The Darlings Do Disney (TR is started!)

[teekathepony]

I have a few small life updates that relate to the trip. Just small stuff, but fairly exciting nonetheless!

1. I got a new iPhone! Usually I'm the very last person ever to get new technology. It's the 3gs, so it's still older, but I can't believe I have it! What does this mean for the trip? I'm downloading all the Disney and Universal apps I can find. Any suggestions? My iPhone is also my first ever apple product scared1:!) so I had to download itunes. I now have a phone full of Disney park and movie music!

2. I have found my Disney shoes. I'm a flip flop girl and I don't mind spending a little extra on a very comfortable pair for Disney. On some Dis recommendations I tried Fit Flops. At first the worker told me to get a size smaller than I normally would so that my heel would hit the right place? Well I wore them for about 2 hours indoors (at work) and my legs were hurting so bad! So I exchanged them for my usual 7 and voila! Super duper comfy sandals.

3. Living in a very small place is lovely, except when it comes to shopping. In order to get anything decent I must either drive 5 hours to Halifax, or shop online. I hit a good sale at Old Navy and got myself some great summer clothes for our trip! Shorts and skirts and such, some things for Mr. Darling too. I was so pleased with the process (and love the quality/price ratio) that I'm planning on another order very soon. I'm low on shorts and things.

4. Last trip to the grocery store saw a sale on shampoo, body wash and deodorant so I picked some up for the trip. Another "to buy" scratched off!

5. I am thinking about getting a new camera. I currently have two identical Canon Rebel XT's. They're lovely but they're old and I want to be able to do video. The plan is to sell them both and upgrade (using my photo store employee discount) to a Rebel T3i! I hope to be able to do this in time for my trip, but unfortunately my cameras aren't selling. I think I'm going to take them in to the store and put them on the shelf to sell as used. I'm dying for a point and shoot upgrade too -- My Fujifilm J10 is a great little camera, but I want a Canon ELPH so bad!! Ugh. One at a time I guess.

Final update for today:

6. Movies watched to scratch off my list!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi Wendy! I now have time to read through your PTR and share my thoughts (hope you don’t mind).

I’m soo happy that you like Pop Century and keep returning as I am looking forward to our visit there. Yay on visiting WWoHP! Can’t wait to see it in person - I get excited when seeing pics of the place (As I read further I stumbled on your WWoHP pics which are great and making me even more excited!) and am sure I will be like a big kid going ‘look there’s Hogwarts Express’ and ‘oh look there’s Honey Dukes’ and so on…

Lol I thought I had to deal with changes and then I come across your PTR! Can’t believe your original dates were for October! I really wanted to experience the F&W festival but it’s just not meant to happen this time.

I can’t even begin to remember the amount of times I have crunched numbers to see if we can upgrade to a moderate resort but it just doesn’t make sense to invest the extra money when we won’t have much time to spend at the actual resort. We are doing a resort hopping day which I am really looking forward to.

Love the Rookie experience voucher - what a cool present for your DH!

Great movie list - hope you manage to watch them all before September.

I totally get the Disney Scent situation and hope you manage to find something similar to what you used to use. I have different fragrances that remind me of different life experiences - not a trip to Disney of course as I haven’t been yet but just of other holiday locations and people I used to be with at the time.

Woohoo on getting your CP rsssie!!!

I loved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2! So much so that I want to go and watch it again! I agree with the Gringotts scene being awesome. I also agree with your other views. However, the only thing I may disagree with is the ending. I knew it was going to happen but it just felt weird for me as I could not imagine that scene in my head. However, it was done nicely.

Great scar! At our viewing there were two girls with Potter and Weasley shirts on which I loved and thought was a great idea.

Love all the park must dos and the pics. Just to let you know ITTBAB is closed until 1 October. I think you are hitting AK before this date so am not sure if you were aware of the closure.

Yay on getting a new i-phone! Hope you manage to get a new camera. We have just recently purchased one for our trip and although I am not a camera person I am looking forward to using it.

Love that you did a Harry Potter marathon watch - we are thinking of doing the same thing over the next couple of weeks!

Look forward to reading more - sorry to have written an essay!

 

[teekathepony]

Yay on visiting WWoHP! Can’t wait to see it in person - I get excited when seeing pics of the place (As I read further I stumbled on your WWoHP pics which are great and making me even more excited!) and am sure I will be like a big kid going ‘look there’s Hogwarts Express’ and ‘oh look there’s Honey Dukes’ and so on…

Love all the park must dos and the pics. Just to let you know ITTBAB is closed until 1 October. I think you are hitting AK before this date so am not sure if you were aware of the closure.

