Two Years In A Row Means Its A Tradition Right? 11/1 No really...FINAL ADR LIST

[Suziannie]

I've been trying to hold this back for when I've knocked out a few more items from my list...but I bought the big ticket item.

Well my husband bought it for my birthday. It finally came on Friday (we didn't buy it on Amazon and forgot what waiting for non-Prime shipping was like, lol) and I had some time to use it.

A DSLR!

OMG. Best purchase ever.

Seriously. I'm in love with it and all I've figured out it can do. I was able to really spend sometime with it this weekend as my husband and I drove to Galveston so I read through the manual and the Dummies guide to it. By the time we got there I was able to take some photos-and not in "Auto" mode either.

Isn't that like the best Father/Daughter photo ever?

So between the Wi-Fi, and all the other goodies on it I think I'm going to have some fun with this!!

 

[Suziannie]

always a good tradition!

I agree!

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

Nice camera!!
I still need to figure out how to use the one I bought years ago! lol

 

[Suziannie]

Nice camera!!
I still need to figure out how to use the one I bought years ago! lol

Thanks! I have to admit that since I've been doing so much research and reading photography blogs that I knew a great deal before I got it in my hands.

But the best thing is just to sit down with the manual and your camera and start snapping away. I was lucky we went on a "trip" this weekend. It's about a 4 1/2 hour drive from our place to Galveston,by the time we got there I'd taken over 120 photos. Mostly of the dashboard and my feet but I was pleased that they appeared to be progressively improved.

Having said that....if it weren't for our little road trip, there's a real good chance that camera would be sitting in it's box still. Waiting for me to figure it out, free time to do stuff like this is hard to come by!

 

[Suziannie]

Our third day in Walt Disney World is going to be just amazing! How do I know? Because bright and early I’m going to get up, get dressed and then head over to the Poly where I’ll make a quick stop for some coffee here:

(Photo from Google Image Search)

Then make my way over to the Magic Kingdom. I’m going to get there early and try to get a few photos before the gates open, I’d love to see if I can capture this:

(Photo from Google Image Search)
Or something similar. I’ve honestly only ever noticed the Magic Kingdom in the brickwork in photos like this, so I’d like to see if I can get one for myself.

I’m getting there super early because first on my list will be to meet up with a snappy dresser like this, and have a little bit of Disney behind the scenes fun!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

That’s right! I’m going on the Keys to the Kingdom tour! I’m so super excited about it too!

Meanwhile…my husband and daughter will be sleeping in a bit. Not too much because at 9:30 they need to be standing in this doorway:

(Photo from Google Image Search)

My daughter will be technically old enough for the BBB but at three I’m not sure she’d grasp how special it is. I’ve got some plans to bring some Disney dresses, but I’d really like to save the BB for a “Big” trip. Like her 5th birthday trip with my mother, sister and her kids-that’s in the works already!

Anyways, so my husband needed something to do that would be fairly low key but still allow him to sleep in. I thought this might be a good surprise. He’s got a haircut booked and she’s got a style, or whatever they do for little girls. I’m sad I won’t be there to capture 245668357843 photos of it, but I think they’ll have a good time! After that, they are on their own while I enjoy my tour. I will be telling my husband they are free for anything but to do his best to preserve her hair do so I can see it.

After the tour I’ll be meeting up with them wherever they may be. I’m hoping they are in the Magic Kingdom but I’ll go where they are. However they’ll have the car so it may be easier for them to come to me depending on where they are.

We’re planning on a little rest that afternoon and then an early dinner in Hollywood Studios. I’m not too sure where yet but something will jump out at us I’m sure. Maybe Pizza Planet!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

We’ll try to squeeze in a few rides but our main purpose will be the lights! Both weren’t possible last year because they both feel asleep on me, details on that lovely experience can be found here.

I know that this year will be different though!! We’ll be strolling under these for certain!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

I’d love to see Fantasmic, but I’d also like to keep my family happy so I may call it a night fairly shortly after dinner. We’ve got another morning planned in HS so other than Fantasmic we can pick up what we miss then. My husband and I are heding to DLR for our anniversary in February 2015 so we can pick up Fantasmic then too. That’s the thing about Disney I love, there’s always time for a second chance!

Hollywood Studios closes at 8pm, which seems early to me now. But it may not that day after I’ve been up since early early to catch that tour group. We may hang out for a bit at the Poly or something instead of going straight back to our room just to catch Wishes or something depending on timing. I haven’t checked to see what else may be available that day. I don’t want to over book us (as that’s where I went wrong last year) so I’ll be playing it by ear. There are lots of activities back at Shades of Green, although I’m not sure about the timing of those either, but I think we’ll find something to do.

