The Siren’s Song of Free Dining May 2011-Pics from our March 2010 trip added!

[sassyredhead]

We still have 3 months until our plane takes off to my happy place in May, and the wait is becoming unbearable! So, to stay sane, I have been avidly reading lots of other folks PTRs and TRs. Despite this being our fourth trip to the World, I have never been brave enough to add to the TR library . . . until now. I do owe you all a bit of backstory, since this trip has been in the making since August 2010—and it is now February of 2011. Oops.

The Preface:
In March of 2010, we traveled to the World for an “extended family” spring break trip to celebrate my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and, well, spring. It was a fantastical, magical, wonderful . . . and exhausting trip. I was the trip planner, and we went during the height of spring break season during the 4/3 promotion. Luckily, all my family (except my not-so-motivated dear brother) dutifully volunteered, so we had GAD fastpasses for every park day, which was a trip saver. But, as many of you know, gathering all your little ducklings (i.e., two parents with scooters, a bother obsessed with hot tubs and Bud light, and my thrill-seeking DH/DD) to travel to one spot and agree on said spot is, umm, challenging. So, even though we had a great trip, it was not really a vacation for me, so I left MCO craving another trip ASAP. Given how much my DH spent on the March 2010 trip, I dared not mention this longing to him, lest I get the stink eye. So, I sobbed on the ME ride to MCO and resigned myself to returning in 2013 after the completion of the Fantasyland expansion.

The following pictures are from our 2010 trip, so you can meet the players in this tale:

Me (waiting at the airport for our flight out of cold KC)

DH (DH on the right, DBro on the left. You are probably wondering why I choose a picture of DH in the scaffolds. Confession time--I was so busy playing tour guide on our last trip that this one of the few pictures I have of DH from our last trip. Yet another reason for an earlier-than-planned return to the World)

DD (Wearing a hat; she loves to try on hats, and I think she rather looks George Washington-esque in this one)

That Fateful Day in August
Once upon a time (August 16th, 2010, to be exact), I opened up my Outlook in-box, expecting to find nothing but more Ann Taylor Loft discount emails and a special offer to help a poor soul stranded in Dubai. But, to my surprise, I had an email from the Disney Travel Company . . . and this email contained the newest promotion for 2011, which included free dining during a time period we could actually travel! So, I immediately clicked on the link and started to price a trip, holding my breath that the numbers would magically be low enough to go again. At first, I priced AKL (my dream resort), but the price was too high to bear. Then, I tried CSR—since our daughter is getting older, we just can’t do the double beds anymore, so our moderate choice was limited to CSR, since the POFQ rehab had not been announced yet. Guess what? The price of 9 nights at CSR (free dining, 9 day tickets) was only $300 more than our 2006 trip. WTH? I immediately put down a deposit and started to compile a list for DH of reasons we needed to go back earlier than 2013. The list looked something like this:

• You love me
• You want me to be happy
• In all my years of researching WDW vacations, I have never heard of free dining during Memorial Day weekend. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!
• The new Star Tours will be open, and it will probably be SWWs. You can build your own light saber and maybe Natalie Portman will be there (the list of guest stars hadn’t been announced, so technically my conjecture was not really a lie, right?)
• With all the money we are saving, we can fit in a day at Kennedy Space Center (DH has degrees in physics and astronomy)
• With all the money we are saving, we can also go to the WWoHP (we are die-hard Potterheads—DH read the first five books to DD starting when she was three and ending when should could read them herself at book six, although he did offer to read her book six for “old times’ sake.” She just rolled her eyes.)

Armed with my list, I broached the subject with DH. Due to my super-powerful persuasive skills, he said yes! Let the planning commence . . .

 

[sassyredhead]

So, I’ve booked our first ever trip with free dining. What next? I prepare to twiddle my thumbs until November 28, 2010 (180 days for our arrival), when I can make our restaurant ressies. But, life sometimes throws you for a loop (and not the good, Expedition Everest kind, either).

