"Surprise! We're going to Disney World today!" -April 22-27 TR (6/15 - 2 NEW Posts!!)

[firechick139]

Only had time to read the first page so far, but loving your story!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Love the fruit bat. I'm glad to hear it helped calm your daughter down a bit.

I can't wait to hear how you liked the Plaza!

 

[skier_pete]

This was our first trip in a long time (since 2000) where we were not on the DDP. This was on purpose to keep cost down, we essentially skipped the TS restaurants. But one day when I was browsing around the DIS a few weeks before our trip, I came across a review of The Plaza. I looked at the menu and said "Why not?" so I tried to get an ADR. The best I could do was 4:30 PM, but again, "Why not?"

For those that don't know, The Plaza is a small TS restaurant that is at the hub-end of main street - right as you turn towards tomorrowland. It is branched off the Main Street Ice Cream shop, and the menu consists mostly of sandwhiches and ice cream.

We gave our name, and were seated within minutes. It was nice to get a seat out of the heat - not that it was super-hot, but it had been a long-day so far. We sat down and got our menus. I apologize, but I was a bad DISer and didn't take any pictures.

The decor reminded me somewhat of the Crystal Palace bathroom area...maybe not the style, but the pallet. It definitely had a turn-of-the-century (19th century) feel to it. The outside was covered in one of those construction tarps, so you couldn't see out the windows from the inside. The restaurant is SMALL - it at best holds 90 people, perhaps 20 tables total, but it's cozy. (I've stolen these pictures from the DIS...oh forgive me copyright gods...but they give a pretty good look at the inside of the restaurant.)

DD wanted ice cream and only ice cream. While we rarely indulge her this way, we gave in this once and let her get a bowl of ice cream for dinner. Meanwhile, DW ordered the cheeseburger and I ordered the Cheese Steak. No pictures of the food - but does this count as a Hidden Mickey?

DWs hamburger was quite tasty she said. The cheese steak was all right - the problem was the roll was very dry and not flavorful at all, and it was a big bulky roll. The filling part was good though. The french fries were the thick cut "steak" fries we both love, and were delicious. DD had a bowl of ice cream...they serve Edy's (the standard "premium" ice cream at WDW) and it was of course delicious. DW and I both had sundaes for dessert, and of course these would be hard to mess up. (Again, no food porn...so sorry!)

Overall, I would rate the experience as very good, with the one negative being the bread used in my sandwhich. Service was great, our waitress was very attentive. I would highly recommend The Plaza under the right circumstances: If you are looking to have a sit-down meal and NOT using dining plan credits. The prices were only slightly more expensive than a CS meal - I think the meal cost us maybe $45 for the 3 of us. It was an ideal choice for our circumstances. I would never, ever, under any circumstances, use a TS credit here.

An amusing story: When DD got her dessert, it came with an ice cream cone on top (or a cookie or something). She didn't want it, and I took it off, and since she got her dessert at the same time as our meals, I said to DW "well I don't really want it, do you?" This little girl about 9 at the table next to ours (tables are of course very close together) said "She doesn't want it, I'll have it!"...they were just finishing their dessert...so I kinda shrugged and handed it to her. DW got a little annoyed with me, but I thought it was nice...why throw it away. Well, the parents didn't notice our exchange at first until they saw the daughter eating the cone and said "Where did you get that?" I explained what happened, and they were kind of mad at their daughter for taking this from me. I apologized for it, because I had no intention of getting her in trouble over it...I suppose its the whole "Strangers with Candy" thing and in hindsight I really shouldn't have done it, but she struck me funny when she asked...anyways...I promise next time not to share my food with strangers!

So, we were outta there before 6 PM, and still had several hours to go! What's next...you'll have to wait.

 

[firechick139]

Just got caught up. I am loving your report! So detailed, I feel I am right there with you. I also love how you are writing your experiences with a less-than-cooperative child, and I was nodding my head "YUP!!" as I was reading it. We ALL go through that sooner or later!

