The, "I'll pose for pics & sign autographs" B-day tour! WEEERE BAAACK!!!!

[Dizneydawn]

I've used the basic dining plan in each of my past three visits. The first two years we got it when they were offering it for free. Last year we paid for it. This year we got it again for free. In the past it was a great deal and convenience because everything was taken care of. This year it should be a good deal for my family again. Even with the tips not included I think it is still worth it. Now for your family, they all would be considered adults. Have you taken a look at the menus over at allears? If you think that they would have no problem eating all of that food then it might be a good idea to get the plan.

We too have had it free for one trip...but to pay for it...I am not sure if it is worth it... From what I understand the Deluxe plan uses 2 sit down meals versus 1 counter service and 1 sit down...we shall see..

We have used the DDP (basic) for our last 4 trips and decided this past trip was it...we are done with the DDP. We actually find it too limiting (not in terms of food at all...but in terms of schedule). While the value was great (particularly before the changes) remember that our 3 kids are ALL kid price. Also, it is just WAY WAY WAY too much food for us...and DH and I both love to eat and couldn't finish.

When we go out for a "normal" dinner here at home...he and I usually split one appetizer and then each get an entree and no dessert. For lunch, we are soup and half a sandwich types (or salad and half a sandwich when it is hot). So we decided that next trip we will use the DDE card (20% off) and we will make ADRs for lunches and dinners each day. I would rather have to smaller sit down meals each day as opposed to one ginormous meal. We always found CS to be an issue.

Again, that is just us. You have 3 teens...do they eat you out of house and home? Think about that...FOUR desserts TWICE a day among you. Would they eat that much? Or do you want them to?

Happy planning, girlfriend!

I am not sure what to do...I now remember going with Jodi and having the meal plan but since we smuggled Carsyn into the room...she and I split the meal...and it was great...sometimes we got an xtra salad...
Treyner could eat all the food no issue...he is expensive due to his food consumption...Baylor could also split some food...

I should probably look at the menus...decide what people would probably eat...add the total..and then decide...we will be splitting our stay so maybe I will just do the meal plan for the 3 days we will get credit for at the Poly...and pay cash for the rest...eat at those 3 days at the places we really want to eat at...at OKW we will have a full kitchen so it would not be hard to only eat one meal/snack out of pocket and the rest do food in the room...

Well we are using the Deluxe Dining Plan, and I'll let you know how I feel about it after we get back.

We decided to go with the deluxe plan because we wanted more of our food prepaid for, and I was worried that on the regular plan I would always be thinking about how many credits we had left. This way I know we are pretty much covered. Plus we are doing two signature meals that are 2 credits each, CRT and Brown Derby.

Most days we only have one adr scheduled, though we do have a few days with two. I figure we can always call and cancel if we decide we'd rather do counter service. Well not CRT, but I'm not worried about not wanting to do that one.

Can you explain the deluxe plan to me...I am having a hard time getting even Disney to explain it well....How much a day for adults was it again??


I had an un-expected work get-away so was gone Monday through this afternoon...sorry for dropping ya'll...I was not able to get to the internet...

 

[stagemomx3]

Can you explain the deluxe plan to me...I am having a hard time getting even Disney to explain it well....How much a day for adults was it again??

It's $69.99 per night for adults for 3 TS or CS credits, & 2 snack credits per night, plus it includes a refillable mug. The other difference besides more credits is that you meals include appetizers and dessert, not just dessert.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

whew..... I consider myself an excellent storyteller, but I cant hold a candle to u!! I too, was crying-I cant wait for your trip report now, u are very funny!! Great rollerblade story(and Im a rollerblader!)

Keep the stories coming please

 

[MousekaMaddi]

Im laughing so hard that I forgot to answer your questions ...
We have done DDP twice free and loved it, I agree it was lots of food but it was great to be able to try so many diff things (dh and I always tried what the other person had in appys and entrees and desserts,) dont mind the loss of appy thing but I hate the tip removal. I wouldnt do the DDP again just for that fact alone, we have the DDE card and have had it for years, we have annual passes.
I dont love WC but I go there with first timers just so they can see the experience of WC
I Le Celliar.

