Tricks, Treats, Toddler, Food & Wine. An October 2011 Pre-Trip Report.

[stephielela]

I think it's vacations like yours that get us through till our next Disney trip! We are takign a cruise in May, and I am starting to get super excited about that too, as a distraction!

Your trip sounds like lots of fun!!! We did a family trip to the mountains in North Carolina once, it was fun, and beautiful!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

ROAD TRIP!!!!! Sounds like a GREAT trip! I've been throwing around a beach trip for next year, we had a great time when we went and it was really similar, games, BEVERAGES, swimming...nice and relaxing! Can't wait to hear about it!

 

[khertz]

We spent a night in Sevierville on our way to and our way home from Washington D.C. There is a really incredible Wyndham resort there. I was just disappointed we didn't have a lot of time to explore the resort & do more things around there. It is such a pretty place! We might end up taking a trip back there when Paxton is a little older to check out Dollywood and have a relaxing vacation for a change! No matter where we go, we always end up going commando to see & do as much as possible. We are trying to get away for a few nights in Destin asap and I can't wait for an actual vacation where we don't do anything but play on the beach and spend time at the resort doing nothing!

Have fun!

 

[exwdwcm]

UPDATE

Well my ADR date is quickly approaching- this SUNDAY! yep, i know you are jealous that i get to wake up on my ONLY day to sleep in, Sunday at 4:45am CST to get prepped and ready to hit the button at 5am CST/6am EST! I am a little nervous, but don't think we will have a big problem getting what we want. We will see. I am sort of particular on my times usually, so that could get me.

here is what I am going for:
10/15- dinner at CRT at 5:30pm
10/16- breakfast at CP at 10:30am
10/16- dinner at Teppan Edo at 8pm
10/17- breakfast at Donald's Safari at 8am
10/18- dinner at Ohana at 5pm (before MNSSHP)
10/19- dinner at Mama Melrose at 6:45pm
10/20- dinner at Via Napoli at 7pm
10/21- no TS
10/22- breakfast at Ohana at 10:30 (or 10:45- is there still breakfast food then- are the characters still pretty interactive that late?)

if for some reason I can't get CRT for that Sat night, i can switch it with Ohana on the nights.

in other news...........DH agreed to a flight I like!!!
Originally he did NOT want to go early. He wanted to be able to work almost a full day at the office and head out that afternoon/evening and get in late to Orlando. No problem- i was on board, until I saw the flight prices of $400 and up for the later times we wanted. Not happening. We paid $330 a person RT on AA (nonstop) in December and that is probably the most I will pay. But flights, even on SW out of Dallas are crazy expensive- even SW is $400 rt with connections (no direct from Dallas).

So i finally found an AirTran that will work. Two issues- there is a connection going out there. boo, but we can handle it. Second- it leaves at 12:11pm - which means Dh can only work a few hours that morning. But he agreed. So now i need your help. There are two flights to choose from

So my question is, i have two options for our flight from DFW to MCO- which one would you do- will the connection time on the first one be enough- i.e. what if our first flight is a little late---i guess we could always do standby on that next one that leaves at 7ish?

the second flight, arriving at 7ish is about $60 cheaper than the first. what to do? getting there at 6 would be nice though. we had planned on arriving much later originally, about 8:30 or 9. so that would give us time to even do DTD or dinner somewhere.

Friday, 10/14

depart DFW 12:11pm, arrive Atlanta 3:15
depart ATL 4:31pm, arrive MCO 6pm

OR
depart DFW 12:11pm, arrive Atlanta 3:15pm
depart ATL 5:50pm, arrive MCO 7:21pm


The return flight is at 8pm and arrives dallas at 9:47, on Saturday, 10/22 but it is NON STOP. it is the only non stop i see at a decent price (<$300), so we plan that. i worry it is late, but we will plan to sleep in that day and not check out until 10:30 of the room, so we are well-rested before we become 'homeless' until we leave for the airport probably about 5:30 or so.

so which flight should i take. the first one that is $60 more (total) or the second which gets in later and gives us more connection time (although not sure we need that much, even if it is a different terminal?)

