UPDATE 8/7: My FIRST PTR! FWF Fantisies...

[Teetah]

Hey there,

I figure one good turn deserves another, I'm joining in to your PTR since you joined into mine!

Your plans look like a lot of fun. We did the Illuminations Cruise back in 2011. It was a pretty neat way to go! You can trek out my November 2011 TR for my review. (Linked in my signature below.)

Are you doing it on your own, or getting in on a cruise share. There is a thread here on the DIS about sharing Illuminations/Wishes cruise - HERE That's what we did, as it saved lots of money versus buying it ourselves, and it was actually a lot more fun doing it with a group of DISers.

Would love to do the KTTK tour someday, but alas not to be this trip...keeping to a tight budget and all...if it's not food and drink we are trying not to buy it.

The Lunch with the Imagineer sounds fun, another someday thing. We may be at the next table listening in, we have a lunch booked at the Brown Derby the same day!

Anyways, I'll be following along, perhaps we will be able to plan a DISmeet during our trips!

And your house looks lovely, BTW.

Edit: You should shorten up your signature. Your ticker is getting cut off. Smaller font or less spaces! (The reason for my tiny font!)

Thanks for joining in! Definitely checking out your TR to see about your Illuminations experience. We thought about sharing, but we would want to limit it to adults only and it sounds like a big hassle to me. It's an anniversary gift to each other so we may keep it private. That is the way I am leaning right now, anyway.

On the Imagineer lunch - I am I have seen mixed reviews...sounds like it really depends on the Imagineer and the group you have determines how great it is. That is probably pretty obvious, I suppose! I am excited to try it, though!

We are kind of splurging on this trip, as we are hoping to get a business off the ground in the next few years so big trips will be limited in the future. Trying to squeeze in all the big things we have always wanted to do.

Thanks for the signature tip! I didn't even notice it! I made some adjustments, and I think I am good now. And a DISmeet would be way fun...but I can't promise one or both of us won't be tipsy when we meet!

 

[skier_pete]

Thanks for joining in! Definitely checking out your TR to see about your Illuminations experience. We thought about sharing, but we would want to limit it to adults only and it sounds like a big hassle to me. It's an anniversary gift to each other so we may keep it private. That is the way I am leaning right now, anyway.

Well, that is of course totally your call. There is definitely a bit of romantic atmosphere for the Illuminations cruise - EXCEPT maybe when you are actually watching Illuminations. We were a boat full of people, and we were pulled up right next to another boat that just had a family of 4 on it. Perhaps they were able to ignore us, but I am not sure the boat 4 feet away may have been a mood killer.

If you have the boat rental and are the one running the share, you certainly could control who comes on the boat and say "no kids". I certainly understand if you want it to yourself though - my feeling on it was it was well worth it when I paid $120 for the 4 of us, I would never do it for the full price.

On the Imagineer lunch - I am I have seen mixed reviews...sounds like it really depends on the Imagineer and the group you have determines how great it is. That is probably pretty obvious, I suppose! I am excited to try it, though!

I'm sure that's true. I will be curious to see what you think of it. I haven't really heard too many reviews.

We are kind of splurging on this trip, as we are hoping to get a business off the ground in the next few years so big trips will be limited in the future. Trying to squeeze in all the big things we have always wanted to do.

That's awesome. We've certainly done our share of "splurge" trips. This is sort of the opposite - a "watch the budget" trip - with the exception of the food - Between Food and Wine and dinner at Yachtsman's we'll probably be giving Disney quite a bit of coin. We aren't planning any other "extras" except Jellyrolls, which is just the cover charge so I don't consider that a splurge.

Thanks for the signature tip! I didn't even notice it! I made some adjustments, and I think I am good now. And a DISmeet would be way fun...but I can't promise one or both of us won't be tipsy when we meet!

You can make that FOUR of us....five days with no driving and no child...my only limit will be my wallet...and my stomach!

 

[Teetah]

You can make that FOUR of us....five days with no driving and no child...my only limit will be my wallet...and my stomach!

BAHAHHAHAHAH!!!! Good to hear! We've never done Jellyrolls, so I am adding that to the list!

 

[MidnightParade]

Joining in!

First yay for house renovations! I mean just getting the opportunity to really make it what you want! Love the blue front door! DBF and I have agreed a blue front door is a must in our first house. lol. And thats ah-mazing that your hubs built the island! I love handy men!