 

[skier_pete]

Just got caught up. I am loving your report! So detailed, I feel I am right there with you. I also love how you are writing your experiences with a less-than-cooperative child, and I was nodding my head "YUP!!" as I was reading it. We ALL go through that sooner or later!

Thanks for the compliments. I feel a little bad I have so few pictures, especially from our last day. Next TR I definitely have to be quicker with the camera.

The stubborn child is a thing I think we all deal with. This was actually probably one of the better trips we've had in this regard...partially because I've decided not to even care. I was thinking about our upcoming trip the other day...and I really feel I missed out on Epcot this past trip because of her behaviour.

Before I was a parent I always thought...well, all you have to do with a child is be consistent and say "No means no!" and they will learn they can't have their way. Well, we continue to do this as best we can...yet somehow "No" just means I'll keep begging for another two hours. Or start crying. The other day I even said to her..."You know when you start crying I am not giving in...I never have and I never will!" I felt like saying..."When will you get it through your thick head, kiddo, it doesn't work!" Ahh..maybe when their twenty.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Glad you enjoyed the Plaza. It's one of my favorite spots for a simple sit down meal. I'm not really a fan of any of the rolls I find around Disney. Give me a plain white roll and I'm happy - this is vacation!

 

[skier_pete]

Glad you enjoyed the Plaza. It's one of my favorite spots for a simple sit down meal. I'm not really a fan of any of the rolls I find around Disney. Give me a plain white roll and I'm happy - this is vacation!

Well, I can't trash the rolls that much - better than the new "whole grain" buns on the hot-dogs...but they are bulk consumer foods, and as such terribly plain.

I totally love fresh baked bread, and to me it can completely make a meal. However, the lack of it doesn't ruin a meal either. As I said, just a minor complaint over a very good meal. I would definitely go again, as long as it wasn't on the DDP.

My general opinion of Disney TS fare is often Very Good but rarely Great. I look at it as it sure beats the crap you get at most entertainment events (amusement parks / concerts / hockey games..etc.) which is borderline awful.

 

[skier_pete]

When I last left the TR - we were exiting The Palace. DW wanted to do some shopping, and DD and I needed to pick up her traditional snow globe for the trip. (I buy her a snow globe each trip.) We went to the emporium, and she picked one that has Socercer Mickey holding a snow-globe with the 4 park symbols in the snow-globe. I should probably take a picture and add it in here later...

We then met DW back in tomorrowland, where we rode the TTA again, circled around Carousel of Progress, and then hit Buzz Lightyear again. We still had our FP for the Jungle Cruise, so we headed cross-park and rode again. We were hoping for a night-ride, but it wasn't quite dark yet. Then, we decided to visit Captain Jack and the Pirates one more time before heading to the hub to stake a spot for Spectromagic. The hub and Main Street was crazy-busy with people - we were there almost an hour before the parade yet couldn't get a decent spot in front, so we had to sit behind another family. We were at the spot where the parade turns off to Liberty Square, and while it wasn't the best viewing spot, it made for a good angle for taking pictures with the castle in the background.

We had originally planned to stay for the fireworks, but DD was WHIPPED, so we made our way out of the park, and for one final bit of Good Bus Karma, we got right on the bus and headed back to the resort. DD pooped out as soon as we got back to the room, but DW and I spent an hour or more packing everything up for the early return flight in the morning.

The next morning we had to catch the ME at 8:15 AM, so there is very little to talk about. DD was sorry to have to give up her balloon...

..but we knew there was no way we would be able to bring it home. If you remember from the first day, it was damaged and they actually gave us a certificate for a new one, but we never used it. The tape held up the whole week. We went to the lobby and gave the balloon away to a lady and her daughter waiting in line at the check-in counter. I don't think the daughter understood what was going on, but the lady was very thankful. Let's hope it keeps up the bus karma for the next trip!

Next up - final thoughts and next trip!

 

[skier_pete]

Overall, this was a great little mini-trip. Well, the trip was too short - but seeing as it was a "bonus" trip there is little to complain about there.