And that’s day 3!

 

[Suziannie]

Today I read that they announced Neil Patrick Harris as one of the Candlelight Processional narrators. SO....obviously I hopped online, moved a few things around and SNAP!

We're now booked for a dinner package at Restaurant Marakesh on a night that NPH is narrating. Yay!!!



To do this though I did have to move our Liberty Tree Tavern reservation to dinner on another night. AND...I think it would be best budget wise to cut a table service and I think that one is Sanaa because I've been concerned about spending enough time in Animal Kingdom that morning.

So it's done. I'm all set to see NPH, my husband gets his symphony fix AND...we still get to do most everything we wanted to. Best possible outcome!

 

[ach222]

First, congrats on your weight loss - that is truly fantastic and it sounds like you are working so hard to maintain! I would love to drop some weight before WDW - I could lose 70ish lbs and be happy, know that won't happen before Jan but I could def get started. You look amazing!

Congrats on your Camera! The pic of it isn't showing up for me so not sure which one you got, I have a Canon 5D and even not knowing how to really use it, my pics are so much better!

Your plans are sounding great!!!

 

[Suziannie]

First, congrats on your weight loss - that is truly fantastic and it sounds like you are working so hard to maintain! I would love to drop some weight before WDW - I could lose 70ish lbs and be happy, know that won't happen before Jan but I could def get started. You look amazing!

Congrats on your Camera! The pic of it isn't showing up for me so not sure which one you got, I have a Canon 5D and even not knowing how to really use it, my pics are so much better!

Your plans are sounding great!!!

Thanks! I've still got a long way to go, I'm hoping to be down another 50 pounds by Disney. That would be nice.

I got the Nikon D5300 and it's been a lot of fun so far. I found a great deal on Groupon for a photography class that seems pretty broad (as in it doesn't just cover DSLR) but it will help a great deal as I'm still a novice. I'll add some details because I'm really thrilled about that too!

It's really amazing how much of a difference a high quality camera can make isn't it? My mother took a few photos the same time I took the one I posted here and they all came out clear, and they are nice but very dark. The only difference is that she was using her phone and I used my camera.

 

[Suziannie]

I made some changes that are noted here but I’ve got nothing but time to kill when it comes to my Disney trip so I think I’ll update the specific day’s itinerary!

Here’s the Original Plan.
And here’s how it’s changing:

Morning will be the same with breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.

(Photo from Google Image Search)

I can’t be that close and NOT go to the Magic Kingdom so afterwards we’ll hop on the monorail and head right over.

I’m sure we’ll find something to do for a few hours. Maybe we’ll go see Belle!

This might be my favorite photo of m y daughter, even though you can't see her face.

We’ll either grab lunch there somewhere, or head back to SoG. But eventually we’ll be heading back to the hotel room for an afternoon rest.

Not a long one because I’ve got to get us over to EPCOT and in the World Showcase for an early dinner at Restaurant Marakesh!

(Photo from Google image search)
We are so looking forward to this! W’ve never had Moroccan food, and honestly I’m not sure if we’ve even really explored that Pavilion before. New things to experience.

I’m also looking forward to this because I’ve actually got the Candlelight Processional Package booked, which means after dinner we get to go see Neil Patrick Harris!!

(Photo from Google image search)

Hopefully we still have some energy because we’ll have a little time to kill. We may just meander around a bit, but we may head over to Future World depending on our mood and the wait times on the rides. Love that we can find out without leaving the World Showcase thanks to MDE!
Anyways, I’d love to hang around and catch IllumiNations. I haven’t seen it in a few years and I think my daughter would love it!

(Photo from Google image search)

Plus I’ll get to try out my Firework photo skills!

Then I think we’ll be out of things to do, so we’ll be heading back to SoG and our comfy queen sized beds. Fun day right?

 

[Suziannie]

I’ve heard a saying before that the only thing that’s certain in life is change.

I think part of why I like planning my Disney trips so far out in advance is because I like tweaking it just to get it right.

I finally got around to making the reservations for one of the surprises for my trip.

Which is….a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness on our arrival day!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

I’m going to do my best to keep this as a little surprise for my husband. I think he’ll enjoy it a lot!

