We want to do it all over again - minus the trip to the hospital! *COMPLETE*

[pinkxray]

I love everything you have planned (or not planned) for this day.

TL looks so pretty and I have always wanted to try it. We have been to BB twice and I wanted to go to TL last year but we never made it over there. I was thinking of adding it this year but Caitlin is too big for the little kid stuff, but not tall enough for the bigger stuff. Next trip we have to go there.

I am so jealous you are going to Jiko. It looks yummy. EOS and WPE sound good too.

I Fantasmic but it is such a hassle waiting in line to get a seat and then waiting forever for it to start. They did add a bunch of 10:30 shows but I just can't stay up that late and make it to 8am breakfasts every morning.

We are getting so close

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

I LOVED reading about your experience in Brazil. I am so happy you have great memories from the time spent there. I also graduated from dental school and I know how hard we can dance in those graduation parties. I finished dental school in 1999 but I did my studies in Sao Paulo. I do not practice as a dentist here in Canada though. Maybe one day...

I think I just might know the song you are referring too. Which year did you go? Was that late 90's? At that time everybody was obsessed with songs with silly choreographies. Does THAT ring a bell??

And I also had a bakery (padaria) right across the street from the condo building where I grew up. When I moved here I found egss and bacon a very odd choice for breakfast.

Oh man... this talk is making me feel so homesick!

Yes, 1998 - and lots and lots of very silly choreographies! However, that style sounds familiar but the choreography was nothing we did. Nothing "sexy" like that - more fun and funny. I will have to look around and see if I can find my CDs.

That is funny that you were a dentist in Brasil as well. Too bad you didn't go to Piracicaba for dental school or maybe you would know my "brother"!

Sorry you miss it. Hopefully you will get to go back soon?

Planning for Sunday May, 15th, 2011

So I learned from past trips that at about this point in our trip we will be ready for a break from the theme parks.

So the plan is to really get into "vacation mode", sleep in and just let the day happen. Here is what might happen:

Option #1:

We will not purchase the water park add-on since we will only visit a WP once. The plan is to purchase the admission on the spot so we have to chose a great day to use it.


Lunch will be a toss between Earl of Sandwich (we really loved their sandwiches last year) or Wolfgang Puck (apparently they have some great pasta).

AND ... we are dying to visit Goofy's Candy Shop. We just might skip lunch altogether and stuff our faces over there.

Then it is back to the hotel for maybe a quick swim, a nap and getting ready for the evening.


After our meal we will try to hop on the bus to DHS to catch Fantasmic!
​

We are going to the water park one day too. We did, however, get the water parks and more option as my hubby wants the option to go to Disney Quest. I don't think we will have time, but oh well! If you go to the water park with the water park and more option - can you still hop to one park? Or does it count as another day on your Disney ticket?

If you haven't tried Wolfgang, I suggest that. I went last time by myself one night (we went back to the hotel, DS was sleeping so while hubby stayed I went shopping at DTD). When I got done I called my husband and said "You just HAVE to try this place. It is AWESOME." So then our last day there we went back and he agreed! Best counter service EVER! Not to mention you get creme brulee for dessert!! YUM!!!

I hope we make it to fantasmic this time. Last time we did what you did...said "hopefully next time". I am hoping we can make it - I know DS6 will LOVE it!

 

[onescgirl]

I think you should do the waterpark. It is so much fun!

 

[ariel333]

Hey Queila!

Awesome day planned! Whether you go to the WP or DTD, you'll have a blast!
We should definitely save going to the California Grill restaurant together on our Mega Trip together one day! Can't wait!!!!

 

[Queila]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I don't know much about that kind of stuff but I do know how sad you must be. Hopefully your trip to disney will be exactly the pick-me-up you need. I am thinking of all three of you as well. I never realized how popular a time may is for disney trips. I always thought it would be fairly empty because schools in the Chicagoland area get out in early june typically. I always have wanted to go there in May though because my birthday is in early May but have never been able to go there for my actual birthday since I have always had to prepare for all of my end-of-the year stuff that happens in mid-may and this year I have to begin studying for finals around then . We were going to to go in later may this year because my last day is may 20th (a lot earlier than i'm use to) but we ulitmately decided against it.