Look forward to reading more - sorry to have written an essay!

Hello! Thanks for joining in!! I always appreciate thoughts on my ramblings!

I teared up when I first walked into WWoHP. I kept saying "omg this is it... omg I'm really here... I'm really at Hogwarts!" I kept shoving things like "U-No-Poo" in Mr. Darling's face saying "Look! It's like the real thing!" I bet he appreciated it.

I wasn't thinking it would be closed, but now that I read your comment I remember something in the back of my head...
Mr. Darling: "ITTBAB is closed while we're there"
Me: "Meh. I'm not keen to try that anyway"
<Wendy promptly forgets it thinking it won't matter>

Oh well! I guess this won't be the trip for me to try it for the first time!

I'm an English major. I appreciate essays.

Thanks again!

 

[Kari-B]

Awesome Animal Kingdom pics! Good for you getting some things checked off your list.

 

[Missyrose]

Just joining in! It's always good when trips are moved up, then there's less waiting involved!

Tell Mr. Darling that the waiters at 50's PT aren't so bad. I have food restrictions and so I subbed out one side dish for another with no problem. And Cousin Cooper (our waiter) only gave us a hard time about no setting our table when he brought our silverware. The rest of his schtick was pretty funny. When I finished my first iced tea he brought out a couple more saying "I know how you iced tea drinkers are." And when he brought out DBF's milkshake he laid out a million napkins around it because he didn't think we'd "be much help in cleaning up."

I'm so happy you got you CP ADR! Isn't awesome when things work out EXACTLY the way you planned it?

I'm totally with you on Fantasmic. We saw it two trips ago (and got there 1 1/2 hours before showtime to get seats) and thought it was pretty good, but it didn't draw us back in on our next trip, and we're not planning on it for our March trip either.

Can you believe that we've never seen Illuminations? We've spent at least four or five park days at Epcot over our past two trips and for one reason or another, we've always ended up leaving before the show. It's gotten to be kind of a running joke for us. Hopefully we'll FINALLY see it in March!

 

[teekathepony]

Just joining in! It's always good when trips are moved up, then there's less waiting involved!

Tell Mr. Darling that the waiters at 50's PT aren't so bad. I have food restrictions and so I subbed out one side dish for another with no problem. And Cousin Cooper (our waiter) only gave us a hard time about no setting our table when he brought our silverware. The rest of his schtick was pretty funny. When I finished my first iced tea he brought out a couple more saying "I know how you iced tea drinkers are." And when he brought out DBF's milkshake he laid out a million napkins around it because he didn't think we'd "be much help in cleaning up."

I'm so happy you got you CP ADR! Isn't awesome when things work out EXACTLY the way you planned it?

I'm totally with you on Fantasmic. We saw it two trips ago (and got there 1 1/2 hours before showtime to get seats) and thought it was pretty good, but it didn't draw us back in on our next trip, and we're not planning on it for our March trip either.

Can you believe that we've never seen Illuminations? We've spent at least four or five park days at Epcot over our past two trips and for one reason or another, we've always ended up leaving before the show. It's gotten to be kind of a running joke for us. Hopefully we'll FINALLY see it in March!

Thanks, I will tell him. The more people who assure him that it's ok, the better he is about it!

You've never seen Illuminations! But you must! Haha, it's my favourite of them all. The music makes me misty eyed.

Last but not least, a very big WELCOME to you!

 

[teekathepony]

Just popping in for a quick update to say...

2 MONTHS TO GO!!

 

[TanzUnited99]

on it being less then 2 months to go!!

Can't believe how quickly time is flying by! It is the 50 day mark for us today!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Woo hoo!!!

 

[teekathepony]

First off,

60 days!!



It's getting so close, but definitely not close enough. I usually like going in September. Where I live, we have such long winters and terrible springs that summer is a thing to enjoy and cherish, so I normally don't spend the whole thing wishing it away, even if it is for a Disney trip. But this summer is horrible. Cold, wet, dreary... I think the dementors are breeding. I can count the number of nice days so far on my two hands with fingers left over. My Disney trip this time seems too far away, and I'm honestly wishing away this dreadful summer. At least I can look forward to Disney and then Christmas!

Enough about that, on to today's update!

Counter Service Options in the World!
<insert dramatic music here>

Every trip I come home never wanting to see chicken fingers and fries again. This trip will be different. With so many options, I want to not eat chicken fingers more than once!

