them out, you really should.... Between the heat and her dining recommendations, I'm thinking I might want to re-think all of my plans. For one thing, I think we might just need to squeeze in some extra time at DHS. Anyone know how long the boat ride is there from the BC? Anyone eaten at 50's Prime Time lately? We ate there way back in February 2010 and we seem to have hit it on an off night. I can also see how the place might be really entertaining for Max. If we go back to DHS, it will probably be in the evening, so we need a place for dinner? I know many people have had good experiences Mama Melrose? How's the Brown Derby?

ACK! Obviously, I need some help...so PLEASE...feel free to weight in!

Okay, boat to DHS - they run about every 20 minutes, so you might hit a wait, we had to wait two boats once since they were pretty full when they arrived at the YC. They stop at the Swolphin before going to the Studios (I think they come from BWI, otherwise they will stop there too).
So how long will it take you to get to DHS - about 15 minutes without a wait.

We like Mama Melrose, but they can get rushed towards the end of the day. If it were me I'd rather have dinner at the YC (Captain's Grill) or BWI (Kouzzina) before heading to DHS.
Brown Derby - thanks, but no thanks for us!

As for walking - it is about a 20 - 30 minute walk over from the Studios to the YC/BC.
And I would NOT rely on the boat after Illumination. There was a seriously long line to the boats after the park closed! And remember this is July - so high season and it's going to be HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best to take the bus (if there is one).

Have fun deciding!

 

[tinacaplan]

When we stayed at YC, it wasn't a long ride by boat to DHS. (maybe 10 to 15 min. ) I think it was longer to wait for the boat. I believe it is walkable too.

I can't weigh in on two of the restaurants since I have never been them. Mama Melrose is nice though. I really enjoy it for the Fantasmic dp... but that honestly has more to do with being able to get an ap on the dp than the food itself (although, the food is pretty good)

I think I need to go over and read her reviews. I know her tread is fast moving though...so I would probably have to lurk. I hate to lurk.. but I know it is really nice to read recent reports of the various restaurants.

Thanks, Ann. I think I might have this figured out...we'll see... And definitely check out Nicki's thread...whether your lurk or not, its worth a read before you make any ADRs.

Okay, boat to DHS - they run about every 20 minutes, so you might hit a wait, we had to wait two boats once since they were pretty full when they arrived at the YC. They stop at the Swolphin before going to the Studios (I think they come from BWI, otherwise they will stop there too).
So how long will it take you to get to DHS - about 15 minutes without a wait.

We like Mama Melrose, but they can get rushed towards the end of the day. If it were me I'd rather have dinner at the YC (Captain's Grill) or BWI (Kouzzina) before heading to DHS.
Brown Derby - thanks, but no thanks for us!

As for walking - it is about a 20 - 30 minute walk over from the Studios to the YC/BC.
And I would NOT rely on the boat after Illumination. There was a seriously long line to the boats after the park closed! And remember this is July - so high season and it's going to be HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best to take the bus (if there is one).

Have fun deciding!

Thanks for the info, Karin! How long was your meal at Kouzzina? I'd like for this to work out so that we can have a late lunch/early dinner and then head to DHS.

 

[Luvmepluto]

The "bring your own rum" is a good idea. Their drinks are pretty water down except of course the Lapu Lapu at the Polynesian.

I have eaten at the BD and it is pretty good, but truly not worth the cost. That is just my opinion.

Vivian

 

[eandesmom]

OK, so I've been reading Mickeynicki's dining reviews, which if you haven't ever checked them out, you really should.... Between the heat and her dining recommendations, I'm thinking I might want to re-think all of my plans. For one thing, I think we might just need to squeeze in some extra time at DHS. Anyone know how long the boat ride is there from the BC? Anyone eaten at 50's Prime Time lately? We ate there way back in February 2010 and we seem to have hit it on an off night. I can also see how the place might be really entertaining for Max. If we go back to DHS, it will probably be in the evening, so we need a place for dinner? I know many people have had good experiences Mama Melrose? How's the Brown Derby?

ACK! Obviously, I need some help...so PLEASE...feel free to weight in!

50's is fun but people tend to love it or not. If you didn't, I'm not sure I'd be in a rush to go back. I Brown Derby, probably my favorite meal of the girls trip BUT I was on DxDP so I didn't think about the cost. Still, it really was my favorite meal which honestly surprised the heck out of me.

We did both, walk and take the boat and it was fine both ways, though not if it's at night and Max is tired. You'll definitely want the boat then. DHS is hard, we skipped eating there last time entirely and honestly, in the future I'm not sure I see that changing. With Epcot, Epcot resort and Swolphin restaurants so close, there are lots of options to avoid eating in DHS. I'm not sure BD will make the line up next time due to the cost but we will see.

With the heat I'd pass on Fantasmic entirely, it was one of the worst moments of our August trip, I'm surprised someone didn't pass out.

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks for the info, Karin! How long was your meal at Kouzzina? I'd like for this to work out so that we can have a late lunch/early dinner and then head to DHS.

Kouzzina does not offer lunch.
We usually take our time, but I think we took an hour and a half (DxDDP) and they open for dinner at 5pm.

I booked the last of our cruise extras today! Got everything I wanted! Guess I will post a trip update tomorrow!

 

[KatMark]

We've always had very good meals at Mama Melrose. We've not been since 2008 and have changed our Sci Fi so we can go back to MM this year. We were not big fans of Brown Derby back in 2003 and have not gone back (definitely not worth two table service credits).

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi!

You have 'lured' me in with use of my very favorite word, "serendipity." And that fact that you are also a Nutmeg state resident doesn't hurt. I don't want to let the secret out but feel like you should know...


you will LOVE the Beach Club!!

