This Is A Poncho-Free Zone!--May 22-29, 2010 PTR (New PTR!!!! 5/31)

[LilAnn]

Hi Becky! I can't believe you leave so soon! The girls must be so excited! I can't wait to hear all about it.
I know you must be crazy busy getting everything all ready, but if you have time and want to, I started a TR. It's my first time writing one, so I hope I can make it somewhat interesting.
Love the pics on FB by the way!

 

[ladybugmom]

1) Whispering Canyon (dinner): 1st night we're there
2) Boma (dinner): AK day
3) O'hana (dinner): maybe a day we're at MK?!
4) 1900 Park Fare (breakfast): day we go to HS?!
5) Le Cellier (lunch or dinner?): book for CP package
6) CRT (dinner): day we're at MK and do BBB
7) Garden Grill (dinner): day we're at Epcot (are the characters at dinner?)
***********************************
WCC- We had a great dinner there a few years ago and I'd love to eat there again. I think this would be one of the better places to pay OOP.
1900 or maybe Chef Mickey's for breakfast?- Perfect for the day you do MVMCP you can hop on a park bus at WL and it will take you straight to GF.
Have you considered 50s Prime Time or Sci Fi? I think the girls would like that.
Yes, the characters are at GG for dinner. Beware- I haven't read the best reviews about the food there.
Hope this helps.
Looks like Ally had a blast at Field day. All the kids look like their having a blast.
The Tiana dresses are too cute. Hope you find her at MK!
1 week!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the suggestions! We're wanting to do 1900 for breakfast--we've done Chef Mickey's and wanted to try something different!! 50s Prime Time and Sci Fi just don't appeal to us--not much in HS does--that's what makes it hard. Thanks for the heads up on GG--I hadn't heard that!

Field Day looks fun. At first I could not tell if Ally was sweaty or it was raining-then I saw the sponge pic! Cute dresses, I like them but C would just mess with the bows all day! I think I would pay OOP for the CRT since it is a set price buffet. We do ADR's for our Dec trip on my bday in June. Not sure if we are doing the dinig plan yet.

Yes!! She got SOAKED during the water games and had to end up changing clothes!

Hey Becky... We love Whispering Canyon and I think Paying out of pocket will work. Love the updates with the girls. It's like we are neighbors About the house...We were on vacation at Sesame Place when our buyers backed out of the sale of our first home.(P&S) signed. We had signed the final paperwork on our new house before we left for vacation. So I had to be back and forth on my cell with the bank and the realtors the whole vacation!! it was tough. And I was angry...till I got home and realized the father of the woman that was buying had a stroke and they were moving in to take care of him . Still put a strain on my kids vacation but ...the day we came home someone made a offer FULL ASKING PRICE!! (then their buyers on their house backed out because of job loss) But in the end everything worked out. I hope to never sell and buy again... that was only the end of a 3 month house for sale nightmare!! (at one time we had 3 couples in a bidding war and the person who came in the highest didn't qualify for the amount, and the other 2 decided not to buy! Oh and the father of the couple that backed out....well he is doing well, in a wheel chair but still with it.

Ugggh on the home sale! It can be very frustrating! It's not something I want to do again anytime soon-that's for sure!!

Aww, field day looks like so much fun! Ally looks like she had a great time!

As for the ADR's...looks like you've got a lot of great choices there! WCC is definitely on my list of places to try in the future. I think that seems like a great first night meal since you'll be at WL!

For the 2 point meals, I don't know anything about the CP package so this advice could be pointless Since CRT is a set price, I would think that would be the one not to pay OOP for. I'm not sure how pricing for the CP package works, but as long as it's not a set price, I think that would be the better OOP choice. Le Cellier is a great choice for that! What a perfect atmosphere!

For the morning of your HS day, have you thought about the Cape May breakfast? I don't think you've been there, but my memory could be failing me! It's a fun character breakfast and close to HS. We've been there for breakfast twice and loved it both times.

I also haven't heard great things about Garden Grill at EPCOT, so not sure about that one? Have you considered Coral Reef? The girls might like looking at the fish tank!