Thank you!
I never expected to see as many people at Disney in the month of May either. Schools here end much later than that but we are hoping we picked a good week this time around.
I hope you get to do your May trip one day soon.

I love everything you have planned (or not planned) for this day.

TL looks so pretty and I have always wanted to try it. We have been to BB twice and I wanted to go to TL last year but we never made it over there. I was thinking of adding it this year but Caitlin is too big for the little kid stuff, but not tall enough for the bigger stuff. Next trip we have to go there.

I am so jealous you are going to Jiko. It looks yummy. EOS and WPE sound good too.

I Fantasmic but it is such a hassle waiting in line to get a seat and then waiting forever for it to start. They did add a bunch of 10:30 shows but I just can't stay up that late and make it to 8am breakfasts every morning.

We are getting so close

It is 12 days for us ! I cannot believe it.
I have been to Blizzard Beach once myself but I was a teenager and did not pay attention on the kiddie stuff. From what I understand TL seems to be a little more kid friendly so we are going to try that AND I get to go somewhere I have never been.

I am soooo looking forward to our meal at Jiko. It will be our first signature experience and the expectations are HIGH!

I know what you mean about Fantasmic being a hassle. We can get kinda lazy sometimes but I hope we are able to push through it. Last time I saw Fantasmic was in 95. I am ready to see it again.

I think you should do the waterpark. It is so much fun!

We will DEFINITELY go to a water park this trip (weather permitting, of course). Just not sure when.

Hey Queila!

Awesome day planned! Whether you go to the WP or DTD, you'll have a blast!
We should definitely save going to the California Grill restaurant together on our Mega Trip together one day! Can't wait!!!!

We have a date at California Grill in our mega trip!

We are going to the water park one day too. We did, however, get the water parks and more option as my hubby wants the option to go to Disney Quest. I don't think we will have time, but oh well! If you go to the water park with the water park and more option - can you still hop to one park? Or does it count as another day on your Disney ticket?

If you haven't tried Wolfgang, I suggest that. I went last time by myself one night (we went back to the hotel, DS was sleeping so while hubby stayed I went shopping at DTD). When I got done I called my husband and said "You just HAVE to try this place. It is AWESOME." So then our last day there we went back and he agreed! Best counter service EVER! Not to mention you get creme brulee for dessert!! YUM!!!

I hope we make it to fantasmic this time. Last time we did what you did...said "hopefully next time". I am hoping we can make it - I know DS6 will LOVE it!

The water park and more option is totally separate from the theme park admission. That means you can go to a different theme park AND a water park (or DisneyQuest) everyday of your trip even if you do not have a hopper pass.

I think I am sold to try WP. I checked their menu again and I am sure we won't regret it. And who can resist creme brulee??

We are really going to try to make it Fantasmic this time. I have to use my admission for that day somewhere anyones and I know it will be worth it.

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

Thank you!



The water park and more option is totally separate from the theme park admission. That means you can go to a different theme park AND a water park (or DisneyQuest) everyday of your trip even if you do not have a hopper pass.

I think I am sold to try WP. I checked their menu again and I am sure we won't regret it. And who can resist creme brulee??

We are really going to try to make it Fantasmic this time. I have to use my admission for that day somewhere anyones and I know it will be worth it.

Ok, I guess I should have figured this out BEFORE I bought tickets..

EDIT - So I went and researched my tickets. Man, I could have saved a few bucks if I would have actually researched this, but only like $20 or something. I did not know how these tickets worked, I made assumptions and shouldn't have done that! Oh well...live and learn right!

 

[Queila]

Ok, I guess I should have figured this out BEFORE I bought tickets..