If we can get in as early at 6pm, that means we could probably have our bags, car (national emerald aisle, no desk or wait) and be at the hotel by 7 or 7:30 and grabbing dinner. which is nice. Heck, we could even try and do a sit down dinner (Ohana?) that night, but i fear we will be too tired after a day of flying. We are used to like a 2hour 20 minute direct flight, but with a connection, it will feel like a whole day. So we could do DTD, grab Earle, relax and head back to unpack and get to bed early (we have an early Saturday morning with EMH at DHS!). or heck, we stop and grab fast food to take to the room on the way to the hotel. anyhow- either is better than our original plan of getting in at 8;30pm or later.

So which flight to do? i have been given the green light to book!

 

[exwdwcm]

oh and just for fun...................I did it. I gave in. I bought the purse.

after seeing another DIS friend post on FB the current promo to get a Dooney balloon make up bag for $15, i went ahead and ordered the purse I've been eying. It is the 40th WDW Anniversary Crossover Dooney. I borrowed my sisters Dooney for our last trip and loved it. It was the crossover as well, but was this one- in green (my fave color!)

I loved it- so easy to keep my iphone, small canon powershot, money, tickets and chapstick in there, no problem. I already have the larger version of this print in the purse and the wristlet too- so i figured a new design was good and going with the 40th anniv one is the way to go.

i do love this one i have though. My mom and sister have it too. all of us had pedicures this weekend and all had our purses. you should have seen the funny looks we get. lol

so i did it, i ordered the 40th one. I debated about getting the green one too, but decided the 40th one was more special for that anniversary and has more muted colors that go with more. People already think you are a little nutty carrying around a disney purse, much less one that is bright green. so i figured this is better. I just hope i get a decent pattern I like- if not, i guess i can send it back, right? I ordered now since i got the makeup bag for $15 and also so i have this to use for our upcoming mountain trip. I also saved 10% using my disney visa and they had free shipping- can't beat that! I'll take pics when i get it!

 

[hardingk]

so i did it, i ordered the 40th one. I debated about getting the green one too, but decided the 40th one was more special for that anniversary and has more muted colors that go with more. People already think you are a little nutty carrying around a disney purse, much less one that is bright green. so i figured this is better. I just hope i get a decent pattern I like- if not, i guess i can send it back, right? I ordered now since i got the makeup bag for $15 and also so i have this to use for our upcoming mountain trip. I also saved 10% using my disney visa and they had free shipping- can't beat that! I'll take pics when i get it!

Yes, you can return it if you don't like the pattern. I have read people order 4+ of them and pick the one with the best placement. I am debating getting one too! I loved the green one in your pics. Didn't really have the chance to look at DTD on our last trip....so hard shopping with a 2.5 yr old that picks up everything!!

 

[Parla]

Well my ADR date is quickly approaching- this SUNDAY!

Friday, 10/14

depart DFW 12:11pm, arrive Atlanta 3:15
depart ATL 4:31pm, arrive MCO 6pm

OR
depart DFW 12:11pm, arrive Atlanta 3:15pm
depart ATL 5:50pm, arrive MCO 7:21pm

Already voted for number two on October thread.

oh and just for fun...................I did it. I gave in. I bought the purse.

after seeing another DIS friend post on FB the current promo to get a Dooney balloon make up bag for $15, i went ahead and ordered the purse I've been eying. It is the 40th WDW Anniversary Crossover Dooney. I borrowed my sisters Dooney for our last trip and loved it. It was the crossover as well, but was this one- in green (my fave color!)

I loved it- so easy to keep my iphone, small canon powershot, money, tickets and chapstick in there, no problem. DH carried the big backpack with the other junk (change of clothes for William, snacks, first aid, rain ponchos etc.). This year we will pack much lighter.

so i did it, i ordered the 40th one. I debated about getting the green one too, but decided the 40th one was more special for that anniversary and has more muted colors that go with more. People already think you are a little nutty carrying around a disney purse, much less one that is bright green. so i figured this is better. I just hope i get a decent pattern I like- if not, i guess i can send it back, right? I ordered now since i got the makeup bag for $15 and also so i have this to use for our upcoming mountain trip. I also saved 10% using my disney visa and they had free shipping- can't beat that! I'll take pics when i get it!