Wow...sorry that's so much advice! Hope you don't mind!

Thanks for the suggestions!! I really appreciate them! I didn't even think of Cape May--thanks!! I'll look into it! Thanks for the heads up on GG! I don't mind at all--that's why I asked!!

 

[ladybugmom]

The pillowcase dresses are so cute!

Ally looks like she is having so much fun with Field Day!

I am not sure which meal you should pay out of pocket. Maybe CRT?

Star Wars in Concert sounds like a blast! Since Brent is such a huge SW fan, you should get the Star Wars pancake molds from Williams-Sonoma to make pancakes on Father's Day.

Thank you, Jackie!! Oooh--Williams-Sonoma has Star Wars pancake molds?! How cute!! I'll have to check that out!!

Yay for Field Day fun!
We're having ours Thursday.

Your ADR list looks good. Boma smelled heavenly every time we walked over that way at AKL last weekend. We already had an ADR there for the summer, and now we're more ready than ever for that meal!

The Tiana dresses are cute.

What we would do on a party day would be to have lunch, then be sure to get in good long naps before party time. Your girls may be able to hold up better for longer periods of time, but ours would need late, long naps.

Thank you so much for the suggestions!! It's nice to hear from people who have done this before!!

wonderful pictures of Ally on her field day you can tell how much fun she is having....


looks like a good list for the 2nd trip ADR's...

not sure what to suggest on the MVMCP day....I'd say maybe a late lunch in MK before the party begins...that way you can just do snacks during and not miss any of the fun

paying OPP for one of the 2 credit meals... yikes Becky...those are high meals...have you priced out the CLP package...they do it like tiers and I'm posistive LC is in the highest...

my advice which ever is cheapest...or maybe do OOP for two reg TS meals if that works out cheaper than 1 of the sig/2 credit deals...

KIM you or your TA can not book the CLP thing till 90 days out...that will be after your ADR window...you may want a back up meal for that day now to cancel later if needed. that's our plan.

and YAY! for less than 1 week now...

man I hope you don't need those ponchos this trip!

J~

I'll definitely have to look into the pricing for the CP package and CRT and compare. Ooh--good idea on a back-up meal!! VERY smart!!

First of all, as a teacher, I love to see kids having that kind of fun for field day! It warms my heart. I won't lie and say the teachers aren't tired at the end of the day, but the kids look so happy!

As far as the oop meals go in December, I would lean towards paying oop for CRT. It's a fairly straightforward amount unlike the CP package and then you can already have that budgeted. The prices for the two are similar, especially if you have a Tier 2 or 3 CP package.

The Tiana dresses are adorable! I hope you are plannning the Tiana and Naveen meet and greet. I think they will love it!

Girl--I remember field day when I taught! I'd come home and just crash!! So much fun but soo tiring!! Thanks for the suggestion on paying OOP for CRT! It makes sense!! Yes, we definitely want to meet Tiana & Naveen on this trip!!

 

[ladybugmom]

SO many things to comment on

Love your ADRs! We have to pay OOP for two meals as well, so I am interested in seeing which ones ppl suggest. I am recommending Liberty Tree Tavern for MVMCP. There are no characters, but the meal is so warm and "holiday" (like a Thanksgiving meal).

The girl's dresses are SOOOOOO cute!! I just love the purple!

That is such good news about the people who were looking at your house It will sell soon!! Keep the faith.

How cool for Brent!! He will think you are the best wife ever

Thanks Katie!! I remember how much ya'll enjoyed LTT on your last trip! I sooo wish they still had the characters!

Cute dresses, and Field Day looks fun!

RE the ADRs/ OOP -- I don't like to use Dining credits for signature restaurants, usually pay OOP here. Don't always get dessert, or split it. But I agree that CRT might be a good choice, because it is all inclusive, so it is only going to be a "set amount" -- vs. drinks, apps, dinner, etc. for everyone. We use our TIW card on signature restaurants and pay OOP. BUT eitherway, I think all your choices are great!

