The Never Ending Pre-Trip Report Nov. 11 and New Year's '12!!! - TR LINK! 1/15 Pg33

[ZehnJahren]

Isn't is weird - I JUST came back from WDW, but seeing your pics of MK above makes me want to go back immediately. I mean, I JUST CAME BACK! But, with the annual pass, it looks like I am definitely going to go on a solo trip this winter at some point - hoping to get a good discount on a value resort, rent a car on credit card points, and get a decent flight, either in February, March, or April. So while the weather is bleh, I can escape BACK to the MK!

So thanks for posting those great pictures - just a reminder that I have another trip in the works.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Isn't is weird - I JUST came back from WDW, but seeing your pics of MK above makes me want to go back immediately. I mean, I JUST CAME BACK! But, with the annual pass, it looks like I am definitely going to go on a solo trip this winter at some point - hoping to get a good discount on a value resort, rent a car on credit card points, and get a decent flight, either in February, March, or April. So while the weather is bleh, I can escape BACK to the MK!

So thanks for posting those great pictures - just a reminder that I have another trip in the works.

I always feel that way! I look at my pictures upon my return from a trip and I want to go back right away. You'll definitely be making a jaunt though with your annual pass. That's the great part about having one.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I always feel that way! I look at my pictures upon my return from a trip and I want to go back right away. You'll definitely be making a jaunt though with your annual pass. That's the great part about having one.

Boy, Disney gets the hooks in, don't they? But I sure could go for a spin on the Haunted Mansion right now! Or BTMRR. Or TSMM. Or ToT. Or...... well, any ride really! Just one quick ride, and I'd happily go back to work.

Yes, the annual pass is already whispering at me from my wallet - give it a month or so and it will be shouting at me "COME ON COME ON YOU GET A DISCOUNT LET'S GO!!"

 

[IheartDDuck]

Boy, Disney gets the hooks in, don't they? But I sure could go for a spin on the Haunted Mansion right now! Or BTMRR. Or TSMM. Or ToT. Or...... well, any ride really! Just one quick ride, and I'd happily go back to work.

Yes, the annual pass is already whispering at me from my wallet - give it a month or so and it will be shouting at me "COME ON COME ON YOU GET A DISCOUNT LET'S GO!!"

That would be nice, wouldn't it? To be able to ride something and then go on to your normal day.

 

[PirateKate]

I'm so sorry to hear about your trip getting cancelled! That's the worst feeling, when you're all ready to go and then you find out you can't go after all. I'm glad everything worked out all right!

Since you asked, my favorite foods at F&W were the Lobster Roll and Claw Cuddler from Hops and Barley, Escargot from France, and the Cheese Selection from the Cheese booth. And the shrimp taco from Mexico was really good. And the Kalua Pork Slider from Hawaii.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm so sorry to hear about your trip getting cancelled! That's the worst feeling, when you're all ready to go and then you find out you can't go after all. I'm glad everything worked out all right!

Since you asked, my favorite foods at F&W were the Lobster Roll and Claw Cuddler from Hops and Barley, Escargot from France, and the Cheese Selection from the Cheese booth. And the shrimp taco from Mexico was really good. And the Kalua Pork Slider from Hawaii.

It was a pretty icky feeling overall. But, you're right, it all worked out so it's okay now.

Thanks for the recommendations! Most of them were already on my list, so I'm glad to hear that they were good.

 

[TinksThree]

I am a few days behind. So where to start? I love EOS and I think a solo trip to DTD sounds just dandy!! I am not all that into Harry Potter so that has never been big on my list but I think the castle and whole concept looks awesome! Now Universal Studios is a place I think my family would love!! I may need to add it sometime!

I think the MK plan sounds awesome. I just learned that when we go for our band trip in March, BTMMR will be closed for rehab!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I am a few days behind. So where to start? I love EOS and I think a solo trip to DTD sounds just dandy!! I am not all that into Harry Potter so that has never been big on my list but I think the castle and whole concept looks awesome! Now Universal Studios is a place I think my family would love!! I may need to add it sometime!

