The "I said I wasn't going to do a PTR...PTR" (Sept '11)

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Everyone!

I've been saying for months now that I wasn't going to do a PTR this trip because I've got a recertification that I have to get done by June 2011. I was working on my recert until last weekend....when I ended up in the hospital. I've subsequently had surgery and am now home recovering so I figured why not start a PTR!

So far, this is what I know:

Dates - Sept 16 - 26 for our 11th wedding anniversary

Resort - We were originally booked at WL, where we stayed last year but DH and I talked and we recently changed to POFQ. We have not stayed there since 2005 an loved it. I hear that there is a refurb there so we're excited to give it another try. IF, and only IF, we get a PIN or an AP code, we may move again to the Poly. For some reason, we NEVER EVER get PINs.

Our cast of characters is small this year. Last year my family was there as well...mom, sister, nephew, brother and cousin joined us as well.

Here we are last year. I booked a private photography session at WL for our 10th anniversary.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

This trip will be awesome for a number of reasons.

Joe and I get to me Stef and Dave in person! Yay!! We have been getting to know them over the last few months...maybe even close to a year now. They are Disneymooning at Disney and will be there the same time that we will be there! I'm so excited! We're still finalizing plans but so far we have a girls day/guys day and a day of shopping together. I don't have a picture of Stef and Dave to post just yet but I will ask her if I can "borrow one" from her current TR.

Also, Jenn and her family will be there for the first part of our trip! Yay! Jenn (inkedupmomma) and I met in 2008 and have become great friends. Joe and I went to see her in PA and Jenn and her awesome family came to see us this past summer. Jenn and Bob have been together for a year this month and he's super. Joe and I really like him a lot. Jenn has two awesome kids, Kayla and Jack. I cannot get enough of those two. I need my "fix" so I am hoping that some time before the trip that Joe and I can go and visit them again.

Check out these cuties!

Here is a picture of Jenn and I

I'm sorry to say, that I don't have a picture of Bob.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

While I haven't done major planning yet, I do have goals for this trip.

- Try new restaurants, both CS and TS

- Spend more time at DAK

- Spend more time at Epcot: WS and try more CS places in WS

- Have more than 1 Grey Goose Slushie

- Learn to use the camera so that I can take tons of pictures --- side story: my removable hard drive crashed and I lost 75% of all of my pictires taken in the past


What are your goals? What do you think I should add to mine? What's on your "must do" list? Any hidden gems that we shouldn't miss?

Thanks for reading.

 

[Stefy]

Yay I'm first This year us gonna be so much fun

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay I'm first This year us gonna be so much fun

YAY!!!!!!! You're here.

 

[Beka]

We never made it to Tom Sawyer's or Swiss Family in the MK the last 2 trips! We spent a ton of time in EPCOT. if you like crab, I recommend going to the tequila bar in the Mexico pavilion & get the crab tostadas. YUM!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We never made it to Tom Sawyer's or Swiss Family in the MK the last 2 trips! We spent a ton of time in EPCOT. if you like crab, I recommend going to the tequila bar in the Mexico pavilion & get the crab tostadas. YUM!

Beka, so glad that you are here!

We finally made it to Tom Sawyer's Island last year for the very first time. I don't think I have it in me to climb the stairs of the tree house! I love crab so I will keep that in mind.

Thanks for reading.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

ADR’s

So, Joe and I have been talking about ADR’s but trying to talk ADR’s with him is a bit challenging at times. I ask “hey, do you want to eat at GFC for our anniversary?” Joe says “how the heck do I know what I want to eat over a year from now.” Yep, it’s quite challenging at times. LOL

I’ve been thinking about trying new places this year. Specifically, I want to try CS places in WS. I have not tried many of them for some stupid reason so this year, I thought why not? I’m hoping that my readers will share their thoughts on CS’ at WS.

Here is a list of the places that we’re thinking about. What do you thik?

TS places we have never been to and want to try:

The Wave – I really want to try The Wave. We had an ADR last year and canceled it for some reason. Anyone been there? What’s it like?

Mediterranean Market – I haven’t even checked to see if this place is still at The Dolphin. Sounded interesting the last time I checked it out

Yak and Yeti – I never thought I’d say this, but I want to try it. Any comments on how the food is here?

Kona (dinner) – We’ve been there for breakfast but are curious about dinner. Any recommendations?

