The Fab Four Hit WDW! Updated: This Time Next Week Posts!

[DreaGirl]

A few weeks ago we were traveling to Illinois to visit our parents, which means we have a 4 hour car ride. So, I planned ahead and packed my Passporter so we could go over restaurant choices.

Rob lets me do most of the planning, but he likes to help choose restaurants. So, I usually narrow it down to 10-12 choices and he chooses from them. Or he'll say, I want a steak, seafood, and mexican. I search and find some and he chooses which ones he would like.

So, for this trip he agreed to go to LeCellier again if I can get an ADR. Last time we were there it was a disaster. Our DD does not do well in dimly lit restaurants and let's just say if the food wasn't so good we probably would have just paid the bill halfway through dinner and called it a night.

We are also sticking to our tried and true rules. It must be a louder restaurant (that way if our kids freak, at least it's loud ), the earlier the better for dinners, and character meals for breakfasts.

So, after much consideration we narrowed it down to these choices:

Yak & Yeti (lunch)
Tusker House (breakfast)
LeCellier (Dinner)
Rose & Crown (Dinner)
Teppan Edo (Lunch)
Coral Reef (Dinner)

We have eaten at Tusker House, LeCellier, and Coral Reef. One of our favorites we are not going to do this year, Crystal Palace. We always eat a Crystal Palace for breakfast on our first day at MK, but it didn't make the cut.

So, we were all set. Then we changed our room reservation. Now that we are close to DTD I think we should at least eat there one day for a sit down. So now I have to decide which one to cut and which one to add.

We ate at Wolfgangs our first trip and loved it, the food was so good. We ate at Raglan Road in May and it was okay. The food was not outstanding and the service was horrible.

Anyone have any suggestions for a DTD restaurant? Which one would you cut from the above list?

 

[jenjolt]

Well I'm not sure what restaurant you should cut because that would be a very hard choice LOL!! However as far a restaurants go in DTD....have you thought of either T-REX or Rainforest Cafe, they both would be kid friendly and louder restaurants?????

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oooh, I don't know which one I would cut. They all sound delish! I second the rainforest cafe or trex but I don't know if they do the dining plan....

 

[JamieH]

Wanting to jump in and read your PTR! Your kids are so cute! I have kids about the same age (3 1/2 and 8 mths) so I know what you mean about the 3 yr old LOL Isn't 3 a fun age?? haha

The ADRs look good, but man, you are brave! I only booked lunchs and/or character meals b/c I'm scared of how my kids will behave LOL They are ok most of the time when we go out to eat, but I figure they'll be tired and cranky sometimes, so I don't want to risk any other choices.

We are staying off-site our first night and I want see if I can talk DH into staying another night or two off-site at the end of our trip. 5 days isn't long enough for me!!

 

[DreaGirl]

Well I'm not sure what restaurant you should cut because that would be a very hard choice LOL!! However as far a restaurants go in DTD....have you thought of either T-REX or Rainforest Cafe, they both would be kid friendly and louder restaurants?????

I know! I talked with Rob today about just keeping our same restaurants. DD is scared of Rainforest Cafe so that is out.

Oooh, I don't know which one I would cut. They all sound delish! I second the rainforest cafe or trex but I don't know if they do the dining plan....

Yeah, DD doesn't like Rainforest, I think it is the combo of being dark and all the animal sounds. For some reason I'm just not interested in T-Rex. I am sure when DS gets older we will be there though.

Wanting to jump in and read your PTR! Your kids are so cute! I have kids about the same age (3 1/2 and 8 mths) so I know what you mean about the 3 yr old LOL Isn't 3 a fun age?? haha

The ADRs look good, but man, you are brave! I only booked lunchs and/or character meals b/c I'm scared of how my kids will behave LOL They are ok most of the time when we go out to eat, but I figure they'll be tired and cranky sometimes, so I don't want to risk any other choices.

We are staying off-site our first night and I want see if I can talk DH into staying another night or two off-site at the end of our trip. 5 days isn't long enough for me!!