 

[Dizneydawn]

It's $69.99 per night for adults for 3 TS or CS credits, & 2 snack credits per night, plus it includes a refillable mug. The other difference besides more credits is that you meals include appetizers and dessert, not just dessert.

Thanks...I am really glad you explained that...so you can choose a CS or TS for all 3? I like the appetizers as well...current recovering carb addict! I will need to add up the food gestamater....

whew..... I consider myself an excellent storyteller, but I cant hold a candle to u!! I too, was crying-I cant wait for your trip report now, u are very funny!! Great rollerblade story(and Im a rollerblader!)

Keep the stories coming please

Thanks for the huge compliment...you are a large poster so that means a lot since you have obviously read a lot...I wonder sometimes if I only make myself laugh...bring over some more veterans and we can all laugh together...I have some good Disney stories to tell...will have to post them this weekend...I better make notes of them..

#1 saving Carsyn by her hair at Pirates ride
#2 almost losing Carsyn at MK about 1 hour before needing to save her by her hair on Pirates ride
#3 man from Brazil with 3 nipples under his right armpit at BB
#4 College students getting an @ss whopping from me at DTD re: Carsyn
#5 Baylor refusing to get out of Pool at Boardwalk
#6 Treyner/Nick breaking into the Clown slide after Dark at Boardwalk
#7 Not pleasant but very plump woman at Boardwalk with Mask on her face
#8 Speedo comment at BB by Treyner
#9 Bikini comment at BB by Baylor
#10 Do I look like I fit on a toddler Daybed from Boardwalk w/ Jodi and the gang...


Okay..that should be a start...

Im laughing so hard that I forgot to answer your questions ...
We have done DDP twice free and loved it, I agree it was lots of food but it was great to be able to try so many diff things (dh and I always tried what the other person had in appys and entrees and desserts,) dont mind the loss of appy thing but I hate the tip removal. I wouldnt do the DDP again just for that fact alone, we have the DDE card and have had it for years, we have annual passes.
I dont love WC but I go there with first timers just so they can see the experience of WC
I Le Celliar.

Me too on the Canadian masterpiece of fine dining! How much is a DDE card and what are the benefits??? Never had one...kinda like an enema..never had one of those either...but I have been currious ....is that too much info at this new start to our relationship???

 

[KariC]

Thanks for the info..maybe we will try it again...

Has anyone else used the new dining plans???? Which one and what is your thoughts on the value???

Hey! I couldn't find the thread! We just did the deluxe plan...good "value" if you like to eat sit down meals twice each day. But, we spent a lot of time in restaurants!

I'll come back tomorrow to answer your others. pinky promise!

(I'm still wiping the tears from your stories....with you, laughing with you)

 

[stagemomx3]

Karma? After laughing until my sides ached and I couldn't breathe at your tales of personal peril I got my comeuppance in the form of taking a fall of my own on Monday.

So a note of caution to all of you enjoying the hilarity- watch out!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Hey! I couldn't find the thread! Did someone reccomend this pre-trippie to you??? I give finder fees so you must tell...

We just did the deluxe plan...good "value" if you like to eat sit down meals twice each day. But, we spent a lot of time in restaurants!yeah....I am thinking that will not be a good idea...Treyner has not been there since 2005 so he will want to be busy riding.. What restaurants did you try???

I'll come back tomorrow to answer your others. pinky promise! I am waiting for you....

(I'm still wiping the tears from your stories....with you, laughing with you)

Thanks again...it really does make my day to have people laugh...I always consider those who lurk and do not post...are they dissapointed...and if they are...why do I care....
Can you say therapy sessions 1765 and 1766....

Karma? After laughing until my sides ached and I couldn't breathe at your tales of personal peril I got my comeuppance in the form of taking a fall of my own on Monday.

So a note of caution to all of you enjoying the hilarity- watch out!

I read your tale of pavement passion....glad you did not break anything not able to be casted...can you imagine being on a stretcher face up...wheeled through the streets of MK? Or even better...face down...then put on end to view fireworks!

 

[stagemomx3]

I read your tale of pavement passion....glad you did not break anything not able to be casted...can you imagine being on a stretcher face up...wheeled through the streets of MK? Or even better...face down...then put on end to view fireworks!

 

[KariC]

Girl...I posted on your first page! But that was awhile ago!