The Plaza – I’m really hoping to get a ressie here. We tried last year but we were unable to get in.

Cape May (dinner) – I want to go here but I am a little worried about how the crab legs will be. Basically, that is what I’d get if we go there and am worried that they will be mushy or cold.

Teppen Edo – It’s on the list for all of us to go to together. Joe and I, Stef and Dave, Jenn and her family.

TS places that we have been to, hated, but want to try again

California Grill – We had a horrible experience when we were there a few years ago. It was so bad that Joe said “never again” however we’re going to give it a go with Stef and Dave. I am hoping for a much better experience

Sci Fi – The food wasn’t all that the last time we went a few years back but we’re going to go again with Jenn for lunch

TS places that we love and are going back to or want to go back to


Ohana (breakfast) – We had dinner here last year but I really think that I like breakfast better.

Kona Café (breakfast) – We love it there. It’s tradition for us to go there for breakfast on our wedding anniversary. Joe gets the Big Kahuna. I really love the pancakes there.

Grand Floridian Café – This is probably one of my favorite places to eat on property. We tried it for the first time a couple of years back and I could kick myself for taking us so long to get there. I am also going to get a specialty cake for our dinner here as we have over the last two years.

Liberty Tree Tavern – We were there once for dinner and are going to go for lunch with Stef and Dave. I can’t wait to try it.

Crystal Palace – We enjoy both breakfast and dinner here. Most years we try and get an early ADR here for breakfast so that I can take pictures in the park when it is empty. I think CP is a great place to eat for dinner on MNSSHP night. I love everything about it.

Mama Melrose – We were there a couple of times during the Backstage Magic Tour. We also went there last year on a Fantasmic package and the food was incredible. I can’t wait to go back again. I hope that we are able to get a Fantasmic package however if not, that’s okay too.

BOMA – We’re going to breakfast at BOMA with Jenn this trip. I like it here but it’s not my favorite. I think the thing that I like best is that I get to go to the Mara and grab me some zebra domes afterwards! Yay, me!!!!!!


So that’s it for TS places so far. I’m interested in what you all have to say and are there places that we should add to our list? Remove from our list?

Next Up....thoughts on CS places to eat.

 

[petals]

We did Sci fi last September for lunch and thought the food was nice enough. The theming is really cool there but bring a jumper I was freezing with the air conditioning.

We also did O'Hana for breakfast and loved it

 

[charming23]

I'm here!!!! On your list of TS places to try, I loved Kona for dinner. It was my fovorite meal of our September 09 trip and we plan to go back next time we go.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We did Sci fi last September for lunch and thought the food was nice enough. The theming is really cool there but bring a jumper I was freezing with the air conditioning.

We also did O'Hana for breakfast and loved it

Hi, and

It seems that many of the restaurants can be cold at Disney, doesn't it?

I love'd O'hana for breakfast. It has been a few years since we've been there but I think I'd like to go again this time.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm here!!!! On your list of TS places to try, I loved Kona for dinner. It was my fovorite meal of our September 09 trip and we plan to go back next time we go.

Elizabeth!

I need to check out the menu at Kona for dinner. I know that I printed it and remember liking it, but I can't remember what was on it.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

CS Choices

Joe and I both don’t mind CS meals. Most of our friends prefer DXDP however we’re okay with CS places and there are some in fact that we actually look forward to every year.

I’m trying to expand our horizons this time and add more CS places at WS, however, I am not familiar with many of them and really could use the help of my readers!

CS places we have never been to but have wanted to try

Columbia Harbour House – I still have no clue why we’ve never tried this place. I think we’d like it. What’s even more strange is that I’ve had it in our itinerary the last three trips and we still haven’t gone there!

Yorkshire Fish – While I was overly enjoying my Grey Goose Slushy last year, Joe grabbed a snack here and said that it was pretty good. I’d like to give it a try.

Diamond Horseshoe – I can honestly say that as many times as we’ve been to the world, I don’t even know where this joint is! Ha! I do want to give it a try though.

Noodle Station – well, it’s never been open in all the times we’ve been there (like more than 30). Does this place EVER open?

Tutto Italia – just for the tiramisu

Tangierine Café – looks interesting to me

Boulangiere Patisserie – how have I managed to miss this place?

Crepes de Chefs de France – this place too ? How have I missed it ?