The weather was great - one kind of sticky day / rainy evening, but overall it was not bad. It was definitely not summer-humid at any point.

The crowds were completely manageable, and while at times seemed small at other times were a bit moderate. I joked during the trip that the customer population is 30 % New York, 30 % Massachusetts, 20 % Ohio / Michigan / Mid-west, and 20 % Cheerleader. There was a cheerleading world's competition going on while we were there, and while we saw a lot of cheerleaders, they were never any trouble at all. Overall, we agreed that if our DD spring break falls in late April away from easter, we are definitely using those dates as our annual Disney Trip.

We enjoyed the food as usual - though after three trips of free dining on the DDP, it was a bit weird not being constantly FULL on a Disney trip. While I definitely preffered the luxury of eating TS, this was OK for a short trip. While I understand people's complaint about the lack of variety, if you choose your dining wisely there is more than enough variety throughout WDW even at QS restaurants that you won't get bored. I think I only had 1 hamburger the whole trip. Favorite old thing: The Reuben and Milk Shake at the Sci-Fi. Favorite new thing: The fresh-baked donuts at TL - YUM YUM.

Looking ahead, it is just four months to the day until our next trip. I am going to start a PTR shortly, and will post the link here as soon as I do! I hope, dear readers, that you will follow our adventures over there - this next trip looks like it will be a doozy.

 

[skier_pete]

Pre-Trip Report is UP!

We're Going Wild - Disney Style!

10 points for anyone that know who said that quote!

 

[JLR]

Overall, this was a great little mini-trip. Well, the trip was too short - but seeing as it was a "bonus" trip there is little to complain about there.

The weather was great - one kind of sticky day / rainy evening, but overall it was not bad. It was definitely not summer-humid at any point.

The crowds were completely manageable, and while at times seemed small at other times were a bit moderate. I joked during the trip that the customer population is 30 % New York, 30 % Massachusetts, 20 % Ohio / Michigan / Mid-west, and 20 % Cheerleader. There was a cheerleading world's competition going on while we were there, and while we saw a lot of cheerleaders, they were never any trouble at all. Overall, we agreed that if our DD spring break falls in late April away from easter, we are definitely using those dates as our annual Disney Trip.

We enjoyed the food as usual - though after three trips of free dining on the DDP, it was a bit weird not being constantly FULL on a Disney trip. While I definitely preffered the luxury of eating TS, this was OK for a short trip. While I understand people's complaint about the lack of variety, if you choose your dining wisely there is more than enough variety throughout WDW even at QS restaurants that you won't get bored. I think I only had 1 hamburger the whole trip. Favorite old thing: The Reuben and Milk Shake at the Sci-Fi. Favorite new thing: The fresh-baked donuts at TL - YUM YUM.

Looking ahead, it is just four months to the day until our next trip. I am going to start a PTR shortly, and will post the link here as soon as I do! I hope, dear readers, that you will follow our adventures over there - this next trip looks like it will be a doozy.

Sorry I haven't been responding - Somehow I missed your updates! Great TR!

on Dumbo. I wonder how it will be when it is moved with the new queue. I agree that the best thing for me with it was the view of the castle. Madeline sure did love it though. Why do kids like it better than Carpets or Triceratop spin? I was also glad that the barnstormer line was short. I'm glad we did it once and that we enough for me. We never did tour Mickey and Minnie's house. I hope they more them elsewhere rather than completely do away with them. We loved the RR too. We frequently took it to get from Toon town or Tomorrowland to Frontierland. I always felt like it was such a nice chance to rest our feet and enjoy the landscaping in the park. So cool about Push! Quick thinking on his part! Thanks for the great pictures of spectro! I didn't get any since my camera was dead that night.

I will look forward to the next TR slthough I have been trying to wean myself from DIS - not an easy thing - and get some work done!

