The Darlings Do Disney (TR is started!)

[TanzUnited99]

on being less then a month away!! How cool!

I love the Lion King but cry soo much every time I see that movie - what can I say, it's emotional!

I liked Aladdin as well but not as much as some of the other Disney movies. I have fallen soo behind with my movie watching and don't think I'll be able to watch many until after our trip. The Incredibles is on tv this weekend in the UK and having never seen that movie (I know, where have I been?) I'm looking forward to seeing it.

 

[teekathepony]

Lion King is one of our upcoming movie nights. Haven't seen that in a long while. Makes me feel really old that they are re-releasing a movie that came out when I was a kid.

Yeah, for under a month. The time is gonna fly.

I know, I'm feeling old too. I can't believe they're releasing it in 3D... I can't decide if I'm excited or if it's an abomination

on being less then a month away!! How cool!

I love the Lion King but cry soo much every time I see that movie - what can I say, it's emotional!

I liked Aladdin as well but not as much as some of the other Disney movies. I have fallen soo behind with my movie watching and don't think I'll be able to watch many until after our trip. The Incredibles is on tv this weekend in the UK and having never seen that movie (I know, where have I been?) I'm looking forward to seeing it.

When I was young I used to hate watching The Lion King with my parents because I always had to crack jokes so as not to cry in front of them.
I liked the Incredibles.

 

[teekathepony]

Hello again and welcome to my fifth and final installment of


Counter Service Options in the World!

Only 29.5 days to go!


Yeah I know.
"When did she start counting in half days? Isn't it a little early for that?"

It's currently 5:20am in Nova Scotia. I have been awake since 3:00 and hope to get back to sleep sometime, so I'm going to count the rest of tonight as the .5. You see I have fibromyalgia which is essentially arthritis in the muscles. Mine is certainly not a crippling case by any means, but with all the weather systems moving around the East coast lately it's got my legs absolutely aching. So I'm up and waiting for an Aleve to set in. What better way to pass the time then a PTR update!

Today's final Counter Service options are from the lovely

Downtown Disney!

Our itinerary only includes one afternoon at DTD but there are some open times when we may end up here. I'd just like to know my options, just in case.

Also since it's 5am I just took the quick descriptions straight off the Disney site.

Earl of Sandwich: hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast. I have to eat here. Can you believe I never have? I must get a sandwich at EOS this trip, no matter what!

Pollo Campero: This quick-service restaurant is famous for freshly prepared Latin chicken, flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. Sounds tasty, and maybe a little different for me. I wouldn't mind trying it.

Fresh A-Peel: Chef-prepared entrees includes salads made with locally grown produce, all-natural burgers, and balanced kids meals served with fresh fruit and healthy sides. Other delicious menu offerings include gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options. I like the local produce and all natural options, although I most likely won't eat here because the other options just sound better~!

Wolfgang Puck Express: This express restaurant offers a more casual take on the signature dishes that made chef Wolfgang Puck famous. We've eaten here before, I can't remember what I had but I know I loved it. Mr. D's pizza was covered in onions which he despises, so he has bad memories of the place. If he has his way, we won't be going back.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Hello again and welcome to my fifth and final installment of


Counter Service Options in the World!

Only 29.5 days to go!


Yeah I know.
"When did she start counting in half days? Isn't it a little early for that?"

It's currently 5:20am in Nova Scotia. I have been awake since 3:00 and hope to get back to sleep sometime, so I'm going to count the rest of tonight as the .5. You see I have fibromyalgia which is essentially arthritis in the muscles. Mine is certainly not a crippling case by any means, but with all the weather systems moving around the East coast lately it's got my legs absolutely aching. So I'm up and waiting for an Aleve to set in. What better way to pass the time then a PTR update!

Today's final Counter Service options are from the lovely

Downtown Disney!

Our itinerary only includes one afternoon at DTD but there are some open times when we may end up here. I'd just like to know my options, just in case.

Also since it's 5am I just took the quick descriptions straight off the Disney site.

Earl of Sandwich: hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast. I have to eat here. Can you believe I never have? I must get a sandwich at EOS this trip, no matter what!

Pollo Campero: This quick-service restaurant is famous for freshly prepared Latin chicken, flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. Sounds tasty, and maybe a little different for me. I wouldn't mind trying it.

Fresh A-Peel: Chef-prepared entrees includes salads made with locally grown produce, all-natural burgers, and balanced kids meals served with fresh fruit and healthy sides. Other delicious menu offerings include gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options. I like the local produce and all natural options, although I most likely won't eat here because the other options just sound better~!