EDIT - So I went and researched my tickets. Man, I could have saved a few bucks if I would have actually researched this, but only like $20 or something. I did not know how these tickets worked, I made assumptions and shouldn't have done that! Oh well...live and learn right!

It took me a while to understand how the tickets work also. Hopefully you will be able to get your money's worth.

Q

 

[Queila]

Planning for Monday, May, 16th 2011

That is our Animal Kingdom Day!

I LOVE Animal Kingdom and I always look forward to it. Last year AK day was also hospital day so we hope this time we will be able to fully enjoy it.

Animal Kingdom has morning EMH that day and we wil try to make it. I say try because the night before will be the Fantasmic! night so I can only hope we will be able to wake up in time. Please don't judge me. This is a vacation after all!

On my must- do list there is obviously the K. safari:

And the Nemo show which for me alone is worth the price of the park admission:

Beatriz loved the Lion King show last year (specially the sing along part) so we will try to do it again. I have to say I am hoping to get a seat in the fron this time. I seem to be placed at the last row every single time.

As for Expedition Everest and Dinosaur I seriously doubt we will take the time to do them. Ok. Maybe Expedition Everest.

There are a couple of attractions we have never seen so we will make an effort not to miss this time. Among them there is the Marahajah track:

And we also want to take my time at Rafiki's Planet Watch:

We have never been there (did not have time last year) but I believe this area is greatly under appreciated and there is a lot of exploring to do. I want to take my time to do some of the activities with Beatriz and, to tell you the truth, this is probably one of the things I am looking forward the most for the whole trip. I am weird, I know.

I am still debating if Beatriz is "ready" for It is Tough to be a Bug but I will decide that on the spot.

If we have time to spare I will try the Boneyard and maybe Flights of Wonder. Both of them would be a first for us also.

Last year on the area right beside Camp Minnie and Mickey where some random characters show up for pictures we saw Thumper from Bambi. Because it was about to start raining we decided NOT to wait in line for a picture. Beatriz still talks about it and every now an then she asks if we will see Thumper again so I guess that would be a nice little treat.

What about the food?

Lunch will be once again at the Flame Tree BBQ. I LOVE this place! From the food to the theming and the decor. This is a no brainer for us. I guess a trip to AK would not be complete for us without our ribs from Flame Tree.

For super I chose Tusker House mainly because I did not want to feel rushed out of the park that day.

And then I took a look at their menu:

Dinner Buffet - Appetizers: Spicy South African preserves, Tabbouleh, Hummus and Baba Ghanoush, Endive/Apple/Walnut salad, Caesar salad, Mixed Greens salad, Tomato & Cucumber salad, Sliced Turkey/Ham/Cheese, Tunisian Couscous salad, Green bean & onion salad, Curried rice salad and Fresh fruit. Vegetarian Table: Marrakech couscous, Vegetable samaosa, Spiced Tandoori Tofu, Jollaf rice, and Pearl couscous with sweet basil essence. Kids Selections: PB&J sandwich, Corn dog nuggets, Mac & Cheese, Corn medley, Chicken Drumsticks, Green beans, and Mashed potatoes. Adult Selections: Salmon filet, Root veggies, Prime Rib, Seafood stew, Orzo pasta, green bean medley, Rotisserie chicken, potato wedges, mashed potatoes, Carved top sirloin and pork loin, Cape Malay curry chicken, and Basmati rice with almonds. Dessert Selections: Fruit cobbler, Warm banana-cinnamon bread pudding with vanilla sauce, and assorted pastries.

Let's just say they had me on Baba Ghanoush. ​

 

[Queila]

QUESTION
What is your favorite snack from Animal Kingdom? I mean , what is the nicest way to spend your snack credit in the park?

Just curious...​

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

Sounds great. I think you are a trooper for even thinking that you MIGHT make it to EMH after Fantasmic. Wowee!

I also LOVE Nemo. I thought it was going to be D-U-M-B , but yearh NO....one of my favs! Lion King is DH's fav.

