Team Renfroe - Pre-Trip Report for May 15-22, 2009 **Final Chapter**

[Figment's Friend]

Ooo the city looks so pretty at night! World of Coca-Cola looks like a great little museum and nice you got to take home a freebie! Thanks for sharing, Alan!

 

[mousebit]

Alan, Alan, Alan...methinks the travel bug has bitten you good!

I've been following your PTR here, just have not had the time to stop and post a reply...So now I have lots of catchin' up to do!

The kids look great. Looks like you've had a fun summer. And you're well on your way to planning another special Disney trip next spring!

I'm down to single digits now until my much-needed Disney trip. This is the trip that was supposed to be in May, but had to be rescheduled because of DGD's school conflicts. Staying at POP, as usual, of course. It's been a looooooong summer with no Disney. Never again. Love my May trips. You will too!

I am very excited about this upcoming trip, tho. I haven't been posting much on the DIS because it's just me and DGD13 this trip and DH says I should be a good role model of internet safety for her and NOT get on and tell the whole world where we'll be when. I told him the DIS is different...just nice folks like the Renfroes . But he says, "Yeah, that's what your granddaughter will say about her favorite sites, too." I hate it when he's right. So, I'll not post too many details until after the trip.

I will say that we are excited to be trying Kona Cafe, Tutto Italia and Yak & Yeti thanks to your great reviews!

I'm so glad you posted those great pictures of Atlanta. We're planning a non-Disney trip to Orlando next spring break. We'll be driving from Missouri and thought we'd stop in Atlanta and spend a day at WOC and the GA Aquarium. I wasn't sure if it was worth it or not, but looks like you guys had a great time.

Anyway, good to catch up with ya. Looking forward to more of your pre-trip planning reports. Let me know it you'd like me to check anything out for you at POP.

 

[dddisrunner]

Alan, I have been away too long! What GREAT updates! I can't believe how much your DS has grown. His teeth look awesome! The pictures from Atlanta at night were really neat too! I laughed when I saw the Beverly, I agree, they should have a hidden camera on the people that try that! Sooooooooooo, thanks to your lovely report we have booked Deluxe dining for our 10 day trip in June I am having so much fun planning out all the restaurants and reading reviews!

 

[alan_renfroe]

My gosh man!

Now, you're embarrasing me! I live here, and I've never been to the World of Coke!!!!

Hahahaha!! You should go! I am a Coca-Cola-holic. I really have to limit myself to one or two a day. This was a veritable mecca for me personally!!

Beautiful shots of Atlanta at night, Alan!

And I chuckled when I saw the Beverly. We're meeting up with family during our trip in Nov. and they have never been to Club Cool. I'm definitely going to highly recommend they try a sip!

Thanks, Cammie! Yes...you DEFINITELY have to "recommend" Beverly to the unsuspecting family members!

Loved the pix Alan! The sample drinks def. remind of Clunb Cool in Epcot!!I really want to get my DSIL with Beverley he is sooo deserving !!

Thanks, Rosie. Anyone and everyone who has not had the "pleasure" of sampling Beverly should certainly be enlightened!!!

Ooo the city looks so pretty at night! World of Coca-Cola looks like a great little museum and nice you got to take home a freebie! Thanks for sharing, Alan!

It was really a great attraction! We were sorry that DS couldn't be with us, but at the same time it was kind of nice to do something with just DD.

Atlanta is a beautiful city. It is where I was born!

Alan, Alan, Alan...methinks the travel bug has bitten you good!

I've been following your PTR here, just have not had the time to stop and post a reply...So now I have lots of catchin' up to do!

The kids look great. Looks like you've had a fun summer. And you're well on your way to planning another special Disney trip next spring!

I'm down to single digits now until my much-needed Disney trip. This is the trip that was supposed to be in May, but had to be rescheduled because of DGD's school conflicts. Staying at POP, as usual, of course. It's been a looooooong summer with no Disney. Never again. Love my May trips. You will too!

I am very excited about this upcoming trip, tho. I haven't been posting much on the DIS because it's just me and DGD13 this trip and DH says I should be a good role model of internet safety for her and NOT get on and tell the whole world where we'll be when. I told him the DIS is different...just nice folks like the Renfroes . But he says, "Yeah, that's what your granddaughter will say about her favorite sites, too." I hate it when he's right. So, I'll not post too many details until after the trip.

