We're Going to Disney World!!---TR started 4/29!

[xoktenox]

Ok, before I start the real trip stuff I just want to apologize for the lame title of my PTR, I was away all weekend and am tired and just not in a creative thinking mood right now. So, I'm saying sorry in advance. Let me first say that I'm new to the DIS board so I'm gonna give this PTR a shot because 1) I love this site and am definitely addicted and 2) I really want some feedback and suggestions from all you Disney lovers out there, they will really help me out So now I'll introduce myself.

I'm Kristen, I'm 21 and I live on Long Island, NY. I have been to Disney 4 times previously but the excitement that I have for this coming trip doesn't even compare to any that I've been on before. I graduated with a B.A. in political science over the summer and unfortunately, am not doing so well finding a job so back to school for me in January. I work part time at a bank right now which I don't like very much. Ok thats enough about me lets meet my trip companion, aka my lovely boyfriend Chris.

Chris is 24 and we have been together for almost 2 yrs now. We met working at a supermarket together 5 yrs ago when I was just turning 16. Looks like he finally reeled me in He recently got a job as your neighborhood friendly cable guy and he really is liking it (and the overtime pay )He's only been to Disney once when he was like 12 and is excited for the trip to even though he would never admit it His only request is that we don't go on It's a Small World...I think he still has nightmares involving that song. haha And since I love him to death I think I can honor this one thing for him

Well, thats us now for the info on our trip. We were supposed to be going to Disney from August 30-Sept 6. Everything was in order when in July, Chris found out he got the new job for the cable company. His training was 8 weeks long beginning at the end of July...running right through our trip dates. This was such a good opportunity for him and there was no way either of us was going to let it go by so the trip had to be placed on hold. A bit upsetting but worth it since this job is really good for him and his future. So, he found out that he could use his vacation time after 6 months...that took us to the end of January. Well since our tickets were already purchased for our Aug/Sept trip and we had added the water park and more option to it, we didn't wanna risk cold weather and not being able to hit up Blizzard Beach and/or Typhoon Lagoon. So to avoid any possibility of cold weather, we knew we would have to wait until at least March. Then we ran into the problem of spring break/Easter crowds. Finally, we settled on the week after the week after Easter, April 19th, 2009-April 26th, 2009. Far away but it would give us plenty of time to build up the anticipation and save up lots of money. Plus, the weather should be juuuuuust right I'm having some technical difficulties with my computer so I'll put up a picture that I have of us but it's not my favorite.

This is from Chris's niece's Christening party at the beginning of August.

So here's the intro to my PTR, hope I at least can draw some readers. I'll post again tomorrow with more details of the trip that are set for right now.

 

[xoktenox]

Ok no one has replied to the first part of my PTR yet...thats ok I'm not discouraged yet after all I only wrote it 12 hrs ago so I'll write my second page and hope for the best

So where was I? Oh right, our dates, 4/19-4/26, perfect and I cant wait!! I think other DISers might be the only ones who understand just how excited I really am. After we had to cancel our other reservations for Aug/Sept I was so bummed. Tears and all. A few days after I found out we couldnt go I even got our luggage tags in the mail...not good. But, Chris made me realize that we're gonna have a great time no matter when we go and by waiting the weather won't be so stiffling hot and we'll have much more money saved to do whatever I want to do. He made me feel alot better, he's good like that. Everything was easy to change except for our plane tickets...we had round trip from JFK in NYC to Orlando for $237 with tax and everything on Delta. Not too bad considering some of the prices I'm seeing now. Well, by cancelling them we lost $100 on each ticket. We now each have $137 Delta credit so we're thinking of just taking Delta one way and using our credit and then taking another airline home. We figure we can probably find something cheaper then the Delta fares I've been seeing. Southwest flies right into a local airport by us on LI but they only have fares posted through March 6th. So we'll wait and see.

Anyway, since this trip was supposed to already have happened, I've been planning since about March. Prior to this I thought I knew alot about Disney and all the things there are to do there...boy was I wrong. I found out so much new stuff from websites like allears and the lovely people on the DISboards. I bought the Unofficial Guide for 2009 and have just been reading reading reading. Originally we were going to be staying at All-Star Movies. After tons of reading and reviews however, we switched our reservations for us to be staying at Pop Century instead. The buses were probably the main thing that made us want to switch being that ASMo is the last stop of the 3 AS resorts while Pop has its own. Also Pop is the newest so probably in the best condition. So, Pop it is. Anyone with an opinion on that decision, feel free to let me know.