I would agree, though, that 1900 Park Fare is a haul from DHS, so maybe something closer that day, or switch to lunch, and do 1900 Park Fare on an MK day... Less time on the bus, or transporting yourself to the GF...

It does sound like CRT needs to be the meal we pay OOP. Yeah--I wasn't really thinking about how far 1900 was from HS. Hmmm . . .

nice updates!! I LOVE the dresses!!!

Your Dec ADRs look great! I did eat at Garden Grill Dec 2008 and the food was horrible So horrible that we ended up going back to POP and ate at the food court I was with 2 of my roommates (for our wdw professional internships) and we were doing a weekend resort get-away and ate at a bunch of Epcot resorts in the weekend and it was by far the worst. I had heard horrible reviews on here and from my Uncles fam but ate there anyways bc it was a goal of ours to eat at all the Epcot restaurants.
The character interaction was wonderful though!

Thank you!! Uggh--that's 3 people who have warned me about GG--might need to rethink that! Thank you for pointing that out!!

Great field day pictures!! Like I said on FB, love how Ally's hairbow exactly matches her t!
Great ADR choices!! Your family loves CTR! Also-- glad you decided to go with WCC on the first night! You'll get to get to bed at a decent time to enjoy your first full day!
Have fun at the Star Wars concert! DBF is a huge SW fan and we've watched some of that on YouTube-- amazing! You guys'll have a great time!

Thanks!! Yes--those hairbows HAVE to match!! Can't wait for the SW concert tonight!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Field day looks like a lot of fun! I am assuming your new house is in the same school district as your old one? Or is she just switching for next year?

I can't help with Christmas ADRs as we have never been that time of year but you are going to LOVE Le Cellier. It was so good!!! I'm sure after you eat there this time you will definitely want to book CP there!

Oh and I started my TR if you want to check it out!

Yes, Ally's school is in the same district--same school!! We only moved 5 minutes from our other house! I am really excited about Le Cellier!! Thanks for the TR link--I'm so glad you posted!!

Great pictures from Ally's Field Day! Jared was supposed to have his on Friday but it rained out, not sure if they are going to reschedule it or not

On the ADRs, as far as which to pay OOP for, we paid for our CP package OOP. I priced it out and decided that it just wasn't worth using two credits for. That being said, we ate at a Tier 2 restaurant and Le Cellier is Tier 1 and therefore more expensive. The price is a set amount, so I would just compare the two (CP pkg vs CRT) and see which would be cheaper to pay for OOP.

On Garden Grill, we have eaten here before, it's been awhile (Oct 2006) but we by no means found the food to be horrible. It wasn't the best meal we had all week, but it was fine and the character interaction was some of the best we've ever had.

On your MVMCP day, if you decide that you want to do dinner, I'd eat early so you don't miss any of the party. Maybe eat a late brunch and an early dinner that day and then fill in with snacks if you need to????

Thanks for the suggestion about the CP package--I really need to price everything--just been busy with packing and all. That would be smart to eat early the day of MVMCP!!

Yay! for being one week away that is so exciting! I am glad you are all checked in and you room requests are sent. I hope you get them.

For your ADRs they look great! We have a lot of the same reservations. I typed my comments in pink:

1) Whispering Canyon (dinner): 1st night we're there (We've never been but have reservations there this trip, can't wait to hear what you think)
2) Boma (dinner): AK day (never been, but have heard great things)
3) O'hana (dinner): maybe a day we're at MK?! (love it here! great choice and a good choice for a MK day!)
4) 1900 Park Fare (breakfast): day we go to HS?! (This looks so cute! We have dinner reservations our first night in October)
5) Le Cellier (lunch or dinner?): book for CP package (The food is so good! I highly recommend the filet with cream cheese mashed potatoes and the chocolate "moose" for dessert)
6) CRT (dinner): day we're at MK and do BBB (Dinner here is so good, I like it better than the breakfast and now that the characters are the same for all meals that is so exciting! We have reservations here for our MNSSHP night)
7) Garden Grill (dinner): day we're at Epcot (are the characters at dinner?) (Yes the characters are at the dinner, we also are going here for the first time in October can't wait to see what you think)

For MVMCP, I would eat dinner at Liberty Tree tavern. The meal is traditional holiday food and IMO very good. I think that would definitely put you in the Christmas spirit before the party! Just save room for the free hot cocoa and cookies at the party!