My kids are younger, so that might be reflected in our choices.
So, this year, we did:
MK: Crystal Palace for brunch.....Oh. My. Word. Yummy!!! But, don't know if your kids want to meet Pooh and friends. But, buffets are for teen boys!

Epcot: Princess Meal at Norway (maybe the boys would like? ), again a buffet, but also an entree. It's okay, but does have traditional fare.
Coral Reef---love that Lobster Bisque!
La Cellier-not this trip, but this is my fave.

AK: don't know. we keep skipping this (we did doBreakfast with Donald a couple years ago, tho)

MGM/DHS-Hollywood and Vine - buffet brunch again, with playhouse disney (see what i mean? kiddie meals). pretty good, tho.
SciFi-we actually liked this place, and the shakes are awesome. i'm thinking teens would like.
Brown Derby-not this trip, but we loved this one. went for lunch (b/c of the kids) and really enjoyed.
ABC Commisary - it's a CS...and "okay".
PrimeTime-good food, we've never had a fun server, tho.

Resorts: Grand Floridian Cafe----yummy!!!! a new must-do for me! Crab cakes and dessert are awesome!
The one at SSR---good. DH loved this one, can't remember name and holding sleepy baby (hence the typos, typing with only left hand)
Chef Mickey's---yum! couldn't make it this year.
Ahona w/Lilo and Stitch--food is good, served family style. we had a poopy server and didn't get more food. and, lilo and stitch never came to our table. which mattered to our kids, but after an hour...we had to go.

DH also loves Might Caseys; we've done liberty tree tavern, columbia house, pinnochio's pizza thingie at magic kingdom, cosmic ray's, espn at boardwalk, portobello's at DTD....there might be more (3 trips in 2.5 years)

 

[Dizneydawn]

Girl...I posted on your first page! But that was awhile ago!
Well Holy Cr@p...you sure did..I need to start taking cliff notes for my mass swarms of fans....
Seriously...sorry...that was awhile ago and three million trips to the Dr. and I have no real good excuse so I suck and that is it and I am on my knees and I beg for mercy...
Thanks again for the food choices...I deleted it for length.....

You rock with all the menu options!!

 

[KariC]

Everyone is in bed at my house...that means I can finally answer your questions!

Okay my lurkers....
I need your opinion and I need your help...I feel very alone right now in this planning because all the kids want to be surprised...

Treyner in fact just said....I am leaving Minnesota for my birthday...I don't care if we just sit at the pool....anything after we get there is a bonus.

I am so proud of him...he is so gracious and not selfish...but now I am stuck!

So here is some specific questions I would love some help on please!

#1 What are some extras at the holiday season we should do besides seeing the parks (like water sprites...certain htels to see decorated etc...)

#2 What are your favorite restaurants and why??? See my above post: but love La Cellier, Crystal Palace breakfast, Coral Reef

#3 What is your favorite building to stay at at OKW? (We will have a 2 bedroom) Never been, can't help

#4 What is your favorite MK view room at the POLY? Rub it in, never been

#5 Where should I order his cake from? fix one in your room. i hear if you take a crock pot you can do it. I am so joking. check with food people at wdw-dine. you can order cakes for whatever restaurant you'll be at.

#6 Any exciting extras you can think of to ask from Guest Services to make his stay very special??? when my twins turned 3, they got special b-day cards signed by their fave characters left in our room. Goofy sang to them over the phone at MK guest services. Make sure he gets the button at each park for his birthday. It sounds like he enjoys cheesy things like that.

#7 Favorite things to do at the parks at Christmas time?? I'll let you know when we get home this year.

#8 What can I do to make this birthday the most special (18th and his senior year)
Okay...I know sometimes I read trip reports and don't correspond but I hope some of you will with some specific questions.

I AM ON MY KNEES PEOPLE....and I am heavy so the rest of my future walking upright depends on your prompt response!!!No guilt intended...just a complete guilt trip...idling wastes time!!!


THANK YOU!!!!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Hey Girl! Ok...time for me to weigh in on the restaurant thang....

Le Cellier--nope! SKIP IT. It has gone way, way downhill since the new chef. It has a "must do" reputation here on the DIS and it absolutely does NOT deserve it (listen and/or read Kevin's dining reviews....if I get around to it, I will post the links to his reviews...they are totally worth listening to...and his sense of humor will jive with yours really well...you will love him!).