I think the MK plan sounds awesome. I just learned that when we go for our band trip in March, BTMMR will be closed for rehab!

If your family would enjoy Universal, I would definitely suggest it. I got an annual pass this year, but most times we won't go that often because it can be costly IMO.

I just heard that BTMRR was going to be down too! It definitely needs a rehab though, so I'm happy about that, but it's a downer for people who are going to be missing it.

 

[Merida]

Subbing! I'm so sorry to hear about your trip being cancelled but your two upcoming trips sound fun!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Subbing! I'm so sorry to hear about your trip being cancelled but your two upcoming trips sound fun!

Thanks! Even though we hit some bumps in the road, we'll definitely have a good time.

 

[IheartDDuck]

So I'm thinking about sending a room request to the resort. Here's my thought process.

I'm very worried about the pirate beds. Now, remember, I took this room because it was the only thing we could get with DVC points. I've even called to see if something else has opened up, and nothing has.

I've read mixed reviews about the beds. I know they're full size, but I've heard that they're just mattress pads, not actual mattresses. Some people say that they're fine, while others say that they're uncomfortable.

What should I do? Should I send a request to the resort and hope they grant it? Or should I wait and see if the room is okay, and if it's not, complain to the front desk? That's what the person at DVC member services said to do. I'm also concerned about the location, because it's in Trinidad South, which is really far away from Old Port Royale.

Help DIS friends!!!!

 

[Dugette]

As far as F&W recommendations, there were a lot of good things!

At one point during our trip, I determined that, if I could make a meal out of F&W things, I'd have:

Appetizer: Griddled Greek Cheese (Greece)
Meal: Kalua Pork Slider (Hawaii)
Dessert: Bailey's Lava Cake (Ireland)
Drink: Dragonberry Colada (Caribbean)

Other yummy things (after consulting DH):
Fisherman's Pie (Ireland)
Jerk Chicken (Caribbean)
Beef Skewer (Argentina)
Scallop (New Zealand)
Lamb Slider (New Zealand)
Escargot (France)
Everything at Belgium
Coconut Mojito (Caribbean)
Drinks in France

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things, but let me know if you need an opinion on a specific thing--we may well have tried it!

 

[IheartDDuck]

As far as F&W recommendations, there were a lot of good things!

At one point during our trip, I determined that, if I could make a meal out of F&W things, I'd have:

Appetizer: Griddled Greek Cheese (Greece)
Meal: Kalua Pork Slider (Hawaii)
Dessert: Bailey's Lava Cake (Ireland)
Drink: Dragonberry Colada (Caribbean)

Other yummy things (after consulting DH):
Fisherman's Pie (Ireland)
Jerk Chicken (Caribbean)
Beef Skewer (Argentina)
Scallop (New Zealand)
Lamb Slider (New Zealand)
Escargot (France)
Everything at Belgium
Coconut Mojito (Caribbean)
Drinks in France

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things, but let me know if you need an opinion on a specific thing--we may well have tried it!

I'm definitely going to have to try the dragonberry colada. I know you've talked about it before, so I made sure to put it on my list.

Thanks for the recommendations! I love that you said everything at Belgium. That's one of the booths where everything was on my list.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I seem to have missed an update Great MK plans and yay on riding the triple whammy!

As for the room I would risk it and ask to change once you are there.

 

[Merida]

We put in a room request because why not? It seems like requests get lost half the time anyway so if it's granted - awesome, if not - just ask again at the desk. I figured it was good to have back up since we're checking in on an odd day (Thursday AM so we have the option of waiting all day for the room we want). Though we just had a location request; I'm not sure how the pirate room bookings work.

And I'll never see/hear the call center CMs ever again so I don't feel as bad (or worry as much) about sounding silly with my detailed list of requests!

 

[ZehnJahren]

So I'm thinking about sending a room request to the resort. Here's my thought process.

I'm very worried about the pirate beds. Now, remember, I took this room because it was the only thing we could get with DVC points. I've even called to see if something else has opened up, and nothing has.

