Two and a half hours on hold.... and worth every minute!

[3boys4me]

All caught up on you PTR. Is it November yet?

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

All caught up on you PTR. Is it November yet?

Oh how I wish! LOL... I've got EIGHTY SEVEN DAYS!

 

[annmarieda]

I’ve always wanted to do a Signature Dining place, we are normally 1TS credit type.. But some of the menus for the 2TS places look incredible!

After reading reviews, I dumped Boatwrights, and scheduled California Grill for myself and Chris, and I’m looking into The Adventurer’s club at the Poly for DS while we go.. Any opinions/experiences on this are welcome!


Update:
Along with 94 million others, I was dialing the phone at 6am with Reservations, trying to add Free Dining to my trip! I dialed at 6am, showered with the phone on speaker, got dressed and did makeup with phone on speaker, had breakfast and fed the dog with phone on speaker. Then I drove to work with phone on speaker, and when I got there, LEFT phone on speaker, (turned low), and set it on my desk while working! After 2 hours and 18 minutes on hold, I got myself a real live castmember! He told me, NO PROBLEM, and added the FD. Of course this meant that I lost my room discount, but the Free Dining Promo saved us an additional $400.00 and something dollars, some of which I used to…… add another night! Now we’re doing six nights, so that meant that I had another table credit to use… So I put Boatwright’s BACK on the plan for our last night. YAY for more time at Disney!

Side note: Another DISer started at Facebook group for December planners, and even after I changed to November, they allowed me to stay. I have to say they are the nicest, funniest bunch of people I’ve ever had the pleasure to “hang out”with.

That’s all for now..

I am glad you got fd and that it saved you some $$. As for the FB group I agree.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Caught up again! So glad this trip has worked out AND you've saved even more than you had expected. Your ADRs sound fantastic. Sci-Fi is such a cool and unique restaurant...plus those burgers, onion rings and shakes...YUM!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Our plan so far.... Departure day..

Saturday: DH may have to work half a day. This is disappointing to me, because my plan was to leave our house at about 2am, to make it to DTD for a 3:30 ressie at Rainforest Café’. However, his job is how we pay for Disney, soooo… If we leave at noon, we’d arrive at our first night hotel at about 10pm, Florida time. Not too bad, but too late for Rainforest. There are a few reasons I really want to go there, first, I have a giftcard, and FREE is the best way to eat. Second, my son hasn’t been there, and I think he would just love it. Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep. So here’s to hoping that he can skip work that day, and we can leave early.

I’ll be packing pringles (they fit nicely in a cup holder), pb&j’s, grapes and cheese cubes for munchies on the road. Our Tahoe has rear DVD, with wireless headsets, so THAT should be excellent for DS, who is ADHD and gets antsy after 15 minutes in the car. We’ll also bring comedy DVD’s for DH and I to listen to up front. It’s an hour from home to Mississippi, another hour to Alabama, and another hour to Florida, then its Florida… for hours.. and hours… LOL.

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

I booked a hotel for our first night, but the name escapes me right now. I do know that I picked it bc it “claims” that it’s 2 miles to Animal Kingdom.. Hm. We’ll see. So that’s that. If we leave early, we drive all day and then Rainforest for dinner. If we leave late, we drive all day and crash.

 

[annmarieda]

Our plan so far.... Departure day..

Saturday: DH may have to work half a day. This is disappointing to me, because my plan was to leave our house at about 2am, to make it to DTD for a 3:30 ressie at Rainforest Café’. However, his job is how we pay for Disney, soooo… If we leave at noon, we’d arrive at our first night hotel at about 10pm, Florida time. Not too bad, but too late for Rainforest. There are a few reasons I really want to go there, first, I have a giftcard, and FREE is the best way to eat. Second, my son hasn’t been there, and I think he would just love it. Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep. So here’s to hoping that he can skip work that day, and we can leave early.

I’ll be packing pringles (they fit nicely in a cup holder), pb&j’s, grapes and cheese cubes for munchies on the road. Our Tahoe has rear DVD, with wireless headsets, so THAT should be excellent for DS, who is ADHD and gets antsy after 15 minutes in the car. We’ll also bring comedy DVD’s for DH and I to listen to up front. It’s an hour from home to Mississippi, another hour to Alabama, and another hour to Florida, then its Florida… for hours.. and hours… LOL.