CS places that we hated but want to try again

None

CS places that love that we’ve been to and plan to go back to

Casey’s – Joe’s absolute favorite. He says that there isn’t another hot dog anywhere that is as good. We look forward this place.

Earl of Sandwich – OMG, lines and all, this place is totally worth it.

Flame Tree BBQ – I love BBQ and want to go back so bad, especially since they were closed last year. My fear is that I’ve been told that I shouldn’t eat pork any more after surgery. Man, am I gonna miss the pulled pork here. I may just get it and take it back to the resort.

Pecos Bills – I love the variety that they have to offer here. Last year when we were there they had just installed the self service thingys where you placed your order, swiped the card, etc.

Studio Catering – loved the pulled pork here too but sometime tells me it isn’t in the cards for us this time around.

Sunshine Seasons – I think Sunshine has the best variety on property for a CS place. We love it there and I think that’s the reason why we have not tried most of the other CS places at EPCOT.

Kringla – yep, for the school bread my friends….the school bread.

Sommerfest – Joe loves going here and we seem to stop here at least once each trip, sometimes more.

Pinocchio Village Haus – We haven’t been here in about 3 years. I’d like to go back again. I remember that they had salads here that were pretty good. Anyone know if they still have them?

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory – peeps, I can’t wait to get me some Beignets. I think that’s half the reason why we switched to POFQ!


What comments and suggestions do you have for me? Are there any of your favorites that I’ve left off of my list?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We stayed at POFQ in December 2005. While we loved the resort, the parks were so crowded that I actually asked Joe to call Continental to see if we could go home early! Yep, me, the Disney Queen wanted to go home. Can you believe it? I couldn't even believe that I was asking. Everything and I mean everything was packed. Packed like I had never seen it before.

I remember this though. I loved the resort. I loved everything about it and knew that I wanted to some day go back.

Since our drive with all of our pictures crashed, I have very few of that trip. Here is what I do have:

Our room. We had a corner room on the first floor, which was really nice.

The walk to the pool. Even though it was pretty cold and no one was swimming, I remember taking a walk to the pool. I love the theming of this resort.

We took a carriage ride from POR this trip too. It was lovely and I think I'd like to do it again.

Sad to say, those are the only pictures I have from the resort. Pretty bummed about losing everything but totally psyched about being able to take more!!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

subbed and EXCITED! I sincerely can not wait for this trip! So much to look forward to! POFQ is def one of the highlights for me! Seeing you guys so much is the best though! Almost under the 200 day mark

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

subbed and EXCITED! I sincerely can not wait for this trip! So much to look forward to! POFQ is def one of the highlights for me! Seeing you guys so much is the best though! Almost under the 200 day mark

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I just got off the phone with Disney. I had this idea that I could get a room only ressie with the current 40% offer and add the dining plan, paying out of pocket. This would actually have saved me money given that my current ressie is room, 2 day basic tickets (which we don't need) and free dining. Well, they won't let you book a room at the 40% code and pay for the basic dining plan. Isn't that crazy?

I am going to wait for the AP rates to come out for September (should be around June) to see what those rates will be.

I can get my $345.06 back for the 2 day tickets back upon check in so it's not that big of a deal.

Wonder why it is so frustrating sometimes to call Disney? And I have never, ever received a PIN code. EVER.... The only discounts that I've gotten was an AP discount.

Guess I will be happy with what I have.

 

[annmarieda]

Yay, I am not too late! I seem to be having bad luck getting sub'd to all the reports I want to be sub'd to.

ADR’s

Here is a list of the places that we’re thinking about. What do you thik?

The Wave – I really want to try The Wave. We had an ADR last year and canceled it for some reason. Anyone been there? What’s it like? I have never been here... but I have heard only good things..

Mediterranean Market – I haven’t even checked to see if this place is still at The Dolphin. Sounded interesting the last time I checked it out I got nothing... didn't even know this place existed.

Yak and Yeti – I never thought I’d say this, but I want to try it. Any comments on how the food is here? We at here in 2008 and while the food was good enough, the service was HORRID. Now, I am willing to give it another try and it is on my maybe list for our next trip

Kona (dinner) – We’ve been there for breakfast but are curious about dinner. Any recommendations? OH...this is one of my favorites. I did notice the menu changed a bit since september when we were there, but this is a MUST do for me on my next trip. Service and food were great

The Plaza – I’m really hoping to get a ressie here. We tried last year but we were unable to get in. Never been...

