Wait for it...Weight for it...June 2009 WL **PACKING**

[catherines_mama]

Subscribing a little late and I cannot wait to read more later.

We'll be there the same exact time. Our reasons 1) my bday is 6/21 2) 4/3 allowed us a much longer vacation then the planned 4 day weekend. YAY

We'll be as ASMo as with 3 kids we'd rather spread between 2 rooms. Otherwise I would LOVE to stay at WL - it is my favorite and I'm totally jealous!

Can't wait to read more about your plans.

oh also - I don't have set goals and rewards, but Steve and I both also need to lose weight and are trying really hard this year. We are very prone to say "oh its been a long day - lets go out to eat" when we REALLY don't need to. Its not good for the waistline OR the wallet. So I'll be cheering you on to your goal.

 

[jenseib]

I got mine at REI. It's an Overland Equipment brand.

Can you PM me the link to it? (or post it). I am looking, but can;t find one like it. But there is so much stuff on that site. Wow!

OK, I need to go exercise. I haven't done anything all day except straighten the living room up.

 

[TxRabbit]

You should definitely do the rope drop at MK at least once. I'm usually not a fan of stuff like that, but it was a lot of fun. Not to mention, we were able to ride Space Mountain about three times before it really got crowded!

I agree with rope drop 100%

On our last trip, we made it to MK and Epcot for either rope drop or am EMH. For that trip, we arrived home one day before DS started second grade. We really couldn't afford to arrive home too tired from vacation. We were up early most every day, and we were only out late one night, for P&PP.

So sad. Space Mtn will be closed during out trip. I'm excited to ride the refurb though. I remember that the one in DL was so much smoother than the one in WDW.

Subscribing a little late and I cannot wait to read more later.

We'll be there the same exact time. Our reasons 1) my bday is 6/21 2) 4/3 allowed us a much longer vacation then the planned 4 day weekend. YAY

We'll be as ASMo as with 3 kids we'd rather spread between 2 rooms. Otherwise I would LOVE to stay at WL - it is my favorite and I'm totally jealous!

Can't wait to read more about your plans.

oh also - I don't have set goals and rewards, but Steve and I both also need to lose weight and are trying really hard this year. We are very prone to say "oh its been a long day - lets go out to eat" when we REALLY don't need to. Its not good for the waistline OR the wallet. So I'll be cheering you on to your goal.

How exciting to be in WDW for your birthday! I would LOVE to do that but mine is March 25. We'd have to pull DS from school to accomplish that and it's peak season. Not good.

I totally relate to the long day excuse. I'll tell you though, the funny thing about eating at home v. restaurant is that it really does take some time/effort to go to a restaurant. When you do start eating at home more, the evening gets so much longer. That's what we've found anyway.

Losing weight and being more healthy is really hard. It's a struggle. If it were easy, you wouldn't hear about how everyone needed to do it. It takes trying hard. I wish you well.

Can you PM me the link to it? (or post it). I am looking, but can;t find one like it. But there is so much stuff on that site. Wow!

OK, I need to go exercise. I haven't done anything all day except straighten the living room up.

Here's the link:
http://www.rei.com/product/767099

Mine looks a bit different. I bought it in late 2006/early 2007. Mine was clearanced because it was last season's color. I bought it for 50% off.

 

[2BoysMom]

Hey! My DH's birthday is March 25th!!!
What are the odds of that happening?

 

[SunnieRN]

Wow, happy to hear you are doing so well on your detox!!!!

I think it's safe to post this as your detox day was yesterday..... I got Teppan Edo for lunch and Le Cellier for dinner for our second SS day!! Woo hoo!
Tomorrow I will be calling for Crystal Palace and a few days ago we made a reservation for cinderellas royal table for dinner (my adult daughters choice).
I also made reservations for Ohanas and Olivias Cafe for our week at OKW.
Sorry about all the food talk, I must be hungry lol.

 

[TxRabbit]

Hey! My DH's birthday is March 25th!!!
What are the odds of that happening?

Wow, happy to hear you are doing so well on your detox!!!!

I think it's safe to post this as your detox day was yesterday..... I got Teppan Edo for lunch and Le Cellier for dinner for our second SS day!! Woo hoo!
Tomorrow I will be calling for Crystal Palace and a few days ago we made a reservation for cinderellas royal table for dinner (my adult daughters choice).
I also made reservations for Ohanas and Olivias Cafe for our week at OKW.
Sorry about all the food talk, I must be hungry lol.

Actually the detox IS today!

I'm so glad that you are getting the ADRs that you want. What you have so far sounds like a fun and TASTY plan.

