TKers Take the Fifth!

[Sukie]

Hi all. 12/2~3:15pm Pikester called. HAZEY, HOT, AND HUMID. The guys are in the pool againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. I guess Pike has't even been in yet. However she is wearing shorts. Expecting thunder and lighting later tonight and ending before morning. Hope all goes well.

I have more pins coming. Tinkerbell and her fairy friends. Also an antenna topper. Tinkerbell of course.


BKMTV~I was thing the same thing. I wish we could get some of that weather up here!

DL55~ You can keep all of the s*** if you want.



Chat later.

 

[JOCAmom]

Evening!

OK, I need to pick the brains of all my expert TK friends.

My PT is going to WDW Jan 28-31. They got fabulous rates ($58 and $62/night) at All-Star Music. He's new to this whole thing--hasn't been to Disney since he was a kid. Didn't even know about ADRs!

He is going with a friend and their wives. 2 in their 20s, 2 in their 30s, no kids. Money isn't a big issue but they do want to get their money's worth. They are willing to pay a little extra for special stuff.

What they want to do is get one of the dining plans, do a character breakfast, do TS dinners at nice places, CS lunches, and some snacks thrown in is fine but not necessary. They are getting 4-day park hoppers, and will likely go to AK the first day, since they won't have a full day, and then go to Epcot for dinner and IllumiNations. I told him he's well past the 90 day point for ADRs, so he needs to get on that pronto. Here are his questions:

Which dining plan is best for what he wants?
What are the best character breakfasts? He loves Winnie the Pooh, but thinks the CP breakfast is full.
What are the best restaurants at Epcot? At MK? At the resorts?
What else does he need to know?

Also, he said the one day they have EMH at Epcot. That will make that a crazy busy evening there, right? So shouldn't they avoid Epcot that day? Or should they go and deal with the crowds to use the extra time? I did tell him not to do MK the day they have early opening for resort guests.

Anything you can tell me would be most helpful! I did tell him about the DIS but warned him about how snarky some folks can be to newbies. Thought it might be safer to just ask you experts!

Thanks!

Ok, from what I understand about the crowds, it should be a slow time there. And if they are getting PH, then I am going against the popular opinion. Morning EMH can be great since most people don't like to get up even earlier to get to the parks. Once it starts to get crowded, they can hop to another park. But I would completely skip evening EMH's. We've done morning EMH and most rides have been walk on.

If they are not going to do signature dining restaurants, then the normal/regular dining plan should be good. That's one table service, one counter service, and one snack per night. The dining plan no longer includes the tip so make sure you remind them of that. Also, the table service meal includes dessert but not an appetizer anymore.

If they are really interested in getting an ADR at Crystal Palace, have them call around the 30 day mark. That is when people will have to cancel their packages without incurring a penalty. I've heard of things opening up around that time. And as for another place for a character breakfast, I would go with Chef Mickey's. You do get to see the Fab 5.

As for other places to eat, we always like Ohana's at the Poly. We also liked Coral Reef in the Living Seas. It was LOUD but the food was good. For counter service, we like Flame Tree BBQ, Pecos Bill's (MK), Cosmic Ray's (MK), the counter service place in Mexico, and Earl of Sandwich (DTD). You can find the menus at all ears dot net.

 

[JOCAmom]

Sukie, thanks for keeping us updated on Pikester. Lucky her having what sounds like great weather down there.

DL55, those pictures look so pretty. But you can keep the snow. It's 50 degrees here at almost 10pm. I am just loving this.

Bopsmom, I remember seeing those bikes at DHS last year. I hope you are feeling better.

 

[DL55]

Gee, no one seems excited by snow.
I usually do walks in tennis shoes (sneakers or whatever you call them) all winter. I 've had to wear my hiking boots for three whole days. I think I'll be able to go back to my regular shoes tomorrow. Snow has been mentioned as a possibility for tonight but I doubt it will occur.

I believe all our TKers are now either on the way or at WDW. I expect some reports when they get back.

 

[D&DDisney]

Gee, no one seems excited by snow.
I usually do walks in tennis shoes (sneakers or whatever you call them) all winter. I 've had to wear my hiking boots for three whole days. I think I'll be able to go back to my regular shoes tomorrow. Snow has been mentioned as a possibility for tonight but I doubt it will occur.

I believe all our TKers are now either on the way or at WDW. I expect some reports when they get back.

Okay...I'm a little excited today as it is our first

. I'm even more excited to be leaving this in less than 2 weeks. Love your pics of your snow. Palm trees w/ snow on them is just wrong.

 

[DL55]

Well, I had to wear my hiking boots again. We got another 2 inches of snow! The house looks neat as we have icicles. They aren't big enough to be dangerous (I think). I am sitting here .
D&DDisney I agree, palm trees also look silly with all the fronds smooshed down.