I have made a list of the CS options in each park and a little about them. I will not be planning where to eat, but rather educating myself on what's available so that when we're hungry I will know what is close and what they serve.

First up: Animal Kingdom

*Please note my information comes mostly from allears.net and I am not responsible for mistakes!

Yak & Yeti CS: I had no idea the Yak & Yeti did CS as well. I'm very interested and would love to eat here. If we are close at all, this is my first choice. Rice would be a very nice change from fries! Sweet and sour chicken sounds tempting too. And I like that they offer frozen lemonade as dessert.

Dino Diner: A hot dog stand, a very good place to keep in mind if we just need a quick bite.

Flame Tree BBQ: My second choice. I don't believe I've ever eaten here and the BBQ fare (particularly the BBQ Pork sandwich) sounds really tasty.

Pizzafari: Pizza! This is sort of our default. We always eat here. It's great, lots of seating, fantastic theme, but I don't particularly want to do it again if I can help it, just for the sake of doing something different. But I can't deny, the pizza is good.

Restaurantosaurus: Burgers and fries. Another lower-on-the-list choice, simply because of some different options available.

Tamu Tamu: Classified as 'burgers and shakes', but the Turkey and Swiss on Focaccia sounds delicious. Might just hit the spot.

Tune in next time for Magic Kingdom!

 

[mousescrapper]

great trip update items and movies crossed of your list too...we had a bit of an HP movie marthon in our home too...my DS Nathan LOVES HP and has read the series through at least a dozen times over so before we saw HP7pt2...we watched Years 5-7pt 1 too


LOVED it going to take DH to see it and try the 3D version later this week Nathan doesn't like to admit but he cried too


love the Old Navy shopping need to get online pronto DH needs new shorts before we go in Oct too... now how to keep myself from buying anything

(wow I said too alot in this post)

 

[mousescrapper]

First off,

60 days!!



It's getting so close, but definitely not close enough. I usually like going in September. Where I live, we have such long winters and terrible springs that summer is a thing to enjoy and cherish, so I normally don't spend the whole thing wishing it away, even if it is for a Disney trip. But this summer is horrible. Cold, wet, dreary... I think the dementors are breeding. I can count the number of nice days so far on my two hands with fingers left over. My Disney trip this time seems too far away, and I'm honestly wishing away this dreadful summer. At least I can look forward to Disney and then Christmas!

Enough about that, on to today's update!

Counter Service Options in the World!
<insert dramatic music here>

Every trip I come home never wanting to see chicken fingers and fries again. This trip will be different. With so many options, I want to not eat chicken fingers more than once!

I have made a list of the CS options in each park and a little about them. I will not be planning where to eat, but rather educating myself on what's available so that when we're hungry I will know what is close and what they serve.

First up: Animal Kingdom

*Please note my information comes mostly from allears.net and I am not responsible for mistakes!

Yak & Yeti CS: I had no idea the Yak & Yeti did CS as well. I'm very interested and would love to eat here. If we are close at all, this is my first choice. Rice would be a very nice change from fries! Sweet and sour chicken sounds tempting too. And I like that they offer frozen lemonade as dessert.

Flame Tree BBQ: My second choice. I don't believe I've ever eaten here and the BBQ fare (particularly the BBQ Pork sandwich) sounds really tasty.


Tune in next time for Magic Kingdom!

whoops you snuck another in here....I agree Y&Y and FTBBQ are some good eats...i have had the sweet and sour chicken twice at Y&Y and it's nothing to jump for joy over but what i do love is that it's quick and HOT...very filling too. the froz lemonade is GREAT! I love the seating at both Y&Y and FTBBQ...so tranquil...the BBQ sandwich at FT is great oo I love thier onion rings...i have both of these on the list for our trips too


as well Happy 60 days on your countdown...

 

[janabananas]

Flame Tree BBQ is a must for any trip to AK for me!! DBf and I share the chicken plate & the ribs. Yummy!!

 

[Kari-B]

Totally agree with you about being sick of chicken strips (or burgers) and fries after a trip. Looking at the kids menus for our trip seems like that is what is almost always offered, too. Which for most kids would be great, but my kids actually like real food. Good idea on being well prepared and educated on your options before you go!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yak and Yeti is a great option. Love eating there.

Gotta love Flame Tree Barbeque.

I was actually pretty happy with Restaurantasaurus. I ate the veggie sandwich there and it was really tasty. It came with sweet potato fries, which was a nice change. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[teekathepony]

Thanks for your AK tips! Once again, your tips are the greatest!!