In November we stayed 5 days and it was way too short. It felt like we just got there and had to leave.

We do early dinners, like 5 pm. The restaurants are usually empty so that is good.

I see you have a PTR, I'll check it out tonight.

 

[DreaGirl]

The October hours are out!!!!

http://www.disneytravelagents.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_Oct.pdf

Now the serious planning of ADRs and parks can begin. I was nervous they wouldn't come out until right before my 90 day mark, but now I can really think things over. Now I'm just waiting on TGM for his best days.

 

[jenjolt]

The October hours are out!!!!

http://www.disneytravelagents.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_Oct.pdf

Now the serious planning of ADRs and parks can begin. I was nervous they wouldn't come out until right before my 90 day mark, but now I can really think things over. Now I'm just waiting on TGM for his best days.

YAY thank you so much for posting these now I'm off to explore them and see what is happening!!!

 

[joy13]

The October hours are out!!!!

http://www.disneytravelagents.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_Oct.pdf

Now the serious planning of ADRs and parks can begin. I was nervous they wouldn't come out until right before my 90 day mark, but now I can really think things over. Now I'm just waiting on TGM for his best days.

You Rock! I wasn't even going to look for a few more days, now the work starts

I can't help much on DTD ADR's because I have never had one there. When we went in 2005 we walked into a sitdown restaurant there that was good - but I don't even know the name of it (I've learned so much since then )

 

[twenty3curls]

Hello fellow Michigander, just jumping in! Your plans sound great

Not sure if you're still looking for off-site hotels, but I highly recommend Buena Vista Suites. I've stayed there 4 or 5 times and it's great. It's on the corner of 535 and 536 and only 1.5 miles from the DW gate. Each room is suite with a living room (with pullout couch and flat-screen TV) and one bedroom (either two queens or one king...the beds are to die for!). The BR also has a flat-screen. The bathrooms are quite roomy and there are 2 sinks (one in the bathroom and one in the dressing area). The were just remodeled....very sleek looking.

If you have a AAA card, the Queen suite is like 80-90 bucks. King is usually 20 more. But, if you go to their web site (buenavistasuites.com) on Thursdays they have one-day sales each week and you can probably get an even better rate.

ALSO...there is a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning...great selection of cold and hot foods - cereals, bagels, toast, fruit, pancakes/waffles, eggs, breakfast meats, oatmeal, cottage cheese, etc.

Seriously...I have a hard time talking my DF into staying on-property because these rooms are so nice, big, close and inexpensive. I could never talk him into a value or mod over this hotel.


Well, that's all I have! Looking forward to reading more!

 

[DreaGirl]

YAY thank you so much for posting these now I'm off to explore them and see what is happening!!!

You Rock! I wasn't even going to look for a few more days, now the work starts

I can't help much on DTD ADR's because I have never had one there. When we went in 2005 we walked into a sitdown restaurant there that was good - but I don't even know the name of it (I've learned so much since then )

I'm so excited too!!

I'm thinking about ditching the DTD ADR. I was just going to do it because I thought my DH would want to eat there since we are so close and he said this morning that he didn't care either way.

Hello fellow Michigander, just jumping in! Your plans sound great

Not sure if you're still looking for off-site hotels, but I highly recommend Buena Vista Suites. I've stayed there 4 or 5 times and it's great. It's on the corner of 535 and 536 and only 1.5 miles from the DW gate. Each room is suite with a living room (with pullout couch and flat-screen TV) and one bedroom (either two queens or one king...the beds are to die for!). The BR also has a flat-screen. The bathrooms are quite roomy and there are 2 sinks (one in the bathroom and one in the dressing area). The were just remodeled....very sleek looking.

If you have a AAA card, the Queen suite is like 80-90 bucks. King is usually 20 more. But, if you go to their web site (buenavistasuites.com) on Thursdays they have one-day sales each week and you can probably get an even better rate.

ALSO...there is a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning...great selection of cold and hot foods - cereals, bagels, toast, fruit, pancakes/waffles, eggs, breakfast meats, oatmeal, cottage cheese, etc.