We can see who does the most chatting on this thread. I hope everyone finds us when they get back.

 

[D&DDisney]

DL55 - Can't believe you are still getting snow. I have heard that Austin and Houston have got some snow too. What is going on here???? You be careful of those icicles. You could lose an eye like in the movie Christmas Story.

Our snow last night was pretty but just terrible to drive in. I was praying all evening that DH would make it home from work w/o problems. Since it was the first snow fall, the plows and salt trucks did not come out until early this morning, so the roads were like driving on ICE!!!! There were so many cars in the ditch and 2 people were killed just 6 miles from our house, in car accidents. WOW!!! What a night. Luckily DH made it home. Took him 1.5 hrs.

Well DL55, it looks like it is up to us to keep this thread alive.

TKers ---Where are you?????

 

[Sukie]

Hi to the both of you . I didn't get a chance to post last night. I heard from Pikester and yesterday they were at AK. M&M made contact with her by phone. Hopefully the will get to meet in person.

All the snow is beautiful. I just wish it would wait until after hunting season. DH doesn't need anyone following his tracks. No venison yet. We haven't had any snow in our yard yet. I like it Christmas Eve and after that I don't care if we never get it again until next Christmas Eve.

Chat later.

 

[whgrn]

Hi all. Forecast here is for snow tomorrow--80% chance. Booo hiss!!!

Another question from my friend--which is a better choice for a "hearty meal", Japan or China in Epcot? I think what he means is he doesn't want to get a few little pieces of sushi and that's his whole dinner for $36 or something.

Running out to a party tonite, another one tomorrow, and 2 next week. The Christmas season's social whirl has begun!

 

[D&DDisney]

Hi Sukie! How much snow do you have? I hope M&N and Pikester get to hook up.

Hi Whgrn! I have not ate at either China or Japan so I can't give you an opinion. Sorry. Hope you don't get too much snow. Have fun at the parties!

I brought my hiking boots out of storage just like DL55. It is so cold and icy out there now. I need the traction to walk.

 

[Bopsmom]

Hey!
I can finally get into a conversation that pertains to snow...... as most have seen on my FB

Hope everyone is doing fine.

The Farmer's Alamac said we were supposed to be 'cold in the middle' this year but I can't believe it would actually snow on Galveston this year.

Oh Jeez, 15 days till Disney!!!! I am so not ready!!!!! I think I will get a box together tonight.

 

[JOCAmom]

Been trying to get here all day but everything just kept getting in the way. I swear I don't even get to sit and relax until 10pm anymore. I can't even imagine how bad it's going to be as the holidays get closer.

We are suppose to get s**w tomorrow. Only 1"-3" and it's suppose to warm up the next day to the 40's. Hopefully it will all melt right away. I think snow is pretty and I do like it as long as it melts the next day and it stays warm to dry the ground completely. We will usually get some snow, it will start to melt, and then it will get so cold here that we have ice for months. That's what I really hate.

whgrn, I've never eaten in either of those countries either. I have a picky eater so we've always skipped anything that she would consider "exotic".

Bopsmom, are you bragging that you only get snow once every 4 years?! That's not very nice. You better get packing.

Sukie, the next time you talk to Pikester, tell her that she better be taking a lot of pictures. I have to get my Disney fix some way.

D&DDisney, sounds like your weather already stinks. I don't know if I could deal with living somewhere that gets tons of snow every year. Give me the sun, sand and surf and I'd be happy as a clam.

Hi DL55 & Ev!!!!

 

[BKMETV]

Gee, no one seems excited by snow.
I usually do walks in tennis shoes (sneakers or whatever you call them) all winter. I 've had to wear my hiking boots for three whole days. I think I'll be able to go back to my regular shoes tomorrow. Snow has been mentioned as a possibility for tonight but I doubt it will occur.

I believe all our TKers are now either on the way or at WDW. I expect some reports when they get back.

I'm excited about your snow...especially since I'm not getting any!!
We had a light dusting yesterday a.m. but it quickly melted. Still wearing my leather ankle boots but I guess I'll have to dig out those snow boots soon.

Well a year ago today I was on the plane heading to WDW. Definitely missed not having a trip this year.

Wendy ~ We did CS in Japan which was good if you like sushi...had an ADR at Teppan Edo but ended up not going.

Hope everyone has a great weekend...we have our Santa Claus parade tonight...the kids will both be on the school's float. I'll be standing watching with my coffee & Bailey's.

 

[DL55]

I've eaten in Japan once with my mother. DH & DD had wondered of to see the shuttle launch. We had tempura (no sushi for us) we enjoyed it. Since DH is the picky eater I doubt I'll get to eat there again.