I will say that we are excited to be trying Kona Cafe, Tutto Italia and Yak & Yeti thanks to your great reviews!

I'm so glad you posted those great pictures of Atlanta. We're planning a non-Disney trip to Orlando next spring break. We'll be driving from Missouri and thought we'd stop in Atlanta and spend a day at WOC and the GA Aquarium. I wasn't sure if it was worth it or not, but looks like you guys had a great time.

Anyway, good to catch up with ya. Looking forward to more of your pre-trip planning reports. Let me know it you'd like me to check anything out for you at POP.

Great to "see" you! Glad you stopped in and caught up a little. I know you are excited about your upcoming trip!! I hope you have a wonderful time, and of course we all expect a full trip report when you get back! I understand the cautiousness....probably a smart move.

I tell you what.....Tutto and Kona need to be sending me checks or at least free vouchers! Apparently I'm sending a lot of diners their way!!

Let us know when it gets closer to time for your trip through Atlanta. I can give you tons of ideas of things to do in the ATL!

Ooooh.....while at the Pop....take pictures! Lots and lots of pictures! I'm just about sure we will be staying there. The kids are really looking forward to it!

Have a safe and wonderful trip!

Alan, I have been away too long! What GREAT updates! I can't believe how much your DS has grown. His teeth look awesome! The pictures from Atlanta at night were really neat too! I laughed when I saw the Beverly, I agree, they should have a hidden camera on the people that try that! Sooooooooooo, thanks to your lovely report we have booked Deluxe dining for our 10 day trip in June I am having so much fun planning out all the restaurants and reading reviews!

Hey triple D! Thanks for the compliments. You are going to LOVE being on the Deluxe Dining plan. Be prepared!! Wear extra-stretchy pants!! 10 days of Deluxe Dining.....wow! You are SO right...part of the fun is decided where to eat and when! Let me know if I can make recommendations.

 

[alan_renfroe]

Love the back to school pics. Wow your DS has really changed in a year. His teeth look great. My DD will need braces in a few more years. Anyway I bet you like Pop since your not going back to CSR. The rooms are small but ours was nice and clean. It has such a fun atmosphere. Thanks for the advice on Tuttio & 50's PT. We are going to try Tuttio since we went to 50's PT in March.

Hi kaysmommie! It really is scary to see how much DS AND DD are growing up!

We are looking forward to the Pop! I know the rooms are a little smaller, but we mostly just sleep in them...it's not like we are in the room that often anyway, right?

Nice choice with Tutto! The antipasto platter is to die for!

 

[Snowy-girls]

Hi Alan,
Your son's teeth look fantastic-i bet he is happy with the way they have turnt out.Such a handsome boy.

Your photo's from the World Of Coke are fantastic,your daughter is so pretty,your whole family take beautiful photo's.
I can't believe how many different choices there are.

When we go to WDW next year i will getting Dh+the girls to try Beverley-they have no idea- .I am wicked are'nt i .x.

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Alan your trip to Atlanta looks awesome. We went to the old World of Coke last Feb. just before it closed and moved downtown. The new one looks awesome. Bigger and well.... newer .
So you took pic but did you eat at the Varsity? We did just to say we had. The chili cheese burger was pretty good actually but it was pretty small. Aaron and I both went back and ordered a second one.

Alan, Alan, Alan...methinks the travel bug has bitten you good!

I've been following your PTR here, just have not had the time to stop and post a reply...So now I have lots of catchin' up to do!

The kids look great. Looks like you've had a fun summer. And you're well on your way to planning another special Disney trip next spring!

I'm down to single digits now until my much-needed Disney trip. This is the trip that was supposed to be in May, but had to be rescheduled because of DGD's school conflicts. Staying at POP, as usual, of course. It's been a looooooong summer with no Disney. Never again. Love my May trips. You will too!

I am very excited about this upcoming trip, tho. I haven't been posting much on the DIS because it's just me and DGD13 this trip and DH says I should be a good role model of internet safety for her and NOT get on and tell the whole world where we'll be when. I told him the DIS is different...just nice folks like the Renfroes . But he says, "Yeah, that's what your granddaughter will say about her favorite sites, too." I hate it when he's right. So, I'll not post too many details until after the trip.