Instead of Le Cellier, go to CHEFS DE FRANCE. This is THE BEST kept secret at Epcot. best food---gorgeous interior, and far less expensive than Le Cellier. Downright reasonable for lunch.

Coral Reef--also not high on my list. It is ALWAYS very loud...this is due to the design. The whole place has to be wide open in order that everyone can see the tanks. Food is ok...though the desserts are some of the best on property!

Still at Epcot--the NEW Sushi place in Japan is WONDERFUL if you like sushi. This is NOT the Teppan Ito place...this is the Tokyo Dining (both new names). 115 kinds of sushi...just very well done in every way.

Avoid Mexico and China like the plague. Italy is fine...can't really go wrong there. Norway is Princess Character Meal, so that will be a skip for you based on that alone, I would imagine. Morocco is ok, but it is obviously Mediterranean fare, so you have to like that. I think they are better in the CS than TS actually.

And believe it or not, I would say YES to the Rose & Crown at England. We have been pleasantly surprised here TWICE in a row now. Everywhere else was booked and this really came through for us. Plus, it is likely to have choices the kids will like...fish and chips... Prices are more reasonable than other Epcot locations.

Phew! Ok, that takes care of Epcot.

Both O'HANA's and Whispering Canyon are on the MUST SKIP list. Both have food that is cold and barely edible. I hate the "atmosphere" at O'hana's as well. Again...loud....and lots of kids running around with sticks (no kidding...this is the entertainment) and possibly the worst ukelele player ever. Yeah, and cold food. Yuck all around. When you are staying at the Poly, you can zip over to the GF and have a far better meal. Although O'hana's for b'fast is fine...basic character breakfast food...so tons of choices and all of it is decent. Lilo & Stitch are the characters.

WCC--one of the most beautifully stunning restaurants on property....with some of the worst food. Again, atmosphere here can be great or terrible, depending on how into character your server is. But don't go for the food.

I have found in my many trips (6 in the last 2 years alone, so my opinions are fairly recent) that you can either get great atmosphere or great food, but rarely both at WDW. Personally, I think that this decline has been due to the Dining Plan and restaurants just being too swamped to maintain quality and standards, but that is a different topic all together.

My recommendations for best food--Portobello Yacht Club in DTD. Pricey...definitely. But outstanding food and even better service. Also, the Captain's Galley (I think that is what they are calling it now...name change recently) and the Yacht Club. This one is NOT pricey at all and has amazing food and service. Those are my top two. Not coincidentally, they are Kevin's top two as well.

Ok, that's enough for one post! I will go through more restaurants next time. Oh and the Deluxe DDP? NO....not for this trip honey. It takes way, way, way too much time and planning...and you will just feel like you are running from restaurant to restaurant all day. There is a time and place for the Deluxe plan, but this is not the trip for it.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Thanks sooo much for all the food advice! I will take into consideratin ad begin the calculations!

I will have time to write tomm. the exciting new installations of my tentaive itenerary plan....we shall see how much I can get accomplished and finalized this early!

We will do MVMCP for sure....and I am still ambivalent on when to do what...but...I found the cake website and am psyched to have Treyner get a fabulous cake for his Birthday!
Here is a picture of Treyner with his girlfriend Jenna....official prom dates and we shall see about him bringing a friend with to Disney....it is a long way off and a lot of tears can happen before then!

And here is one with Baylor a week ago with my niece Skyler...his first cousin on my side! He just got his hair all cut off (had the longer hockey hair) and I can't believe how different he looks...more grown up!

And here is Carsyn...at Fort Meyers 3 days ago...she is on the left with Sara...one of the body slide skinnies I wrote about when Jodi lost her piddipple!

Okay...there is an update on the family pics....

**HOW do you guys get those t-shirts made and customized....I get some are talented on the computer...but then how does it get to t-shirts...and will anyone accept payment to do some for me??? I am horrid at anything slightly crafty!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Okay...
KariC, StageMomx3 and 3 Dis Kids....pm me your address and I will send you promised Tupp gift cards!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Some stories I promissed...