I’ve gone back and forth on what sort of dinner to have. And I think I’m leaning towards something quick and easy. Given the way the rest of the night is supposed to go I think I like this plan the best. So here’s the idea right now:

1) Arrive at WDW, head to Disney Quest in DTD to change our military vouchers into real tickets.
2) Lunch! We’re trying Beaches and Cream
3) Check into and explore Shades of Green. Hopefully catch a nap!
4) Head over to Fort Wilderness (this is where I think I’ll love having a car!)
5) Our sleigh ride starts at 5:30 but I’m not sure yet if we’ll eat before, or after. For the meal that night I’m planning on Trail’s end To-Go. I don’t really like the idea of a buffet as it’s a lot of heavy food so I think this might be better for us. And right now I think that could change back to the buffet option too. We’ll see. But I’m looking forward to eating here:

(Photo from Google Image Search)
6) After our ride we’re going to head over and toast some marshmallows and meet up with Chip & Dale, they are long time family favorites for all of us!

(Photo from Google Image Search)
7) We may or may not stay for the movie. If we do stay I have a feeling I’ll be heading somewhere to get some snacks. Movies and Snacks go hand in hand right?
8) If we skip the movie we’ll make our way over to Shades of Green, but time permitting we may make a quickie stop at the Poly (LOVE that it’s right across the Street!) and hang out on the beach to catch the Electrical Water pageant and Wishes. Wishes doesn’t start until 10 so I’m not sure how this will work out timing wise. I am ok with missing Wishes but I’d really like to see the water pageant. I’ve always loved that.

(Photo from Google Image Search)

So for a Non-Park arrival day that’s actually quite a bit of Magic and Disney fun isn’t it? I love love love all the options available!

 

[snuggly duckling]

Joining in!!

 

[Suziannie]

Joining in!!

So glad to have you along!​

 

[Suziannie]

We're starting our 4th day in Disney World off a little later than normal. Hopefully by sleeping in, but our first task of the day doesn't start until around 10am so even if we don't sleep we'll at least relax a bit.

The first part of our day isn't too much of a struggle either, it's breakfast with this fine lady at Cape May Cafe!

(Photo from Google Image search)

It's a first time for us at this location and the characters are some of my daughters favorites.

Afterwards we don't want to go to a park, but we still need to have a bit of fun right? And with our long morning of rest what could we do?

I think I trip over here might be in store for us...

(Photo from Google Image Search)

We've never really had the chance to do mini golf at Disney. Normally we head to Downtown Disney but with our minds being on saving money I'm not certain that's the best choice for us. So I think this will be fun. I haven't checked yet but I'm sure there's a snack bar or something we can grab a quick snack before we go.

Not sure how long we'll need for mini golf either. I'm thinking it will be under 2 hours though. Afterwards we'll likely head back to SoG and maybe hit the pool? It really depends on time to be honest.

We've got an early-ish ADR at one of my most favorite restaurants in Magic Kingdom.

(Photo from Google Image search)

Between the simple menu, the ice cream parlour next door. The Victorian decor and the amazing view of the castle I can't put my finger on what I love the best about this place. It's also a fairly affordable sit down meal-which is a nice thing in WDW right? Right!

I'm sure I'll have booked a couple FP+ for the rest of the evening. At 7pm we'll be starting our Very Merry Christmas Party activities!

http://www.**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/5180971022_9082f7497f30.jpg
(Photo from Google Image search)

We're really not into the character greetings too much. Although we may try to catch the Country Bears and of course visit Santa.

We had such an amazing time at Woody's Dance Party last year I'm sure we'll head over there for a bit. I'm certain we'll watch the parade, and the fireworks of course. And obviously there will be some cocoa and cookies for us. And maybe a couple rides too.

I'm really looking forward to the party. In fact...our tickets finally came today! Yay!!

And after the party we'll head back to our hotel room and hit the sack!

The next morning should be a lot of fun for my daughter!

 

[Suziannie]

Oh I am so excited about our breakfast ADR on the 5th day of our trip.

Last year we would have done this for sure, but it wasn’t available yet…

(Photo from Google Image search)

but then Sofia was added and I’m so on board. Like most girls her age, my daughter loves watching Sofia the First on Disney Junior. I know that that my daughter will enjoy this one! Hopefully we’ll enjoy the food too!

We’ve got a rather late ADR, which is on purpose since we’re going to the Christmas party the night before having a chance to sleep in a bit will be a good thing I bet.

We’ll also be taking advantage of FP+ this day for sure as I can’t say what time we’ll get to HS but we definitely want one for Toy Story Mania!

(Photo from Google Image search)

We haven’t ridden it yet so this is the trip for that!