I will say that we are excited to be trying Kona Cafe, Tutto Italia and Yak & Yeti thanks to your great reviews!

I'm so glad you posted those great pictures of Atlanta. We're planning a non-Disney trip to Orlando next spring break. We'll be driving from Missouri and thought we'd stop in Atlanta and spend a day at WOC and the GA Aquarium. I wasn't sure if it was worth it or not, but looks like you guys had a great time.

Anyway, good to catch up with ya. Looking forward to more of your pre-trip planning reports. Let me know it you'd like me to check anything out for you at POP.

The aquarium was awesome. It is one of the best I have ever been to. You and DGD will have a GREAT time!! Oh and I second Alan's request for lots of Pop pics as we are 95% sure we will be staying there in April as well.

 

[englishrose47]

Michele have you checked out the Pop Pix Thread??

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Michele have you checked out the Pop Pix Thread??

I did not know there was a picture thread. I am still trying to catch up on the Pop thread because it is LOOOOOOONG! What is the pic thread called? LOL Probably Pop pic thread huh?!?

 

[englishrose47]

Michele it is on the Resort photos thread. It's long too but you can look thru it at your leisure. They have awesome pix !!

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Michele it is on the Resort photos thread. It's long too but you can look thru it at your leisure. They have awesome pix !!

Nice, thanks for the tip! Alan you should check that out too. I am getting more excited about Pop the more I read about it so that is cool! Ok, off to find the pic thread.

 

[shane&jakesmom]

Hello Alan,

Just catching up, I'm glad you pick the DDP. As an honorary Renfroe I agree that the DDP is a great choice.
You children are adorable and boy do they grow up quick, my baby just started kindergarten I'm finally beginning to adjust to it . My other son just started fouth grade and it seems like yesterday when he was in kindergarten.
Anyway, I'm so happy to hear that your family had a great summer.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yikes! It IS scary how much your son has grown up in the span of one year!! His teeth look great. He must be pleased to have the braces off!

So excited to hear you are deluxe dining planning it again next year and have assured us that you will provide food porn. Excellent!

World of Coke looks cool. Thanks for sharing pictures. Did you try Beverly there too or you knew to stay away from it?

 

[CHEK]

Wow, I can't believe how much your DS has changed in 1yr, it's frightening as a parent watching them grow into young adults , where does the time go???, but what a handsome young man he is
Your trip to the World of Coke would be right up my street, I love Coke!!.
Well Alan we've made our ADR's for our trip in Feb A couple in your honour though :
50's prime time
Ohana's breakfast
Kona Cafe for dinner
California Grill

Take Care

 

[bwmmfan]

Hi Alan,

Some of the gang went caping this weekend. DS7 and I had to stay home to take care of our sick dog. It was extremly quiet watching the dog sleep. So after DS7 and I went to see Wall-e I decided to do some resteraunt research. I admire your ability to eat two table service meals a day. We are big eaters and that is a lot of food! Here is what I am considering:

AK Tusker House
DHS Mama Melrose or 50's Prime Time cafe. We ate at 50 PT before. The pot roast gave me a terrible stomach ache and the waitress made my DS 9 (he was 7 last time) cry. So I am leary to go back. We were going to eat at
H & V but after your review have decided otherwise.
MK Liberty Tree Tavern --dinner Crystal Palace breakfast. We ate dinner at CP last year. My DS12 was very sick so he and DH didn't get to experience it. The food was so-so however the characer interaction was great!!

EPCOT--ahh so many resteraunts so little time. My goal is to try someplace different each time we visit. Our trip in 05 we were such rookies and I hadn't discovered the DIS. We didn't even eat in EPCOT. Now I am determined try each resteraunt in the world!!! So on your recommendation I REALLY want to try Le Cellier. Other options are Garden Grill, Rose and Crown (I think this one has to wait for a grown up only trip) and San Angel Inn.

We always have two days that we don't make many plans or until that morning. I am hoping for The Wave or California Grill.

Hope the kids are having a good school year!

November 17th we can make our ADR's ....can't wait! Sorry to ramble

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hi Alan,
Your son's teeth look fantastic-i bet he is happy with the way they have turnt out.Such a handsome boy.