_______________________________________________________________

I have to say that I am rather glad that our vacation is toward the end of the month. It'll take be more than a hot minute to finalize everything once I seen the park hours.*sigh*

We have made some decisions about what we will NOT be doing this trip.

1. DHS. Like we skipped AK to do DHS last time...We skip DHS...TTM will have to wait until next year.
2. BB or TL. As much as it looks fun, I think that it will be more frustrating than fun for DS.
3. Ragland Road. I want to hear the band. The band plays late. That doesn't fit with my touring plans. I'm thinking date night when the whole family goes in 2010.

And I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt what we will be doing on our first morning in the World...can you guess?...wait for it...DTD!

I asked DS today, "What is the first thing that you would like to do when we wake up in WDW?" And HE said..."The Lego Store."

Looks like we will be easing into vacation all over again.

Because I refuse to make ANOTHER post without pictures, I've included the following DTD scenes for your enjoyment:

***WARNING: The following contains images that may be upsetting to anyone counting calories***

It is always a good idea to hit Goofy's at the beginning of the trip...then you can snack on the wonders from there all throughout the week!

 

[2BoysMom]

Would you believe I don't have a sweet tooth, so the pastry pics didn't phase me a bit (it's so unfair that I'm not skinny ).

Also, the music at Ragland Road starts at 6pm, not at 9pm. Just an FYI. I confirmed that with the restaurant, for my trip.

 

[Happydog]

I think I read somewhere that the reason they shortened the ADR window is b/c people do not finalize their plans until closer to the the trips. I guess they have the ADR cancellations or double bookings to prove it. I think everyone makes a plan then changes them, then makes them again -- some more than others. So maybe their change makes sense, b/c it takes us this long to sort our our plans. If they were to upgrade anything, it would be to post the hours at least 30 days ahead of the ADR window, since the hours play a big role in the decisions. I was just thinking that their logic may not be all that off...

My boys love the lego store too!

You know we liked DHS, and we spent time there, but the second day we could have left earlier, or not even have gone. So why did you decide against the water parks? We are not including these either. Just curious....

 

[TxRabbit]

Would you believe I don't have a sweet tooth, so the pastry pics didn't phase me a bit (it's so unfair that I'm not skinny ).

Also, the music at Ragland Road starts at 6pm, not at 9pm. Just an FYI. I confirmed that with the restaurant, for my trip.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth either. DH, on the other hand...

That's good news about the band. The more I thought about it though, the more I thought that DH and I would enjoy RR more as a freewheeling couple than a mom and dad.

You know we liked DHS, and we spent time there, but the second day we could have left earlier, or not even have gone. So why did you decide against the water parks? We are not including these either. Just curious....

We loved DHS on our last trip. We had a full funfilled day there. So much so that skipping this time isn't that big a deal. DS rode ToT on our first trip and wasn't eagar to repeat the experience, so the big headliners there don't have enough pull to make us regret not going. There's so much to do over all.

We've been to some water parks here in Texas. DS does okay at them. But he's picky about what he's willing to do. He's not a thrill seeker kind of boy. So water parks aren't the get there early so we can do what we want to do thing for us. They become more of a it might be nice to get wet later in the day after we've done the other things that we really want to do kind of thing. And for that, the pool at WL looks way more appealing, less hassle, less stress. The water parks might definitely be more fun when we go with the cousins next year.:yes:

 

[SunnieRN]

Sorry about being a day early! Can't wait to spend more time in DTD this trip!! We just went once for a couple of hours last time. We did go to goofys though!

 

[Happydog]

We've been to some water parks here in Texas. DS does okay at them. But he's picky about what he's willing to do. He's not a thrill seeker kind of boy. So water parks aren't the get there early so we can do what we want to do thing for us. They become more of a it might be nice to get wet later in the day after we've done the other things that we really want to do kind of thing. And for that, the pool at WL looks way more appealing, less hassle, less stress. The water parks might definitely be more fun when we go with the cousins next year.:yes:

I was thinking the same way you are for the water parks. Initally we had the water park options on our tickets. But then I started thinking that I can get plenty mileage out of the resort pool. Boys still too young to just let loose at the WP, and the resort pool is so nice, that it makes better sense to save the $ on that one... and I don't know that we would get our use out of DQ either. It is like you said, there is plenty to do. You have a good planning strategy. I like it. Hope you made it through yesterday!

 

[TxRabbit]

Sorry about being a day early! Can't wait to spend more time in DTD this trip!! We just went once for a couple of hours last time. We did go to goofys though!

No worries! DTD is fun. If you like shopping.

You have a good planning strategy. I like it. Hope you made it through yesterday!

Thanks!

