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

[Figment's Friend]

Hey all! We are still playing around with our restaurant planning and we wanted to ask everyone for advice: We had breakfast at Boma on our last trip and loved it. Should we go back to Boma on the morning we are going to AK, or should we try Tusker House for breakfast?

What a hard decision! Maybe you should follow that saying 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' and stick with what you know at Boma, seeing you all enjoyed it so much! Then again, if you go with Tusker House you can get into the park before anybody else and try a completely new atmosphere. Either way, you can't lose!

What a perfect mini-father-and-son trip! Your DS will remember it forever. I loved the pictures. The one of him "leaning" on the Washington Monument looks so real, it almost looks photoshopped or something, what a great shot! I hope to make it to DC in the next few years, there's so much to see and learn

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Hey Alan!!
We did Tusker House for breakfast this year and absolutely loved it! The characters were very 'interactive' and were just a lot of fun to be around, the food was awesome too and we had a fantastic time! That being said I haven't been to Boma so I can't really compare but if you want to try something different definately go to Tusker House!! (it;s especially good if you want to be first in the queue for EE!!)
Love your pictures from Washington, I'm so excited to be visiting there this summer, I'm doing the Camp America programme and I get to travel afterwards, that's definately a must see on my list!!!

 

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Hey all! We are still playing around with our restaurant planning and we wanted to ask everyone for advice: We had breakfast at Boma on our last trip and loved it. Should we go back to Boma on the morning we are going to AK, or should we try Tusker House for breakfast?

I totally loved Tusker house last year and it looks similar to your Boma pics. I think you will like it and your kids, dd especially, will have fun with the character parade and dancing. BTW I think the juice is the same and it is yummmmmy!

It was absolutely the most beautiful and perfect day! The weather was mid 60s with sunshine and a mild breeze. DS & I had a hotdog and a pretzel from street vendors and just enjoyed the time we spent together in our nation's capitol. With DS being in 6th grade, and this being an election year, I just thought this was great timing for us to have this experience together.

We caught the Metro back to Crystal City, checked out, and flew home by dark. We were both tired, but it was a trip neither of us will ever forget.

That is a nice pic of you and ds and you are so right that this is a great time to have him visit DC. I miss that area. It is probably my favorite of all places we have ever lived.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Alan great pix !! I have finally figured out how to get pix on my photobucket account and have actually posted a new one from my Feb. Trip taken with the Photopass !!

 

[alan_renfroe]

What a hard decision! Maybe you should follow that saying 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' and stick with what you know at Boma, seeing you all enjoyed it so much! Then again, if you go with Tusker House you can get into the park before anybody else and try a completely new atmosphere. Either way, you can't lose!

What a perfect mini-father-and-son trip! Your DS will remember it forever. I loved the pictures. The one of him "leaning" on the Washington Monument looks so real, it almost looks photoshopped or something, what a great shot! I hope to make it to DC in the next few years, there's so much to see and learn

The more I think about it, the more I am thinking we should do BOTH! (on different days, of course.) On our last trip, we did Boma before going to Typhoon Lagoon. We could do that again, and do Tusker House on our Animal Kingdom day. We are scrapping the Brown Derby lunch, because it is not worth 2TS credits, so replacing it with a 1TS credit will give us an extra breakfast.

We got lucky on the "leaning" picture! It was DS's idea. If his hand had been up a little straighter, it would have been perfect! Oh well....I think it is perfect because it is imperfect!

Hey Alan!!
We did Tusker House for breakfast this year and absolutely loved it! The characters were very 'interactive' and were just a lot of fun to be around, the food was awesome too and we had a fantastic time! That being said I haven't been to Boma so I can't really compare but if you want to try something different definately go to Tusker House!! (it;s especially good if you want to be first in the queue for EE!!)
Love your pictures from Washington, I'm so excited to be visiting there this summer, I'm doing the Camp America programme and I get to travel afterwards, that's definately a must see on my list!!!

