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

[OhioDisneyLover]

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!

Karin, I am happy to see you here on my PTR. I am sad however that I will miss you by 5 days! Ugh!

Joe and I had a nice time meeting you and Tom and your friends last year. I cannot wait to read about your trips though!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I know I am not alone in waiting semi-impatiently for the September hours to come out. I'm sure that we can probably figure out which dates there will be MNSSHP's by the hours. If it's like last year though, they threw us a curve ball. Dang hours came out and then they changed them!

Anywho, I am hoping that there will be a part on Tuesday, Sept 14th. What would be doubly awesome would be to be able to get an AP discount on the ticket. It's crazy that they offer the discount on only certain days.

I'm trying to figure out what our goals, ahem...my goals will be for the party. What I WANT to do is to see as many characters and get as many PP pictures as possible. See, last year, my sister stood in line with me for what felt like HOURS to meet the 7 dudes and we MISSED, yes, totally MISSED Hallowishes. I was fuming. To add to this, I didn't get any PP pictures at all. So, I'm thinking, do you think we should do 2, yes, 2 MNSSHP's? I thought that maybe the first one we'd focus on PP's and seeing the parade and Hallowishes and then the second one we'd focus on trick or treating and rides/attractions.

Wanna hear something funny? All of the MNSSHP's that I have been to, I have never come out of the park with more than 10 pieces of candy...and no, I didn't eat them all. For some reason since we have no kids, we usually get one little dinky piece of candy. Kinda like Charlie Brown getting a rock.

Part of me wanted to get one party ticket in advance and see how it goes and then get another if we want to go again. Problem with that is the cost is way more expensive if we don't get them in advance, especially if we can get the AP discount.

So, what do you guys think? What should I do?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I have all of these random thoughts today so I figured I may as well get them into my PTR before I forget...or before the pain med takes over...whichever comes first. Part of me is thankful for my recent emergency surgery and time to focus on trip planning.

Ok, back to my cake. I have gotten specialty cakes for two years in a row now. I get them from the GF Bakery and to do so we need to dine at a GF restaurant. Thank God we love GF Cafe. It is awesome.

For the last two years I have ordered a white almond cake which is my favorite. Yes, it is all about me you know. I have also ordered amaretto filling. The first year it was easy, peasy and I did not have any issues with this filling. Last year, different story. They said I could only get it if they had a wedding cake going out at the same time with the same filling. I did end up getting it.

Both cakes had white fondant and the cake the first year was a two tier that had white flowers and silver stamped Mickey's with a silver bow. Last year's cake had fall colored flowers and stupid me forgot to tell her that I don't like sun flowers. Guess what they had on the cake? Yep, sun flowers. I also had the stamped Mickey's again and if I'm honest, the cake wasn't as pretty as I hoped but dang, it tasted fantastic!

I've been thinking about this year's cake a lot. It will be our 11th anniversary. I'm thinking that I am going to go with a white almond again (big surprise for those that know me) but this time I am going with strawberry and cream filling. I am going to have it covered in white fondant but I am going to specifically ask for pink, peach, and pale yellow roses as decoration. I will get stamped gold Mickey's so ya'll pray for me that the price of gold doesn't skyrocket in September. Apparently, the silver and gold are real (although edible) and the cost depends on the market price.

So, it's quite the girly cake but Joe just goes along with me. He's so awesome like that. He told my boss the other day when she told him not to let me work and to take away my laptop and blackberry during recovery that there are two things that he won't do....1 - he will not tell his wife no and 2 - he will never tell her that she can't have something. Awwww, wasn't that sweet? I just wish he didn't tell my boss that.

I still have Pat at GF's number so I plan to call her in June to arrange for the cake. It's pretty early but that's when I called last year.

I'd like to hear more about any speciality cakes that anyone out there has ordered. I do look at the cake thread but if you have a personal experience to share, I'd love to hear it.

 

[annmarieda]

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

I am glad my ramblings are worth taking notes of....mostly...I figure they are just ramblings.

