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

[exwdwcm]

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.

Thanks - i think i am going to do that- DTD on Wednesday and eat Earle- save us a lot of money that way! i'll save Brown Derby for a future trip when we do the dining plan or something! you convinced me!

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.

Awesome- thank you so much! i wasn't sure how that worked.

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!!!

Cali Grill is a good idea too- we do love it there. i've eaten there a ton of times and it never gets old. But it would be OOP too and pricey. So we might just stick with the boardwalk or something- i've been dying to try Beaches and Cream. I did however, forget to mention, i booked a back up ressie for that night just in case- at Kona. So that's an option too. The fireworks at the TOW lounge is a good idea too! we definiteyl want to try that at some point during the trip, so this would be a good night for that too. hmmmm.....decisions! it hink we might just play Friday night by ear. spend a few hours in the MK until 7pm and see how we feel from there- if we are tired, we can just eat at Kona, even grab a dole whip after in Capt Cooks and then chill, do the TOW. if we feel more outgoing, we can head to BW and try B&C for dinner and hang out. for once it might be nice to not have an actual plan and just play it by ear that night depending on how we feel!the planner in me says no way! lol

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.

yeah, we will probably be eating fast, but at the same time, i won't rush it too much. i don't think it will be super crowded that week. When we had our AK day on our early December trip (which had higher crowd ratings than this Oct week does on TP)- we arrived just after opening- like 9:15am- we managed to get a FP for EE with no problem, no wait. in fact, we rode EE right away, there was only a 10 minute wait. Then we headed to Safari and even stopped for a snack along the way, taking our time and still had no wait there either. So i wouldn't be too worried about it. i am going to try and enjoy our breakfast instead of rushing- which is a bad habit of mine.

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?

yes, so glad to have the flights and ADRs done! Yes, we did book PL for Will on that Thursday, 10/20 at 11am. we are doing EMH at MK that day. so i figure we can ride some rides, get some FPs, enjoy a leisurely cinnamon roll on main st and then head over. i can't wait- i think he will love it!

 

[mousescrapper]

I was getting caught up on your updates while reading on my phone in the waiting room, but never got a chance to post a reply....

so YAY you were able to get the flights situated and you are happy w/ it all. we haven't flown airtran before but if you can't find answers on your PTR trying asking them on the transportation threads

and another for your ADR's so glad it all worked out for you but sorry about the snag w/ the date change for the cruise...too bad you didn't know ahead of time.

re your DTD I'd go w/ the vote of canceling the dinner at HBD on your DHS night and go to DTD that night and have dinner there at EOS

for your Friday night...I'd play it by ear...maybe a carriage ride, or see if the campfire movie is playing at FWC or a movie at CR that night. not sure if your son could handle mini golf but that is an option too

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I swear I replied earlier, but clearly it was just in my head!

DTD will be busier on Friday night, but it wouldn't be horrible. That said, if it were MY trip, I would go on Wed if I had a choice. Our arrival day is a Friday and we're going to DTD, so it's obviously not THAT big of a deal for me, but I know it will be a little busier.

Boardwalk would be FUN on a Friday night though, and lots of entertainment on a Friday night, so that's the direction I would go. Just getting a pizza and sitting at the tables right on the water was great after a long day at DHS, we loved it. Haven't been to Beaches & Cream, so I can't say what that would be like, but it would be worth a try!

 

[Parla]

yeah, we will probably be eating fast, but at the same time, i won't rush it too much. i don't think it will be super crowded that week. When we had our AK day on our early December trip (which had higher crowd ratings than this Oct week does on TP)- we arrived just after opening- like 9:15am- we managed to get a FP for EE with no problem, no wait. in fact, we rode EE right away, there was only a 10 minute wait. Then we headed to Safari and even stopped for a snack along the way, taking our time and still had no wait there either. So i wouldn't be too worried about it. i am going to try and enjoy our breakfast instead of rushing- which is a bad habit of mine.

Yeah, I don't think it's going to hit me how much slower this time of year is than our Spring Break and June trips that we've taken where I'm sure almost every day was a 10 until we're actually in the parks. One thing I want to make sure we get to do is actually walk through some lines like EE. We've only ever done FP there and I want to see how the standby line is set up.

 

[TinyDancer]

Joining in!
I just read your Dec TR and now your Oct PTR!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Alright - I need to know... would William be doing the P&P on his own? I thought about it for Madi but am a bit weary... she's doing the Alice & Mad Hatter tea party instead...