I hope he doesn't have to work. I am in a similar situation. My dh might have to make an appearance before we head to the airport. (well, before he can) I want us to go together..but we might not be able to. Is there any Rainforest Cafe's between where you live and WDW? I know we have one up here. Maybe you could use your gc on the way then?

I booked a hotel for our first night, but the name escapes me right now. I do know that I picked it bc it “claims” that it’s 2 miles to Animal Kingdom.. Hm. We’ll see. So that’s that. If we leave early, we drive all day and then Rainforest for dinner. If we leave late, we drive all day and crash.

I will keep my fingers crossed you get to leave early adn go to Rainforest cafe!!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

I hope he doesn't have to work. I am in a similar situation. My dh might have to make an appearance before we head to the airport. (well, before he can) I want us to go together..but we might not be able to. Is there any Rainforest Cafe's between where you live and WDW? I know we have one up here. Maybe you could use your gc on the way then?




I will keep my fingers crossed you get to leave early adn go to Rainforest cafe!!

No RFC's that I'm aware of.. now that you say that, I need to google it! LOL!

 

[lfwhipp]

Our plan so far.... Departure day..

Saturday: DH may have to work half a day. This is disappointing to me, because my plan was to leave our house at about 2am, to make it to DTD for a 3:30 ressie at Rainforest Café’. However, his job is how we pay for Disney, soooo… If we leave at noon, we’d arrive at our first night hotel at about 10pm, Florida time. Not too bad, but too late for Rainforest. There are a few reasons I really want to go there, first, I have a giftcard, and FREE is the best way to eat. Second, my son hasn’t been there, and I think he would just love it. Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep. So here’s to hoping that he can skip work that day, and we can leave early..

we are in a similar pickle as well, we have an opportunity to go a day early, get in FREE at US/IoA and do HP and all that, but DH has to work... i am seriously thinking about using his free airline ticket for him and having us leave early...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep.

That's hilarious! I hope it works out!!!

 

[teekathepony]

Our plan so far.... Departure day..

Saturday: DH may have to work half a day. This is disappointing to me, because my plan was to leave our house at about 2am, to make it to DTD for a 3:30 ressie at Rainforest Café’. However, his job is how we pay for Disney, soooo… If we leave at noon, we’d arrive at our first night hotel at about 10pm, Florida time. Not too bad, but too late for Rainforest. There are a few reasons I really want to go there, first, I have a giftcard, and FREE is the best way to eat. Second, my son hasn’t been there, and I think he would just love it. Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep. So here’s to hoping that he can skip work that day, and we can leave early.

I’ll be packing pringles (they fit nicely in a cup holder), pb&j’s, grapes and cheese cubes for munchies on the road. Our Tahoe has rear DVD, with wireless headsets, so THAT should be excellent for DS, who is ADHD and gets antsy after 15 minutes in the car. We’ll also bring comedy DVD’s for DH and I to listen to up front. It’s an hour from home to Mississippi, another hour to Alabama, and another hour to Florida, then its Florida… for hours.. and hours… LOL.

I hope you can make it in time for Rainforest! I've never had the Lava Nachos, must try them sometime if they're good enough to dream about!

 

[annmarieda]

This came through on my emails today. One of those "daily local offer" deals.

Made me think of a couple of you...

http://livingsocial.com/escapes/106773-olympic-peninsula-lodge?msdc_id=27

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

This came through on my emails today. One of those "daily local offer" deals.

Made me think of a couple of you...

http://livingsocial.com/escapes/106773-olympic-peninsula-lodge?msdc_id=27

Oh Em Gee! How do I sign up???!!!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Sunday:
This is the day our package starts!

We are both early birds, so we’ll be knocking on the doors of Port Orleans Riverside at 6am! Now, I’m aware that they are doing some renovations, and that the double beds will be replaced with queens… this is music to my ears, as neither my hubs nor myself are small people. We have a queen at home, so that’s what we are used to, and he STILL sleeps in the middle of the bed. Last year the double beds at CBR were a very tight fit. Anyway, I know there’s no guarantee, but I’ll put on my most hopeful face at check-in and hope for a renovated room!

Normally we start our trips at Magic Kingdom. This time, we will start at Hollywood Studios. Two reasons.. I have a HUGE craving for Starring Rolls cupcakes.. and I want to get the Tower of Terror over with so it’s not hanging over my head the whole trip. !! Just kidding. (mostly) .