Wolfgang Puck Express: This express restaurant offers a more casual take on the signature dishes that made chef Wolfgang Puck famous. We've eaten here before, I can't remember what I had but I know I loved it. Mr. D's pizza was covered in onions which he despises, so he has bad memories of the place. If he has his way, we won't be going back.

My two favorites Downtown are definitely Wolfgang Puck and Earl of Sandwich. I'm always tossed between the two. WPE is such a good value if you're on the dining plan, because OOP it normally costs so much. But EoS is just yummy.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I have to agree in that I am really looking forward to eating at EoS and WPE - hope you can get DH to return to WPE and to give it another chance!

 

[weezy26nm]

All caught up. Your animals are beautiful, I especially love the picture of the cat on the horses back. Can't wait to hear about your adventures once you get to Disney.

 

[teekathepony]

My two favorites Downtown are definitely Wolfgang Puck and Earl of Sandwich. I'm always tossed between the two. WPE is such a good value if you're on the dining plan, because OOP it normally costs so much. But EoS is just yummy.

I really liked WPE when we ate there, but I think I'm just too excited to try EOS to go back to WPE! Hahaha, I have to have to have to have a sandwich.

I have to agree in that I am really looking forward to eating at EoS and WPE - hope you can get DH to return to WPE and to give it another chance!

Ohh someday I'll convince him. Maybe even this trip, depending on how time goes!

All caught up. Your animals are beautiful, I especially love the picture of the cat on the horses back. Can't wait to hear about your adventures once you get to Disney.

Well, I welcome you aboard!! And thank you very much

 

[teekathepony]

I ordered my Orlando trip planning guide + Magic Card yesterday morning! I thought I had one already but I can’t find it, and it’s probably out of date anyway. We won’t be straying too much from Disney property (except for our Universal/Medieval Times day) but I’d like to have it just in case.

It looks like Irene is going to miss us for the most part. Looking at the weather now, our forecast isn’t too bad at all; just some rain today, a little wind and maybe a thunder storm later on. Irene is going west of us, hitting Quebec. Right now it’s cloudy but the rain didn’t start yet. It’s very still and all my animals are acting funny.

Yesterday was 4 weeks until our trip so we went and bought some of our essentials – deodorant, razors, shaving cream, and things like that. We got nearly everything ticked off our “to-buy” list, except for perishables like candy for the plane. I also have to stock up on dog, cat, horse, and fish food for my parents who will be watching all my fur/fin friends while I’m away.

We spent the rest of yesterday out on the Mira River with friends and family. What a fantastic day! It was hot and sunny and we took the dogs swimming and I taught everyone how to dive, then we barbecued and had salads and crab for dinner. I even tried kayaking for the first time! I really enjoyed it, so now Mr. D and I are talking about buying a pair of kayaks next year.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I ordered my Orlando trip planning guide + Magic Card yesterday morning! I thought I had one already but I can’t find it, and it’s probably out of date anyway. We won’t be straying too much from Disney property (except for our Universal/Medieval Times day) but I’d like to have it just in case.

It looks like Irene is going to miss us for the most part. Looking at the weather now, our forecast isn’t too bad at all; just some rain today, a little wind and maybe a thunder storm later on. Irene is going west of us, hitting Quebec. Right now it’s cloudy but the rain didn’t start yet. It’s very still and all my animals are acting funny.

Yesterday was 4 weeks until our trip so we went and bought some of our essentials – deodorant, razors, shaving cream, and things like that. We got nearly everything ticked off our “to-buy” list, except for perishables like candy for the plane. I also have to stock up on dog, cat, horse, and fish food for my parents who will be watching all my fur/fin friends while I’m away.

We spent the rest of yesterday out on the Mira River with friends and family. What a fantastic day! It was hot and sunny and we took the dogs swimming and I taught everyone how to dive, then we barbecued and had salads and crab for dinner. I even tried kayaking for the first time! I really enjoyed it, so now Mr. D and I are talking about buying a pair of kayaks next year.

I'm glad to hear that Irene will be missing you guys mostly. It's times like this that I'm happy I live in a pretty boring Midwest state. Even though we have had some pretty wicked storms by us this year. An oh yes, can't forget about snowpocalypse.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I'm glad to hear Irene is staying away from you. Keep safe

Yay on getting through your 'to buy' list - can't believe how quickly time is passing!

 

[teekathepony]

I'm glad to hear that Irene will be missing you guys mostly. It's times like this that I'm happy I live in a pretty boring Midwest state. Even though we have had some pretty wicked storms by us this year. An oh yes, can't forget about snowpocalypse.

Yeah we don't get much here either -- tornadoes, earth quakes, hurricanes... we just get the tail end of stuff. I like my island at times like this. Might be small-town and boring sometimes but it's safe.

