Wait, weren't you just at Disney World? An August '14 Pre-Trip Report *updated 8/24*

[TheMaxRebo]

Love the t-shirts, especially the Minnie one and the Darth.

Your plans for the Studios sound great! Great FP choices and getting a little Frozen in there too. I can't comment on the Brown Derby with any good thoughts as we were, unfortunately, not fans.

And I had to laugh at your picture of the Contemporary.

Thanks Kathy - made a few others that I like ... trying to hold off on not spoiling all the fun though

I appreciate even some negative thoughts about Brown Derby - I've definitely read some negative - along with some positive - reviews. Was the option with Fanstamic! Dinner Package that sounded the best to us. Hopefully it works out

I know - great picture right!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great, I look forward to my children trying to escape in the airport

Hopefully all goes well on check in day and you can make all your plans without issue.

I look forward to hearing about your travel adventures with your children!

I very much everything goes well with out check-in and things just work out. I am trying to go into the trip with the view that whatever happens happens but obviously with the planning and booking FP+ at midnight, etc. hopefully we are able to do most things we want.

I haven't tried Brown Derby, so sorry I have no advice. I'm too picky to like anything there. Marie is intrigued by the grapefruit cake though, so...

But solid FP+ options. And I wish you luck trying to hit Fantasmic and the fireworks. We didn't want to risk it on SWW when trying to hit those fireworks, but I'm sure you'll manage.

See you tomorrow

I am sure we will be able to see some of them and hopefully hear the music, etc. ... it is bonus fireworks and I am trying to view it that way - but as I have never seen fireworks at MGM once announced this became the part of Frozen Summer Fun I was most looking forward too

and there was a brief moment when I thought about chucking our plans out the window and instead getting the Frozen package

I love the vintage CR room photo! And MGM studios... yep, remember that and I still have a few of my own photos with those signs.

Yay for 1 week from today. Technically 6 days from today now.

Love that CR room pick - and to think at the time that was considered ultra modern furnishing! That photo is actually from our last trip and I photoshopped the MGM onto it ... I have trouble letting things go. My university changed the mascot like 20 years ago and I still don't acknowledge it

 

[KatMark]

I sent you a friend request on FB in case you are doing live updates.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like great plans to me! I'm sure the monorail going through the resort will have him in awe!!

I love Fantasmic and that is cool that you have the dinner package as well. My dad has eaten at TBD a couple times and loved it.

I sure hope they keep the Frozen thing going! I swear we quote that movie multiple times in a day! )) I look forward to that part of your TR!

I think he might just lose it and I can picture myself chasing him down as he just runs towards the monorail! We were packing and he saw a picture of the monorail I have on one of my shirts and he excitedly pointed it out - I really can't wait!

Glad to hear your dad liked HBD ... we just loved Fantasmic! last time (our first time seeing it) but we wanted to ensure we would get better seats than we had without having to wait forever so thought this was a good way to go ... we shall see though!

Well, if rumors are true, Frozen will be heading back to EPCOT, specifically Maestrom (kinda not a fan, but whatever) - but they have already extended the MGM event for a month and I could see them doing it for a bit longer, though that then gets into Halloween and F&WF time

One week woohoo!

The plans look great to me! I think all of that is totally do-able!

So Hollywood Brown Derby! We have only eaten there one time and it was actually on our July trip! The Blue Lump Crab Spring Roll appetizer was awesome and delicious!!! Jeremy got the Char-Grilled Fliet of Beef and that was really good, much better than my salmon, sadly the fish was overcooked and the lentils were undercooked, but the flavor was fine, so maybe you guys would get lucky with that one? Our tablemate had the pork, but I didn't try it so I can't really comment, and then our other friend had the Cobb salad, which she really enjoyed! We had the grapefruit cake for dessert. It was good, but not as good as I expected it to be I guess? Now that I have had it, I wouldn't get it again, but at the time I remember liking it, so kind of mixed on that one.

I hope you guys enjoy it!! The atmosphere it really nice, it definitely transports you to somewhere different, it is really not even like you are inside the theme park anymore while you are in there!

I hope everything turns out to be doable. I've never really planned to the minute but usually have a bit that I want to get done so having more quasi-plans is a little weird for me. Hopefully we all feel like we got enough done without pushing things too much

Thanks so much for your review/feedback on HBD ... your take on the grapefruit cake seems to be consistent with every other review I have seen - though we probably will get one to try it. I've heard really good things about the potatoes that come with the filet so now I am leaning that way

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like a perfectly doable afternoon/evening and nice that you have left some open time for whatever else you want to do. Dinner will be wonderful at HBD, I'm sure! It's a wonderful relaxing restaurant. i can imagine wanting to head out at that time though, Olivia needs to rest up for what's to come in the morning!