We have a ressie for Sci Fi Dine In that day. This is the ADR that I’m most excited about taking DS to. I don’t think he has a CLUE what a drive-in theater is. I barely know what they are myself. Last year we loved the burgers and shakes here too. DS loves milk shakes and Science Fiction, so it seems like a good fit.

Also it looks like Fantasmic! is scheduled that night. DH LOVES this show. Me, eh. It seems to be mostly the water screens now, which I guess is cool if you’ve never seen it before, like DS. So we’ll be doing that Sunday evening. (I actually heard recently that F! will be playing every night in Nov?, Can anyone comment on this?)

Other things at HS that I want to do:
The Indy Stunt Show – this is always a good one, and I think DS will like it. I know DH loves it.
The Great Movie Ride – I know a lot of people think it’s lame, but I love it. I’m a serious movie addict.
Lights, Motor, Action – Boys love cars. Boys love motorcycles. Boys love fire. Nuff said.
Rock n Rollercoaster – Sigh. I’ve never been on this. I’m a chicken. However, I’m going to do it, so that my son will do it too. Last trip he wasn’t tall enough to ride.

Sometime that day, POR will call and say our room is ready, and we’ll shoot back over there, and get unpacked and stuff (hopefully in a refurb room!).

That’s all for day one!

 

[annmarieda]

Sunday:
This is the day our package starts!

We are both early birds, so we’ll be knocking on the doors of Port Orleans Riverside at 6am! Now, I’m aware that they are doing some renovations, and that the double beds will be replaced with queens… this is music to my ears, as neither my hubs nor myself are small people. We have a queen at home, so that’s what we are used to, and he STILL sleeps in the middle of the bed. Last year the double beds at CBR were a very tight fit. Anyway, I know there’s no guarantee, but I’ll put on my most hopeful face at check-in and hope for a renovated room!

Normally we start our trips at Magic Kingdom. This time, we will start at Hollywood Studios. Two reasons.. I have a HUGE craving for Starring Rolls cupcakes.. and I want to get the Tower of Terror over with so it’s not hanging over my head the whole trip. !! Just kidding. (mostly) .

We have a ressie for Sci Fi Dine In that day. This is the ADR that I’m most excited about taking DS to. I don’t think he has a CLUE what a drive-in theater is. I barely know what they are myself. Last year we loved the burgers and shakes here too. DS loves milk shakes and Science Fiction, so it seems like a good fit.

Also it looks like Fantasmic! is scheduled that night. DH LOVES this show. Me, eh. It seems to be mostly the water screens now, which I guess is cool if you’ve never seen it before, like DS. So we’ll be doing that Sunday evening. (I actually heard recently that F! will be playing every night in Nov?, Can anyone comment on this?)

Other things at HS that I want to do:
The Indy Stunt Show – this is always a good one, and I think DS will like it. I know DH loves it.
The Great Movie Ride – I know a lot of people think it’s lame, but I love it. I’m a serious movie addict.
Lights, Motor, Action – Boys love cars. Boys love motorcycles. Boys love fire. Nuff said.
Rock n Rollercoaster – Sigh. I’ve never been on this. I’m a chicken. However, I’m going to do it, so that my son will do it too. Last trip he wasn’t tall enough to ride.

Sometime that day, POR will call and say our room is ready, and we’ll shoot back over there, and get unpacked and stuff (hopefully in a refurb room!).

That’s all for day one!

Looks like a great day! I hope you get a refurbished room. I am tempted to switch resorts just to see if I can get a refurbished room at POR.

I too can't wait to get to DHS for those cupcakes. YUM!!!

 

[lfwhipp]

This came through on my emails today. One of those "daily local offer" deals.

Made me think of a couple of you...

http://livingsocial.com/escapes/106773-olympic-peninsula-lodge?msdc_id=27

Im there!

 

[lfwhipp]

Sunday:
This is the day our package starts!

We are both early birds, so we’ll be knocking on the doors of Port Orleans Riverside at 6am! Now, I’m aware that they are doing some renovations, and that the double beds will be replaced with queens… this is music to my ears, as neither my hubs nor myself are small people. We have a queen at home, so that’s what we are used to, and he STILL sleeps in the middle of the bed. Last year the double beds at CBR were a very tight fit. Anyway, I know there’s no guarantee, but I’ll put on my most hopeful face at check-in and hope for a renovated room!