I want one so badly but I really can't. After booking the trip with DxDP I can't splurge on anything else. Free stuff is making it hard though. Maybe if they come out with free dining I can treat myself.

 

[hardingk]

10/22- breakfast at Ohana at 10:30 (or 10:45- is there still breakfast food then- are the characters still pretty interactive that late?)

if for some reason I can't get CRT for that Sat night, i can switch it with Ohana on the nights.

You will have no problem if you get there at 10:45! That was our ADR last trip and there were only about 7 other families there. We saw each of the characters twice and just a handful of them in the parade. They don't serve lunch, so they aren't in a rush to get you out, they just started cleaning up and resetting all the tables around us.

As for flights, if you really want to be there early enough to do do something that evening, go for the earlier one! This way you will be there and settled and (trying) to sleep for your EMH at HS the next morning!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Yes, you can return it if you don't like the pattern. I have read people order 4+ of them and pick the one with the best placement. I am debating getting one too! I loved the green one in your pics. Didn't really have the chance to look at DTD on our last trip....so hard shopping with a 2.5 yr old that picks up everything!!

cool! thanks Kimberly! let's hope i get a decent placement one then! I love my sister's green one. it was a tough decision. i might still get that one too one day!

Already voted for number two on October thread.
I want one so badly but I really can't. After booking the trip with DxDP I can't splurge on anything else. Free stuff is making it hard though. Maybe if they come out with free dining I can treat myself.

thanks for voting- i think i am going to book that first flight today! plus on that thread, someone said they got a credit from AirTran when prices went down after they booked (and called to ask about it). so good to know!

yeah, i splurged. I don't do it often. But i have been working like a maniac at work lately. Working late, stressed out majorly- it's been insanely busy, tight deadlines and projects to get out. So I figured I deserved it, right?

You will have no problem if you get there at 10:45! That was our ADR last trip and there were only about 7 other families there. We saw each of the characters twice and just a handful of them in the parade. They don't serve lunch, so they aren't in a rush to get you out, they just started cleaning up and resetting all the tables around us.

As for flights, if you really want to be there early enough to do do something that evening, go for the earlier one! This way you will be there and settled and (trying) to sleep for your EMH at HS the next morning!!

i think i will do that, give us as much time to chill in the room that am, pack and also check out and get our bags down to RAC. i almost think it is better going that late- it seems like anytime we even did 10 or 10:30, we got more character interaction- so thanks for confirming!

 

[eecteacher82]

Sorry I have been MIA for so long!!! Things got nuts around here and my DIS time is suffering! I hardly have time to get on and update my TR, let alone comment on everything else!

Your plans look great so far! Love your ADR's (hope you get them all)! I'm thinking that we are going to do MNSSHP on the same night as you guys! We are going to make it a quick trip (probably Sunday afternoon-Wednesday afternoon), but I really can't wait! Olivia is OBSESSED with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I think we will do PL on the day of the party since she really wants to be Izzy.

I have to say, after hearing about the high costs of flights, I'm glad that we live here in FL! It was pretty nuts when Livy and I went up this weekend, the gas alone cost more than what I spent while we were there!!!!

Can't wait to hear more plans! I promise I will try to keep up better!

 

[Tinkermom76]

I never really got into the Doony's thank God, my Coach purses are enough of an expense

I say go with the flight that gets you there earlier!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Good luck with your ADRs tomorrow!!!!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Sorry I have been MIA for so long!!! Things got nuts around here and my DIS time is suffering! I hardly have time to get on and update my TR, let alone comment on everything else!

Your plans look great so far! Love your ADR's (hope you get them all)! I'm thinking that we are going to do MNSSHP on the same night as you guys! We are going to make it a quick trip (probably Sunday afternoon-Wednesday afternoon), but I really can't wait! Olivia is OBSESSED with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I think we will do PL on the day of the party since she really wants to be Izzy.