I want to find out what day AK will be having their morning EMH and go on that day. If Animal Kingdom normally opens at 9am, but has an 8am EMH, I am thinking about perhaps a 7:30am ADR. (I know that is early, but we will probably leave the park by 2:30 or 3pm for afternoon naps!) I do like the notion of eating at Tusker House, then doing Kilimanjaro Safari, then EE. On our last trip, we were there for the morning EMH and DS and I rode EE twice within 30 minutes! We got a fastpass and went back later to ride for a third time. I think it is my favorite ride at any of the parks.

Best of luck with your travels this coming summer! DS & I enjoyed our day in DC, and it is something neither of us will ever forget!

I totally loved Tusker house last year and it looks similar to your Boma pics. I think you will like it and your kids, dd especially, will have fun with the character parade and dancing. BTW I think the juice is the same and it is yummmmmy!

That is a nice pic of you and ds and you are so right that this is a great time to have him visit DC. I miss that area. It is probably my favorite of all places we have ever lived.

The same juice? GREAT!! I just think Tusker House sounds like a fun way to start a day at Animal Kingdom.

When we were at Arlington Cemetery, I was thinking that Virginia would be beautiful place to live.

Hi Alan great pix !! I have finally figured out how to get pix on my photobucket account and have actually posted a new one from my Feb. Trip taken with the Photopass !!

Hey Rosie! I was on your thread and I saw your pictures posted....congratulations! I really enjoyed sharing my pics with everyone.

 

[mama2girls]

When we were at Arlington Cemetery, I was thinking that Virginia would be beautiful place to live.

It really is a great place to live...and how could you think we would forget about you? Silly. You have your faithful following! My husband has been deployed to Iraq for the past 28 days so far (will be back in February) and I so look forward to updates from DIS!! Im keeping my mind off his absence by planning my aug. 09 trip! Keep the pretrippy goin, buddy!!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Alan Just checking in !!

 

[alan_renfroe]

It really is a great place to live...and how could you think we would forget about you? Silly. You have your faithful following! My husband has been deployed to Iraq for the past 28 days so far (will be back in February) and I so look forward to updates from DIS!! Im keeping my mind off his absence by planning my aug. 09 trip! Keep the pretrippy goin, buddy!!

Hey, great to hear from ya! Sorry that hubby is in Iraq, but please tell him that we thank him (and you) for the sacrifice for our country.

I know what you mean about keeping your mind off things by spending time on the DIS! It works for me! You can count on the pre-trippy continuing.

Alan

Hi Alan Just checking in !!

Hey Rosie! Thanks for letting me know about the photopass c.d., but we are still not firm on our travel dates yet...so we didn't get in on it.

 

[mousebit]

Good morning Team Renfroe - and team fans!

Just trying to catch up with ya. I was gone, then you were gone...Don't ya just hate it when life gets is the way of DISing?

Anyway, I'm glad it was the good stuff in life that kept you away for a bit. Looks like you've been busy as usual - a birthday and a trip to DC! I have not been to DC since I was a very young child - and I'm not telling ya how many decades ago that was! Gonna have to put that at the top of my dream trips wish list. Looks like you guys had a great time.

You know, we've all commented on your threads about your children looking older, but I have to warn you - keep an eye on that cute little "Audrey" of yours. It seems that the girls especially seem to grow up so fast these days. One day they look like cute little kids, then suddenly...well, they're "mini-moms". Ask "Ellen" - she'll know what I mean.

I'm just feeling it more this morning since I'm editing pics from our Disney trip last month and I was comparing them to the ones from the trip before. Somewhere between 11 and 3/4 and barely 13, DGD transformed. Well, on the outside, anyway. She's still the same silly, sweet girl inside. But now she looks like a slightly smaller version of her mother (my daughter)!