I also love Rafiki's planet watch. I can't believe people don't like it. I guess I am just an animal over and I love seeing the vet and all the cool stuff there. Not to mention - great place to cool off! Hubby and I also picked an animal that we get our picture taken with each year. I should look at our pictures as I can't remember hubby's!

Also love the BBQ joint! I get the fruit platter as my CS and hubby gets the BBQ and we split them! The fruit is fabulous!!!!! Never eat at tusker house as we have always done CS meal plan!

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

QUESTION
What is your favorite snack from Animal Kingdom? I mean , what is the nicest way to spend your snack credit in the park? Just cur​

ious...

Well they took away my fav snack! At dino-bites they use to have a cookie sandwich that was DELICIOUS! But they have Edy's ice cream and it is good and they have ice cream on the snacks, so you could do that.

This time I am trying the white elephant cupcake -cuz I have heard lots of people go on and on about it! It is at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery.

 

[natebenma]

Your plans sound fantastic! I love that you have so many places with go-with-the-flow options built in.

We like both water parks at Disney, but the tropical theming of Typhoon Lagoon just seems more appropriate.

We have not eaten at WPE, but everything I hear about it is SO positive!

Great question about the snack at AK. You are right, there really isn't a lot that sticks out!

We usually go with one of the ice cream treats (Mickey bar or Cookie Sandwich) since it is so hot there. I have heard rumors about the frozen cappucino drinks or other chilled drinks from the ?Andapour Tea Company?

Do you ever visit the Confirmed Snack Sticky from the restaurant boards? It lists all of the qualified dining plan snacks by park or location:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2640292

 

[Queila]

Planning for Tuesday- May, 17th 2011

It is go back to Magic Kingdom day!
Not sure how much we will be able to accomplish on our first "half-day" at MK (hopefully all of Tomorrowland) so on the Tuesday we will get back there and try to once again conquer Fantasyland in one morning.

I have never been able to do a rope drop at Magic Kingdom and I vow this day will be the day!!

Beatriz' favorite from last time was Cinderella's carrousel so I know this is a must. Thankfully it is a not a hard one to get out of the way. Also on my list are Phyllarmagic, It is a small world, Dumbo and Pooh without a FP so we can experience the new queue.

Somehow last year we never made it to this one so I know it will be a priority:

Apart from the rides we will have to find the time to do the new meet and greet with Rapunzel and Flynn. Beatriz is completely obsessed with Tangled right now (she actually knows the lines by heart at this point) so even though I have heard the lines are crazy for this one I know we will have to endure it.

My favorite show at all WDW is "Dream Along with Mickey". I know it is quite time consuming but I would love to be able to make it.

Aside from Fantasyland the only other must- dos for us for the day would be this:

And a never before seen for our family. It is a classic and I would like to experience it once before Beatriz gets "too old" for this type of stuff:

It doesn't seem like too much for one day, right? The tricky part is that I got a reservation for lunch at 13h30 over here:

I am not sure what we will do AFTER lunch.

Option 1:
Go back to MK and finish whatever we didn't get the chance to do in the morning then back to the hotel for a swim and super at Everything Pop. I have heard that the Mom's Night Out dinners are to die for.

Option 2:
Go back to the hotel for a nap and try to go back to MK in the evening to finish it off and have super at a CS in the park. Columbia Harbour House, maybe? I keep reading great things about their tuna sandwich.

Option 3
Give up on the rest of the rides at MK (there is always "next time") and just grab a bus to DTD (assuming we haven't visited it yet) and spend the afternoon over there. Super would be then at Wolfgang Puck. And then we will do that trip to Goofy's Candy Shop for that final sugar rush at the end of the day.

So what do you think? I am finding that the line between over planning and under planning can be a very thin one sometimes. ​

 

[Queila]

Online check- in? Done!
Beatriz' suitcase? Done!
Now it is time to work on mine!