 

[hardingk]

Alright - I need to know... would William be doing the P&P on his own? I thought about it for Madi but am a bit weary... she's doing the Alice & Mad Hatter tea party instead...

What is the Alice & Mad Hatter Tea Party???? I have never heard of it!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

I was getting caught up on your updates while reading on my phone in the waiting room, but never got a chance to post a reply....

so YAY you were able to get the flights situated and you are happy w/ it all. we haven't flown airtran before but if you can't find answers on your PTR trying asking them on the transportation threads

and another for your ADR's so glad it all worked out for you but sorry about the snag w/ the date change for the cruise...too bad you didn't know ahead of time.

re your DTD I'd go w/ the vote of canceling the dinner at HBD on your DHS night and go to DTD that night and have dinner there at EOS

for your Friday night...I'd play it by ear...maybe a carriage ride, or see if the campfire movie is playing at FWC or a movie at CR that night. not sure if your son could handle mini golf but that is an option too

Thanks, we are so happy to have everything booked now. Well now another wrench is thrown in my plans.....i'll tell you more on that in an update in a few. but i might be able to get the cruise on Friday afterall!

I swear I replied earlier, but clearly it was just in my head!

DTD will be busier on Friday night, but it wouldn't be horrible. That said, if it were MY trip, I would go on Wed if I had a choice. Our arrival day is a Friday and we're going to DTD, so it's obviously not THAT big of a deal for me, but I know it will be a little busier.

Boardwalk would be FUN on a Friday night though, and lots of entertainment on a Friday night, so that's the direction I would go. Just getting a pizza and sitting at the tables right on the water was great after a long day at DHS, we loved it. Haven't been to Beaches & Cream, so I can't say what that would be like, but it would be worth a try!

Thanks- i am leaning more towards BW on Friday and DTD on wednesday. We aren't crowd people, so if we can avoid them, we do. I've been to B&C once, but it was well over 5 years ago and DH has never been, so i think it would be fun.

Yeah, I don't think it's going to hit me how much slower this time of year is than our Spring Break and June trips that we've taken where I'm sure almost every day was a 10 until we're actually in the parks. One thing I want to make sure we get to do is actually walk through some lines like EE. We've only ever done FP there and I want to see how the standby line is set up.

so far, i noticed the crowd levels look great for my week! it's mainly 1's and 2's on touring plans for the weekdays and the saturdays are 5's i think. i don't think my early December trip was 1's and 2's, so i am hoping it is less crowded! we will see. isn't it funny how you miss the lines? same with TSMM- you can miss a lot of the fun theming by FPing it too. EE has some amazing theming in the line!

Joining in!
I just read your Dec TR and now your Oct PTR!

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for joining! welcome!!!

Alright - I need to know... would William be doing the P&P on his own? I thought about it for Madi but am a bit weary... she's doing the Alice & Mad Hatter tea party instead...

This is the Pirates and Pals Cruise- so it is for all 3 of us and is at nighttime- it's different from the pirates cruise out of the GF. I wouldn't let Will do that one quite yet on his own and i don't know what their age minimum is for that one? here is the one we are doing:
Your adventure begins at Disney's Contemporary Resort when you check your meeting location at the Daily Event Board and gather with your sailing party. Before you head out into the moonlit evening, you're presented with a spread of beverages and snacks that include fruit, pastries and other scrumptious confections in a whimsical pirate–themed setting.
Take your young seafarer by the hand and head to the docks, where Captain Hook and the bumbling Mr. Smee are waiting to give everyone a proper send-off, complete with photo opportunities. Then "shove off" onto the glimmering waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon for a journey, the likes of which you won't forget! Experience:

• The refreshing humor of your comical pirate host, Patch, who leads you in merry song and high–energy Disney trivia games.
• Magic Kingdom Fireworks, enjoyed from a perfect vantage on the water. Watch as the sky over Cinderella Castle lights up in a brilliant fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by music and breathtaking pyrotechnic effects  the most elaborate in Magic Kingdom theme park history!
• On select nights, the voyage also includes a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant. Barges festooned in colorful lights that depict Disney characters and American stars and stripes float by in a mesmerizing aquatic parade.