Shortly after the Fourth of July, my DH’s father was diagnosed with stomach cancer at 65. He was just about to retire and travel the country for his dog agility competitions. Well, the cancer was bad, and we scheduled a trip out to California to visit in late August. We received a phone call from my mother-in-law at the beginning of August (right after I booked our trip, I think) to tell us she didn’t think he would make it to the end of August. So, my DH and DD fly out for one last visit—I couldn’t take off work with such short notice, unfortunately.

To make a sad story even sadder, as my DH and DD are on the way from LAX to Bakersfield, my DFIL passes away. My DH was devastated he didn’t get to see his dad one last time. Here is a picture of my favorite picture of my late father-in-law with his beloved poodle, Shadow:

My DH was utterly devastated. I was so sad for him. But, Grandpa Sean did give his son the greatest final gift—DH was finally able to quit smoking after seeing what his father went through. DH has smoked since he was a teenager and had tried to quit numerous times. As soon as he came home from his trip to Cali, he went to the doctor and asked for a prescription for Chantix. He has been tobacco-free for more than six months, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

Next up--should we still go?

 

[sassyredhead]

Time marches on, my DH is still tobacco-free but struggling, and I try to think of way to make DH feel better. My DH keeps talking about his father’s dog, how cool he is and how much his dad loved his puppy.

So, I call Dmil and a plot hatches. We decide to get DH a puppy. DMil visits the breeder where DFIL’s puppy was born; she meets the cutest black puppy who would be ready to come to Kansas within about four weeks. I book a flight for DMIL and the puppy for the end of September. On September 25, DD and I pick DMIL and the puppy up from the airport and surprise DH. He is ecstatic! I hadn’t seen him smile like that in a while . . . . we name our new addition “Indiana,” after the state where DH’s father was born.
DD and our new puppy on the ride home:

DH and Indiana a few months later (he LOVES this dog):

Have I mentioned we have three kitties and the fact that I have NEVER owned a dog before? Wow, I had no idea that puppies are like babies! Luckily, DH works from home, so he has been able to spend lots of time training and spending time with Indiana. The kitties are slowly recovering from the shock of our newest, extra-rambunctious family member.

In October, I remind DH of our upcoming DW trip and ask him if he still wants to go. He replies, “Yes— I really want to spend time with DD while she’s still at home with us. With Dad gone, I realize it’s more important than ever to spend time away as a family.” I start planning our ADR’s.

 

[sassyredhead]

In 2007, we visited DW during Memorial Week and LOVED it! We had gone in early May on our previous trip, and I thought it was a bit cold but fun. The 2007 trip was nice and hot and not too crowded. For the 2011 trip, I am planning for an increase in crowds due to free dining, but since this is our fourth trip in 5 years, I think we’ll be fine (crossing my fingers).

I pull up the calendar and follow these rules: avoid designated parks for Gay Days (not a moral issue for me, just a crowd-aversion tactic), avoid EMH and Fantasmic day at DHS (seen it on all our final trips, and it was too crowded on last trip for comfort), and plan for MK the day after a late-night EMH.

Here’s the schedule I came up with:

• Friday, May 27th (arrival day—no park )—plane lands at 10:30 am. We are renting a car for the first time ever (biting my fingernails), so we’ll pick up the rental, plug in the GPS, and drive to CSR. Check in, change for dinner, and head to the Grand Floridian for Narcoosee’s.
  
• Saturday, May 28th (Epcot)—this is DH’s favorite park. He loves the world showcase. Lunch at Les Chefs de France (noon), dinner at La Hacienda (hoping to watch Illuminations during dinner)
  
• Sunday, May 29th (Animal Kingdom)—this is one of my favorite parks. Dinner at Yak and Yet.
  
• Monday, May 30th (Magic Kingdom)—my absolute favorite park. Dinner at Crystal Palace.
  
• Tuesday, May 31st (Kennedy Space Center)
  
• Wednesday, June 1st (DHS)—Dinner at Brown Derby.
  