I'm glad to hear Irene is staying away from you. Keep safe

Yay on getting through your 'to buy' list - can't believe how quickly time is passing!

Thanks Tanz, yep, looks like it's going around us.
Feels so good to get through the lists!

 

[janabananas]

I saw this info and thought of you!
Prince Caspian is closing down

 

[mousescrapper]

Lion King is one of our upcoming movie nights. Haven't seen that in a long while. Makes me feel really old that they are re-releasing a movie that came out when I was a kid.

I can't wait for this...I saw it in the show when it was orginally released, was working for the Disney Store at the time...should be fun!

Earl of Sandwich: hot sandwiches, fresh tossed salads and wraps, fresh-baked goods and desserts, soups and breakfast. I have to eat here. Can you believe I never have? I must get a sandwich at EOS this trip, no matter what!

hands down this is the best...YUMMMMM! I can't wait to eat there in Jan w/ the kids

 

[teekathepony]

I saw this info and thought of you!
Prince Caspian is closing down

Hahaha! That's awesome! I'm celebrating a little. No more wasted space! (Well, depending on what goes in there next... and it had better not be Voyage of the Dawn Treader!!!!! )

I can't wait for this...I saw it in the show when it was orginally released, was working for the Disney Store at the time...should be fun!

hands down this is the best...YUMMMMM! I can't wait to eat there in Jan w/ the kids

I'm getting more and more excited for EOS with every positive comment!

 

[teekathepony]

Dear Diary,

I’m failing. I had wanted to lose 15lbs before going to Disney. Here I am, only 25 days away from my trip and I not only have not lost any, but I’ve gained one.

All weekend I was out doing things, way above my normal activity level. I kayaked, I hiked, and I swam. I didn’t eat anything ridiculous for meals and I didn’t eat anything between them!

Yes yes, I do know that muscle weighs more than fat, thanks for reminding me, Diary, but what about the fact that I still don't fit into some of the shorts I was supposed to be taking to Disney? What about the fact that I don’t look any different in the mirror?

What’s that? That empty chip bag in my garbage? Oh yes… that… well if you want me to be truly honest, I have been snacking a little at home. Do you think that’s what it is? Salty chips adding calories and retaining water? It’s also my wonderful woman week of the month too. Maybe I’m double bloated?
Oh… the Pepsi cans in the recycle bin… you saw those too huh? Yeah, I did promise to stop drinking the liquid candy. But when Mr. D goes out and gets a case, what’s a girl to do? It’s so refreshing on a hot day. Oh… yeah I guess water could work. Alright well, we’re out of Pepsi (see the empty box next to the empty cans?) so water it is from now on, I promise.

Today I decided that going for walks wasn’t cutting it so I tried jogging. Again. And again, like last time I “took up jogging” I only managed to do 4 one-minute spurts before nearly collapsing. I am seriously out of shape. In a horror movie, I’d be that first screaming girl to die because she couldn’t outrun the killer. Let’s fix that, shall we? More jogs. Also let’s try to do them earlier in the morning – it’s too hot at 9:30, I’m still trying to cool down.

I’m sipping on water and promising not to eat any salt today. Very soon I’m going to head up to my parents’ house to hop in the pool. Currently my record is 18 laps overhand, let’s try for 20.

As always, Diary, thanks for listening.

-Defeated

 

[teekathepony]

Today I’m all over the place. I’m up and I’m down. I’m excited and I’m disappointed.

24 more sleeps! (EXCITED!)

Yesterday we got our Mickey Mail! (<-- Excited!)

Is it just me, or are they sending out less than in previous years? No luggage tags, no Planet Hollywood or mini golf vouchers? I might have missed this memo, but I was a wee bit disappointed.

I have a lot packed. All our toiletries, some clothes, and a few other little things. That's an exciting concept -- close enough to start packing!

Checked on our passports, they're both fine, up to date and locked in the fireproof safe along with our tickets and things.

On our two previous trips we used Maritime Travel in the mall. This time we used the Maritime Travel down town, since that’s the one my MIL was using and our regular TA was away for a while. Last times we got a gift from the agency for booking with them (something like a backpack, travel mug, towel, etc.) and this time we got nothing. Another tiny disappointment. I don’t know if it’s the different agent or the different location or just general budget cuts. Either way, I have my tickets so that’s all I care about! (Again, excited!)

We bought a printer the other day. Many of our tickets and things needed to be printed and we didn’t own a printer! So now we do which means that Mr. D’s Richard Petty Driving Experience forms, our flight information, and our Medieval Times tickets are now printed and safely in my Disney clipboard. (Excited!) Left to print are our ADRs with confirmation numbers and an itinerary, once I make it.