Cape May (dinner) – I want to go here but I am a little worried about how the crab legs will be. Basically, that is what I’d get if we go there and am worried that they will be mushy or cold. Never been here, but mushy cold fish?

Teppen Edo – It’s on the list for all of us to go to together. Joe and I, Stef and Dave, Jenn and her family. I think this would be a perfect dismeet restaurant. I like this restaurant. The atmosphere, the food...all very good. I am outgoing enough...I like to talk to people. I have no trouble being seated with strangers. However, on our February 2010 trip, we were seated with a couple who did not speak anything but french. I studied french through high school and into college even...but that was 20 years ago. I was so stressed out trying to translate I felt like I was letting them down. Finally, the manager (or who I thought was one) came to the table. He tried to explain what flavors of ice cream they had to them. I didn't feel so bad after the conversation between them went like this.... choc O lat or VAN ill A I wanted to say to him... they speak french. They are not deaf or dumb. And...isn't France just down the way a bit?

TS places that we have been to, hated, but want to try again

California Grill – We had a horrible experience when we were there a few years ago. It was so bad that Joe said “never again” however we’re going to give it a go with Stef and Dave. I am hoping for a much better experience never been here, but curious to see if it goes better for you.

Sci Fi – The food wasn’t all that the last time we went a few years back but we’re going to go again with Jenn for lunchI think everyone needs to eat in a car once...maybe twice I am not sure how easy it really is to eat "with" people there though.

TS places that we love and are going back to or want to go back to


Ohana (breakfast) – We had dinner here last year but I really think that I like breakfast better. I liked Ohana. I have not tried breakfast there...and it is on my list for next trip

Kona Café (breakfast) – We love it there. It’s tradition for us to go there for breakfast on our wedding anniversary. Joe gets the Big Kahuna. I really love the pancakes there. I myself, am torn. I want to go to both Kona and Ohana for breakfast. It is nice to see you too want to go to both places.

Grand Floridian Café – This is probably one of my favorite places to eat on property. We tried it for the first time a couple of years back and I could kick myself for taking us so long to get there. I am also going to get a specialty cake for our dinner here as we have over the last two years. never been... but I remember your cake and it looked impressive!

Liberty Tree Tavern – We were there once for dinner and are going to go for lunch with Stef and Dave. I can’t wait to try it.
This is once place I really don't want to go back to. It seemed a bit too... cafeteria.

Crystal Palace – We enjoy both breakfast and dinner here. Most years we try and get an early ADR here for breakfast so that I can take pictures in the park when it is empty. I think CP is a great place to eat for dinner on MNSSHP night. I love everything about it.I have never done the breakfast before park opening thing. What an awesome thing to do!

Mama Melrose – We were there a couple of times during the Backstage Magic Tour. We also went there last year on a Fantasmic package and the food was incredible. I can’t wait to go back again. I hope that we are able to get a Fantasmic package however if not, that’s okay too. I love that on the dp you get an ap for the fantasmic package. I love the tuna there

BOMA – We’re going to breakfast at BOMA with Jenn this trip. I like it here but it’s not my favorite. I think the thing that I like best is that I get to go to the Mara and grab me some zebra domes afterwards! Yay, me!!!!!! I have never been here... I remember your pics of hte zebra domes.... they look yummy.

We did Sci fi last September for lunch and thought the food was nice enough. The theming is really cool there but bring a jumper I was freezing with the air conditioning.

We also did O'Hana for breakfast and loved it

Oh, I forgot about that...Sci Fi always is freezing. I have ate there 2 or 3 times and each time I remember freezing.

CS Choices


I’m trying to expand our horizons this time and add more CS places at WS, however, I am not familiar with many of them and really could use the help of my readers! It is so easy to overlook the CS at WS because of all the good TS there. However, we kinda got around that on our September trip by sharing our credits...not eating a full meal at each place...but rather something at each place. We got either a snack or a meal to splt at each place.

CS places we have never been to but have wanted to try

Columbia Harbour House – I still have no clue why we’ve never tried this place. I think we’d like it. What’s even more strange is that I’ve had it in our itinerary the last three trips and we still haven’t gone there! I love the upstairs seating. Food wise it is nice that it is different from the burgers that seem to be offered everywhere else in MK

Yorkshire Fish – While I was overly enjoying my Grey Goose Slushy last year, Joe grabbed a snack here and said that it was pretty good. I’d like to give it a try.I think I would go with CHH over this, but if you were just getting a snack and moving on to some other place in WS...