Your photo's from the World Of Coke are fantastic,your daughter is so pretty,your whole family take beautiful photo's.
I can't believe how many different choices there are.

When we go to WDW next year i will getting Dh+the girls to try Beverley-they have no idea- .I am wicked are'nt i .x.

Thanks very much, x. DS thinks he's already a teenager! NOOO....he's growing up too fast!

Thanks for the comments about DD as well. I would love for DS to go to the World of Coca-Cola, but I honestly enjoyed spending that time with just DD.

Oh, you are SOOO bad!!! I'm with ya.....don't tell them about Beverly, but be ready to take pictures!!!

Alan your trip to Atlanta looks awesome. We went to the old World of Coke last Feb. just before it closed and moved downtown. The new one looks awesome. Bigger and well.... newer .
So you took pic but did you eat at the Varsity? We did just to say we had. The chili cheese burger was pretty good actually but it was pretty small. Aaron and I both went back and ordered a second one.




The aquarium was awesome. It is one of the best I have ever been to. You and DGD will have a GREAT time!! Oh and I second Alan's request for lots of Pop pics as we are 95% sure we will be staying there in April as well.

Oh, we definitely ate at the Varsity! I work at a University as an event planner and we held a tailgating event at The Varsity prior to the Tech game. I had the chili dogs...awesome!

I have heard that the aquarium in Atlanta is one of the best anywhere. I've never had a chance to go, but we will probably take the kids during Spring Break early next year.

Michele have you checked out the Pop Pix Thread??

Nice, thanks for the tip! Alan you should check that out too. I am getting more excited about Pop the more I read about it so that is cool! Ok, off to find the pic thread.

I am subscribed to that thread! That's the one our kids like to look at regularly.

Hello Alan,

Just catching up, I'm glad you pick the DDP. As an honorary Renfroe I agree that the DDP is a great choice.
You children are adorable and boy do they grow up quick, my baby just started kindergarten I'm finally beginning to adjust to it . My other son just started fouth grade and it seems like yesterday when he was in kindergarten.
Anyway, I'm so happy to hear that your family had a great summer.

HI shane&jakesmom! Glad to know that the honorary Renfroes are along for the ride and approve of the Deluxe Dining plans!
Thanks for the compliments about the kids. You are SOO right...they grow up way too fast. Take lots of pictures!!

Yikes! It IS scary how much your son has grown up in the span of one year!! His teeth look great. He must be pleased to have the braces off!

So excited to hear you are deluxe dining planning it again next year and have assured us that you will provide food porn. Excellent!

World of Coke looks cool. Thanks for sharing pictures. Did you try Beverly there too or you knew to stay away from it?

Hi Christine! Can you believe how much more mature DS looks in only one year? We've noticed small changes along the way, but you don't realize how much they are changing each day when it is happening right in front of your face.....until you go back and look at pictures! Scary!

Oh yes, deluxe dining is definitely for the Renfroes. I have no shame whatsoever about pulling out that camera, taking pictures of those dishes with pride, and posting food porn for the World to enjoy!!

You know, I know that Beverly is terrible....and yet I still had to try a small sip! DD likes the "Suicide" where you mix several flavors. If you mix just a little Beverly with the other sodas, you can't really taste it! Maybe that's the trick?

Wow, I can't believe how much your DS has changed in 1yr, it's frightening as a parent watching them grow into young adults , where does the time go???, but what a handsome young man he is
Your trip to the World of Coke would be right up my street, I love Coke!!.
Well Alan we've made our ADR's for our trip in Feb A couple in your honour though :
50's prime time
Ohana's breakfast
Kona Cafe for dinner
California Grill

Take Care

Thanks for the great compliments!!