#1 saving Carsyn by her hair at Pirates ride


So here is the short but funny story...
We went to WDW when Carsyn was 3, Treyner was 5 and Baylor was 1 . There was a diaper bag to tote, camera bag etc. and Baylor was not too good at walking so of course in lines you had to carry him.

We are pretty trustworthy people..so we usually covered the diaper bag and left it in the stroller...but we did carry the camera bag (video camera bag) with us.

So we (including their dad and I) are in line for Pirates and Carsyn was very excited. We were in line for the second boat.

At the time when you qued...you had the two boats that came hurtling forward and picked up passengers.

The first boat would slow down at the end of the que and then slowly go forward until it was lined up with the first boat people. Thus leaving the second boat people their boat as it followed. Then both boats left simultaneously.

Well you are supposed to stay behind the yellow line and wait for your boat to stop and then board. That is the theory...

Carsyn...scooted in front of me to ensure she was boarding first...typical rivalry with her older brother.
And guess what...
She tried to get on the first boat...and missed it and fell into the water as the second boat was approaching.

Their dad had Baylor and was behind me...I had my arms full with my purse and camera bag etc... and all I could do is grab her by her ponytail...Thank Gosh she had long hair...and yanked her out...

I think I have saved the day and her life as she was literally soaked from the shoes to mid chest....

The CM running the loading process needed to change his drawers due to the serious nature of the incident.

I asked what would have happened if I hadn't grabbed her...

He said, "I don't know because there is a safety sensor that makes the boats stop for a period so wheelchair and handicap/elderly people who may move slower, do not fall boarding."

Translation... she would have been trapped under the boat is the jist.

The best was that Carsyn was busy yelling to the entire shocked audience of ride goers that her hair hurt and why did I pull her hair when she could swim just fine and would have liked to have swam with the pirates! Just like the lazy river at Blizzard Beach!

Since that eppisode...I noticed they now have gates that do not let people fall into the water!

..
#2 almost losing Carsyn at MK about 1 hour before needing to save her by her hair on Pirates ride

Previous to entering Adventureland we had been at Fantasyland and there is a bathroom near the castle we were using. Their Dad and Treyner did not need to go...Carsyn and I did and Baylor needed to be changed. So into the womens room we three went.

Changed Baylor while Carsyn went to the restroom...she came out and I walked out with them and handed them to their Dad. Then went in to go myself.

Came out...Treyner and Chad were standing next to the double stroller with the canopy down..I came up..unlocked the brakes..and off we went. About three blocks away...I lifted the canopy to ask Carsyn if she was hungry..and guess what??

No Carsyn!

In place of her weight was the diaper bag and camera bag so as I had pushed it...I did not question if she was where she had supposed to have been because the stroller felt balanced.

Their Dad took off like a bat out of he** and ran back to the bathroom. I followed at a much slower pace with Treyner in tow and Baylor thinking it was the best ride of his life as his mom is racing with the stroller downhill!

There was Carsyn...standing at the bathroom where she had been left...never moved but asking when we got her.. 'why did you guys leave me?" (Notice a theme of always our fault?)

What had happened is when I dropped off Baylor and Carsyn...their Dad decided he would use the facilities...

Carsyn decided she had to go #2 and told Treyner and in the bathroom she went...I came out of the bathroom not knowing Carsyn had gone back...or their Dad had left. Treyner forgot to mention Carsyn was still in the bathroom and I assumed eberyone was where I left them!

Panic let me tell you! It was probably only 5 minutes tops but still! I was surprised that not one adult questioned her standing in the same spot...she was not crying though so I suppose they figured she was just waiting for someone!

Then with the Pirate close call....I was sure we were destined to not have a daughter when we returned! In fact her pre-school teacher was amused with her stories of parent misshap when for show and tell she brought pictures of her trip...and instead of showing the Castle..she explained the significance of the landmark in relation to where she was left by her parents...and her Pirates t-shirt was a souveigner of the ride where her mom pulled her hair in front of everyone!

I guess there goes the parenting award I was hoping for!

Okay...I am off to get some food choices committed for this trip...I think!!

 

[UtahMama]

I'm only doing this for a free Aurora bell tumbler ....