On the return trip, Patch regales you with the story of daring young Peter Pan. Not only is the tale a fitting conclusion to your journey, but a clue that points to one final surprise on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage.
To everyone's delight, a very special guest waits shore and warmly welcomes you back. If you're celebrating a special occasion such as a family reunion, birthday or anniversary, you get special recognition — topping off a voyage that's nothing short of magical.
Normal operating hours are Friday through Monday, but from March 6, 2011 to March 26, 2011 and April 17, 2011 to April 28, 2011, the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage will sail seven nights a week.

What is the Alice & Mad Hatter Tea Party???? I have never heard of it!!!

i think it is just the Wonderland tea party at the GF: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=227
ven children can experience some of the charms that the Grand Floridian has to offer in one of its most recent offerings, the Wonderland Tea Party. At this pint-size tea party, guests from 3 to 10 years of age will hear stories, have a little lunch and be entertained by some Disney characters known to participate in a famous tea party of their own.

There is a maximum of 25 children to ensure that each child gets a lot of personal attention from the entertainment (Mad Hatter & Alice usually, but this is subject to change) and the recreation Cast Members. Parents are welcome to stay and observe the fun, but may prefer to use the time to book a spa treatment, shop (in the elegant Grand Floridian shops), take a walking tour of the beautiful grounds, have a quick lunch at the Grand Floridian Café, rent watercraft at the marina or just sit and enjoy the ambiance of the magnificent lobby. Call (407)WDW-DINE to book this or check with Guest Services at the resort. This can be booked 90 days in advance. Cancellations must be done at least 24 hours in advance or there is a $10 no show charge. Children attending the Tea Party must be potty trained and must arrive 15 minutes prior to tea-time.

 

[Parla]

This is the Pirates and Pals Cruise- so it is for all 3 of us and is at nighttime- it's different from the pirates cruise out of the GF. I wouldn't let Will do that one quite yet on his own and i don't know what their age minimum is for that one? here is the one we are doing:
Your adventure begins at Disney's Contemporary Resort when you check your meeting location at the Daily Event Board and gather with your sailing party. Before you head out into the moonlit evening, you're presented with a spread of beverages and snacks that include fruit, pastries and other scrumptious confections in a whimsical pirate–themed setting.
Take your young seafarer by the hand and head to the docks, where Captain Hook and the bumbling Mr. Smee are waiting to give everyone a proper send-off, complete with photo opportunities. Then "shove off" onto the glimmering waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon for a journey, the likes of which you won't forget! Experience:

• The refreshing humor of your comical pirate host, Patch, who leads you in merry song and high–energy Disney trivia games.
• Magic Kingdom Fireworks, enjoyed from a perfect vantage on the water. Watch as the sky over Cinderella Castle lights up in a brilliant fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by music and breathtaking pyrotechnic effects  the most elaborate in Magic Kingdom theme park history!
• On select nights, the voyage also includes a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant. Barges festooned in colorful lights that depict Disney characters and American stars and stripes float by in a mesmerizing aquatic parade.

On the return trip, Patch regales you with the story of daring young Peter Pan. Not only is the tale a fitting conclusion to your journey, but a clue that points to one final surprise on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage.
To everyone's delight, a very special guest waits shore and warmly welcomes you back. If you're celebrating a special occasion such as a family reunion, birthday or anniversary, you get special recognition — topping off a voyage that's nothing short of magical.
Normal operating hours are Friday through Monday, but from March 6, 2011 to March 26, 2011 and April 17, 2011 to April 28, 2011, the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage will sail seven nights a week.

That sounds like a lot of fun. We are doing an Illuminations Cruise on the 19th but I should check in to this one also. Do they do it for MNSSHP fireworks or just the regular ones?

 

[exwdwcm]

UPDATE

Well nothing really huge to report trip wise. So far we have:

• airfare booked
• DVC resort booked
• ADRs booked
• Pirates and Pals cruise booked
• Pirate League booked

Really the last thing is the rental car and i won't really look for that for a bit. I found last year, i got the best deal a week before. I had booked something months out, but found a better deal last minute, saving almost $100! so i'll do the same this year, book early, but keep checking back right before.