Happy to report that POP was absolutely wonderful this trip. Spent more time there just hanging out and enjoying the resort. It was just "HaLo" (DGD13) and me - and we had the best time ever! Relaxed at the Hippy Dippy, played a little ping pong, took long walks along the lake. I think the Griswolds would enjoy POP. Such a fun resort - and so easy on the budget that you don't have to feel guilty about doing other things...

Like eating! Some of our favorite meals were the ones we chose from your reviews. We didn't do deluxe plan this time since it was just the 2 of us and a lot of the meals DGD wanted to do were character breakfasts. (Yes, she had this goal to eat at all the character meals at least once and even the new "Mini-Mom" still loves the characters!) So I figured it out and it was just more cost-efficient to do the regular plan and pay out of pocket for breakfasts. We certainly ate our money's worth - especially since the regular plan was FREE! We're definitely going to do the deluxe plan when the whole family goes next year in October.

Let me know if I can answer any POP questions you may have.

Oh, and BTW...if you decide to purchase the photopass CD, you might want to plan to schedule a family photo session at one of the resorts.

 

[alan_renfroe]

Good morning Team Renfroe - and team fans!

Just trying to catch up with ya. I was gone, then you were gone...Don't ya just hate it when life gets is the way of DISing?

Anyway, I'm glad it was the good stuff in life that kept you away for a bit. Looks like you've been busy as usual - a birthday and a trip to DC! I have not been to DC since I was a very young child - and I'm not telling ya how many decades ago that was! Gonna have to put that at the top of my dream trips wish list. Looks like you guys had a great time.

You know, we've all commented on your threads about your children looking older, but I have to warn you - keep an eye on that cute little "Audrey" of yours. It seems that the girls especially seem to grow up so fast these days. One day they look like cute little kids, then suddenly...well, they're "mini-moms". Ask "Ellen" - she'll know what I mean.

I'm just feeling it more this morning since I'm editing pics from our Disney trip last month and I was comparing them to the ones from the trip before. Somewhere between 11 and 3/4 and barely 13, DGD transformed. Well, on the outside, anyway. She's still the same silly, sweet girl inside. But now she looks like a slightly smaller version of her mother (my daughter)!

Happy to report that POP was absolutely wonderful this trip. Spent more time there just hanging out and enjoying the resort. It was just "HaLo" (DGD13) and me - and we had the best time ever! Relaxed at the Hippy Dippy, played a little ping pong, took long walks along the lake. I think the Griswolds would enjoy POP. Such a fun resort - and so easy on the budget that you don't have to feel guilty about doing other things...

Like eating! Some of our favorite meals were the ones we chose from your reviews. We didn't do deluxe plan this time since it was just the 2 of us and a lot of the meals DGD wanted to do were character breakfasts. (Yes, she had this goal to eat at all the character meals at least once and even the new "Mini-Mom" still loves the characters!) So I figured it out and it was just more cost-efficient to do the regular plan and pay out of pocket for breakfasts. We certainly ate our money's worth - especially since the regular plan was FREE! We're definitely going to do the deluxe plan when the whole family goes next year in October.

Let me know if I can answer any POP questions you may have.

Oh, and BTW...if you decide to purchase the photopass CD, you might want to plan to schedule a family photo session at one of the resorts.

Hey mousebit! I know what you mean about the Griswold kids growing up! DD has hit a "mini-diva" stage that is both hilarious and annoying at the same time! I was telling DW just the other day that I hate the thought of losing the kids at the age they are now. DS reminded me last night that it will only be a little over three years from now when I start to teach him how to drive!

I am SO glad to hear that you and DGD had a great trip! Our kids are excited about staying at the Pop, but we still are not 100% sure. (we had such a GREAT time at Coronado Springs Resort this past year!) Did you take pictures?

 

[Camster0307]

Hey Alan! I'm sorry I haven't posted here in awhile - I'm so consumed with trip preparations! Promise to catch up when I get back. I did manage to read a few posts and have to agree with a PP - you're in trouble with that DD of yours -- she's adorable!