Thanks - hope it all works out and that we a) get tickets for the Frozen sing along and that b) they have a time slot that works for us (think the 4pm or 7pm will work best) Other than that I think we will be able to fit everything it and worst case scenario we've done TOT, etc. in the past and know we will do it again in the future - the Frozen stuff might be a once only thing.

Yeah, I think I will have to watch wanting to be "well, maybe we can do one more thing!" - but I will definitely follow Judi's lead and know when we need a break and enough is enough. Like you said, just the first of a number of days of fun - don't want to burn out now!

Sounds like a good first day plan and I like that you're keeping things flexible.

So awesome to be staying at the Contemporary - hope Peter loves the monorail coming through! We still haven't stayed there, but hope to someday!

Hope you can get singalong tickets. If not, I accidentally discovered the whole thing on youtube the other day - fun show!

Thanks - hope it all works out and we get to what we want and not to stressed running from one thing to make a FP+ window than to something else, etc.

I've read a review of the singalong and think it will be really fun but have been trying to avoid actually watching video of it yet to try and experience it with my kids ... I mean, at least once trying to not spoil everything for a change of pace

I dug up my post on our first visit to the Brown Derby, back in 2010: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37161503&postcount=59 We really liked the Cobb Salad! We had it again on our December 2013 trip and it was still good, just haven't gotten to posting about that meal yet!

When you do Tower of Terror, if you want a quiet waiting area for the person with the baby, we found an empty hidden little area with benches kind-of across from the entrance to ToT. Very peaceful back there.

Hope you enjoy both nighttime shows! What a great way to end your first day at WDW!

Thanks so much for posting the link to your review of HBD! The Cobb Salad looks really good but not sure how to fit it in (package comes with entree and dessert, not app) ... thinking I might order the app size for Peter instead of a separate kids meal as he likes salad and most of the things in that and this way anyone else who wants a taste can - though might have to get bacon on the side as Judi doesn't eat bacon.

Thanks for the thought on the quite bench - I am sure we will look out for that. Also excited that they now offer video of your TOT ride as part of the magic maker!

I know - checking into the Contemporary and having some Frozen fun, then Fantasmic! and some unique fireworks -> not bad for arrival day!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like an awesome first day! Your park plans sound great

Thanks Alexis - hope it works out! I'm at that stage of ... everything is planned now it just needs to happen!

Subbing - gotta get caught up but am hooked from post #1... OP & DH would make the best of pals. They use same logic. Lol

Thanks for joining!

I think a lot of people here use "Disney math" a lot ... I mean, at some point it is just irresponsible not to go

Woo hoo for 6 days until your trip! That is exciting.

So - that retro picture of the Contemporary is just so cool! Just think if you walked in the room and it still looked like that.

Your HS plans look great capped off with F!. Oooooh - that cake! Yum!

Definitely exciting! Stressful, but exciting! Actually, it is really just the travel part that is stressing me out. While I know it will be tiring, etc. and I am really just ready to be at The World!

That would be a fun gag to have like one room set up like that and then surprise the people with an upgrade to a better room or something. Heck, some people might really like to stay in a retro room like that and maybe they should keep a few like that.

Thanks! Really hoping we enjoy the food at HBD - really our only "fancy" place we are eating this trip (well, non-castle category at least )

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I sent you a friend request on FB in case you are doing live updates.

Thank you Kathy - accepted!

I suspect that I will post here and there but definitely won't commit to any regular schedule - no idea how things in reality will go

If anyone else is interested definitely send a request my way!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Pre Trip Report: Part 38 - 1 Week From Today: Animal Kingdom and a DISmeet​

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Before I get into the "1 week from today ..." part just thought I would let you know that today was spent full of packing and cleaning and finishing shirts and making lists of what we don't have. One good thing about have a few days in Florida before getting to Walt Disney World is that we have time to pick up anything we were missing or forgot ... on and seeing family is good do of course

Oh, and we wanted to go through the fridge and stuff and figured we needed to go through the chest freezer so we could fit more stuff in there. Let's just say the phrase "unidentified carcass" was used

*******************

So, as I was saying ... 1 week from today we will hopefully be awaking after a fun time having experienced Fantasmic! and the Frozen Fireworks And it is a relatively early rise for us today as we have a pre-park opening ADR (@8:20)at Tusker House over in Animal Kingdom.