Seriously...I have a hard time talking my DF into staying on-property because these rooms are so nice, big, close and inexpensive. I could never talk him into a value or mod over this hotel.


Well, that's all I have! Looking forward to reading more!

A fellow Michigan traveler! Yeah! Welcome!

Thank you for the tip! I have been looking at them online and they look so nice. I'm afraid if we stay there my DH will never want to stay onsite again.

We do belong to AAA, so I'm thinking that we will probably stay there both days. We'll see as it gets closer.


I just got back from a BabiesRUs, JCPenney, UHaul run and let me tell you my nerves are shot! Man, carting two kids around while trying to run errands is a major pain.

Anyone have any good suggestions for a double stroller? We currently have the Sit and Stand Deluxe, but it is being sent back tomorrow. I have nothing but problems with it since I bought it and the crappy customer service at One Step Ahead sent me over the edge yesterday with the stroller. The CSR implied that since I bought the stroller on a discount that I had no right to complain that things were breaking/ripping/not working correctly. So after I very so kindly told her I wanted my money back and to speak to a manager she transfered me and the manager was even more rude. Next step up the line told me I could have my money back and no shipping fees.

 

[joy13]

Anyone have any good suggestions for a double stroller? We currently have the Sit and Stand Deluxe, but it is being sent back tomorrow. I have nothing but problems with it since I bought it and the crappy customer service at One Step Ahead sent me over the edge yesterday with the stroller. The CSR implied that since I bought the stroller on a discount that I had no right to complain that things were breaking/ripping/not working correctly. So after I very so kindly told her I wanted my money back and to speak to a manager she transfered me and the manager was even more rude. Next step up the line told me I could have my money back and no shipping fees.

That's terrible! I'm glad you kept pushing the issue. I only have one, so I can't help you on the double stroller.

 

[pooksma]

Have never eaten at DTD other than Rainforest-sorry, not helping I know.

I'm wondering why no CP? Just because its a tradition for us.

Thanks for the Canada Day wishes~sorry about the CC Soup pic. It is awesome, isn't it?

 

[DreaGirl]

That's terrible! I'm glad you kept pushing the issue. I only have one, so I can't help you on the double stroller.

Yes, they were very rude. I'll never order anything from them again.

Have never eaten at DTD other than Rainforest-sorry, not helping I know.

I'm wondering why no CP? Just because its a tradition for us.

Thanks for the Canada Day wishes~sorry about the CC Soup pic. It is awesome, isn't it?

CP was on our list, but we wanted to try some new restaurants since we won't be going next year. Also, since we'll be in a villa w/a full kitchen we plan on making our breakfast each morning. I needed to have the biscuits and gravy/omelets/breads at least once though!! I'm still going back and forth between Tusker House and CP.

I looked up the recipe for the soup and I'm going to try to make it. It just looked so yummy in that picture I can't stop thinking about it.

 

[DreaGirl]

When hours came out yesterday I was so excited. I found out during nap time so I had time to copy them down on my calendar and get to work, muy rapido. (Can you tell we watch Handy Manny?)

When I showed Rob he said, yup, looks good. I know you will change them a few times. I said, yes, this is version 1.0.

10/17 Arrive/Stay off-site or Pop
10/18 Check in at SSR
Epcot w/lunch at Teppan Edo
Nap
HS (I want A. to dance with the characters during EMH)

10/19 AK w/lunch at Yak & Yeti
Nap
MK (Spectro and Wishes)

10/20 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at LeCellier

10/21 AK w/breakfast at Tusker House
Nap
Evening off to swim/DTD/relax

10/22 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at Coral Reef

10/23 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at Rose and Crown

10/24 Pack up/Swim at SSR
Check in to off-site/Value hotel

10/25 Depart at the crack of dawn.


Now, this is all assuming that I can get our ADRs for this time. I also cut our a dinner at DTD. I felt like I was doing it just because we were so close and not because we wanted to eat at a specific restaurant. Rob agreed, so all is well with that.