I would probably pay CRT OOP. Depending on what you order at Le Cellier your bill could be bigger than CRT and CRT is a meal that is prepaid so you will know exactly what you are spending up front.

Ally's field day was too cute, I remember doing something like that in elementary school as well. How fun. And the Tiana dresses are just adorable and the wrapping was so cute! I am so excited for you for this trip, you are going to have a great time and I will pray for no rain for you!!!!

Thank you so much for all the suggestions--soooo much to think about!

Love the ADRs for your next trip! Yum!

Ally's field day looks like fun! And what cute dresses! Both girls look happy with them!

I can't believe we'll be in Disney in less than a week!!!!

Thank you!! Can't believe we'll be in WDW in just a few days!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Love the field day pictures! Field day is so much fun, but I'm usually exhausted at the end of the day!

Love the pillow case dresses, where did you find the material? I've been on the look out for Tiana material, but haven't found it around here.

I'm sure Brent will enjoy Star Wars in Concert. Ben and I went in December for his early Christmas present. It was awesome! I really enjoyed it too!

Thank you!! Yes! We all slept well that night!! I'm not sure where my friend Heather found the material--she lives in KY--I'll have to ask her! Glad to hear you enjoyed the SW concert!! Can't wait for tonight!!

I'm all caught up. A lot to comment on. First, I'm glad that your Mother's Day turned out well. When I read your story about the morning before church I felt so bad for you. Why does everything happen when you are trying to get out the door for church?

All of the items you got when shopping are so cute. The bathing suits & the stroller are SO CUTE.

Just so that you know, we are STILL considering a trip during the holidays at the same time as you. Hopefully more details at my job will happen soon, so I will let you know when I know anything. Fingers crossed!!

Thanks Alison!! Yes, please keep me updated on your trip plans! It would be sooo much fun to meetup with you and your sweet family!!

Those dresses are adorable! So exciting you're so close AND you have your next trip planned.

Thank you! We are sooo close!!

ok, made my way back to the DIS, found your ptr, anxiously awaiting the TR

Hey girl!! I've missed seeing you here on the DIS!! Glad you're here!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Ally is looking so big! Love the Princess Tiana dresses.

I know!! She's grown so much this year!! It's hard to believe she's graduating from Kindergarten tomorrow.

for being checked in!! how exciting your trip is coming up so quickly! How's the packing going?

The picture from field day are great!! Ally looked like she had a great time.

Love the pillowcase dresses your friend made the girls. Adorable :

December ADRs: could you consider doing 1900 PF for your MVMCP dinner? For DHS day, you could try Olivia's or Mama Melrose's, Sci Fi? WL in december how I would love to see it all decked out. One of these days.

I haven't put anything in a suitcase yet but I have started making piles and doing laundry. I've been so busy with end of the year activities. Thanks for the suggestions on ADRs. I really have a lot to think about!!

Catching up on your TR...We are going Nov. 28 through Dec. 4, staying at BWV. Trying to decide our ADRs...thinking of many of the same ones you are. Planning on MVMCP on Tues., Nov. 30. So excited!

Oh wow!! YAY!! I am looking at MVMCP on the 30th as well!!

wow Becky !! seems like yesterday when you started preparing for this trip that's only less than a week away....
Before your trip in NovDec you need to convince Brent for a Halloween trip for 2011... if not I will miss your PTR's and TR's I have been following you since last year....
Are you excited that for your trip in Nov/dec Claire is going to be able to go to BBB ..yeah !!!!