Normally we start our trips at Magic Kingdom. This time, we will start at Hollywood Studios. Two reasons.. I have a HUGE craving for Starring Rolls cupcakes.. and I want to get the Tower of Terror over with so it’s not hanging over my head the whole trip. !! Just kidding. (mostly) .

We have a ressie for Sci Fi Dine In that day. This is the ADR that I’m most excited about taking DS to. I don’t think he has a CLUE what a drive-in theater is. I barely know what they are myself. Last year we loved the burgers and shakes here too. DS loves milk shakes and Science Fiction, so it seems like a good fit.

Also it looks like Fantasmic! is scheduled that night. DH LOVES this show. Me, eh. It seems to be mostly the water screens now, which I guess is cool if you’ve never seen it before, like DS. So we’ll be doing that Sunday evening. (I actually heard recently that F! will be playing every night in Nov?, Can anyone comment on this?)

Other things at HS that I want to do:
The Indy Stunt Show – this is always a good one, and I think DS will like it. I know DH loves it.
The Great Movie Ride – I know a lot of people think it’s lame, but I love it. I’m a serious movie addict.
Lights, Motor, Action – Boys love cars. Boys love motorcycles. Boys love fire. Nuff said.
Rock n Rollercoaster – Sigh. I’ve never been on this. I’m a chicken. However, I’m going to do it, so that my son will do it too. Last trip he wasn’t tall enough to ride.

Sometime that day, POR will call and say our room is ready, and we’ll shoot back over there, and get unpacked and stuff (hopefully in a refurb room!).

That’s all for day one!

I have to laugh because i am a huge chicken and refuse to do RNRC, but i love TOT! go figure!!!

Also, just make sure you have the number for POR, in May CBR was supposed to call us and never did....

all in all, sounds like an awesome day!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

I have to laugh because i am a huge chicken and refuse to do RNRC, but i love TOT! go figure!!!

Also, just make sure you have the number for POR, in May CBR was supposed to call us and never did....

all in all, sounds like an awesome day!

For me, TOT is scary bc I don't like that feeling you get.. but now that I know you aren't actually "dropped" I may be ok. We'll see. LOL.

 

[jenseib]

Are you sure they have started refurbing the rooms? I "thought" that they were doing the princess rooms first and once they were done...."rumor" has it they will do the other rooms, but it sounded like not till early next year. I could be wrong though. I know we talked about this at the agent education trip recently, but I can't remember exactly what they said for sure. I know we talked about the new princess rooms and that it was supposed to be eventually all queen beds, but I guess I got the impression it hadn;t started yet. But I don't follow that resorts threads either.

 

[3boys4me]

Our plan so far.... Departure day..

Saturday: DH may have to work half a day. This is disappointing to me, because my plan was to leave our house at about 2am, to make it to DTD for a 3:30 ressie at Rainforest Café’. However, his job is how we pay for Disney, soooo… If we leave at noon, we’d arrive at our first night hotel at about 10pm, Florida time. Not too bad, but too late for Rainforest. There are a few reasons I really want to go there, first, I have a giftcard, and FREE is the best way to eat. Second, my son hasn’t been there, and I think he would just love it. Third, my hubby LOVES the Lava Nachos, so much that he talks about them in his sleep. So here’s to hoping that he can skip work that day, and we can leave early.

I’ll be packing pringles (they fit nicely in a cup holder), pb&j’s, grapes and cheese cubes for munchies on the road. Our Tahoe has rear DVD, with wireless headsets, so THAT should be excellent for DS, who is ADHD and gets antsy after 15 minutes in the car. We’ll also bring comedy DVD’s for DH and I to listen to up front. It’s an hour from home to Mississippi, another hour to Alabama, and another hour to Florida, then its Florida… for hours.. and hours… LOL.

Have you thought about getting XM radio? I am in my last free month and will def. renew. I did the same thing you are talking about. I set the kids up with movies in the back and I listened to XM most of the way. They have several comedy stations if you like that. I listened to countless hours of comedy on the last car ride. (if you are even talking about stand up comedy ). Anyway, I heard you can usually get good deals if you ask about specials or google it to see what they are offering. Just a thought, love my XM for the long car trips.