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!

yeah... right? I think it is just a tease. Kinda like "oh yes, come to our noodle station...look at our menu... yum yum... " "psych... we only have a restaurant and a menu... we don't actually SERVE the food on the menu"

Part of me wanted to get one party ticket in advance and see how it goes and then get another if we want to go again. Problem with that is the cost is way more expensive if we don't get them in advance, especially if we can get the AP discount.

So, what do you guys think? What should I do?

I have never been, so I am not sure what I would do. I have read of other people getting two tickets...for reasons you describe. I think also to get more candy..which might work for you too since you play the role of Charlie Brown in regards to getting candy at MNSSHP. I think for me it would come down to cost and if I would be able to get in what I wanted to in one party.

 

[annmarieda]

I have all of these random thoughts today so I figured I may as well get them into my PTR before I forget...or before the pain med takes over...whichever comes first. Part of me is thankful for my recent emergency surgery and time to focus on trip planning.

Ok, back to my cake. I have gotten specialty cakes for two years in a row now. I get them from the GF Bakery and to do so we need to dine at a GF restaurant. Thank God we love GF Cafe. It is awesome.

For the last two years I have ordered a white almond cake which is my favorite. Yes, it is all about me you know. I have also ordered amaretto filling. The first year it was easy, peasy and I did not have any issues with this filling. Last year, different story. They said I could only get it if they had a wedding cake going out at the same time with the same filling. I did end up getting it.

Both cakes had white fondant and the cake the first year was a two tier that had white flowers and silver stamped Mickey's with a silver bow. Last year's cake had fall colored flowers and stupid me forgot to tell her that I don't like sun flowers. Guess what they had on the cake? Yep, sun flowers. I also had the stamped Mickey's again and if I'm honest, the cake wasn't as pretty as I hoped but dang, it tasted fantastic!

I've been thinking about this year's cake a lot. It will be our 11th anniversary. I'm thinking that I am going to go with a white almond again (big surprise for those that know me) but this time I am going with strawberry and cream filling. I am going to have it covered in white fondant but I am going to specifically ask for pink, peach, and pale yellow roses as decoration. I will get stamped gold Mickey's so ya'll pray for me that the price of gold doesn't skyrocket in September. Apparently, the silver and gold are real (although edible) and the cost depends on the market price.

So, it's quite the girly cake but Joe just goes along with me. He's so awesome like that. He told my boss the other day when she told him not to let me work and to take away my laptop and blackberry during recovery that there are two things that he won't do....1 - he will not tell his wife no and 2 - he will never tell her that she can't have something. Awwww, wasn't that sweet? I just wish he didn't tell my boss that.

I still have Pat at GF's number so I plan to call her in June to arrange for the cake. It's pretty early but that's when I called last year.

I'd like to hear more about any speciality cakes that anyone out there has ordered. I do look at the cake thread but if you have a personal experience to share, I'd love to hear it.

So I have a question regarding the cake. Forgive me, cause I can't remember from your TR... did everyone eat it at the meal? Did you have left overs and you took it back to your room? I have had a hard time taking cupcakes back to the room. I am wondering how easy a cake with only a small amount taken out would do. They aren't huge cakes, though right?

Fingers crossed your cake is more perfect this year. Almond and strawberries and cream? YUM!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I am glad my ramblings are worth taking notes of....mostly...I figure they are just ramblings.

Nope, not ramblings at all.


yeah... right? I think it is just a tease. Kinda like "oh yes, come to our noodle station...look at our menu... yum yum... " "psych... we only have a restaurant and a menu... we don't actually SERVE the food on the menu"

So, how stupid is it that it's never open. I need to ask, what is "seasonal" for them? One very good thing though.....always get a nice quiet bathroom. DH's favorite.

Oh, and they do the dessert party there too so they use the seating. Otherwise, I have no clue what they use the space for.