Diamond Horseshoe – I can honestly say that as many times as we’ve been to the world, I don’t even know where this joint is! Ha! I do want to give it a try though. Yes, where is this place

Noodle Station – well, it’s never been open in all the times we’ve been there (like more than 30). Does this place EVER open?never has it been open when we have been there either. At first it got my dd so upset. Now, we always just look at it like it is a big ole tease. Oh and a good place to use a restroom that isn't crowded.

Tutto Italia – just for the tiramisu never been..

Tangierine Café – looks interesting to me I was impressed by the portions This meal was an easy one to split.

Boulangiere Patisserie – how have I managed to miss this place? You HAVE to go here...if only to get a pastry. However, the sandwiches are yummy too.

Crepes de Chefs de France – this place too ? How have I missed it ? Isn't this just the stand kinda near where the grey goose is served?

CS places that love that we’ve been to and plan to go back to

Casey’s – Joe’s absolute favorite. He says that there isn’t another hot dog anywhere that is as good. We look forward this place.I have never been... but the hot dogs are THAT good??? I may have to put this on our list.

Earl of Sandwich – OMG, lines and all, this place is totally worth it. never been, but I have seem way to many pictures to miss this one...

Flame Tree BBQ – I love BBQ and want to go back so bad, especially since they were closed last year. My fear is that I’ve been told that I shouldn’t eat pork any more after surgery. Man, am I gonna miss the pulled pork here. I may just get it and take it back to the resort. We missed this too in September for obvious. It is a bit heavy though and there are some nice cs in AK

Pecos Bills – I love the variety that they have to offer here. Last year when we were there they had just installed the self service thingys where you placed your order, swiped the card, etc. I like this well enough, but it kinda is the same food as Cosmic Ray's.

Studio Catering – loved the pulled pork here too but sometime tells me it isn’t in the cards for us this time around. I have no idea where this is? DHS? but where?

Sunshine Seasons – I think Sunshine has the best variety on property for a CS place. We love it there and I think that’s the reason why we have not tried most of the other CS places at EPCOT. For the variety in a one stop location, you certainly can't beat it. I think I prefer the food at the CS in WS though.

Kringla – yep, for the school bread my friends….the school bread. MMMM, school bread. Oh...and MMMM rice cream. Oh... and MMMM sweet pretzels. Can you tell I like this place?

Sommerfest – Joe loves going here and we seem to stop here at least once each trip, sometimes more. I only wish the brats were larger. This is not an easy one to share. I want my own brat!!!

Pinocchio Village Haus – We haven’t been here in about 3 years. I’d like to go back again. I remember that they had salads here that were pretty good. Anyone know if they still have them?I have only been here once and I didn't care for it.... don't know what to tell you bout the salads.


Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory – peeps, I can’t wait to get me some Beignets. I think that’s half the reason why we switched to POFQ! MMMM beignets Even though we were at POR last feb...it was worth the walk over!

I just got off the phone with Disney. I had this idea that I could get a room only ressie with the current 40% offer and add the dining plan, paying out of pocket. This would actually have saved me money given that my current ressie is room, 2 day basic tickets (which we don't need) and free dining. Well, they won't let you book a room at the 40% code and pay for the basic dining plan. Isn't that crazy?

Is it because you wouldn't have tickets on there? I booked with a 40% off pin and then added dp...but I also added myw tickets.

 

[dizneeat]

I am here too, Sophia!

I have only skimmed so far to find out your dates and we are going to miss you by just 5 days!!!!!!!!!

Okay, now going back to read it all!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay, I am not too late! I seem to be having bad luck getting sub'd to all the reports I want to be sub'd to.


Oh, I forgot about that...Sci Fi always is freezing. I have ate there 2 or 3 times and each time I remember freezing.


Is it because you wouldn't have tickets on there? I booked with a 40% off pin and then added dp...but I also added myw tickets.

So glad that you are here! I am printing your dining responses and taking notes.

And what's up with the freaking Noodle Station!!! We have been there during the months of February, April, May, August, September, November and December and NEVER once has it been open!