But sssshhhh... to everyone else let's just say it's an average place to stay.

Let's see.. what else did I want to comment on.

I'm well acquainted with the first flight out of BDL. The past 3 times I've done online check in and my room has been ready upon arrival!

Brown Derby. As Cynthia said, one of the favorite meals from our recent girls trip. So, so yummy. I haven't eaten in the other DHS restaurants in a while so hard for me to give perspective. So basically, I'm no help here.

As for CS options in World Showcase your first day there is Sunshine Seasons in Future World, the French bakery, Morocco or Mexico. Or don't forget Hurricane Hannah's at the resort that serves the same burgers as Beaches N Cream.

Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

 

[tinacaplan]

The "bring your own rum" is a good idea. Their drinks are pretty water down except of course the Lapu Lapu at the Polynesian.

I have eaten at the BD and it is pretty good, but truly not worth the cost. That is just my opinion.

Vivian

Hi! Yeah, well...that wasn't my idea. I've crossed BD off the list for sure, but thanks for chiming in!

50's is fun but people tend to love it or not. If you didn't, I'm not sure I'd be in a rush to go back. I Brown Derby, probably my favorite meal of the girls trip BUT I was on DxDP so I didn't think about the cost. Still, it really was my favorite meal which honestly surprised the heck out of me.

We did both, walk and take the boat and it was fine both ways, though not if it's at night and Max is tired. You'll definitely want the boat then. DHS is hard, we skipped eating there last time entirely and honestly, in the future I'm not sure I see that changing. With Epcot, Epcot resort and Swolphin restaurants so close, there are lots of options to avoid eating in DHS. I'm not sure BD will make the line up next time due to the cost but we will see.

With the heat I'd pass on Fantasmic entirely, it was one of the worst moments of our August trip, I'm surprised someone didn't pass out.

I've already decided what my one signature will be this trip and its actually different from what I posted in my ADR post and it ISN'T the Brown Derby... that's one of those places that I'll get to eventually. You've definitely given me a lot to think about, which is good.

Kouzzina does not offer lunch.
We usually take our time, but I think we took an hour and a half (DxDDP) and they open for dinner at 5pm.

I booked the last of our cruise extras today! Got everything I wanted! Guess I will post a trip update tomorrow!

Yay for more cruise extras! I think I've got my day figured out now!

We've always had very good meals at Mama Melrose. We've not been since 2008 and have changed our Sci Fi so we can go back to MM this year. We were not big fans of Brown Derby back in 2003 and have not gone back (definitely not worth two table service credits).

Hi, Kathy...thanks for chiming in. I appreciate it. Brown Derby is definitely off the list.

Hi!

You have 'lured' me in with use of my very favorite word, "serendipity." And that fact that you are also a Nutmeg state resident doesn't hurt. I don't want to let the secret out but feel like you should know...


you will LOVE the Beach Club!!

But sssshhhh... to everyone else let's just say it's an average place to stay.

Let's see.. what else did I want to comment on.

I'm well acquainted with the first flight out of BDL. The past 3 times I've done online check in and my room has been ready upon arrival!

Brown Derby. As Cynthia said, one of the favorite meals from our recent girls trip. So, so yummy. I haven't eaten in the other DHS restaurants in a while so hard for me to give perspective. So basically, I'm no help here.

As for CS options in World Showcase your first day there is Sunshine Seasons in Future World, the French bakery, Morocco or Mexico. Or don't forget Hurricane Hannah's at the resort that serves the same burgers as Beaches N Cream.

Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

Hello! I had no idea you were from CT...I've been following, if not always commenting on, your group TR. We are so super excited to be staying at the Beach Club. Yep...little crazy dancing banana pretty much sums it up. Thanks for the tip about the burgers at HH's. That's really good to know. We could always grab something there before heading out for the evening.

 

[tinacaplan]

Right around my birthday in March, my uncle suffered what they initially thought was a severe stroke. As bad as that could have been, what they discovered was actually worse: cancer in his brain, lungs, and kidneys. He started on radiation and seemed to be doing OK, until he was admitted to the hospital about a week ago. He has since been transferred into hospice care. I have been in and out of the hospital with my mom, aunt, and cousin this past weekend and I've never watched this unfold like this before. Sure, I've had people who were very close to me die before, but not this way. I am praying for mercy and that he goes soon because no one should have to experience this and certainly no one should have to watch their loved ones go through this. I am close to all of them and to my cousin, in particular. My uncle only just turned sixty, and my cousin is only twenty seven. I feel worse for my cousin than anyone I think. Point being, please send any prayers you can for a speedy and painless end to this.

Thank god, at times like this, I can distract with ridiculous questions like which ADR I should make....it all makes me thankful for the Dis, that's for sure.

 

[KatMark]

Tina, I am so sorry to hear bout your Uncle and send wishes for a speedy and painless end. Having gone through this with my dad, I know how painful it is. I'm sending you a

 

[eandesmom]

thinking of you and your family

 

[glennbo123]

Our prayers are with you and your family Tina.

 

[PirateKate]

So sorry to hear about your uncle.

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, I am so sorry to hear bout your Uncle and send wishes for a speedy and painless end. Having gone through this with my dad, I know how painful it is. I'm sending you a

thinking of you and your family

Our prayers are with you and your family Tina.

So sorry to hear about your uncle.

Thanks to all of you.. I know it might be a bit odd for me to be on the Dis right now, but its proving to be an excellent DIS-traction as I sit up, unable to sleep tonight, just wondering what's going on across town.

 

[dizneeat]

Sending you a huge dear friend and lots of pixie dust and prayers for a peaceful end to this tragic situation!

 

[annmarieda]

Prayers for peace being said.