I didn't join in on all the Harry Potter discussions because "gasp" I haven't seen any of the movies. That might not be weird except that I DID read all the books and loved them! I don't know why this happened because I'm sure I would love the movies too. I guess when the first few movies came out I was busy with school then babies and then never took the time to get caught up. I sort of regret it due to the fact that I think it would be fun to involved in all the hype right now. My sisters and cousins are HP nuts! But I have a plan. Soon (in a few years when my kiddos are ready) I'm going to start rereading the books with them and after we finish each book, we'll watch the movie. We might do a book/movie per summer because the books get pretty advanced and scarier fairly quickly so they'll need time to mature between books! What do you think?

My sincere apologies, but I completely missed your post!! I think I was writing an update as you posted, and my update landed on the next page. But I've found it!

I definitely agree about the maturing time between books. The 7th is definitely a little above a child's reading/maturity level! Love the idea to do one per summer. That's a great project!

 

[TanzUnited99]

on 60 days!!! I do not seem to be getting notifications for your thread – need to make sure that I have added a subscription!

We also have bad weather so am looking forward to getting some sunshine in Florida.

Love the CS choices – we are eating at Restaurantosaurus because it means we have more choice for the two of us but the others sound great.

 

[teekathepony]

great trip update items and movies crossed of your list too...we had a bit of an HP movie marthon in our home too...my DS Nathan LOVES HP and has read the series through at least a dozen times over so before we saw HP7pt2...we watched Years 5-7pt 1 too


LOVED it going to take DH to see it and try the 3D version later this week Nathan doesn't like to admit but he cried too


love the Old Navy shopping need to get online pronto DH needs new shorts before we go in Oct too... now how to keep myself from buying anything

(wow I said too alot in this post)

Hahaha yeah, I told myself the same thing when I ordered my ON stuff-- I don't need anything, I'm just going to order a few things for Mr. Darling and my mom. HA! And YAYYY for Harry Potter marathons!

whoops you snuck another in here....I agree Y&Y and FTBBQ are some good eats...i have had the sweet and sour chicken twice at Y&Y and it's nothing to jump for joy over but what i do love is that it's quick and HOT...very filling too. the froz lemonade is GREAT! I love the seating at both Y&Y and FTBBQ...so tranquil...the BBQ sandwich at FT is great oo I love thier onion rings...i have both of these on the list for our trips too


as well Happy 60 days on your countdown...

Yep, see what I did there? Ninja posting. Hehehe and thanks.

Flame Tree BBQ is a must for any trip to AK for me!! DBf and I share the chicken plate & the ribs. Yummy!!

I think everything sounds so good! I'm going to have to go back to AK for another day just to eat some more!

Totally agree with you about being sick of chicken strips (or burgers) and fries after a trip. Looking at the kids menus for our trip seems like that is what is almost always offered, too. Which for most kids would be great, but my kids actually like real food. Good idea on being well prepared and educated on your options before you go!

Ya know, I never thought of it much (never traveled with kids!) but there really aren't many kids meal options. Although Mr. Darling always wants to order off the kid's menu! So someday we'll do a trip together and your kids and my Husband can switch orders.

Yak and Yeti is a great option. Love eating there.

Gotta love Flame Tree Barbeque.

I was actually pretty happy with Restaurantasaurus. I ate the veggie sandwich there and it was really tasty. It came with sweet potato fries, which was a nice change. I was pleasantly surprised.

Oohh interesting. I like sweet potato fries but Mr. D does not! I'll have to keep that in the back of my mind, thanks!

 

[teekathepony]

on 60 days!!! I do not seem to be getting notifications for your thread – need to make sure that I have added a subscription!

We also have bad weather so am looking forward to getting some sunshine in Florida.

Love the CS choices – we are eating at Restaurantosaurus because it means we have more choice for the two of us but the others sound great.

Haha you're a ninja poster too!
Isn't it nice knowing that you have some sunshine planned? It's rainy again here today so I'm spending all my time on the Dis thinking of my 8 days of sunshine!

 

[teekathepony]

Mr. D, his parents and I booked our Medieval Times Dinner Theater tickets on Tuesday! I'm pretty excited, I've never done an off-Disney Orlando dinner theater. I've heard both good and bad things about this one, but I plan to try it anyway and form my own opinions.

Today I got my Old Navy order! That was really fast! I got 3 pairs of shorts, a pair of jersey cotton capris, two tank tops and two bathing suits (one of which is so itsy bitsy teeny weeny that it's almost indecent... I had planned to lose 20lbs, I'm going to have to lose them before wearing this bikini!! This will NOT be coming to Disney with me!)