Those are GREAT ADRs!! Nice job! I'll be happy to vouch for Ohana's breakfast, Konas, and California Grill! In fact, we are planning to go back to all three in May. We enjoyed 50s also, but we've done it and had the experience, so I think we'll try something else at DHS. I'm thinking Brown Derby!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hi Alan,

Some of the gang went caping this weekend. DS7 and I had to stay home to take care of our sick dog. It was extremly quiet watching the dog sleep. So after DS7 and I went to see Wall-e I decided to do some resteraunt research. I admire your ability to eat two table service meals a day. We are big eaters and that is a lot of food! Here is what I am considering:

AK Tusker House
DHS Mama Melrose or 50's Prime Time cafe. We ate at 50 PT before. The pot roast gave me a terrible stomach ache and the waitress made my DS 9 (he was 7 last time) cry. So I am leary to go back. We were going to eat at
H & V but after your review have decided otherwise.
MK Liberty Tree Tavern --dinner Crystal Palace breakfast. We ate dinner at CP last year. My DS12 was very sick so he and DH didn't get to experience it. The food was so-so however the characer interaction was great!!

EPCOT--ahh so many resteraunts so little time. My goal is to try someplace different each time we visit. Our trip in 05 we were such rookies and I hadn't discovered the DIS. We didn't even eat in EPCOT. Now I am determined try each resteraunt in the world!!! So on your recommendation I REALLY want to try Le Cellier. Other options are Garden Grill, Rose and Crown (I think this one has to wait for a grown up only trip) and San Angel Inn.

We always have two days that we don't make many plans or until that morning. I am hoping for The Wave or California Grill.

Hope the kids are having a good school year!

November 17th we can make our ADR's ....can't wait! Sorry to ramble

Oh, I agree....that is a LOT of food, even for big eaters like us. When we left WDW on our last trip, I made the comment to DW that I would probably just do the basic dining plan next time. However, after putting the numbers together, it makes more since for us that trying to pay out of pocket for some of the places we like to eat. Even if I can't eat a full appetizer, entree, and dessert for each meal....I don't have to!! It's still worth the price!

I haven't eaten at the Tusker House. I would like to, but I enjoyed Y&Y SOO much I'm seriously considering going back there for lunch on our AK day. On DHS, I would try Mama Melrose if I were you. We ate at 50s on our last trip....loved it, but we've done it. We are thinking either Mama Melrose or Brown Derby for our DHS day. (Good call staying away from H & V! Yuck!)

We really enjoyed Liberty Tree Tavern at MK. I haven't eaten at the Crystal Palace, but I think it depends on what is most important to you. CP food looks okay, but the atmosphere looks great. LTT did have some great food, especially at lunch.

At Epcot, I am setting a personal goal of eating at every single country sooner or later!! We've done Le Cellier, Teppan Edo, and Tutto Italia. This time, I'd like to try Rose & Crown, Les Chefs de France, and San Angel Inn. I think I'll have to wait until our kids get older to do Biergarten and Restaurant Marrakesh. (sp?) If you like steak or beer cheese soup, Le Cellier will NOT disappoint!!

California Grill was absolutely my single most favorite dining experience at WDW. It really feels like a "special" meal. The food is absolutely top notch and the view is breathtaking. To me, I don't think I would ever go back to WDW and NOT eat at California Grill. It is truly the place to take a deep breath and breathe in the whole Disney experience.

The kids are already almost finished with their first 6 weeks of school....can you believe it? I was telling someone today that the stores will have Christmas items put out within the next 6 weeks.

Hope all is well with you! Let us know when you get those ADRs made!

 

[bwmmfan]

We ate at the Beirgarten last year. The kids LOVED the food and entertainment. DH loved the food, atmosphere and . It was one of our favorite resteraunts.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Alan ,I am doing Chef's again in May!! I loved the shrimp and scallop dish with the spinach flan, now it is alight meal but if I was on Dlx I would get the onion soup as an appie and that would make it a heavy meal. I personally LOVED the apple crepe dessrt. That alone is worth eturning for !! I would not take my 6 yr old DGS there but the girls would be fine . I think the kids would enjoy Biergarten, I loved the food but I am a fan of german food , their roast pork was absolutely the best I ever had!!

 

[Luis Rodriguez]

Hi Alan,

Just back from 12 days at WDW!!.

I don't remember if this was on your last trip or not, but we had the opportunity of eating at "The Wave", at the Contemporary Resort: Superb!! The food was just excellent, the desserts awesome!! It had that truly special feeling you get at only top-notch restaurants, and it is only 1 TS credit.

The ambiance is just perfect for a quiet, most personal leisure dinner. I recommend it quite highly...

Regards,

Luis