I've read mixed reviews about the beds. I know they're full size, but I've heard that they're just mattress pads, not actual mattresses. Some people say that they're fine, while others say that they're uncomfortable.

What should I do? Should I send a request to the resort and hope they grant it? Or should I wait and see if the room is okay, and if it's not, complain to the front desk? That's what the person at DVC member services said to do. I'm also concerned about the location, because it's in Trinidad South, which is really far away from Old Port Royale.

Help DIS friends!!!!

Yep, I'd put in a room request for sure. And once I got to the resort, I would reiterate the request - at least that way you're not wondering "if I'd have just asked for [x], I may have gotten [y] instead of [z]." Who knows what wonderfulness you might get with a room request and a follow up in person????

I have trouble sleeping on the harder beds at Disney (POP was killing me, but CR was awesome ), so I'd definitely give it a try.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I seem to have missed an update Great MK plans and yay on riding the triple whammy!

As for the room I would risk it and ask to change once you are there.

No worries! Thanks for the advice. I'm still thinking through it. I may ask Chris for his opinion as well.

We put in a room request because why not? It seems like requests get lost half the time anyway so if it's granted - awesome, if not - just ask again at the desk. I figured it was good to have back up since we're checking in on an odd day (Thursday AM so we have the option of waiting all day for the room we want). Though we just had a location request; I'm not sure how the pirate room bookings work.

And I'll never see/hear the call center CMs ever again so I don't feel as bad (or worry as much) about sounding silly with my detailed list of requests!

Yeah, I'm most worried about how it would all work because we specifically have the Pirate Room booked.

Yep, I'd put in a room request for sure. And once I got to the resort, I would reiterate the request - at least that way you're not wondering "if I'd have just asked for [x], I may have gotten [y] instead of [z]." Who knows what wonderfulness you might get with a room request and a follow up in person????

I have trouble sleeping on the harder beds at Disney (POP was killing me, but CR was awesome ), so I'd definitely give it a try.

I'm sure the bed at CR was awesome! Ours at BLT was too!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Wow, your trip is coming up (again) soon! Man, I'm jealous - but still wouldn't have given up having gone on my trip already.

Did you decide on whether you're going to make a room request? Still checking for anything else to open up?

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wow, your trip is coming up (again) soon! Man, I'm jealous - but still wouldn't have given up having gone on my trip already.

Did you decide on whether you're going to make a room request? Still checking for anything else to open up?

I know! I just need to make it through work next week.

I am going to make the room request. Chris doesn't care either way and I really thought it through, and if they can get me closer to the main area and standard beds, I want to take it. However, if they can't, I won't pitch a fit. I am going to keep checking for an opening up though so I can change my reservation. The person at DVC member services today told me to check regularly.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Running running running out of time people! I'm a bad PTR writer.

I have some news on my New Years trip too. I will convert this PTR after I get back from my November trip.

Mom and dad have made the decision not to go to the World over New Years. They found out today that next year, the furnace and air conditioner will need to be replaced. Add this on top of the fact that they were going to replace the roof. And that we were planning on going to Europe for two weeks.

Add that all together and it makes more sense for them not to go to WDW for New Years. My mom was very sad and cried some. It just hasn't been the best year for them with stuff. My Grandma having a mild stroke. My dad's bike having to be repaird for an insane amount of money. Now this. It's just not been the best.

We can't cancel the trip, because we're staying at the Poly. For DVC members, those are converted to reservation points. If you cancel a trip with reservation points, those points have to stay reservation points (meaning, they have to be used at a resort that is NOT DVC), and they have to be used in that use year. So, if we cancelled, we would have to use them before August of next year. It just wouldn't work.

So it's just Farrell and I now. That's okay with me, I just feel really bad for my mom. She wanted to go over New Years so badly.

Okay, anywho, had to get that out of the way. I have to report on my upcoming trip.

This will be DHS in the morning.

So for sure we'll be riding:

And dangit, I am getting a butterfinger cupcake!!!!!

Haven't had one yet, and I'm gonna do it.

I think we'll probably go to DTD this night. And have dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express.