I have to say, after hearing about the high costs of flights, I'm glad that we live here in FL! It was pretty nuts when Livy and I went up this weekend, the gas alone cost more than what I spent while we were there!!!!

Can't wait to hear more plans! I promise I will try to keep up better!

i totally hear you- work has been crazy for me too- so i've really slacked off on catching up on my subscriptions for TRs, but got a little caught up now! Awesome on possibly doing the party the same night- we will have to hook up for sure for a little meet?

I never really got into the Doony's thank God, my Coach purses are enough of an expense

I say go with the flight that gets you there earlier!!!

lol! The Coach habit can be plenty expensive in itself! i am not a huge 'bag' girl, but i do have a few Coaches and those disney dooneys, that's really it. And even then, i only got my first Coach a few years ago when a friend gave me one for Christmas. I felt really crappy when she opened up her bath and body set after she gave me (and my other friend) a Coach! lol She actually has a huge bag collection and has traveled the world and even visited the manufacturing plants and had custom bags made, so she got our Coaches for us on clearance or something, but still! She has since sold some of her bags on ebay, including a custom made one she had done at the factory itself to Courtney Cox online! cool! That was my first, but not my last! i am just too lazy to have a ton of bags and change them out all the time.

Good luck with your ADRs tomorrow!!!!!!

Thanks- i had great luck! post update coming soon!

 

[exwdwcm]

UPDATE

FLIGHTS BOOKED!
Well I did it! Finally booked my flights. I talked it over with DH, well okay, I have been nagging him about it for a while. I like to book my flights early. No last minute around here. With fares being so high, I am worried prices will only go up and up, especially this summer. So I figured, we might as well book now, not sure we are going to get anything much cheaper.

Plus, I am really picky about my flight times usually. Unfortunately, after our last trip, DH is now too. Not in a good way either. No more early crack of dawn flights for us. He hated that last year. But that's fine, we are just coming in the night before now anyhow.

So the plan was to leave after work or leave work a little early on Friday, so we could both work some that day. Vacation is a premium for me- i only get so much and we are already taking a week for the Mountain trip in June. So taking another day is rough. Plus DH just thinks a week at disney is enough (the horror!!!!!) and doesn't understand leaving earlier. What's with this guy anyways? But as you know, all the flights I found that left after 5pm were way expensive- talking $400 and up per person.

Finally i found AirTran. I managed to talk DH into taking the earlier flight on Friday with AirTran with a connection. Not our first choice, but oh well. We haven't flown with a connection in probably 10 years, other than to Hawaii (stopping in LA). Since we live right by DFW, we usually have a pretty good choice of direct flights. Not this year.

So AirTran is booked, with a connection for the trip there, but direct coming home. The times are pretty good I think. What do you think? my only concern is the long day on our last day with such a late flight at 8pm. I know, it means more time in the parks and I think it will be okay. I think I just have a bad taste in my mouth because our last trip, the last day was not great. We had a great breakfast at Chef Mickey's, but arrived late to Epcot, it was PACKED! waited almost an hour for TT (line sign said it was shorter) and by then, we were just done. Poor William had his one and only potty accident of the trip on the way to the airport and crashed out- he was dead tired. It just wasn't a good day. I worry William will be so tired, we won't have a place to crash since we have to check out by 11. But i think we can do it. The plan will be to sleep late, and I scheduled a 10:45ADR for breakfast at Ohana. We will get up, be packed already, check out, check bags at RAC and then monorail over to the Poly for a late breakfast. This way, we stay in the room as long as we can, sleep in and relax. Then we hopefully won't be exhausted the rest of the day.

So here's the final flights- paid $840 in total for the 3 of us. I paid almost $1000 for our December trip, so this is cheaper.