After that since it’s our second time in Hollywood Studios we’ll do whatever we haven’t had a chance to do yet-I’ll set up the FP+ after we leave HS the first time if possible.

We’ll likely just grab a simple snack to share instead of lunch since our breakfast ADR is so late it’s really a brunch and we won’t want a full lunch that day I’m sure.

I’m planning on heading back to SoG for a rest around 3pm. Hopefully my 3 year old can grab a nap. But that’s ok if we just relax for a bit. She seems to do ok with either a movie or nap time. In fact I think our days of naps are numbered and running out.

Dinner that night was supposed to be light-but then I found out that there’s a seafood buffet at Shades of Green, and it’s a reasonable price. So we’re going there to check it out:

(Photo from Google Image search)
It looks nice I think.

I have heard mixed reviews about the food at Shades of Green. I’ve got quick a few “spots” in my itinerary where there’s a note to grab something quick. We may make that happen at SoG, and we may not. A lot of it will depend on timing but as of right now I’m planning on making an effort to do so. This is sort of a recent change that I’ll go into in another post but basically last week I freaked out about money and worried my food budget was too big. Since the prices are so much lower at SoG we may end up there more than at the quick service options I’ve noted previously. In the end I really want to like SoG, it’s a great price and I love the location. If we enjoy this trip that *should* put our DVC dreams to rest. So I really want to like the resort as a whole, and not just the fact that the rooms are nice, comfy and cheap.

We’ll see…but again, more on that later.

After dinner, wherever that may be….we’re heading over to the Contemporary Resort. Previously that included a walk to the Poly and then a ride on the monorail BUT…I don’t know that will work as we’ll be there a little late I think. Why? Because soon after we arrive we’re seeking out some pirates!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

Yep! I’ve got the Pirates and Pals cruise booked for us!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

Oh and I am so excited about this. We had such an amazing time at the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert & Fireworks Party that we wanted to do it again. However I’m no longer able to eat sugar. I know Disney is wonderful about working with special diets but I thought that maybe it would be better to try something else instead expect Disney to bend over backwards for me.

If you’re curious though, details about our experience can be found here:
Last Years Report Entry About the Dessert Party.

Once I’m more confident with my abilities to stick to the fruit portion of the buffet I’m certain we’ll give it another go!

But between a boat ride, Wishes and Peter Pan I think this is going to be a good fit for my family.

After that I think we’ll call it a night. I’m sure we’ll also be glad that we drove to the CR instead of having to trek back via the Monorail!

At least SoG is a short drive from CR!

 

[Suziannie]

We’ve come to our last day at Disney World!

I decided a few weeks back to add a night to our reservation so we can fully enjoy this day. And it starts out pretty awesome with breakfast in one of my favorite places:

(Photo from Google Image Search)

(Photo from Google Image Search)

Donald is one of my husband’s favorites so he’s pleased to get one last shot to hang out with him in! We don't get to Animal Kingdom as often as I would like, but Tusker House is one of my most favorite breakfasts at WDW. I can't wait to eat here again this trip!!

We’ve got a pretty full morning with the usual hot spots included. I took the time to create some Touring Plans and I think I’ll share those separately but I think I’ve got a good plan to see our favorites while we’re there.

I’m also hoping we can squeeze in an opportunity to find these guys:

(Photo from Google Image Search)

And hopefully these ones too:

(Photo from Google Image Search)

I’m really looking forward to the Finding Nemo and Lion King shows. We didn’t get a chance to get to Animal Kingdom on our last trip and there’s only one day here so it’s going to be a real whirlwind but I think it’s going to be a good day, even if it’s not going to be a full day.

Depending on how things go we’ll eat in the park. I’m planning on a late lunch and it’s going to be counter service. Not sure where yet, I’m looking forward to making a choice at the last second actually.

Right now our plan is to leave around 2pm but again, that’s pretty flexible. As much as I missed the opportunity to see Animal Kingdom last trip it’s just not a full day park for us.

Once we’re finished our plan is to head back to the hotel for a long rest. I’d like to visit the pool or even just wandering around for a bit. But I’m also open to just taking a big rest.

I did make an ADR for dinner that night, but I’m taking advantage of the Magic Kingdom being open super late that night and heading over there.

My plan right now is for dinner at 8pm at Liberty Tree Tavern. I think this is the 3rd or 4th attempt I’ve made to eat there this trip but I think this one will stick. We’re looking forward to wrapping up our Christmas trip with a holiday type meal for sure!!