Definetely Whisp Canyon one of my favorite places in Disney

Lulu

I know! Can't believe we'll be in WDW in just a few short days!! Actually we are planning on going back for Halloween in 2011!! You've read my mind!! I'm hoping Claire gets more hair before Nov/Dec or they won't be able to do much at the BBB for her!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Yay, Yay, Yay for being checked in! SO exciting!

Love the field day pics! Ally looks like she is having so much fun.

The only restaurant on your list that I have tried is Boma and it was fabulous! You have to be a little adventurous and willing to try new things, but the food was delicious! It's also a gorgeous restaurant....lots of little touches to look at. I highly recommend it!

The Tiana dresses are so cute! Your girls must be the best dressed girls around!

I'm glad you got some answers about your house...I'm sure that is a relief. I'm still praying that it sells soon!

Can't wait to hear more of you "week before Disney" preparations!

I'm very excited about Boma and seeing AKL all decorated for Christmas! More planning posts to come!!

I can't believe you leave in 5 days!!! It looks like Ally had a great time at Field Day. Since our schools get out much later than yours, Madison's field day isn't until June 18th! Love the pillowcase dresses for the girls. They are so cute!

I know!! Crazy, isn't it?! Thanks! I love how the dresses turned out!!

OMG, I'm so excited for you to be leaving this week! I love that last week of packing and rushing around!

for getting your WL ressie booked! I think I'd choose Liberty Tree for our meal before MVMCP. Very traditionally holiday-ish.

Loved the dance school pics - Claire's ballet costume was beautiful!

I know!! It's been a crazy week so far--but so exciting!!

Becky-Yes, we are still planning for breakfast at Akershus on that Wednesday next week. So we'll see you there! I'm so excited that our trips are so close!

Field Day looks like fun---Reid had his this past Thursday. It was a little cloudy that day, which worked out great, because it kept the heat down a little.

Your possible ADRs for your Nov. trip look good. Having done MVMCP before, I would suggest that you don't take up party time with an ADR for dinner. If you wanted a table service meal that day, I would definitely make it for breakfast or lunch. Something to think about!

Yay!! Can't wait! Be on the lookout for us! Can't wait to meet you and your sweet family!! Thanks so much for the suggestions!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Your ADRs look great, and we have a few of the same ones! Too bad we'll be there a week apart.

I read some somewhat disturbing news about Le Cellier yesterday, though. It looks like it's going to a 2 TS credit. I can't say I'm surprised, but it may put a wrinkle in our December plans. You might want to think about how that change would affect yours. I can't remember if you'll be doing the dining plan then, but even if you're not, the article I read says that they menu will change to better reflect the prices and offerings of other 2 TS credit locations.

This change is expected to take place sometime from the fall of this year to the beginning of next year. Hopefully it's the latter and won't affect us. I'm going to make a Plan B just in case.

Uggh!! Are you serious?! Where did you read that?! That stinks!! I wonder how that will effect the CP packages?! Hmmm . . . Yes, a backup plan is always good!!

Love the dress!!! VERY cute!
Your ADR's look great too!
Sorry the house fell through for those people. I'm sure that they were disappointed.
Not too many days left on your countdown!!!

Thank you!! 4 days!!!!

Hi Becky! I can't believe you leave so soon! The girls must be so excited! I can't wait to hear all about it.
I know you must be crazy busy getting everything all ready, but if you have time and want to, I started a TR. It's my first time writing one, so I hope I can make it somewhat interesting.
Love the pics on FB by the way!

I know!! I can't believe it either!! The girls are VERY excited!! Oooh--you started a TR--YAY!! Off to check it out!! Thanks Ann!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Wow!! What a busy weekend and busy week this is turning out to be! Lots of exciting things happening around here!! Ally's church choir program was Sunday night and Ally had her very first solo!!! She sang "Jesus In the Morning" and did a wonderful job!! She amazes me! She commanded the stage and wasn't nervous at all! (I've been singing in front of people my entire life and I STILL get nervous) We did take video but I don't know how to download it from the camera to my computer and what to do once it's on my computer?! Any ideas?!