We made it through yesterday just fine. We weighed ourselves this morning. DH lost about 3 pounds and I lost somewhere between 4 to 6 pounds (the scale isn't so good and kept moving it while I was standing on it!)

Now we do a 3 day sequel.

Then we start the two week Fat Flush plan. The mission of the plan is to boost metabolism and cleanse your liver and lymphatic system, which are the two main things responsible for fat metabolism. I am excited!

AND we have figured out our ENTIRE touring plan, mostly. I'll make it a separate post...

 

[TxRabbit]

So this morning DH and I sat around and talked Disney. We really worked through a bunch of planning. DS got in on the action and we have...wait for it...A PLAN!

This plan is based on the MOST LIKELY days for EMH, therefore it is subject to change.

Saturday, June 20
Arrival Day
Dinner at WCC at WL
Plenty of time to swim, explore the resort, maybe see the campfire and some characters at FW, watch the boat parade, etc etc. It is whatever we feel like doing! I LOVE days like that!

Sunday, June 21
After being on the road for two days, we need a slow morning...plenty of time to shower and look pretty for the day.
9:15-9:30 am BOMA breakfast
Then onward to DTD and possibly even DQ, plenty of snacking going on, I'm sure.
5:00 or other earliest available dinner ADR for Yachtsman Steakhouse
Depending on our mood, we will either head on over to Epcot to catch the evening vibe there, or just check out the Boardwalk area night life.
We will be driving ourselves around this day. It'll be easier to get to AKL, then to DTD (I dislike the DTD bus route), and park at YC. Then if we do go to Epcot and check out Illuminations, we will be well positioned at the mass exodus, leaving through the int'l gateway exit and just walking to YC and our car. AND we can stop for some yummy tasty gelato at BC Marketplace on the way.

Monday, June 22
AK am EMH, be there!
9:30 am ADR Tusker House Donald's Safari Breakfast
1:30 pm ADR Yak n Yeti
6:00 pm ADR Narcoossee's decision made!
We hope to get EE first thing. That's pretty much all we care about. Whatever else we can get done in an hour and a half will be a bonus. We'll be ready for Donald and buffet dining. We saw the pictures of the restaurant and that's it, we MUST eat here.

Tuesday, June 23
EPCOT am EMH, be there!
early lunch ADR Akershus
early dinner ADR Les Chefs de France

Wednesday, June 24
Time for a more relaxing morning...
9:15-30 am ADR Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at GF
DQ!!
early dinner Jiko: The Cooking Place
AK pm EMH
Again, we will drive ourselves over to GF and then DTD and then AKL. It will just be easier. I really don't like the DTD bus!

Thursday, June 25
MK am EMH, be there!
early lunch at The Plaza
early dinner at Cali Grill
This day is all about MK, however we want it to be.

Friday, June 26
8:20 am ADR WCC
Wing it for lunch!*gasp*
7:00-30 pm ADR AP
This is our FREE DAY! The day to pick to go where we want because we just didn't get enough of it!
That's why dining is all at our resort this day. I believe we will end up in Epcot again this day. There are multiple CS options we enjoy there, plus all the snacking around the world, and maybe even eating at a TS walk-up at an off hour. It'd be interesting to try that just to see how it goes for future reference.

Saturday, June 27
Departure Day
Time to pack the car...
9:00 am ADR Chef Mickey's
We should have enough time this morning to do something, if we feel like it.

Now. Depending on our choice of resort dining on Monday night, we may still have one credit left for lunch on departure day...So now, back to reading menus and looking at pictures! I'm partial to Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Kona, and The Wave. Ahhhh. Disney Decisions.

Decision MADE!!! Narcoossee's it is!

 

[jenseib]

Sounds good, and yummy. LOL!

What does DQ mean?

 

[Happydog]

Saturday, June 27
Departure Day
Time to pack the car...
9:00 am ADR Chef Mickey's
We should have enough time this morning to do something, if we feel like it.

Now. Depending on our choice of resort dining on Monday night, we may still have one credit left for lunch on departure day...So now, back to reading menus and looking at pictures! I'm partial to Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Kona, and The Wave. Ahhhh. Disney Decisions.

Decision MADE!!! Narcoossee's it is!

Hey! These plans all look great for your first official go at it! You really are not letting the parks and going to the park drive your vacation, so I applaud you for that. Let me ask you -- we have never made Chef Mickey's before. Only Crystal Palace... I have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 11am, so we can do late breakfast but call it lunch It was perfect at Crystal Palace. Do you have any strong preference for any character breakfast in general? Did you pick Chef Mickey's b/c you have enjoyed it before? And the Tusker House? I am just curious. Some one started a thread that they didn't have a good experience at CM, and judging from the responses, that seems to be the message... which made me sad, b/c I always understood it to be the best Character meal...
So how many more days do we have until we can make our plans "official"?!!!