I have never been, so I am not sure what I would do. I have read of other people getting two tickets...for reasons you describe. I think also to get more candy..which might work for you too since you play the role of Charlie Brown in regards to getting candy at MNSSHP. I think for me it would come down to cost and if I would be able to get in what I wanted to in one party.

Hey, maybe we should go to the party dressed like Charlie Brown and Lucy. Believe me, I don't NEED the candy at all. I just wanna bring it home, take it to work, put it in my candy dish and say "yeah, that came from Disney."

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

So I have a question regarding the cake. Forgive me, cause I can't remember from your TR... did everyone eat it at the meal? Did you have left overs and you took it back to your room? I have had a hard time taking cupcakes back to the room. I am wondering how easy a cake with only a small amount taken out would do. They aren't huge cakes, though right?

Fingers crossed your cake is more perfect this year. Almond and strawberries and cream? YUM!

The first year we ended up with a TON of cake left. Stupid me had to have the two tier which was a big mistake. We had it on our Wishes Cruise (after eating at GFC) and it was humid so it started to melt which was horrible. They put it in a box for us and we took it back to our room. We never made it past the first layer.

Last year's cake was smaller and more manageable. We did cut it at the table and there were 7 of us so we made good work of it. There was still cake left and we got a box again and took it back to our room. It was great for breakfast a couple of days when we had no ADR. We ended up sending it home with my nephew's nana. She came for a visit since she lives so close now.

This year we are getting the cake on the 2nd day of our trip instead of close to the last day. We moved our trip out a week so we're arriving the day before our anniversary which is much earlier than usual so we are hoping that we can eat it all before we depart. One good thing though is that this year's cake will be smaller.

It was pretty easy to take back but we had a car and we went straight back after our meal. I can see where it wouled be a pain if you were not planning to returnto the resort or if you were using Disney transportation.

 

[Stefy]

Ok all caught up. You got some great restaurant choices in there and I promise that CG will be a fantastic meal (I will make sure of it!).

Your Anniversary cake sounds delish, can't wait to see how it turns out

Remind me to send you the list we used for MNSSHP last year, was really handy and we managed to get alot of characters in. I would defo recommend two parties, the first for character hunting and the second more relaxed with the parade, fireworks and some candy stations (the second party we did we came away with a bagful each and that was with the meagre handouts the CM's were giving out)/ The Alice trail is the best for candy as there are about three stations on the trail

 

[Beka]

See comments below:

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
We stayed at the Dolphin in Oct, & I don't remember it being there. Then again, I was in a morning-sickness haze the whole time & the ONLY thing I wanted to eat was the mixed fruit from Picabu.

Yak and Yeti – I never thought I’d say this, but I want to try it. Any comments on how the food is here?
No idea, but it smelled wonderful when we passed by, but again with the morning sickness so we kept going.

Kona (dinner) – We’ve been there for breakfast but are curious about dinner. Any recommendations?
DO NOT get the sustainable fish. Bland city. The shrimp & scallops dish that Kyle got was delish & the duck pot stickers (appy) were wonderful! We ate there before MNSSHP.

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
We thought the food was OK, but the atmosphere more than made up for it! Too bad the hamburger made me sick. Then again, most everything made me sick in October. I want a do-over!


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

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!!!!!!
Another place I want a do-over! WE had eaten at Jiko the night before (in '09) & I over-ate to the point that I was sick all night afterward. Gastric bypass has its benefits, but it certainly has its drawbacks too.

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.

See below....

CS Choices

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!
LOVE the fish & chips. We ate there in 09. Kyle got salad; 3 of us had fish & chips, my MIL had the anchors aweigh (I think)... no complaints from anyone at the table!

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.
Again, delish!

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
Oh but the pizza is good! I'd be happy with a cheese pizza & salad from there. The salad that is on the pizza menu is num-num!

Tangierine Café – looks interesting to me
By far, my favorite place to eat in WDW, and we REALLY enjoyed Brown Derby. Too bad my morning sickness just wasn't allowing me to eat much this last trip.