We also checked another thing off our To-Do list – we called our cell phone service provider to see what types of international calling/texting/data packages they had available. We were sorely disappointed here and may not get to use our phones in Disney at all, or very little.

The available add-on packages:
$100 – 50 MB data, 50 minutes talk time, 50 outgoing texts (unlimited incoming)
$30 – 10 MB data
$15 – 50 outgoing texts (unlimited incoming)
$15 – 15 minutes talk time

It’s all a bit of a rip off considering we already pay for unlimited text, 250 talk minutes and 1 gig of data with free facebook/twitter/myspace in our regular monthly bill. We’re still trying to decide what to do, but I think we’re leaning towards none of the above and just pay per text. I figured it out and at about 50 cents per text, as long as we don’t go over 30 texts, we’re better off doing it this way. I figure we only need about 5. Phooey. All those Disney wait time apps and I won’t even be able to use them. (Disappointed.)

I actually have a shift at work today (recap, work moved to new location with less hours and I’m mostly unemployed) so I won’t be home until late, but tomorrow I’m off again so I plan to complete my itinerary tomorrow. Once I do I’ll post it, then (so exciting!) I’m going to start posting it here in true PTR style! Here's my current itinerary:

It's from June when we first started planning and it needs a major overhaul.

That's all for now,
Have a great day everyone!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I was just going to catch up with your update yesterday when I noticed a new one!

First off don't feel defeated - just keep trying and then enjoy yourself at Disney! You can always start again on your return - think that's what I will be doing especially with the amount of food I ate yesterday!

on it being 24 more sleeps!!!! How exciting!!!

Yay on getting Mickey Mail - I could be wrong but think you should be getting a second package with luggage tags and a booklet containing all the vouchers you mentioned. Looks like what you have got is just your ME info.

It's a shame that your phone company weren't of much help. Can't wait to see the posted itinerary!

 

[Kari-B]

It's getting so close! That's pretty exciting that you are starting to pack and get things printed out already.

 

[teekathepony]

I was just going to catch up with your update yesterday when I noticed a new one!

First off don't feel defeated - just keep trying and then enjoy yourself at Disney! You can always start again on your return - think that's what I will be doing especially with the amount of food I ate yesterday!

on it being 24 more sleeps!!!! How exciting!!!

Yay on getting Mickey Mail - I could be wrong but think you should be getting a second package with luggage tags and a booklet containing all the vouchers you mentioned. Looks like what you have got is just your ME info.

It's a shame that your phone company weren't of much help. Can't wait to see the posted itinerary!

Thanks Tanz,
I think you're right about the second package. I guess maybe my travel agent wasn't aware that there may be a second package coming? Kind of wishing I had done the booking myself. Itinerary coming right up!

It's getting so close! That's pretty exciting that you are starting to pack and get things printed out already.

Getting so close indeed! I am so excited

 

[teekathepony]

It is officially the month of my vacation. What better way to celebrate than to post my day-by-day itinerary?

Day 1.

Saturday, September 24. (Just 23 more sleeps!!)

4:00 AM: Wake up. Load luggage (packed last night) into the truck. Feed the fish, leave the dogs snug bed for my mother to get later. Kiss the horses and kitties goodbye. Eat a little breakfast, pack up the last minute things, change into our flying clothes and finish packing the truck. Drive to Mr. Darling's mother's house. Pick up one of these babies on the way:

(Tim Horton's coffee... one of our last real Canadian treats for the next 9 days! A Double double for Mr. D and a Cappucino for me.)
We are leaving our truck at the in-laws' while we're gone. With MIL and Step-FIL, be driven to the airport by Mr. D's sister.

5:00 AM: Check in at the tiny Sydney Airport. I love this airport. Two gates -- an in and an out, and never a line anywhere!

5:55 AM: Depart Sydney in a tiny Air Canada Jazz plane.

7:30 AM (EST): Land in Toronto Airport. Meet up with Melissa and Ron who are flying in from Halifax. Get something to eat.

10:30 AM: Depart Toronto on a (thankfully) much larger plane. Same time, though not the same carrier as M&R.

1:00 PM: The moment we've been waiting for -- land in Orlando. Cry when I see one of these:

Wait for M&R who land around the same time. Skip luggage claim. Get in the Magical Express line. Board a ME bus and head to Pop Century.

Arrive at Pop Century and check in. Head to our rooms (with any luck, three rooms all next to each other and ours with King beds -- our only requests!). Unpack, get showers, change and generally freshen up. After not too long, hop on a bus to Magic Kingdom. Stare wistfully at the gates while boarding the boat to the Boardwalk.

Relax, take some pictures. Explore.

Eat at the ESPN Club:

Relax and explore some more. Head back to Pop Century fairly early for a good night's sleep.


What's your arrival day tradition or plan?