• Thursday, June 2nd (Epcot again). Did I mention this is DH’s favorite park? Dinner at Le Cellier
  
• Friday, June 3rd (open)—We’ll probably sleep in and head to MK for late-night EMH (my favorite)
  
• Saturday, June 4th (DHS for SWW)—I plan on ordering SW t-shirts for us on zazzle. Can’t wait!
  
• Sunday, June 5th--check out and head to Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Studios

As I get ready to make my ressies, I log on to Disney’s website and realize . . . I can’t make the 180+ 10 ressies online! So, I get on the phone and happily get all the ressies I wanted. Don’t fret, fellow Disers—I guess the 180+10 functionality was only gone for a few months, and it’s working again now.

 

[mtgirl29]

Sassy, absolutely loved your PTR! I went from laughing to getting choked up about the story of your Fil. Sounds a lot like what happened with my dad and his 3 pack a day smoking history. His cancer was so advanced by the time they found it. He died 3 weeks after diagnosis. It was a very tough for us, too.
Well enough doom and gloom from me. We are going to Disney Baby!!
I truly enjoyed your PTR and am looking forward to reading more! Love your writing style.

 

[sassyredhead]

Sassy, absolutely loved your PTR! I went from laughing to getting choked up about the story of your Fil. Sounds a lot like what happened with my dad and his 3 pack a day smoking history. His cancer was so advanced by the time they found it. He died 3 weeks after diagnosis. It was a very tough for us, too.
Well enough doom and gloom from me. We are going to Disney Baby!!
I truly enjoyed your PTR and am looking forward to reading more! Love your writing style.

Thank you so much for the compliment!

Yep, this fall was a rough one for us, but I am focusing on the fact that my DH was able to kick his habit after seeing what happened to his dad. It was such a shock!

DH and I have even been joking that we will probably be able to ride more rides, since he won't need his "pitstops" any longer. We are getting so excited for the trip!

 

[sassyredhead]

I may have prematurely posted the previous installment—I went right to the climax (the actual ressie listing) without providing you with any foreshadowing. My apologies, DDPTRRs (dear Disney pre-trip report readers). Let me make amends . . .

About a month prior to ADR D-Day, I gathered the clan round the dinner table and announced, “I only have 30 days to come up with our list of restaurants for our trip. Let’s go back to the HDDR!”

They both looked at me like I was speaking in Swedish, as I may have used the DIS acronym for the HDDR in my proclamation. I tried again, “The Hoop De Doo Review. You know, that super-fun dinner show we went to on our first trip that was so outrageously funny!” As I waited for their answers, which I was sure would be resounding yeses, I had visions of Strawberry Shortcake and washboard acoustics dancing in my head.

Instead, this is what I got: “Mom, that show is for babies. I already agreed I’d hug Mickey Mouse so you can take a picture; I don’t wanna go to the Hoop De Doo Review, too,” and “Do we have to, hon?”

My Disney bubble had been bursted. What a bunch of party poopers! However, I did manage to hide my disappointment pretty well, given that we ARE returning to Disney this year when deep down I’m sure DH would rather be going to Cedar Point.

So, after a brief dinner-time survey, here is what my family told me they wanted:

• DH wants to eat at the Grand Floridian, since he’s always wanted to stay there
• DH loves Le Cellier and The Brown Derby, so those are musts
• DD prefers steak and NO princesses

So, I looked up the restaurants at the Grand Floridian and decided it would either be Narcooseess or Citricos. Citricos has better reviews, but the Narcoosees menu is more approachable for my non-adventurous DD. Narcoosees it is.

The rest were chosen because—

• I want to try the new Mexico restaurant (La Hacienda)
• I love Remy, so I thought we’d try Chefs in the hopes he will appear!
• The Crystal Palace is just fun, and my DD agreed that Winnie the Pooh was okay for a character meal
• Yak and Yeti because I just have to try a restaurant with “Yak” in the title (and the reviews have been good, too!!!)