Now for trip, yay POR! We stayed there for the first time in 2010 and it was beautiful, actually I have kicked myself a few times since cause we just didn't spend enough time there soaking it in and enjoying it, so make sure that you spend atleast one morning or evening or afternoon enjoying it!

 

[Teetah]

Joining in!

First yay for house renovations! I mean just getting the opportunity to really make it what you want! Love the blue front door! DBF and I have agreed a blue front door is a must in our first house. lol. And thats ah-mazing that your hubs built the island! I love handy men!

Now for trip, yay POR! We stayed there for the first time in 2010 and it was beautiful, actually I have kicked myself a few times since cause we just didn't spend enough time there soaking it in and enjoying it, so make sure that you spend atleast one morning or evening or afternoon enjoying it!

Welcome aboard! I completely agree on the house situation...I am a bit spoiled now on houses, as our first home we built (one of those suburbia, cookie-cutter types), but we got to pick out everything then, as well. We could not have had a blue front door there, though! HOAs and all... Yes, I am very, very, very, very grateful for The Hubs. Without him, none of this would have been doable! It has been a very long year and we are both exhausted, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here's hoping that's not a train!

I am SO glad you were happy with POR! The more and more I look over our plans and think about what we want out of this trip, the more I agree with you that we need to relax! Disney isn't going anywhere - no need to overdo it!

 

[Teetah]

68 Days til Disney, my friends! I am getting BEYOND excited! I once read an article that claimed that the anticipation of vacation is generally more exciting for people than the vacation itself. While I disagree that it is MORE exciting (at least for me), I do have a ton of fun planning and waiting!

The house is pretty much done! We have some small projects leftover (kitchen backsplash, touch up painting, etc), but we have started moving real stuff in! I almost have a fully stocked kitchen! Wuht wuuuht!

I do have some bummer news...my job is in jeopardy. The company I work for is being acquired, and the buyers already have staff that does my job. So, we shall see. I have started a job search as a fail safe, but with my skill set, I can't just go get another job tomorrow that I will somewhat enjoy. My job will likely last until the beginning or mid-September. I have been downsized before, but found a new job right away and that was over 7 years ago. While this is super scary and I haven't been unemployed more than a few weeks since high school, I am very fortunate that The Hubs has a good job and we have been smart with our money. The Disney money has been long put aside, and there is no way I am cancelling...especially since we finished paying our last Disney payment this week! I am excited to tell you that our room and ticket package was not only reduced in cost and upgraded to a Garden View room when the discounts came out, BUT I only had to pay $250 out of pocket for the whole thing! Disney Chase Visa Rewards points paid for the rest! So, can I seriously complain? NOPE! The job thing will work out. I am a hard worker and have great experience...it might take me a bit to find the right thing, but I will NOT let it get me down (at least for more than a few minutes, anyway)!

On to fun things! Then the F&W schedules came out and that COMPLETELY threw my plans off kilter. I officially started a spreadsheet for planning. I kept changing my mind on things (shocker). This may sound weird, but I try to write as much as I can. I enjoy physically writing, and we just don't get to do it much anymore. So, for vacation planning, I have a real notebook and use fun pens and markers. Like a kid. Or a dork. You choose. However, because there is so much to keep track of, I gave up and started a spreadsheet. Now, I get to make FP+s in 8 days. So, in this update, I am only including a list of items I will be choosing from to select FP+s. Once these are in place, you will see a more detailed daily register (plus some screenshots of my beloved spreadsheet) in my future updates. Here we go:

Friday, the 10th: Fly into Greenville, SC (via ATL connection) and be picked up by my wonderful sister. We are staying with her, plus she is so kind to also cart us around all weekend. So, no hotel or rental car costs there!

Saturday & Sunday, 11th-12th: Party at the Greenville Fall Festival with my seesters (I have two that live in Greenville) and my parents might also make an appearance!

Monday, the 13th: Sister taking us to the airport for our flight to Orlando! We did decide to fly. It wasn't TOO expensive and the time it would take to get to Orlando, even if we left way early....yeah, just couldn't swallow it. Our flight will get to MCO at 12:22pm should all go smoothly. We will then pick up our rental car. We are staying at the Star Island Resort and Club for our first night and here are our options of what to do:

Hotel TO DO Options:
2 Outdoor Pool and Pool Bars
Spa - check on later: http://www.star-island.com/files/706/SpaMenu2014.pdf
Fitness Center
Sauna
Volleyball/Putting Green/Tennis/Bball

OR DTD/Boardwalk!