Have a great weekend everyone!​

 

[Queila]

Well they took away my fav snack! At dino-bites they use to have a cookie sandwich that was DELICIOUS! But they have Edy's ice cream and it is good and they have ice cream on the snacks, so you could do that.

This time I am trying the white elephant cupcake -cuz I have heard lots of people go on and on about it! It is at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery.

Apparently you can still have the ice cream cookie sandwich for a snack credit at the Main Street Bakery at MK.

I have read about the elephant cupcake too and it sounds delicious. Do you think I can have that to go?

Your plans sound fantastic! I love that you have so many places with go-with-the-flow options built in.

We like both water parks at Disney, but the tropical theming of Typhoon Lagoon just seems more appropriate.

We have not eaten at WPE, but everything I hear about it is SO positive!

Great question about the snack at AK. You are right, there really isn't a lot that sticks out!

We usually go with one of the ice cream treats (Mickey bar or Cookie Sandwich) since it is so hot there. I have heard rumors about the frozen cappucino drinks or other chilled drinks from the ?Andapour Tea Company?

Do you ever visit the Confirmed Snack Sticky from the restaurant boards? It lists all of the qualified dining plan snacks by park or location:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2640292

I had a Mickey bar last time we were at Ak also. However, I was wondering if there was something else out there I was missing on.

I have heard about the frozen chai at Anandapur Tea Company too. I guess I will try to find it this time around...

Thank you for that link. I am having fun checking it out!

 

[natebenma]

Your MK day sounds like a lot of fun!!! Your best bet would probably be to grab a FP to Peter Pan on your way to Dumbo. Since you are not doing a FP for WTP (and probably won't need one), I think you will be able to do everything you want while you are waiting for the Peter Pan FP window.

We have done the EMH at MK and it is AWESOME!!! We have walked onto Peter Pan first thing in the morning. It is one of our favorite rides, but we avoid the standby line like the plague during the day. The queue line is always LONNNGGGGG and boring and hot, and the wait time machine LIES!

Great options for that afternoon. You should totally go with the flow based on everyone's mood after lunch.

Glad you are enjoying the snack sticky! It was that thread that someone recommended to me which got me hooked on the DIS!

Your trip is getting SO close!!! Tick Tick Tick...

 

[Queila]

I should be in bed now. Crazy, crazy week at work and still finishing packing but I will finish this PTR if it kills me!

Planning for Wednesday, May, 18th 2011

This is our last full day at Disney and we will go back to Epcot so we can keep our tradition and have our last seat down meal at Akershus.

We loved our dinner last year and this time we will try the breakfast. I read great things about it and, let's face it, it is all about the princesses!

Beatriz has a Cinderella dress specially picked out for the occasion and I can't wait to dress her up!

After our "brunch" I was hoping to be able to do Maelstrom (a first for us) and maybe try the Kim Possible mission if everyone is up to it.

Now for our last afternoon I want to go swimming. Either back in our hotel or in the water park. I cannot think of a better way to finish our vacation than lounging around a swimming pool somewhere. Let's just hope the weather cooperates!

Dinner time is opened so far. It will depend very much on where we will spend the afternoon. However, I have to say I wouldn't mind trying Capt. Cooks at the Polynesian resort.

Apparently they have a great selection (the ALOHA pork sandwich sounds yummy) PLUS we can get Dole Whip for dessert PLUS we can go the beach to watch the sunset and/or the fireworks. The only tricky part is going to be draging ourselves over there after a full day of activities.

Of course, I could solve this problem by booking ourselves a room at the Polynesian... I wonder what Joey would say about that!

Planning for Thursday, May, 19th 2011

No big plans here. Waking up, eating, checking out and hopping on the ME to the airport. ​

 

[Queila]

ONLY TWO DODOS TO GO!!!!!​

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I can't wait to see pictures from your trip! I'm so impatient for it to be our turn to go!

 

[pinkxray]

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Maybe we'll see you around