PS—If anyone is going to the HDDR anytime during May 27-June 3rd, please adopt me!

 

[TinksThree]

Joining in...we will be there at the same time!

 

[sl_underwood]

We will be there at the same time!

 

[sassyredhead]

Joining in...we will be there at the same time!

Yay! I am so happy we are less than 90 days now!

 

[sassyredhead]

We will be there at the same time!

Yay us, we're going to Disney! I'm following your PTR too!

 

[mtgirl29]

I may have prematurely posted the previous installment—I went right to the climax (the actual ressie listing) without providing you with any foreshadowing. My apologies, DDPTRRs (dear Disney pre-trip report readers). Let me make amends . . .

About a month prior to ADR D-Day, I gathered the clan round the dinner table and announced, “I only have 30 days to come up with our list of restaurants for our trip. Let’s go back to the HDDR!”

They both looked at me like I was speaking in Swedish, as I may have used the DIS acronym for the HDDR in my proclamation. I tried again, “The Hoop De Doo Review. You know, that super-fun dinner show we went to on our first trip that was so outrageously funny!” As I waited for their answers, which I was sure would be resounding yeses, I had visions of Strawberry Shortcake and washboard acoustics dancing in my head.

Instead, this is what I got: “Mom, that show is for babies. I already agreed I’d hug Mickey Mouse so you can take a picture; I don’t wanna go to the Hoop De Doo Review, too,” and “Do we have to, hon?”

My Disney bubble had been bursted. What a bunch of party poopers! However, I did manage to hide my disappointment pretty well, given that we ARE returning to Disney this year when deep down I’m sure DH would rather be going to Cedar Point.

So, after a brief dinner-time survey, here is what my family told me they wanted:

• DH wants to eat at the Grand Floridian, since he’s always wanted to stay there
• DH loves Le Cellier and The Brown Derby, so those are musts
• DD prefers steak and NO princesses

So, I looked up the restaurants at the Grand Floridian and decided it would either be Narcooseess or Citricos. Citricos has better reviews, but the Narcoosees menu is more approachable for my non-adventurous DD. Narcoosees it is.

The rest were chosen because—

• I want to try the new Mexico restaurant (La Hacienda)
• I love Remy, so I thought we’d try Chefs in the hopes he will appear!
• The Crystal Palace is just fun, and my DD agreed that Winnie the Pooh was okay for a character meal
• Yak and Yeti because I just have to try a restaurant with “Yak” in the title (and the reviews have been good, too!!!)

PS—If anyone is going to the HDDR anytime during May 27-June 3rd, please adopt me!

If you get a chance, could you tell about your experience at HDDR? I have younger kids and was wondering if this might be something that they would like?

 

[shera]

Loving the ptr.We will be at Pofq from May 27-June10th.Maybe we will see ya in a park.Can't wait til May!!

 

[sassyredhead]

Loving the ptr.We will be at Pofq from May 27-June10th.Maybe we will see ya in a park.Can't wait til May!!

Thanks for tuning in! On our second trip, we stayed a POFQ and I LOVED it there. So excited we are less than 90 days out!

 

[sassyredhead]

If you get a chance, could you tell about your experience at HDDR? I have younger kids and was wondering if this might be something that they would like?

I searched and found my review on the DIS from 2006:

4/28/06-Hoop Dee Doo Review. I made our reservations back in October for this show, and our seats were front and center. We were one table away from the stage! The show was a riot. This is definitely NOT a Hoop Dee Don't! The show put us in a great mood for the start of the trip. Now on to the food review . . .

On the Magical Express Bus on the way to the hotel, I called the HDDR office and ordered a vegetarian meal in lieu of the standard fare. Our server immediately knew of my special request and brought it out with no prompting during the entree portion of the meal. The grilled vegetables were delicious! Very flavorful and filling. My favorite grilled veggie was the huge mushrooms. My husband loved the fried chicken, corn, and that honey butter. We both loved the salad. Hubby said the ribs were a tad dry. I had the unlimited White Zin. The jokes defintely got funnier as the evening progressed.