The main thing I'm trying to figure out right now is where to make ADR's! Because of the upgrades Disney is doing on the reservation system I don't have to make them the usual 180 days before the trip so I have some time. But as are most of you on here, I'm a planner. I want to know these things in advance! lol Chris isn't a very picky eater, he'll eat pretty much anything except seafood. I on the other hand am a very picky eater. I don't eat any beef or pork but I will almost always eat chicken and seafood so that helps out. We're only going to make 2 ADR's and they'll probably both be for dinner. We're going to have a fridge in our room thanks to the fridge swap set up on here by Jakesmom1 (thank you!) so most breakfasts will probably be quick in the room before we leave in the morning. Lunch we will just get something quick at whatever park we are at that day. See, even though I'm a planner, Chris really isnt. He doesnt want to always have to be somewhere at a designated time, he wants to be able to go with the flow. I also dont really like the idea of having to be somewhere each day at a certain time, I want us to decide taht when we're there. But theres no way I'm passing up some of the great TS restaurants in Disney! So here's what I've narrowed (or not so narrowed) it down to.

-Hollywood Brown Derby- heard the food is beyond good but how much is this going to run us a person?
-Mama Melrose- love Italian food and was kind of thinking about the Fantasmic package
-Tusker House- like the idea of a buffet
-Biergarten- Chris is German and loves beer. end of story lol
-Le Cellier- heard there's excellent food and Chris loves steak
-San Angel Inn- great view of Illuminations and love Mexican food
-Plaza Restaurant- heard there's great ice cream and great food
-Big River Grille & Brewing Works- again, Chris loves beer
-ESPN Club- we both love sports but can probably just sit at the bar for this?
-Whispering Canyon Cafe- heard the food is great and love the WL
- Yachtsman Steakhouse- again Chris loves steak but how much is this gonna cost us a person?

I forgot to mention that we don't have the dining plan. There is no way this would have been beneficial to us. We're definitely not going to be doing a TS everyday and like I said we'll have a fridge in our room for food too. So no DP for us. We're not really into character meals either which is why I dont have any of those listed either. So what does everyone think? PLEASE let me know! I've heard great things about each of these restaurants but am still at a loss!

As for tickets we currently have a 4 days MYW with the water park and more option. We also plan on spending a day at Islands of Adventure. We're not going to have a car with us, since they would charge us a ridiculous amount of money extra per day because we're not 25, so we'll have to sign up for the Mears shuttle. We have a day for each Disney park, one days for Blizzard Beach and one day for IOA. We know that AK and BB most likely will not each take a whole day. We plan on doing Disney Quest and DTD at night and if we have time hitting up the WWOS or doing Typhoon Lagoon. I know, I know people probably think we'll be shot by day 3 or 4 but we're young we can handle it. And we're easy going, really we are. I'm proabably going to go by what the Unofficial Guide says are the best days to go to each park and also use it's touring plans. The only thing we will probably do which the Unofficial Guide usually says not to do is go to EMH.

Sooo, theres a rough outline of everything. PLEASE give me feedback I really want everyone's opinions!

 

[amandaraye]

How exciting! I'm happy for you that you were able to reschedule your trip! It sounds like you've really got everything covered! I haven't been to WDW in years so I'm not an expert, but I'll be there the same dates as you and staying at ASMo (nobody's responded to my pre-trip reports either, btw. )

Anyway...we're planning on dinner at Le Cellier because my DH also LOVES steak and my sister who went recently said they have the best steak in WDW. So that was a great choice. Also, San Angel Inn cannot be missed ifyou like the Mexican food! We'll be there too! Maybe we'll see you!
Enjoy your planning!!!