We ate at Tusker House for the first time last trip and were really surprised how much we enjoyed it. Of the park breakfasts we have had to date, it had the best food in my opinion and the characters were really good. One highlight was Peter standing by the window inside and Donald (who was outside waiting to take pictures) was interacting with him through the window.

Oh, another highlight:

We then have the following fast passes scheduled:

Kilimanjaro Safaris: 9:35 - 10:35 am
Kali River Rapids: 10:40 - 11:40 am
Expedition Everest: 11:55 am - 12:55 pm

Figure the safari is a must do and last trip Kali Rapids turned out to be one of Olivia's favorite rides. As far as Everst, Olivia really wants to ride it (the "Monkey Ride" as she is calling it, and I've been measuring her and in her tallest shoes and from certain angles it looks like she is right at 44", but we shall see. If she isn't tall enough so be it - definitely don't want to do anything unsafe - but also don't want her to be disappointed. If not, Judi and I will just take turns riding, and hopefully will get some more good ride photos:

Beyond those, I would like to see Festival of the Lion King in the new location and probably let the kids spend some time in the Bone Yard in Dino Land - not sure what else, guess depends on how we are feeling.

As for lunch, again, will depend on how we are feeling but if we are ready to head out and think we would like a sit-down meal we may head over to Sanaa. We've never been there but really want to check it out at some point and I just checked and there were a lot of open ADRs around lunch time. So we shall see.

We will definitely plan for some down time after lunch - naps and pool time mostly.

Then, at 5:20pm we have an ADR at 'Ohana. We haven't been there in a few years but really loved it and can't wait! Also curious to check out how the Poly is looking.

After that we plan to meet up with Lauren (Imagineer5) and her daughter. If she can get us up to the bar at the top of Bay Lake Tower that is is the plan and let the kids play and then watch Wishes. If not we will ... um, do something else. Ideally adult beverages and fireworks will be included

(Taken from our trip last year watching from the California Grill observation deck)

Then to bed - as the next day is a big one for us ... and I think Olivia might just *squee* a few times

TTFN

 

[KatMark]

Great plans, Phil. I hope Olivia makes the height requirement for EE...if she does, tell her to ride it for me a couple of times because I'll never go on it again.

I love the character interaction at Tusker House; I was disappointed they took away the Krispy Kreme's (that was in my update today).

Don't forget to take the kids on the dinosaur Dumbo ride in Dinoland.

 

[Dugette]

Sounds like a nice AK day! Hope you all can get into the BLT lounge!

By the way, on the HBD Cobb Salad - my memory is that they bring it to your table all separated and then ask if you want it tossed. So, you could maybe leave it as is or remove the bacon and have it tossed? I'm sure you'll figure something out.

 

[amberg93]

Bonus fireworks is a good way to view it We might catch them and we might not, we don't really care either way. It's not a must do and since they're only on the weekends in September, even more so.

Hopefully Olivia will be tall enough, but I'm so glad you take the route of not being upset if it's not the case. You'd be amazed how many people think that ride operators are just trying to be mean or something, not keep their kids safe.

Ooh, I hope she can get you into the bar. Dismeet + adult beverages + Wishes = awesome night.

 

[Imagineer5]

Thanks for the pixie dust, Dugette - I think we are going to need it!! Though, we do have a "back way in" wink wink, so we will try that if our first attempt fails. Either way it should be a fun night, can't go wrong with Wishes and drinks.

Is there a lounge at the Contemporary? I've never looked for one before! (EDIT: just looked and it seems like the Wave is the only lounge? which obv doesn't have an awesome view...hmmm...)

Tusker House will be wonderful! Donald no longer takes pics outside, instead he does his rounds inside which is nice! I agree, the food is fantastic here, I can't wait to enjoy it! So nice that you don't have to worry about being done before 9 to make rope drop for the safari, since you have the FP! Perfect!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great plans, Phil. I hope Olivia makes the height requirement for EE...if she does, tell her to ride it for me a couple of times because I'll never go on it again.

I love the character interaction at Tusker House; I was disappointed they took away the Krispy Kreme's (that was in my update today).

Don't forget to take the kids on the dinosaur Dumbo ride in Dinoland.

Thanks Kathy! If she does make the height and we can do the rider switch thing perhaps she will get to go twice ... if so will definitely dedicate the second ride to you

Just read your update and sad to see the Krispy Kreme's are gone and just that you felt the food wasn't as good. Selfishly hoping that it was just a bad day for them. We really liked the food our last trip so home we still do *fingers crossed*

If we have time and the kids want to we will definitely take them on the triceratops spin as well. Definitely will play it by ear.

Sounds like a nice AK day! Hope you all can get into the BLT lounge!