So, as mentioned, i was a bit upset that they couldn't book my Pirates and Pals cruise on Friday, 10/21. But after reading in another thread, i think it is because that is a MNSSHP night, so the hours for Hallowishes aren't officially out yet, meaning they can't book the cruise for MNSSHP nights yet. Of course my CM didn't say that, she just said it wasn't available, which made me think it simply wasn't being offered that night anymore for whatever reason. But now, it makes sense, it wasn't 'available' because they don't know what time the fireworks are (well we can all assume they are at the same time as last year for the party). So now i have to figure out if i want to call back once the party dates are officially announced, and move the cruise back to Friday, or if i keep it how i have it now. So about to go play with the schedule some more to figure that out----if i will keep the MOnday night cruise, or move to Friday night instead. I think ending the trip (friday is our last 'night) with the cruise and watching Hallowishes from the boat would be pretty special. end it with a bang! so i might try getting Friday as i had originally intended. we will see!

i do think i will cancel HBD for sure and plan DTD or BW that night (depending on when i move the cruise to). So the schedule might be changing a little- yet again. no surprise there! lol

So work is still crazy busy, i am not sure it will stop. Plus, a coworker that is managing some huge projects right now is going out on maternity leave come July! ouch! We are also excited about our upcoming vacation....nope, not WDW, but the Smokey Mountains. Making our final plans for a week in a cabin with the entire family and plotting our drive out there. However, my WDW trips seem to always overshadow any other trips I have planned. So i have a feeling the next few months are going to fly by- with work being busy and home the same. Which is good- that means we are closer to WDW in October, right?

This weekend is DH and mine's 10th wedding anniversary. And this month (April) marks our 18th anniversary together. Yes, we dated 8 years before we got married! We met freshman year of college on spring break in South Padre Island, TX (friend of a friend, not random meeting!). Been together ever since. We just wanted to get college done, careers started etc. before we got married.
here we are May 1, 2001- our wedding at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas!

(with my real hair color, lol!)

So we have no big plans this weekend really. We might do dinner. But DH emailed me yesterday.........mind you, this is the man that is not at all good with surprises or gifts or being romantic. Just not this thing and I knew that going in. So i emailed him talking about this weekend, how it is our anniversary (not sure he was remembering) and talking about a renaissance festival we might go to on Saturday. Anyhow- he came back saying he was going to try and surprise me with a trip to Hawaii but it was too pricey right now, especially air fare. Then he said he looked at even a weekend for us in WDW!!!!! But again, air fare was nuts. So sweet though, the fact he even had thought about it, especially WDW!!! maybe i have truly converted him now! So he said we will try and do Hawaii next year or year after. We would like to try out the new DVC resort. We've been to Oahu once- it was a business trip for me- the big annual National Guard tradeshow (i worked in the defense industry for a number of years). So i was there on business, which was really just 2-3 days of a few shifts working the booth. easy peasy. Alan flew out and we spent 3-4 days after the show- rented a car, drove the island, did Pearl Harbor (both love history, especially military history), the Dole Plantation (hello dole whip!), snorkeled and more. We stayed at the historic Royal Hawaiian (the pink one on Waikiki). it was awesome. So maybe next year we will go back and try Aulani?

While a trip would have been great, i don't have the vacation time to spare anyways right now. I only get 2 weeks a year, plus 3 floating holidays. I rolled over a few days from last year (this is only my second year at this job- this is officially my 16th month here). i also get 2 comp days from working the weekend at our conference in Vegas in August, but plan to use those to stay in vegas a few days and fly Alan out for a short trip. So one week used for the mountains, another for WDW in october and i don't really have much left. i'd like to have a few days to use for the holidays. So there you have it- no fancy anniversary trip, but we will probably celebrate in October at disney too. We are going to the local renaissance festival saturday- it is pretty large and a lot of fun. And did I mention they have beer? Will had a blast last year, so spending the day there. Maybe a nice dinner out that night. Mom offered to babysit. We have so much going on at home project wise- new paver patio DH installed, just spent $1500 for termite treatment etc. So i'd rather actually save our money and work more on the house. We already have 3 trips this year- Mountains, Vegas and WDW, and that is enough and way more than most get- so we are truly blessed to even do that!

Easter was great- Will had a blast! here are a few pics!
here is Will and his cousin, Michael

AT our neighborhood egg hunt

his haul from the bunny rabbit!

doing confetti eggs at mom's

So there you have it- my quick (okay, blabbering on) update.

 

[Parla]

So, I'm going to start thinking about the Pirates and Pals cruise. Especially if they do offer it on Friday. Was thinking of a second Halloween party that night but the cruise sounds like a nice alternative.