Mind you I'm NOt (that) picky-

Kona, not O'hana. You can get Tonga Toast at the Poly food court though if you're in a hurry. I LOVE the POLY food court!!!!! I yam soooo jealous!

Atmosphere, m'dear? 50's Primetimeand Whispering Canyon are fun but mediocre food-wise.

If you're there for an MGM (er, DISNEY STUDIOS) do the Fantasmic Package at either Mama Melrose or Brown Derby and you'll get VIP seating for Fantasmic....sweet! Mama Melrose has this crazy-good breads and spreads appie...oh Lord, it's gooood.

Favorite character B-fast- Chef Mickeys....for the breakfast lasagna and the muffin tops (heh).

Liberty Tree is cool too. Homey comfort food.

HATED Concourse Steakhouse. Except for the tomato bisque. The steak was funky and gamey when we were there AND my dd got impetigo from the paint brushes used for the paint-a-cookie. Grrr!


Eat in France or the Tangerine Cafe if you want yummy counter service

LOVED Biergarten's pretzel bread and FUN singing and dancing. Who can resist the Chicken Dance, I ask you?



LOVE your stories! I especially like the water-slide story!!!!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

I'm only doing this for a free Aurora bell tumbler ....

Mind you I'm NOt (that) picky-
pm me your address and you hve your wish!




LOVE your stories! I especially like the water-slide story!!!!!

thanks so much for reading and replying...good call on the VIP Fantasmic seating...plus many others...
Thanks for everything...

 

[3DisneyKids]

I totally agree with UM on the Fantasmic Package (even though she is an evil Peepster! )

Brown Derby has FAR better food (truly one of the best restaurants on property) but it will COST you. Not cheap. Mama Melrose's is GOOD. (Not outstanding like Brown Derby,but definitely good) and certainly much cheaper.

As far as I am concerned, you don't need to consider any other TS places at The Studios.

As UM said, Sci-Fi and 50's are just so-so all the way around. The atmosphere can be great...but it depends on your server (at 50s especially).

Let's see...are you going to AK? Let me know and I will give you my opinions for there.

And as for MK...honestly, I think MK is the worst park for TS. We LOVE Crystal Palace there and consider it one of the best buffets on property. But we also have 3 little kids, so the Pooh crowd is their speed. I don't think your kids would get the benefit. Tony's is fine...we have had wonderful service there and decent food. Not out of this world, but good. The Plaza is an often over-looked place and you can do well there as well, and it is not expensive. LTT is gross food, though can be a great character meal (if you like the characters in their colonial garb, which I don't).

As for CS at the MK--I would avoid Cosmic Ray's. We usually do CS in MK and then have our nice sit down meal for dinner out of the park (DTD or at our resort). The two best CS places are Columbia Harbor House and Pinnochio's (and this is another hidden gem...it always looks dark and all-but closed...so there are not often many people there....but they have good sandwiches).

That ends this installment of 3DK's dining reviews...

 

[Dizneydawn]

#! I love the idea of Pinnochio Haus....sold on that...heard great reviews...

#2 LeCellier is Treyner's pick...he loves the beer cheese soup..(okay I do too) so maybe just an appetizer of soup to break up the day...

#3 50's Prime Time has the best cheese appetizer on the planet...so again ... just a quick bite there..

#4 Brown Derby seems well approved w/ the Fantasmic pkg...
have to figure out what that will do with seeing the Osborne lights at night though...that is his passion....any thoughts???

#5 Kona's for one meal

#6 French Rest at Epcot I will look into as the main meal thatDay...

#7 Beaches N Cream for dessert/meal....his only other request because he wants to attempt the kitchen sink again...

#8 MK Bakery for their caramel rolls/cherry pastries.....(IMO cheapest b-fast on the property...and a 18 year old eats a lot of donuts trying to gain for football...I...need no donuts because I look like a football!

#9 Need to find a special place for his big B-day dinner where the Cake can be delivered....

I am trying to refresh my opinions on having food at the Parks to go a different...gasp...unconventional route...

It seems that there is pieces of many restaurants I really enjoy...so why take a whole meal time up to have only so so food instead of going in for what I (we) want...and doing the rest as we want and in the room...Again... we will be in a 2 bedroom with full kitchen...and at the Poly for 2 nights needing to eat out more...

Whatcha Think Now Boyeeee???