By the way, on the HBD Cobb Salad - my memory is that they bring it to your table all separated and then ask if you want it tossed. So, you could maybe leave it as is or remove the bacon and have it tossed? I'm sure you'll figure something out.

Thanks for the Pixie Dust! Hope it works out ... I am sure something will! Worst case scenario our room has a view of the parks so we could hang out there

I am sure we can figure something out with the Cobb Salad - maybe have everything else mixed up and just the bacon on the side ... but they have handled requests like that in the past

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a good day with a nice balance of park time and free time! Hopefully Olivia will be able to ride EE! Drinks and fireworks, great way to end the night

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Bonus fireworks is a good way to view it We might catch them and we might not, we don't really care either way. It's not a must do and since they're only on the weekends in September, even more so.

Hopefully Olivia will be tall enough, but I'm so glad you take the route of not being upset if it's not the case. You'd be amazed how many people think that ride operators are just trying to be mean or something, not keep their kids safe.

Ooh, I hope she can get you into the bar. Dismeet + adult beverages + Wishes = awesome night.

I very much hope Olivia is tall enough as I would love to ride it with her and capture her excitement on it ... she loved BTMRR so much last time. Definitely not worth risking her safety though and know they put those requirements in there for a reason ... really hope if she is too short that she doesn't get too upset though. Probably my fault for talking it up so much to her

Whereever we wind up it will definitely involve an adult beverage or 2 and viewing the fireworks. Maybe even go back to the Poly beach to watch from there ... assuming it isn't a construction disaster area

Thanks for the pixie dust, Dugette - I think we are going to need it!! Though, we do have a "back way in" wink wink, so we will try that if our first attempt fails. Either way it should be a fun night, can't go wrong with Wishes and drinks.

Is there a lounge at the Contemporary? I've never looked for one before! (EDIT: just looked and it seems like the Wave is the only lounge? which obv doesn't have an awesome view...hmmm...)

Tusker House will be wonderful! Donald no longer takes pics outside, instead he does his rounds inside which is nice! I agree, the food is fantastic here, I can't wait to enjoy it! So nice that you don't have to worry about being done before 9 to make rope drop for the safari, since you have the FP! Perfect!

Oh yeah, we will definitely figure something out. Not sure about a lounge but I think there is an observation area on the 4th floor that I figured we could get drinks somewhere and bring them out ... actually, just searched online and per foursquare the observation area is described as a "Scenic Lookout and Cocktail Bar". here is the view from there (seems ok, just not as high):

Bummer about Donald no longer meeting outside - I thought it made for a nice family picture, but oh well. Yeah, the not having to rush to things like the safari or for a FP- for TSMM is, to me, the best part of FP+

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like a good day with a nice balance of park time and free time! Hopefully Olivia will be able to ride EE! Drinks and fireworks, great way to end the night

Thanks Alexis - hope it works out. We are a bit worried about the heat in August in Animal Kingdom so definitely won't be a long park day for us. Hopefully everything works out!

 

[shan23877]

We LOVE Tusker House! It was a surprise to us in May that he wasn't outside any more, but at least he's still there, right?

I cleaned out the pantry last week. The same phrase probably could have applied

I'm eager to hear what the Poly is looking like these days. I know refurb is necessary, but such a shame for those staying there.

 

[annie170]

Tusker House is my favorite buffet in WDW. We love booking an early lunch, 11:00ish, so we get the tail end of breakfast and then all the yummy lunch options.

Getting close!

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for the pixie dust, Dugette - I think we are going to need it!! Though, we do have a "back way in" wink wink, so we will try that if our first attempt fails.

Haha, why doesn't this surprise me? Hope you guys have a really fun night!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We LOVE Tusker House! It was a surprise to us in May that he wasn't outside any more, but at least he's still there, right?

I cleaned out the pantry last week. The same phrase probably could have applied

I'm eager to hear what the Poly is looking like these days. I know refurb is necessary, but such a shame for those staying there.

Glad that you still enjoyed Tusker House ... and definitely glad to hear Donald is still there - even if not doing the picture outside

I agree - I would hate to book a vacation there and not really understand the extent to what is going on and only really find out when you arrive. I believe Disney is notifying people, but still not the same if you aren't on top of things.

Tusker House is my favorite buffet in WDW. We love booking an early lunch, 11:00ish, so we get the tail end of breakfast and then all the yummy lunch options.

Getting close!

I heard about that cross-over with breakfast and lunch ... definitely would like to try that once but we have been sticking with the pre-park opening breakfasts

Haha, why doesn't this surprise me? Hope you guys have a really fun night!

Hope so too!