I don't like the fact that we are only in Epcot one morning because we still haven't rode Soarin' and that is a must this trip! Any suggestions? It makes it hard because we want to go to AK two days and it is only open until 5pm every day.

We would like to ride TSM but it is okay if we don't. I had planned to do a morning in HS, but it doesn't seem to be working out either.

Suggestions?

 

[pooksma]

Your plan looks great to me. I love the variety. We are dining at CR for the first time this trip (well...not entirely true, the first time DS knows about). I liked it alot

Let me know how you make out with the soup!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hello, your kids are adorable!! The ADR's look great. I am so sorry to hear about your stroller issues, I can't stand rude customer service people.

Touring Plans Version 1.0 looks great. I don't count my versions, it would be in the double digits .

 

[Lady Lallie]

I think your plans look great! It is so hard to figure out all those mornings and which parks! I'm having trouble with that now.

 

[IluvXU]

When hours came out yesterday I was so excited. I found out during nap time so I had time to copy them down on my calendar and get to work, muy rapido. (Can you tell we watch Handy Manny?)

When I showed Rob he said, yup, looks good. I know you will change them a few times. I said, yes, this is version 1.0.

10/17 Arrive/Stay off-site or Pop
10/18 Check in at SSR
Epcot w/lunch at Teppan Edo
Nap
HS (I want A. to dance with the characters during EMH)

Dancing with the characters... that sounds super cute! VOLM was a big hit with Em, it ranks on the favorites! I want to go to Teppan Edo next trip.

10/19 AK w/lunch at Yak & Yeti
Nap
MK (Spectro and Wishes)
Luke loved Spectro!

10/20 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at LeCellier

My only thought is we loved having MK FPs for night... any MK am and MK pm days you could do?

10/21 AK w/breakfast at Tusker House
Nap
Evening off to swim/DTD/relax

10/22 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at Coral Reef

10/23 MK
Nap
Epcot w/dinner at Rose and Crown

10/24 Pack up/Swim at SSR
Check in to off-site/Value hotel

10/25 Depart at the crack of dawn.


Now, this is all assuming that I can get our ADRs for this time. I also cut our a dinner at DTD. I felt like I was doing it just because we were so close and not because we wanted to eat at a specific restaurant. Rob agreed, so all is well with that.

I don't like the fact that we are only in Epcot one morning because we still haven't rode Soarin' and that is a must this trip! Any suggestions? It makes it hard because we want to go to AK two days and it is only open until 5pm every day.

We would like to ride TSM but it is okay if we don't. I had planned to do a morning in HS, but it doesn't seem to be working out either.

Suggestions?

I would send DH to get FPs for Soarin when you arrive and then take turns taking the kids on the Land Boatride. That works for us.

Do you think A will be 40... Em was measuring at 39ish.

 

[DreaGirl]

Your plan looks great to me. I love the variety. We are dining at CR for the first time this trip (well...not entirely true, the first time DS knows about). I liked it alot

Let me know how you make out with the soup!

I can't wait to make the soup. I think I'm going to try it on Sunday.

Hello, your kids are adorable!! The ADR's look great. I am so sorry to hear about your stroller issues, I can't stand rude customer service people.

Touring Plans Version 1.0 looks great. I don't count my versions, it would be in the double digits .

Thank you! Welcome!

Yeah, I was calling to get a replacement part, but after the rude people I just wanted a refund, ASAP.

I think your plans look great! It is so hard to figure out all those mornings and which parks! I'm having trouble with that now.

Yeah, the more I look at it the more I don't like it.

I would send DH to get FPs for Soarin when you arrive and then take turns taking the kids on the Land Boatride. That works for us.

Do you think A will be 40... Em was measuring at 39ish.

Good idea! I will do that for sure.

A. was 39 inches at her 3 year appointment in May. So we are hoping with her shoes she will be 40 by October.

I'm really not liking my schedule at all. I planned it around restaurants and I feel I am missing out on park time.

I'm working on 2.0 right now.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Good luck with 2.0. The good thing about plans is that once you hit the right balance, you know it immediatly. At least I do!