Thoughts here?

Tuesday, the 14th: Check out of the hotel and grab breakfast. No idea what we are going to do about breakfast yet. Suggestions? We will then pack up and head to Epcot to start in on F&W!!!! We did book a Beverage Seminar for 4pm, but we will hopefully take a break in the afternoon and check into our upgrade at a lower cost Garden View Royal Room at POR! We still have our 8pm Illuminations Cruise booked. I tried to get a VIP seat at the 3D Dessert Party, but didn't get it. If we had, I would have cancelled the Illuminations Cruise. So, that is still on!

Wednesday, the 15th:

Breakfast in DH 7:30am
KTK Tour 8:30am w/ lunch at Columbia House included
Tomorrowland 1pm
FL Fast Pass Possibilities:
-WTP
-SWMT
-UTS
-BOG?
Festival of Fantasy Parade 3pm
Room rest
Dinner at Boatwright Dining 6:30pm
Back to MK til 10pm for Wishes
River Roost 10:30pm

Thursday, the 16th: Another F&W Day! We have only a Mixology event at 6pm this day scheduled. Free the rest of the day - I might try to make FPs, but we shall see!

Friday, the 17th:

Breakfast in Room 7am
AK EM Hours 8am
-KJ Safaris
-FOTLK
-Asia

Lunch - Yak & Yeti or back to room for rest and eat at a POR Food Court.

Hollywood Studios
-Magic of Disney Animation
-Walt Disney OMD
-Legend of CJS
-Great Movie Ride
Dinner - QS

Maybe some leftover Epcot F&W Festival!

I did cancel our Lunch with an Imagineer this day. With all the F&W we want to do, it didn't make sense anymore.

Saturday, the 18th: Harry Potter Day! Heading over first thing the morning, most likely. See and ride what I want to, then we will be heading back to the resort for some relaxation, swimming and packing. There will be Wishes that night, so we may try to find a viewing spot and watch those from afar.

Sunday, the 19th: Homeward Bound!

So, there is where we are at the moment!

I have some questions for you lovely folk while I have your attention:

1. Suggestions on what to do at DTD? We have eaten at the "big" restaurants there and want something low key and maybe something off the beaten path.

2. Does anyone have a Delta Airways Credit Card? I am consider that because we have numerous flights over the next 12 months and I would really like to take advantage of the flight benefits. We fly pretty much only Delta anymore. AND we do not leave money on the credit card - it gets paid off every month, so interest rate doesn't matter for us.

3. Any suggestions on where to watch Wishes when not in the park? I've read a bunch of options online, but wanted opinions on the BEST place.

Thanks for reading!!!!

 

[skier_pete]

Plans are looking good, hopefully we can still meet up sometime on Thursday at Epcot! Always like meeting fellow DISers.

1. Suggestions on what to do at DTD? We have eated at the "big" restaurants there and want something low key and maybe something off the beaten path.

Not a big fan of DTD since they closed Pleasure Island. Plus it's all torn up with construction. My pick for a quick meal would be either Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl of Sandwich. Both really good food. No real "hidden" gems at DTD.

2. Does anyone have a Delta Airways Credit Card? I am consider that because we have numerous flights over the next 12 months and I would really like to take advantage of the flight benefits. We fly pretty much only Delta anymore. AND we do not leave money on the credit card - it gets paid off every month, so interest rate doesn't matter for us.

I got one for mileage purposes back when we went to Australia. If you fly Delta it makes a lot of sense - by having it you get a first checked bag free on domestic flights! We fly mostly SWA domestic though.

3. Any suggestions on where to watch Hallowishes? I've read a bunch of options online, but wanted opinions on the BEST place.

Thanks for reading!!!!

Your showing that you want to watch it on Saturday night, but there is no MNSSHP that night. I know because we are planning MK to watch regular wishes. Are they running Hallowishes even on non-party nights? They were doing this a few years ago, and then they stopped. I'd actually be a little disappointed if we had to watch Hallowishes.

From outside the park, If you can afford it/get the reservation, book a table at California Grill for drinks/dessert and then you can just go out on their balcony. We've seen Christmas wishes there, it's not the greatest angle, but its a great view of the park and they pump the music in. Alternately I would say the beach at the poly is probably the other option that would give you a good view, though not sure how all the construction is affecting it.