Boulangiere Patisserie – how have I managed to miss this place?
Meh, I can take it or leave it. They're kind of bland. Not as good as something you'd get at a local bakery.

Crepes de Chefs de France – this place too ? How have I missed it ?
Ok, this place was so bad that Kyle took one bite, spit it out & threw the rest away. He really likes crepes too, BTW.


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.
Do that Then you can have quick access to the bath when you need it.

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?
I had the pizza, but the best seat in WDW is the balcony there.

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?

 

[petals]

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.

Yeah it's kinda funny that you have to go outside to heat up with some of the restaurants.

We did MNSSHP in Sept btw and I got loads of character pics that night but then I went to 7 dwarves first and lined up for them at 6.30 and went from there. I also didn't do any rides that evening as I'd be going back to Magic Kingdom anyway. Depends on yerself really as to how much you want to do at the MNSSHP

 

[MaryAz]

Hi Sophia, we overlap again this year Here are some dates I found for MNSSHP
Tues Sep 13th
Sat Sep 17th
Tues Sep 20th
Thurs Sep 22nd
Sat Sep 24th

As for restraunts, Yak and Yeti is on our must do list for every trip! Hubby loves it there. I am glad u are doing a PTR and recovering from ur surgery.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Ok all caught up. You got some great restaurant choices in there and I promise that CG will be a fantastic meal (I will make sure of it!).

Your Anniversary cake sounds delish, can't wait to see how it turns out

Remind me to send you the list we used for MNSSHP last year, was really handy and we managed to get alot of characters in. I would defo recommend two parties, the first for character hunting and the second more relaxed with the parade, fireworks and some candy stations (the second party we did we came away with a bagful each and that was with the meagre handouts the CM's were giving out)/ The Alice trail is the best for candy as there are about three stations on the trail

Thanks Stef. I think we're going to have a great time!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

See comments below:



See below....

Hi Beka,

I am printing your comments too. Very interesting about Kyle and the crepes. I think I need to remove them from my list.

I really liked staying at the Dolphin. We stayed there a few times over the years. I think the Market is to the right as you go down the escalator, on the right hand side. I can't remember. I have to get to allears and see if it is still there.

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate it!

Oh, and tell Connor that he has a TS buddy if he needs one. I watched TS1, 2 and 3 today.....for like the 5th time.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yeah it's kinda funny that you have to go outside to heat up with some of the restaurants.

We did MNSSHP in Sept btw and I got loads of character pics that night but then I went to 7 dwarves first and lined up for them at 6.30 and went from there. I also didn't do any rides that evening as I'd be going back to Magic Kingdom anyway. Depends on yerself really as to how much you want to do at the MNSSHP

I'm really torn with the party. I guess the rides/attractions are the least important because we'll be at the MK more than once during our stay. For me, it comes down to the characters, hallowishes and the parade.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Sophia, we overlap again this year Here are some dates I found for MNSSHP
Tues Sep 13th
Sat Sep 17th
Tues Sep 20th
Thurs Sep 22nd
Sat Sep 24th

As for restraunts, Yak and Yeti is on our must do list for every trip! Hubby loves it there. I am glad u are doing a PTR and recovering from ur surgery.

Hi Mary and to my PTR!

First, I am hoping that we can meet and say hi this year. I just got to see you briefly last year at CSR when we met Kathy and Mark, but we didn't get to meet. Your girls are absolutely adorable!!!

How did you find the MNSSHP dates so soon? I am impressed! I am hoping for Tuesday the 20th. It's impressive that they have one on the 22nd and 24th too.

So, any chance that you know when Fantasmic will be showing?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I have these questions and can't seem to find the answers. Maybe I am just impatient and not looking in the right places.

When we stayed at POFQ, we were there for a short period of time so I didn't need to know what I need to know now. Here goes:

1. What is the best building to request at French Quarter that is close to the laundry? There is only one laundry area on the FQ side of PO. I already know that we will need to do laundry becuase the cost of checking bags is ridiculous and as it is we will have 4 (2 each). I just don't want to be over the weight limit.