I definitely want to stay at Aulani some time. It's making me want to go DVC for sure. Just can't afford it. Would be making payments on it while trying to send the kids to college.

Happy Anniversary!

 

[02AggieGirl]

ok I'm in!! Looking forward reading more! You are going the week before us

 

[stephielela]

his haul from the bunny rabbit![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Is that the WDW train I spy in the background??

 

[LJD2143]

Anyhow- he came back saying he was going to try and surprise me with a trip to Hawaii but it was too pricey right now, especially air fare. Then he said he looked at even a weekend for us in WDW!!!!! But again, air fare was nuts. So sweet though, the fact he even had thought about it, especially WDW!!! maybe i have truly converted him now! So he said we will try and do Hawaii next year or year after. We would like to try out the new DVC resort.

Wow - your DH sounds alot like mine!

Our 15 year anniversary is coming up next January and DH was all set for the 2 of us to go to Aulani. After a little research however, and the fact that it will have just opened 5 months prior, we decided to wait a bit before we head over there. Instead we are thinking of celebrating our anniversary at BWV!

 

[mousescrapper]

Happy Belated 10 yr anniversary CONGRATS

that is great "news" about your Pirate Cruise really hope it works out for you and I think the Wed night plan sounds real good too!

looks like your son had a fun Easter too.

 

[DisneyRed95]

I am all caught up on your plans! You've gotten a lot accomplished since I last checked in.

First of all, Happy Anniversary!!!

Your ADRs look great. I'm glad you got most everything you wanted. Hopefully you can tweak some things to make it all work out.

I wanted to try to answer your Air Tran Questions. I'm not an AT expert by any means, but I've flown them a few times.

[*]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.?

- The seat selection fee is ridiculous. Just when you think you've got your flight booked you have to shell out extra money to pick your seat! I always make sure I pick them just in case so I know DH and I will be able to sit together. I believe if you don't pick a seat, Air Tran will assign you one when you check in. So the boarding process is grouped into 3 or 4 letters (with A being the front part of the plane, B being the middle, C being the next group, etc.) So they board the plane based on your seat location, since everyone should have an assigned seat by the time they get their boarding pass. Does that make sense?

- They do serve a free non-alcohol beverage and a little snack (cookies, crackers, etc.)

- I've only flown into Atlanta once, but I would assume since you're flying Air Tran on both legs that the gates should be close to each other. I would think an hour and 15 minutes would be enough time if you don't hit any delays on your first flight.

- I've never missed a connection on Air Tran, but I have had to change a flight and they were pretty helpful. Atlanta is Air Tran's hub, so there should be a few more flights to Orlando that evening. I would hope you could get on the next flight if seating is available.

I hope that helps a little. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Have a great anniversary weekend!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Happy Anniversary! I hope you have a great time at the Fair this weekend!

 

[eecteacher82]

I'd love to get together for a meet at MNSSHP!!! I'm still sad I missed on so many meets in December! It was just so darn cold we couldn't stay outside anymore!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

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.

Ooooooo.... I am SO jealous! I want one of these so badly, but since I am currently lobbying for a new double stroller and an iPad2, I am not going to push my luck. I guess I will just have to wait until our trip...
I hope you get a pattern that you like. Enjoy your new Disney treasure!

UPDATE
FLIGHTS BOOKED!
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.?

We fly into ATL often. It is not a great airport to fly into, but it is not terrible. On our Honeymoon, we had 30 minutes to make our transfer. We were flying Delta, not Air Tran, but we made it with plenty of time to spare. We even stopped an grabbed lunch to eat once we boarded! One tip is to go ahead and ask your flight attendant which gate your plane will leave from and how to get there from the gate that you will dock. Most of the time they have access to all this information. You can save lots of time by finding all this out while you are in the air!

We have missed a connection due to delay with Air Tran. I don't remember it being a problem. They just moved us to a later flight.

 

[hardingk]

Ooooooo.... I am SO jealous! I want one of these so badly, but since I am currently lobbying for a new double stroller and an iPad2, I am not going to push my luck. I guess I will just have to wait until our trip...
I hope you get a pattern that you like. Enjoy your new Disney treasure!

Did anyone else hear anything about Disney ending their run with Dooney & Bourke? I heard on the boards that it might be ending and them venturing with Vera Bradley???