 

[Teetah]

Plans are looking good, hopefully we can still meet up sometime on Thursday at Epcot! Always like meeting fellow DISers.



Not a big fan of DTD since they closed Pleasure Island. Plus it's all torn up with construction. My pick for a quick meal would be either Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl of Sandwich. Both really good food. No real "hidden" gems at DTD.



I got one for mileage purposes back when we went to Australia. If you fly Delta it makes a lot of sense - by having it you get a first checked bag free on domestic flights! We fly mostly SWA domestic though.



Your showing that you want to watch it on Saturday night, but there is no MNSSHP that night. I know because we are planning MK to watch regular wishes. Are they running Hallowishes even on non-party nights? They were doing this a few years ago, and then they stopped. I'd actually be a little disappointed if we had to watch Hallowishes.

From outside the park, If you can afford it/get the reservation, book a table at California Grill for drinks/dessert and then you can just go out on their balcony. We've seen Christmas wishes there, it's not the greatest angle, but its a great view of the park and they pump the music in. Alternately I would say the beach at the poly is probably the other option that would give you a good view, though not sure how all the construction is affecting it.

You are right on MNSSHP...my bad! I don't think they are running it on non-party nights - I had in my notes that was a party night. Ye old spreadsheet failed me (or I failed it). I have it also on the 16th...so maybe we will try for it then. I will edit my update so no more confusion! Thank you!

Yes, for sure - if we get the chance, let's definitely meet up. This would be my first Dismeet, so I would officially be one of the team.

I hear that on DTD...I was too young for Pleasure Island when it was still around...I have always been bummed that I missed out on that. However, I have been a few times and since I don't know what I'm missing, I enjoy walking around. BUT, we have never done the Boardwalk, so that might be a better option anyway.

Thank you!

 

[skier_pete]

You are right on MNSSHP...my bad! I don't think they are running it on non-party nights - I had in my notes that was a party night. Ye old spreadsheet failed me (or I failed it). I have it also on the 16th...so maybe we will try for it then. I will edit my update so no more confusion! Thank you!

Yes, for sure - if we get the chance, let's definitely meet up. This would be my first Dismeet, so I would officially be one of the team.

I hear that on DTD...I was too young for Pleasure Island when it was still around...I have always been bummed that I missed out on that. However, I have been a few times and since I don't know what I'm missing, I enjoy walking around. BUT, we have never done the Boardwalk, so that might be a better option anyway.

Thank you!

Too young to remember Pleasure Island, ugh you're making me feel old! But it was 6 years ago now. It still makes me sad.

Boardwalk is nice, but it's not as expansive as DTD. Mostly just restaurants though, so it's really just for a stroll.dinner. As far as entertainment, we'll be heading there on Friday night for Jellyrolls. Dueling piano/singalong bar - IMHO the best nightlife attraction at WDW now that Pleasure Island has been terminated. There's also Atlantic Dance Hall, which we've never been in. Maybe one of these days.

Let's definitely exchange info (via Private Message) and maybe we can meet up on the 16th. We'll be just arriving, but we are planning on spending most of the day at Epcot, with a mid-day break to get checked into our room around 4 PM.

Edit: Oh, and sorry to hear about your work situation. Uncertainty is always the worst, at least if you know, you can get on with it. I'm sure things will work out for the best.

 

[MidnightParade]

I'm so sorry to hear about your job situation. Its seriously awful but atleast you can get a head start looking for something new! Also nice to be finically stable with the hubs having a good job as well to help(still not fun though!)

Yay to the house being almost all ready, must feel awesome!

So Oct 14th, Disney Food Blog just announced they are having their big dessert party that night before the fireworks. Might be worth checking it out, I heard good things about it.

So I did my FP+, I didn't get up at midnight to make them, waited till the morning and couldn't get 7DMT for our first day I was able to for later in the trip so just a heads up that you may want to lose the sleep to grab them! Also even if you don't think you will use them I would still book for the 16th just incase, better to have them and not use them then try to make some and they are all gone!

I agree with Pete about Wolfgangs Express and Earl of Sandwich. I have never dined at Wolfgangs but I hear really good things about it. And Earl's is super yummy if you like sandwichs!