 

[skier_pete]

Sorry I haven't been responding - Somehow I missed your updates! Great TR!

on Dumbo. I wonder how it will be when it is moved with the new queue. I agree that the best thing for me with it was the view of the castle. Madeline sure did love it though. Why do kids like it better than Carpets or Triceratop spin? I was also glad that the barnstormer line was short. I'm glad we did it once and that we enough for me. We never did tour Mickey and Minnie's house. I hope they more them elsewhere rather than completely do away with them. We loved the RR too. We frequently took it to get from Toon town or Tomorrowland to Frontierland. I always felt like it was such a nice chance to rest our feet and enjoy the landscaping in the park. So cool about Push! Quick thinking on his part! Thanks for the great pictures of spectro! I didn't get any since my camera was dead that night.

I will look forward to the next TR slthough I have been trying to wean myself from DIS - not an easy thing - and get some work done!

Oh, Julie, don't leave us just yet...you only have two years to plan your next trip! Us Mousejunkies need support! I spend way to much time on here...my job gives me the flexibility to check back a lot, but it's hard to write a lot so that's why my TR takes so long.

I don't know why Dumbo has the appeal, again except the castle. DD can't be bothered with Alladin's carpets, Tri-Spin or even Astro Orbiter, but doesn't want to miss Dumbo. I wonder when it moves if it will actually lose its appeal to many because of that. (I personally could skip it every time, but it IS a fun first MK morning Dumbo Dash tradition for us.)

Unfortunately, I think Mickey and Minnie's houses will be no more. They could move some of the stuff over to the M&G location on Main Street, but it probably won't be much. Honestly, though, you didn't miss much by skipping it. A slight attraction in every sense of the word.

In case you didn't notice above (our posts might have crossed) my PTR is started, and the link is in my SIG.

 

[khertz]

I'm glad you had a good time, even if it was a short trip. At least you do not have to wait long for the next one!! I wish I could say the same. How lucky your little girl is to have parents who would surprise her with a Disney trip for her birthday! I would love to do the same one day, but I just don't know if I could keep something like that a secret!!

DW wanted to do some shopping, and DD and I needed to pick up her traditional snow globe for the trip. (I buy her a snow globe each trip.) We went to the emporium, and she picked one that has Socercer Mickey holding a snow-globe with the 4 park symbols in the snow-globe. I should probably take a picture and add it in here later...

What a cute idea! I'll have to remember this when we start taking our little one to Disney. And not even necessarily a snow globe, but just something you get each trip. DH and I kind of do this already...no matter where we go, we ALWAYS make sure to buy a refrigerator magnet!

Going to subscribe to the new PTR! But gotta say, you are making me a little jealous with all these trips, Pete!!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip. It sounds like it was wonderful, even if a bit short. It's a good way to tide you over between big trips though.

 

[skier_pete]

What a cute idea! I'll have to remember this when we start taking our little one to Disney. And not even necessarily a snow globe, but just something you get each trip. DH and I kind of do this already...no matter where we go, we ALWAYS make sure to buy a refrigerator magnet!

Going to subscribe to the new PTR! But gotta say, you are making me a little jealous with all these trips, Pete!!

Not intending to make anyone jealous - but we are very lucky to be able to afford to travel. We were talking about this the other day...we make due without a lot around the house - Old furniture...old cars - for our travel. DD asked us why we didn't have a fence around our yard and our neighbors did. (Yes, your kid will one day be jealous of a fence.) I asked her would you rather have a fence or would you rather go to Disney World. I don't think I need to tell you the answer!

We collect a christmas ornament from each vacation we take for the family...the snow globes apply to Disney only.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip. It sounds like it was wonderful, even if a bit short. It's a good way to tide you over between big trips though.

It was definitely nice...with so many trips we haven't suffered at all from "Disney withdrawal" this year. We've were even talking about a trip in 2011 this weekend! We won't be able to go in 2012, and since neither of us think we could make it all the way to 2013 from 2010 (3 years ), we almost HAVE to go again next year! We got to talking about it, because we are thinking of bringing MY DMom then. Probably another fall trip. Who knows, maybe we'll miss eachother by a week again!