Ally's Kindergarten choir singing with the 4 year old choir

Ally

Ally's solo

My parents came in town to see Ally sing and my Mom brought the outfit she's been working on for the girls. They tried them on so Mom could see how tight to sew the elastic on the shorts--and she still needed to add the zipper on the back of the shirt and some sort of bow goes on the side of the shirt. Check it out! I think it turned out really cute!!

I think she likes it--what do you think?!

a close-up of the fabric

Ally's Kindergarten Recognition is tomorrow! It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over and that she'll be a 1st grader soon!! She doesn't know it yet but tomorrow she'll be receiving the award for the "Top Reader" in her class!! I'm sooo very proud of her!! Yesterday I went up to the school and helped decorate the stage for their program--I think it turned out really cute!!

We're going to Star Wars in Concert tonight!! Brent is sooo excited!! Here's a pic of him with his tickets!!!

4 days and counting!! Doing lots of laundry and starting to pack!! Whoo hoo!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Congrats to Ally for not only her solo, but her reading award as well!

I don't know how to do video either, but I hope someone can help you, I'd love to see her sing!

The outfit you mom made for the girls is so cute.

Have fun at the concert tonight!

 

[Tinkergurl20]

That outfit that your mom made is adorable!!! Can't believe you leave so soon!! Have an awesome trip and I can't wait to read all about your trip!

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Becky,
This time of year is so crazy isn't it? So much going on with the end of the school year. Ally looks like she had a blast on field day. on her being the top reader in her class. I'm not at all surprised though . Congrats on her first solo in the church choir program. She is very brave. Also I love the outfits your mom made the girls! I think your ADR's for December look great. I'm going to be brave and try Garden Grill for dinner in June we haven't been back since 2003 because the food wasn't the best. But Thomas wants to eat with Chip & Dale. Just 4 more days I hope you guys have a safe and wonderful time in Disney!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Love the choir pics. Madison has a concert next Wed and she has a solo too! I can't wait to hear her. The outfit your mom made the girls is awesome! I love that fabric!!! Have fun at the Star Wars concert tonight. I'm a fan of the movies (but not a fanatic), but I adore John Williams music. That should be a great concert.

 

[klacey1]

You must be one proud momma right now! Reader award AND excellent solo!! Go Ally! I've also sang/performed in musicals my whole life and have butterflies the entire time-- for a 5 year old to have such composure is incredible!!
Love the outfit, too-- is Claire's going to be the same??

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW! Your Mom is SOOOO talented I absoluely love what she did! Does she make adult sizes?

Have a great time at the concert!! I know Brent must be beyond excited.

Congrats to Ally for all of her success Can't wait to see what you pack

 

[Charlefours]

Ally looks so pretty up in front of church singing! The outfit your mom made the girls is so cute! :

I hope you have a great time tonight!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Wow Becky - you must have been so proud of Ally! What an amazing thing not to be nervous at her age! I would have gone to pieces if that was Amber!! I would have been an emotional wreck!

I'm loving the outfit that your Mum made! You are one talented family!!

Can't believe you will be at Disney in a few days!

We are like you now - we have booked next years trip (before we've had this years!) so I'm planning 2 trips - keep trying to put next years out of my mind as I want to really enjoy this years! Be nice though as when we come home I won't be as sad as I usually am as I know we are already booked to go back.

I keep telling Jonathan and Amber how lucky we are!!!

If I don't get another chance to say - I hope you all have an absolutely fantastic time! I will keep everything crossed for no rain and I can't wait to start reading your TR!!

Sara xx

 

[MHTeacher]

YAY for Ally---her choir solo and top reader in her class! I was reading your update, looking at those pictures of her singing, compared to last year's trip pics, and thought how much she's grown this year.

Hope you and Brent have fun at the concert.

 

[MeMom]

Very cute outfit. I know the performance was good. Maybe somebody can help you put her song on here somehow. Not me, though, because I don't know how to do the video.

I looked at that group of children singing and just thought 'They are precious in His sight'. How very sweet they all look!

The awards stage looks nice. I know it has been an exciting year. And now you have an exciting trip to top it off!