 

[Teetah]

So Oct 14th, Disney Food Blog just announced they are having their big dessert party that night before the fireworks. Might be worth checking it out, I heard good things about it.

I did try to do VIP for that...I even was in the early queue because of my Disney Chase Visa, but I had no luck. And since we are watching dollars, I wasn't interested enough to do just the regular event. Sounds weird, but it has to REALLY be worth my while, haha!

So I did my FP+, I didn't get up at midnight to make them, waited till the morning and couldn't get 7DMT for our first day I was able to for later in the trip so just a heads up that you may want to lose the sleep to grab them! Also even if you don't think you will use them I would still book for the 16th just incase, better to have them and not use them then try to make some and they are all gone!

Good call! I think I will do the midnight thing...I'm usually up anyway. So, we will see what works out!

I agree with Pete about Wolfgangs Express and Earl of Sandwich. I have never dined at Wolfgangs but I hear really good things about it. And Earl's is super yummy if you like sandwichs!

We LOVE sandwhiches - The Hubs makes many of his meals into sandwiches! I think we will go that direction!

 

[jmskinner]

Sorry to hear about the job situation, hope it works out to be something better.

I vote Jelly Rolls instead of DTD. I never got to experience Pleasure Island as an adult since we always had our son with us. I love Jelly Rolls! And Yachtsman Steakhouse is our favorite meal, could always walk or take a boat ride over to the Boardwalk.

If you want to watch Wishes, the beach at the Poly is nice. You can have a drink there and lay back, no crowds. Not too sure with all the construction though. Haven't been Dis'ing much.

I wasn't able to access FP+ at Midnight for our trip, but did so the next morning. Couldn't get TSMM at the time I wanted, but did get 7DMT, which surprised me.

And how relaxing it must be to be able to move your stuff into your home.

 

[skier_pete]

I vote Jelly Rolls instead of DTD. I never got to experience Pleasure Island as an adult since we always had our son with us. I love Jelly Rolls! And Yachtsman Steakhouse is our favorite meal, could always walk or take a boat ride over to the Boardwalk.

As I'm sure you probably already gathered from my PTR - I totally agree with jmskinner. (We already have this exact evening planned on Friday 10/17!) The only thing is I wouldn't bother with the boat. The walk from Yatchsman to Jellyrolls directly is actually shorter than the walk to the boat dock at YC/BC combined with the walk from the Boardwalk dock to Jellyrolls. Depending on the timing of the boat, the boat would take 15-25 minutes, while the walk is under 10.

 

[Teetah]

Sorry to hear about the job situation, hope it works out to be something better.

Thank you and me too. Just keeping the faith over here!

I vote Jelly Rolls instead of DTD. I never got to experience Pleasure Island as an adult since we always had our son with us. I love Jelly Rolls! And Yachtsman Steakhouse is our favorite meal, could always walk or take a boat ride over to the Boardwalk.

I do keep hearing how awesome Jelly Rolls is! I will definitely be adding it in. You have got me thinking about Yachtsman now...I know The Hubs would love it. The one thing that keeps me from going for it is all the moola we will be spending on F&W...

And how relaxing it must be to be able to move your stuff into your home.

Man, it really is. This living out of boxes crap for over a year is for the birds.

 

[Teetah]

As I'm sure you probably already gathered from my PTR - I totally agree with jmskinner. (We already have this exact evening planned on Friday 10/17!) The only thing is I wouldn't bother with the boat. The walk from Yatchsman to Jellyrolls directly is actually shorter than the walk to the boat dock at YC/BC combined with the walk from the Boardwalk dock to Jellyrolls. Depending on the timing of the boat, the boat would take 15-25 minutes, while the walk is under 10.

I think we are going to have to go ahead and plan on a Dismeet for the 17th at Jellyrolls! I'll PM ya!

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there! You seem to have disappeared. Just wanted to let you know we had a really fun time with the you and DH at Epcot & Jellyrolls! It always great making new friends. Thought I would share our photo of the 4 of us. Hope to see a TR out of you!

 

[Teetah]

Hey there! You seem to have disappeared. Just wanted to let you know we had a really fun time with the you and DH at Epcot & Jellyrolls! It always great making new friends. Thought I would share our photo of the 4 of us. Hope to see a TR out of you!

HELLO!!!!! Thank you so, so much for the photo! It was great hanging with you guys too! The new job has had me seriously hopping already. I will be getting starting on the TR very soon!!!