Galveston got snow?
DH has realized he won't be playing golf tomorrow, the course is covered in snow. Poor baby.. I didn't go for my am walk. It was 17 at 6:30! Poor puppy dog was disappointed but someone has to use common sense.

 

[LivinInTheCastle]

Hi all. Forecast here is for snow tomorrow--80% chance. Booo hiss!!!

Another question from my friend--which is a better choice for a "hearty meal", Japan or China in Epcot? I think what he means is he doesn't want to get a few little pieces of sushi and that's his whole dinner for $36 or something.

Running out to a party tonite, another one tomorrow, and 2 next week. The Christmas season's social whirl has begun!

Japan, for sure!

 

[LivinInTheCastle]

happy birthday walt disney

 

[BKMETV]

Got this email today...thought a few were pretty good:


Truisms

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5...I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. My son asked me in the car the other day "what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

20. I disagree with Kay Jewellers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Bud Lite than with Kay.

Tonight is the Santa Claus parade...it's a few degree below freezing here so I'm off to dig up everyone's snowpants etc.

 

[whgrn]

Ev, I loved the list! Especially the one about a sarcasm font!!

We had some of the ugly white stuff here today. fortunately mixed with rain so nothing stuck. Still, cold and messy out.

I had to buy new jeans becuase with my leg swollen from surgery my old ones won't go on. I hated to buy a bigger size but what are you gonna do? I am also very excited becuase I went into Dress Barn just to look and see what nice dresses they had. Figured, it's the holiday season, probably the best time to look. well, nearly everything was either above the knee short, sleeveless, or very form fitting (some were all of those!), or it was too matronly. I even looked in the plus size section just to see if maybe they had anything. Nope. there was one regular size dress I really liked. 3/4 sleeves, sort of a knit material, collar like a blouse, a shirred waist, and a really nice forest green skirt with a black lace overlay. AND it was mid-calf length. Naturally, they had no size 14. Just 8, 10 and 12. so I decided to try on the 12 and see how close it was, and maybe try to order it in a 14 or 16.

The 12 is now hanging in my closet!!! It looks really really good on, and will keep me warm enough. DD was invited to her first Sweet 16 party in January and I am going too, so I needed a dress. The only dressy dresses I own are cap sleeved little numbers, and I'd freeze my tushie off! but now I am all set!

I went to a Christmas party last night with a group of moms whose kids all went to school together back when they were younger (most of them up to 2nd grade). It was a blast. we always have a white elephant exchange, and this one girl somehow manages to find the tackiest, most hilarious gifts. This year she found something that looks like a huge golf ball on a tee, and inside there are plastic containers for ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper. We laughed until we cried at that one! I didnt' get home til after midnight. Then today I had a SparkPeople party, with 15 people I've never met and one person I've known for several years. Also a great time--you'd think we were all old friends.

So, that's 2 parties down, 2 to go (Wednesday and Thursday this coming week). I can't remember the last time I had such a busy social calendar!

But all in all, I'd rather be in Disney! BTW, Charlie thanks all of you profusely for your help in answering his questions. He is taking your advice very seriously!

Going to see if that ugly stuff is still falling out of the sky...

 

[D&DDisney]

Happy St. Nick Day!!! Hope he was good to all of you. The kids got some candy and fruit in their stockings. We also got the movie - UP!!!!! Can't wait to watch.

Hope everyone has a great weekend...we have our Santa Claus parade tonight...the kids will both be on the school's float. I'll be standing watching with my coffee & Bailey's.

I so like the way you think Ev!!!

DL55 - Can't believe your weather. Stay warm!!! Do you have a fireplace?

Ev - I love that list. So true!!!!!

JOCA - I'm with you. Gotta live somewhere warmer than this.

Whgrn - Yay on the new dress. I hate shopping for dresses. There's nothing out there I like.
You are the social butterfly this season. Enjoy all the parties.

Alright....this trip can't come fast enough. We're supposed to get more snow tonight - 2 or 3 inches and now they are calling for a SNOW STORM on Tues. night. Almost 9+ inches if they storm tracks our way. Good gravy!!! My DH is busy getting the snowblower ready as we speak.
Ask me later this week if the snow is pretty and fun any more.

 

[DL55]

whgrn Good for you getting in a size 12!
BKMETV Loved the list especially 4,7,and 8.
D&DDisney We have a fireplace. DH put in fake logs because he doesn't want to clean the fireplace. We have turned it on twice since we've been here. It even has a fan to circulate the warm air. It's really noisy. My cheap side says why turn it on when most of the heat will go up the chimney. I have thought about it lately.