Departing Friday, October 14, 2011
Depart DFW 12:11pm
Arrive Atlanta 3:14pm
Depart Atlanta 4:31pm
Arrive MCO 6pm

Returning, Saturday, October 22, 2011
Depart MCO 8:01pm
Arrive DFW 9:47pm

So a few questions for you AirTran experts-

• what is the deal with this selected seat fee? I did it- i paid the $6 per leg of each flight to pick our seats. crazy! of course we normally fly AA, which you pick your seats as part of your price already. So it was an additional $50 to pick our seats. But i worried, if I didn't, that we wouldn't get to sit together at all. And while in reality, only one of us needs to sit by William, I really want us all together, so if he acts up, we are both there to help entertain him or calm him down (we had a bad return flight with him last year). So how does AT do this- do the folks that have paid the 'selected' seat fee board first (after first class of course)? Then the people that didn't pay to pick a seat board and take whatever is left? is that how it works?
• do they serve free beverages or a snack?
  
• we only have about an hour and 15 minutes for our connection- how easy is it to get around ATL airport if we are at a different gate for the second leg?
  
• any experiences with AirTran - if we miss that connection due to them being late- how good are they to work with on getting us out to Orlando on the next flight etc.?
  

 

[exwdwcm]

ADRs DONE!!!

Woo hoo (gently wipes the sweat from my brow!). I was up at the crack of dawn, 4:45am CST to get online and ready to go. I got logged in, entered my reservation confirmation and was able to start booking at 5am CST/6am EST on the dot. It went fairly smoothly. I started with the most popular ones- CRT was first off. I had my CC out and ready too.

So, here they are- drum roll please…………

Cinderella's Royal Table
Saturday, 10/15
5:45 p.m.


The Crystal Palace
Sunday, October 16
10:20 a.m.


Teppan Edo
Sunday, October 16
8:00 p.m.


Tusker House Restaurant
Monday, October 17
8:05 a.m.


'Ohana
Tuesday, October 18
5:00 p.m.


(probably cancel)
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Wednesday, October 19
5:25 p.m.


(cancel??)
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Wednesday, October 19
6:50 p.m.


Via Napoli
Thursday, October 20
7:00 p.m.


'Ohana
Saturday, October 22
10:45 a.m.



I booked CRT with no problem, got the time I wanted etc. In fact, I got the time I wanted for everything except one. I had trouble getting Mama Melrose for the time I wanted, and the time was pretty critical for that one, unfortunately. I was trying to book MM for 6:50pm, right before DHS closes at 7pm. The reason that was critical is because we are only at DHS for a few hours that night. We will do Blizzard Beach that day, probably finish around 2pm, head to the room, change, shower, relax a bit and head to DHS about 3:30 or 4pm. With DHS closing at 7pm, that only gives us 3 hours there. We are doing DHS another morning, but only for that morning (1/2 day) and this is our other ½ day there. But with just 3-4 hours, it doesn’t leave much time. That is why I wanted to eat right before they close, so that our meal isn’t cutting into our park hours at all. Unfortunately they only had Mama Melrose for 5:25pm and that’s it. So I took it, but will probably cancel it this week. I did find a Hollywood Brown Derby for 6:50pm, but it is pretty pricey and remember, we are paying OOP for our meals (with TIW which would save us 20%). So not sure if I want to keep it or not.

I had another glitch too……..the Pirates and Pals cruise. I was stupid and didn’t call ahead of time to see what nights they were offering it. I had read online that they offered it Friday through Monday, so basically on Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday nights only. But I guess that isn’t necessarily true. I had my plan all arranged around doing the cruise on our last night, Friday, October 21st. Well she said they didn’t have it that night. So I had to book it for Monday, October 17th instead. That really threw my plans awry! So help me!!! The plan for Monday day is still good- hit Animal Kingdom. That is our only day there. We will be there at opening and go as long as we need to in order to see all we want, I am guessing we can be done by 2 or 3 at the latest. There are several things we will skip that we did last year and don’t need to do again this year. The plan that night was DTD. This was to be our big DTD night to shop, eat dinner at Earle and relax, head to bed at a decent hour. But instead, we will be doing the Pirates and Pals cruise now at 7:45pm. So I have to find another night to do DTD. I know, just switch it to Friday night, where the cruise was? But isn’t DTD crowded on Friday nights? Plus, I wanted to have all my purchases made earlier in the week, so I am not running around trying to pack them all that Friday night when we leave the next day. We had planned to hit MK for a few hours on Friday night- then leave at 7pm when MK is closing for the MNSSHP and head to DTD then. So we still want to do MK for a few hours that night. I always like ending my last full night at MK if I can. I want to be able to walk down main street all lit up that night before we leave!