And that birthday cake - WOW! Ok, so you cook the dinner and your wife does dessert? You guys make a great pair!

Have a good week! And......................HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

 

[woodleygrrl]

so glad that you got to enjoy my home! I always tell people that I meet on my travels that they need to come to DC for their travels. it is a beautiful, awe inspiring, historic town with so much to do. As a fellow foodie, next time let me know when you are coming and I will let you in on where all the best restuarants are. our town has over the past five years, really turned into a dining destination. I would put our restuants against any major US city.

We are going to be at Disney at the same time next year, at the same resort!

 

[Kalamazoo Dutchman]

Hey Clark....er...Alan, I just got done reading through 20 pages of PTR. I enjoyed all the mini reports from July through October. I can relate with the long term planning as I am the same way. I'm currently planning for a trip back to WDW in 2010. Our family went for the first time in January 07 and DW and I went again in Sept 07. We moved from MI to CA in Nov 07 and went to DL on New Years Eve. Wow! how much Disney is that! We are planning on going back to DL again next year. It is only an hour from my driveway to Mickey & Friends parking structure.

Comments:
DDP - best thing since sliced bread
DxDP - great way to dine at 2TS restaurants
Boatwrights - Okay - good food - good place to eat if you stay at POR
POP - great place to stay! - we had quite a hike from the 90's but it was fairly quiet.
Brown Derby - good food - not worth 2TS

I'll keep up with your PTR from here and add what I can. Keep up the good work.

 

[englishrose47]

so glad that you got to enjoy my home! I always tell people that I meet on my travels that they need to come to DC for their travels. it is a beautiful, awe inspiring, historic town with so much to do. As a fellow foodie, next time let me know when you are coming and I will let you in on where all the best restuarants are. our town has over the past five years, really turned into a dining destination. I would put our restuants against any major US city.

We are going to be at Disney at the same time next year, at the same resort!

Me too Pop Century May 16th thru 24th !!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hey Alan! I'm sorry I haven't posted here in awhile - I'm so consumed with trip preparations! Promise to catch up when I get back. I did manage to read a few posts and have to agree with a PP - you're in trouble with that DD of yours -- she's adorable!

And that birthday cake - WOW! Ok, so you cook the dinner and your wife does dessert? You guys make a great pair!

Have a good week! And......................HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Hey Cammie! I totally understand and the Renfroes wish you all the best on your upcoming trip. Can't wait to read the trip report!!

Oh, make no mistake DW is the cook of the family. The only things I can cook are "guy" things....like grilled meats and boiled shrimp! I can, however, eat with the best of them!!!

BTW, loved the Halloween pictures you posted on your thread! Looks like you all had a great time.

so glad that you got to enjoy my home! I always tell people that I meet on my travels that they need to come to DC for their travels. it is a beautiful, awe inspiring, historic town with so much to do. As a fellow foodie, next time let me know when you are coming and I will let you in on where all the best restuarants are. our town has over the past five years, really turned into a dining destination. I would put our restuants against any major US city.

We are going to be at Disney at the same time next year, at the same resort!

Oh, I will definitely take you up on that offer about the best restaurants!! I probably won't be going back until next October, but I need to get the full culinary experience.

Hey Clark....er...Alan, I just got done reading through 20 pages of PTR. I enjoyed all the mini reports from July through October. I can relate with the long term planning as I am the same way. I'm currently planning for a trip back to WDW in 2010. Our family went for the first time in January 07 and DW and I went again in Sept 07. We moved from MI to CA in Nov 07 and went to DL on New Years Eve. Wow! how much Disney is that! We are planning on going back to DL again next year. It is only an hour from my driveway to Mickey & Friends parking structure.

Comments:
DDP - best thing since sliced bread
DxDP - great way to dine at 2TS restaurants
Boatwrights - Okay - good food - good place to eat if you stay at POR
POP - great place to stay! - we had quite a hike from the 90's but it was fairly quiet.
Brown Derby - good food - not worth 2TS

I'll keep up with your PTR from here and add what I can. Keep up the good work.