 

[jenseib]

I had breakfeast at CM's 2 years ago and it was just OK. Not bad, but nothing to knock your socks off. I thought the biscuits and gravy was gross though. Mickey waffles! YUM!

 

[TxRabbit]

Sounds good, and yummy. LOL!

What does DQ mean?

DQ means Disney Quest which is in DTD.

Hey! These plans all look great for your first official go at it! You really are not letting the parks and going to the park drive your vacation, so I applaud you for that. Let me ask you -- we have never made Chef Mickey's before. Only Crystal Palace... I have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 11am, so we can do late breakfast but call it lunch It was perfect at Crystal Palace. Do you have any strong preference for any character breakfast in general? Did you pick Chef Mickey's b/c you have enjoyed it before? And the Tusker House? I am just curious. Some one started a thread that they didn't have a good experience at CM, and judging from the responses, that seems to be the message... which made me sad, b/c I always understood it to be the best Character meal...
So how many more days do we have until we can make our plans "official"?!!!

My family is kind of funny. We really like to try new things. We repeated CP on our last trip, doing dinner instead of lunch, because that's just the way that it turned out for our P&PP planning. But it wasn't our first choice.

So, with one exception, every restaurant listed here will be a first time for us!

That exception is Boma, where we have eaten for dinner, but not breakfast. We wanted Tusker House to be our first character meal of the trip, but we were really liking the idea of a buffet for breakfast. We all LOVE breakfast food, and Boma is a buffet with NO characters! I enjoyed our dinner there, although it was something of a mess, but that's a WHOLE story. I'm looking forward to breakfast there. I love AKL too and think it's beautiful.

That said, I don't have a strong preference for any character breakfast in general. Haven't done CP breakfast but we feel like we have definitely been there done that with Pooh and friends. We did Cape May Cafe when we stayed at BC and we loved it. Very laid back. Good character interaction. Seeing characters multiple times. Loved that it was at the resort we were staying at.

I read that thread about CM. Doesn't bother me. Misery loves company, you know? And with it being a thread that wants to bash CM, I think the CM lovers will leave it alone.

I've read too many good reviews. And in fact, just read a good one from AussieAngel? I showed my men the pics in her review and they are both so excited that we are eating there! We LOVE us some Krispy Kreme donuts!!! And they are at TH and now, I learn, CM!

I thought CM would be a great ending. One last chance with the characters. Eat whatever you want. We have to start our drive home that day. As you can see, I've tried to plan so that we mostly have two TS a day. My men LOVE snacking, so I fully anticipate using our snack credits throughout the day to sustain us inbetween.

We have three character breakfasts scheduled. Two will have similar, if not exactly the SAME characters. I figure we'll get great pictures between the two of them.

And we have like a MONTH before we can make the plans official.

 

[Happydog]

I read that thread about CM. Doesn't bother me. Misery loves company, you know? And with it being a thread that wants to bash CM, I think the CM lovers will leave it alone.

I've read too many good reviews. And in fact, just read a good one from AussieAngel? I showed my men the pics in her review and they are both so excited that we are eating there! We LOVE us some Krispy Kreme donuts!!! And they are at TH and now, I learn, CM!

I thought CM would be a great ending. One last chance with the characters. Eat whatever you want. We have to start our drive home that day. As you can see, I've tried to plan so that we mostly have two TS a day. My men LOVE snacking, so I fully anticipate using our snack credits throughout the day to sustain us inbetween.

We have three character breakfasts scheduled. Two will have similar, if not exactly the SAME characters. I figure we'll get great pictures between the two of them.

And we have like a MONTH before we can make the plans official.

Yeah, I think you are right. I am going to go ahead and stick with CM. This way I can say I have been there and can experience it myself. Breakfast food is less difficult to "mess up" in my mind. We really liked the Crystal Palace for Breakfast. We had lots of face time with Pooh et al. CM has always been booked, never room, and just looks fun. Since I was able to get an ADR already, we are going to give it a try as well.

Thanks!

 

[catherines_mama]

Your plans look wonderful!! I'm working on ours still but cannot get as detailed as you w/out park hours! Is it March yet????

From my draft plan we might be at Akershus together. Its my way to let my girls see Princesses without having to stress to get CRT ADRs.

Your ADR choices look wonderful - lots of variety.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Wow, congrats on the great loss. That's awesome!

Your (tenative) touring plans look great. I have always wanted to go to the California Grill. If only I could convince DH...