So right now, I am unsure of when to fit in the DTD time. I have two options-
1. Move DTD to Friday night- still go to MK for a few hours, then hit DTD at 7pm, do dinner at Earle
2. Move DTD to Wednesday night after DHS. So back to the original problem with Mama Melrose. DHS closes at 7pm. So we would be done by 7ish. Maybe we hit DTD this night after DHS? Eat dinner at Earle instead of Mama Melrose or Brown Derby (cheaper!). This also allows me to shop earlier in the trip, and know where to pack everything.

So what would you do? If we move DTD to Wednesday night, that leaves our Friday night open now. We will be at MK until about 7pm, when we will have to exit since we don’t plan to stay for the party. Since we are sleeping in the next day, we can stay out later if we want. But what to do? Epcot is only open until 9pm. MK and DHS close at 7pm and AK closes at 5pm. So I was thinking maybe we hit the Boardwalk? Try Beaches and Cream? Will it be hard to get into on a Friday night after 7pm? We can just spend some time enjoying the BW and entertainment, I can visit the store at BW where they have a good selection of DVC merchandise (which I planned to do at some point in the trip anyhow). So any votes for Friday night? We could also make a late reservation somewhere for dinner, even in the MK if it is before 7, we would just stay in the park to eat and then leave? Or at a resort? I even considered trying JIKO, it’s been on my list forever- but again, pricey. We are already doing one really pricey meal with CRT.

Speaking of, does CRT take TIW? I forgot to ask!! I guess I need to call if they do- will they apply my discount ? anyone know?

I also booked the Pirate League for William for Thursday, October 20th at 11am. We are doing MK EMH that day, so we will have time to get in early, ride a bunch of rides and even enjoy a cinnamon roll on Main Street for breakfast. Then he can wear it all day long- and that night at Epcot. We are doing dinner at Via Napoli that night. I would have tried to do it the same day as the Pirates and Pals cruise, but it didn’t work out that way.

So that’s the plan so far! I am so happy I got Ohana for dinner right at 5pm and also our 8am Tusker House so we can get in early before park opening.

So up next in updates- I’ll go through our day by day plans!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Everything looks great! Congrats on getting the restaurants you wanted!

As for your DTD conundrum: If it were me I would make Wed. after HS your DTD night. You wouldn't be spending an arm and a leg on dinner and HBD, you would get your shopping in early like you wanted, and you don't miss out on any park time at DHS (which you were concerned about with dinner anyway).

As for your then open Friday night I would go explore the Boardwalk and just enjoy having everything accomplished and having "extra" time to explore!

Good luck! I'll be curious to see what you decide.

 

[hardingk]

Speaking of, does CRT take TIW? I forgot to ask!! I guess I need to call if they do- will they apply my discount ? anyone know?

Yes, they do! When you check in, they ask you if you are a DP or TIW, etc. You tell them you have TIW and then when you are seated and the waiter or waiter comes to take your order, they ask you for your room key or TIW card. Then while you are eating, they adjust your bill and the credit goes back on to your credit card.

 

[Tinkermom76]

I say go to DTD after DHS and eat there instead of eating at DHS and wasting park time.

For after MK what about California Grill then watch Hallowishes from the BLT lounge?

Have fun on the cruise, my girls LOVED it!!!

 

[Parla]

Congrats on the 8 AM at Tusker House. I had to settle for an 8:05. I wonder how many people actually get those 8 AM times... We'll be eating fast trying to get out by 9 AM for sure.

 

[stephielela]

Yay for booking flights and ADR's! I'm just skimming through as many of my subs as I can, so I didn't read everything in detail. Did you book Pirates League?