Rating: A- (Dry ribs, fun and meal worth the 2 DP credits)

I think kids your age would LOVE it! It is corny, musical, and slapstickish, which kids adore. I do have to mention I have grown up with musical theater (South Pacific, Seven Brides, Wicked, West Side Story), so I have always loved music and dancing in my stage shows. I say go for it! Your kiddos will probably be so entranced you'll be able to eat without being interrupted by the any of the normal table side distractions kiddos can sometimes cause

 

[TinksThree]

Loving the ptr.We will be at Pofq from May 27-June10th.Maybe we will see ya in a park.Can't wait til May!!

We will be at POFQ during this same time! We stayed at POR last year and loved it and many people have said POFQ is even better so I am beyond excited!!!

I have gone back and caught up...We also stayed at CSR and really enjoyed staying there. We were there during non-park days and really had the chance to explore the resort. I think you will enjoy it there!

We are doing HDDR this time. I am excited because several friends have gone and rave about the fun they had. We have some of the same ADR choices....just at different times!

The story of you Dfil was so touching. We lost a good friend of my dad's last October to lung and brain cancer. It was discovered in May and he went downhill fast. It is so hard...and he said if he could he would have never smoked so props to DH for toughing it out!!

I can't wait to hear more of your plans!!

 

[mtgirl29]

I searched and found my review on the DIS from 2006:

4/28/06-Hoop Dee Doo Review. I made our reservations back in October for this show, and our seats were front and center. We were one table away from the stage! The show was a riot. This is definitely NOT a Hoop Dee Don't! The show put us in a great mood for the start of the trip. Now on to the food review . . .

On the Magical Express Bus on the way to the hotel, I called the HDDR office and ordered a vegetarian meal in lieu of the standard fare. Our server immediately knew of my special request and brought it out with no prompting during the entree portion of the meal. The grilled vegetables were delicious! Very flavorful and filling. My favorite grilled veggie was the huge mushrooms. My husband loved the fried chicken, corn, and that honey butter. We both loved the salad. Hubby said the ribs were a tad dry. I had the unlimited White Zin. The jokes defintely got funnier as the evening progressed.

Rating: A- (Dry ribs, fun and meal worth the 2 DP credits)

I think kids your age would LOVE it! It is corny, musical, and slapstickish, which kids adore. I do have to mention I have grown up with musical theater (South Pacific, Seven Brides, Wicked, West Side Story), so I have always loved music and dancing in my stage shows. I say go for it! Your kiddos will probably be so entranced you'll be able to eat without being interrupted by the any of the normal table side distractions kiddos can sometimes cause

The HDDR sounds like so much fun! Thanks for posting your review!!! I will have to have hubby read it!

 

[999ghostslover]

Hi Sassy!
I too am a Sassy Redhead and will be staying at CSR when you are. Wow, that sounds a little Single White Female. Let me back up...
Loving your PTR. Found it on the CSR board. We are getting to CSR on the 28th and we have CP ressies the same day you do although off the top of my head I can't remember a time. This will be our fourth family trip and our first CSR stay. We are beyond excited.

 

[sassyredhead]

Hi Sassy!
I too am a Sassy Redhead and will be staying at CSR when you are. Wow, that sounds a little Single White Female. Let me back up...
Loving your PTR. Found it on the CSR board. We are getting to CSR on the 28th and we have CP ressies the same day you do although off the top of my head I can't remember a time. This will be our fourth family trip and our first CSR stay. We are beyond excited.

The Single White Female comment cracked me up!

We are so excited, too. I am hoping someone will arrange a pool DIS meet, since I think quite a few of us are going to be at CSR during the same time frame!

Since I have my trip binder on me at all times, I can report that our CP ressie is for 5:30pm.

 

[PixieMama]

Loved reading your PTR and looking forward to more!