Hi Kalamazoo Dutchman! Great to have another reader on this thread! The Griswolds (also known as Team Renfroe) are always glad to have friends!

I would love to go to Disneyland someday! Do they have great restaurants like in Orlando?

On your comments, I could not agree more. The dining plan is awesome, but the Deluxe Plan is especially good if you are going to be eating at 2TS restaurants. On the Pop, we are about 80% sure that's where we'll be staying. (I would still love to stay at Coronado Springs Resort again....we loved it there!)

I think your comments about Boatwright's and Brown Derby are exactly what we are thinking. We've decided not to go to both. OR, if we do go to Brown Derby we would pay out of pocket. All I really want is the Cobb Salad.....certainly not worth 2TS. I think we have pretty much made up our minds on dinner locations. For the seven nights we are there, we are chosing: Tony's Town Square, Kona, Flying Fish, Artist Point, Ohana, Raglan Road, and California Grill. Les Chefs is an alternate.

Me too Pop Century May 16th thru 24th !!

We are still thinking Pop Century May 16-22, but not sure yet. We are also considering May 9-15, which would put us there on Mother's Day....but we are still leaning towards May 16-22.

 

[mousebit]

Hey mousebit! I know what you mean about the Griswold kids growing up! DD has hit a "mini-diva" stage that is both hilarious and annoying at the same time! I was telling DW just the other day that I hate the thought of losing the kids at the age they are now. DS reminded me last night that it will only be a little over three years from now when I start to teach him how to drive!

I am SO glad to hear that you and DGD had a great trip! Our kids are excited about staying at the Pop, but we still are not 100% sure. (we had such a GREAT time at Coronado Springs Resort this past year!) Did you take pictures?

Alan, just wanted to say that I can totally understand you being torn between POP and CS. I noticed that with all of DGDs stuff spread out all over the room at POP that the room seemed a little small, especially for 4. I know the mods are only a tad bit larger, but even a tad might make a difference. As much as I love POP, I'd also love to stay at CS next year when our whole gang goes. I know the adult "kids" would really enjoy the atmosphere and I wouldn't mind a hot tub! It's really a beautiful place. We'll see how the budget holds up. But since I have to spring for 3 rooms, we'll most likely end up at POP. OR, now that I think of it, we could do a split stay. Might be worth moving to enjoy our last days at CS. Hmmm...

Oh, yes, I did take lots of pictures. Anything in particular you're interested in? I'll give you a link to the slideshow as soon as I get around to getting them all edited and uploaded. Never enough time...

 

[englishrose47]

I vote for May 16th thru 22nd !! I also had a choice of going the week before but the Mothers Day thing sorta got in the way!!I am pretty sure of my ressies right now but we know how that can change, I am doing the basic plan again, with a few oop which are SciFi for lunch and Boma for breakfast, the others are CP, Kona, Chefs,Tutto Italiana,Narcosses,and Raglan Road! My last one is still between Cape May and Y&Y Now when I go in Sept with the gang it will be a lot different as I don't have adventurous eaters !!!

 

[Kalamazoo Dutchman]

Hi Kalamazoo Dutchman! Great to have another reader on this thread! The Griswolds (also known as Team Renfroe) are always glad to have friends!

I would love to go to Disneyland someday! Do they have great restaurants like in Orlando?

On your comments, I could not agree more. The dining plan is awesome, but the Deluxe Plan is especially good if you are going to be eating at 2TS restaurants. On the Pop, we are about 80% sure that's where we'll be staying. (I would still love to stay at Coronado Springs Resort again....we loved it there!)