(Photo from Google Image Search)

The rest of the night? Well we’re going to play that by ear too. I did build out some touring plans and I love them as it’s a lot of repeating things I’m sure we’ll get done. Basically a Magic Kingdom’s greatest hits. I’d LOVE to see if I can catch the Electrical Parade and Wishes. I’d also really love to capture the “Kiss Goodnight” and see if I can get some nice photos of the castle and Main St at night.

(Photos from Google Image Search)

I’m sure my photos won’t come out that nicely though. But since they are taping the parade that Saturday and Sunday the flag pole should be down so maybe!
The park is open until 2am though, so for all this I think it would be around 3am. That’s a LONG day and I’m not sure if even my love of Disney can make me last that long. Our next day involves packing and getting into the car at no particular time since we’re driving so I bet we can sleep in. Maybe this might work after all!

But that’s my last day in a Disney park for 2013!

 

[Suziannie]

Since I added a night to our trip I'm a little late in planning this day. Specifically the fact that we want to eat at Ohana. Last year we had so much fun!

She was trying to give Mickey her waffle!

So I've been trying to get an ADR there but I know it won't be easy. Sunday morning at a Mickey character meal close to the Magic Knigdom? Yeah. Might as well be dinner at Be Our Guest.

But I pulled that off last trip so I know I can do that this time around!
Also I added a day last year, and added Ohana on that day too at nearly the last minute so I know it's possible. I just need to put some time/effort into it.

Other than breakfast though our plan might include sleeping in depending on the time of the ADR I snag. Then we'll need to pack up and head out.

As a saftey I've booked lunch at Sanaa. Something that I'd originally planned but moved things around and decided against it. It's a first time for us and I'm looking forward to the view.

(Photo from Google Image Search).
We love Indian food so this might be a good fit for us!

After lunch, or breakfast depending we're planning on heading out and hopefully we'll be in Pensacola for dinner time.

(Photo from Google Image search)

We're planning on staying at the Navy Lodge so we'll make a quick stop in at the Commissary and pick something up for dinner as our room has a little kitchenette in it (I hope anyways). We'll be looking forward to a home-cooked meal even if it's breakfast for dinner or something equally quick and easy.

That night we'll probably stay in, watch a movie and get to bed early. It's a long drive back to Dallas, but we'll be ready to go I think.

I am so looking forward to this trip!

 

[Suziannie]

There have been a lot of shifting around but I think I'm finally happy with things and really can call it quits on the meal planning!

Here's the list:

Arrival Day:
Beaches and Cream
Trail's End (not really a meal but we're also doing the Campfire Sing A Long that night.)

1st full park day:
1900 Park Fare, breakfast
Restaurant Marrakesh, Candlelight Processional Package

2nd day:
Liberty Tree Tavern, lunch

3rd day:
Cape May Cafe, breakfast
The Plaza Inn, dinner

4th day:
Hollywood & Vine, Breakfast

5th day:
Tusker House, breakfast
Akershus, Dinner

Departure day:
Ohana, breakfast

Counter Service and Non-ADR plans:
Pizza Planet
Columbia Harbor House
Shades of Green-Maginos & Garden Gallery
Sommerfest
Gaston's Tavern


Feels so good to have exactly what we want!! I think it's a great mix of character meals, new choices and old favorites!

 

[khaleesi]

Joining in!!!

Congratulations on your weight loss!! I love my Fitbit. I just have the little Zip and I definitely put more effort into things knowing that I can't lie to myself about it. I actually bought it specifically to take on my trip this past February because I was so curious to see how much walking I would really do there! I've been including my daily counts on my Trip Report If you use the online tools and want a friend, shoot me a message!

What branch of the military is your family part of? Both of my brothers just retired from the Air Force this year... (stationed in San Antonio... or "Deep Fried Hell" as I like to call it!! Haha. I'm the lone family member still living in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.) I love reading reports from military families! I'm really interested in seeing your pics of Shades of Green. We drove through the property a couple years back but never actually saw any of the resort.

A sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness sounds so magical!!

The picture of your hubby and daughter with your new camera is absolutely precious!

I really like your hubby's Star Wars shirt I'm a HUGE fan!!

 

[scrpbookr]

I'm excited to read all about your upcoming trip! So glad you're making it a tradition!!

Congrats on your weight loss! It's wonderful to read that you were able to get fixed up after switching to TriCare.

I'm subbed so I can follow along.

 

[Suziannie]

Congrats on your weight loss! It's wonderful to read that you were able to get fixed up after switching to TriCare.

Thanks! It's been so exciting!!