2. Are there only certain buildings that have king sized beds? We reserved a king room.

3. Has anyone taken the boat to DTD? I think that would be fun. Wondering how long of a walk it is to the boats and if we'd be better off driving.

That's about it for now. I was thinking of calling the resort this week since I am not able to go back to work yet but I wanted to ask my DIS expert friends first!

 

[Beka]

Link to AE Menus

Picabu is the buffet/market thing. The oatmeal was... different. Not bad, but it had been seasoned, which I wasn't expecting. Kyle didn't like the biscuits & gravy at all.

We never tried Fresh, but DH's college roommate is a manager at the Swolphin & hears wonderful things about their breakfast there, which I have heard as well.

The Cabana Bar & Grill was at the F&W thing the Swolphin had this past October, and OMG, it was SOOO good! Menu here.

I'd do 2 MNSSHPs if you can fit it in your budget. Why not?! It's fun! I'd spend the day before just wandering around whichever park you choose, or DTD, take it easy, eat a good meal maybe at the Contemporary or Poly (or in park if you can get it) then go to the party.

Oh, and Conner is watching TS2 on the TV & TS3 on Kyle's iPhone.

 

[MaryAz]

Hi Mary and to my PTR!

First, I am hoping that we can meet and say hi this year. I just got to see you briefly last year at CSR when we met Kathy and Mark, but we didn't get to meet. Your girls are absolutely adorable!!!

How did you find the MNSSHP dates so soon? I am impressed! I am hoping for Tuesday the 20th. It's impressive that they have one on the 22nd and 24th too.

So, any chance that you know when Fantasmic will be showing?

Happy to be here!! I also hope we can meet up!! Thanks for the compliment on the girls I found them on the touringplans website. Nope, no idea for Fantasmic-sorry.

 

[petals]

I'm really torn with the party. I guess the rides/attractions are the least important because we'll be at the MK more than once during our stay. For me, it comes down to the characters, hallowishes and the parade.

I think we got most characters in only one I missed that I wanted was ABU but that could have gone the other way as well it was just down to timing and when we got to where Abu was Genie was out instead. But we managed to get all characters and hallowishes and parade in one night

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Link to AE Menus

Picabu is the buffet/market thing. The oatmeal was... different. Not bad, but it had been seasoned, which I wasn't expecting. Kyle didn't like the biscuits & gravy at all.

We never tried Fresh, but DH's college roommate is a manager at the Swolphin & hears wonderful things about their breakfast there, which I have heard as well.

The Cabana Bar & Grill was at the F&W thing the Swolphin had this past October, and OMG, it was SOOO good! Menu here.

I'd do 2 MNSSHPs if you can fit it in your budget. Why not?! It's fun! I'd spend the day before just wandering around whichever park you choose, or DTD, take it easy, eat a good meal maybe at the Contemporary or Poly (or in park if you can get it) then go to the party.

Oh, and Conner is watching TS2 on the TV & TS3 on Kyle's iPhone.

Thanks for the menus, Beka. I loved the Dolphin when we stayed there. Thye use to have a place called Tubbies Buffeteria. Too cute.

We may do 2 MNSSHP's. We're leaning towards it if we get the AP discounts. Not that it is much, but it's something.

I had to laugh because just when I finished watching TS3 last night, one of the TV stations played them all.

Happy to be here!! I also hope we can meet up!! Thanks for the compliment on the girls I found them on the touringplans website. Nope, no idea for Fantasmic-sorry.

I'm crossing my fingers that the touringplan website is correct!

I think we got most characters in only one I missed that I wanted was ABU but that could have gone the other way as well it was just down to timing and when we got to where Abu was Genie was out instead. But we managed to get all characters and hallowishes and parade in one night

Wow, that was great timing to be able to get it all in on one night!