I think your comments about Boatwright's and Brown Derby are exactly what we are thinking. We've decided not to go to both. OR, if we do go to Brown Derby we would pay out of pocket. All I really want is the Cobb Salad.....certainly not worth 2TS. I think we have pretty much made up our minds on dinner locations. For the seven nights we are there, we are chosing: Tony's Town Square, Kona, Flying Fish, Artist Point, Ohana, Raglan Road, and California Grill. Les Chefs is an alternate.

Thanks Alan, glad to be along.

DL is exactly like the Magic Kingdom only completely different. I hope you get the chance to visit someday. We have not had a chance to try all of the great restaurants at DL but our mission is definitely laid out in front of us.

Of your list of dining locations my only input is on Ohanas. My DW and I really enjoyed it and had a blast with the lively entertainment, excellent service, and an obscene amount of food to eat.

 

[alan_renfroe]

Alan, just wanted to say that I can totally understand you being torn between POP and CS. I noticed that with all of DGDs stuff spread out all over the room at POP that the room seemed a little small, especially for 4. I know the mods are only a tad bit larger, but even a tad might make a difference. As much as I love POP, I'd also love to stay at CS next year when our whole gang goes. I know the adult "kids" would really enjoy the atmosphere and I wouldn't mind a hot tub! It's really a beautiful place. We'll see how the budget holds up. But since I have to spring for 3 rooms, we'll most likely end up at POP. OR, now that I think of it, we could do a split stay. Might be worth moving to enjoy our last days at CS. Hmmm...

Oh, yes, I did take lots of pictures. Anything in particular you're interested in? I'll give you a link to the slideshow as soon as I get around to getting them all edited and uploaded. Never enough time...

Hi Barb! As the 6-month mark comes closer, we are definitely leaning towards the POP. Our budget will have a lot to do with our decision, but it is just hard for me to justify spending an extra $450 or so on a room at CSR vs. staying at the POP. The thing I liked most about CSR was the awesome dig site pool area. The pool was great, the Jaquar Slide was terrific, and Siestas (the poolside bar) was cool. We could have easily spent a nice day just at the pool. The slide made the pool more interesting and more like a waterpark.

Yes, please give me the link to the slideshow when you get everything uploaded!! I am particularly interested in your POP pics.

I vote for May 16th thru 22nd !! I also had a choice of going the week before but the Mothers Day thing sorta got in the way!!I am pretty sure of my ressies right now but we know how that can change, I am doing the basic plan again, with a few oop which are SciFi for lunch and Boma for breakfast, the others are CP, Kona, Chefs,Tutto Italiana,Narcosses,and Raglan Road! My last one is still between Cape May and Y&Y Now when I go in Sept with the gang it will be a lot different as I don't have adventurous eaters !!!

Hi Rosie! Hope you are having a great day! We are just about positive on our May 16-22 dates. DW & I will discuss further over the weekend.

Your plans for reservations sound great!! I would definitely recommend Yak & Yeti. DS and I LOVED it. We enjoyed Tutto, Kona, and Narcoossees as well. Raglan Road seems like fun to me!

Thanks Alan, glad to be along.

DL is exactly like the Magic Kingdom only completely different. I hope you get the chance to visit someday. We have not had a chance to try all of the great restaurants at DL but our mission is definitely laid out in front of us.

Of your list of dining locations my only input is on Ohanas. My DW and I really enjoyed it and had a blast with the lively entertainment, excellent service, and an obscene amount of food to eat.

Hi Kalamazoo! We tried very hard to get Ohana reservations for dinner on our last trip, but could not. We did eat there for breakfast one morning and loved it!! Ohanas and California Grill will be the first two reservations we make. I also want to get a reservation for Chef Mickey's for breakfast.

 

[alan_renfroe]

I'm happy to report that DS (aka "Rusty") had a great year in soccer! His team finished the season with a 8-2-1 record. We made it to the championship game, but got defeated in a very close 2-1 game. He has been playing soccer since he was 5 years old.

Here is his current soccer picture:

and here is his first year of soccer when he was 5:

He has changed a lot in 6 years!! We loved him then, and we love him now!