 

[amandaraye]

This should take you to the page for the resort restaurant list. Click for menus with pricing. HTH! After reviewing the prices, you might decide the basic dinin plan might be worth it for you? one QS meal and a big table service meal are going to be more than $40/day per person if you're Steak eaters. Just a thought....
http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

 

[xoktenox]

How exciting! I'm happy for you that you were able to reschedule your trip! It sounds like you've really got everything covered! I haven't been to WDW in years so I'm not an expert, but I'll be there the same dates as you and staying at ASMo (nobody's responded to my pre-trip reports either, btw. )

Anyway...we're planning on dinner at Le Cellier because my DH also LOVES steak and my sister who went recently said they have the best steak in WDW. So that was a great choice. Also, San Angel Inn cannot be missed ifyou like the Mexican food! We'll be there too! Maybe we'll see you!
Enjoy your planning!!!

thanks for joining in and for the tips! Thanks for the tip about Le Cellier, I told my DBF and he seems into that one so we'll probably be eating there...besides that and one other though we wont be doing any other TS meals and I dont eat steak so I doubt I will ever eat $40 worth of food (which really just means more money that I will spend other places in the world lol). Thanks for the allears menu links too, I've actually looked at them but was too oblivious to ever really check out the prices It would be cool to see you there since you'll be there the same dates as us! send me the link to your PTR too b/c i'll definitely become your first reader.

 

[amandaraye]

Well you'll be bored by my PTR since it revolved around myself, my Dh and my kids but here it is! Seems to takea while to get "in" with the crownd and get responses to posts. I'll be displaying my LGMH at the parks, probably on my pink stroller so I'll stand out. I'll be the one with the bored teenager, moping husband and fighting children.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1949915

 

[xoktenox]

Well you'll be bored by my PTR since it revolved around myself, my Dh and my kids but here it is! Seems to takea while to get "in" with the crownd and get responses to posts. I'll be displaying my LGMH at the parks, probably on my pink stroller so I'll stand out. I'll be the one with the bored teenager, moping husband and fighting children.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1949915

I just read it and it was NOT boring...anyway my whole PTR has revolved around me and my DBF so we're on the same page haha

 

[xoktenox]

just bumping so hopefully someone will read this and reply!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi!! I'll join in. That is a bummer you had to cancel for August/Sept. but that's great you now have another trip planned.

I have not eaten at many of the restaurants you are looking at making ADRs at but we did eat at Mama Melrose's in May. It was really good (we love Italian food as well).

 

[xoktenox]

Hi!! I'll join in. That is a bummer you had to cancel for August/Sept. but that's great you now have another trip planned.

I have not eaten at many of the restaurants you are looking at making ADRs at but we did eat at Mama Melrose's in May. It was really good (we love Italian food as well).

Hi and thanks for joining in! Was Mama Melrose's real Italian food or was it Olive Garden level Italian food? Dont get me wrong I like the Olive Garden but thats not real Italian food and I dont want to spend alot of money on the fake stuff lol when I get my computer working again I'll have some picture updates so keep checking back and thanks again! I'm going to read your PTR right now

 

[xoktenox]

Ok, so I've realized that I started this PTR too early...theres not much thats set in stone or even could potentially be set in stone because its still 7 months until we go...so there probably wont be a post on here for a few weeks or so unless something comes up. Hopefully if I wait a while, more people will join in to read

 

[amandaraye]

I think I came to the same conclusion...we're still so early in the planning it's just a waiting game right now. Hey, new ticker? It's cute!
Or maybe it was there all along and I'm just not very observant.

 

[xoktenox]

I think I came to the same conclusion...we're still so early in the planning it's just a waiting game right now. Hey, new ticker? It's cute!
Or maybe it was there all along and I'm just not very observant.

yeah exactly theres not much to write about...i'll post again probably when I get plane tickets but you understand how theres not much to write about at this point lol and yeah the ticker has been there the whole time but thank you!!

 

[TPCShauna]

You and BF are a cute couple. You have very pretty eyes!

I so know the disappointment of having to cancel a Disney trip. DH promised me that we could go to DL on my 30th birthday and we had the whole tripped planned and booked. That is, until my mother-in-law decided to come visit us for 10 days to celebrate my 30th and DH's 34th (our b-days are 20 days apart.) I was livid AND I cried for a week, including most of the day on my b-day. We still haven't made it back.

Of your TS choices, we've only done Le Cellier but we really enjoyed it. It was nice without being stuffy. It was VERY meat and potatoes, though it does have some good fish entrees. Have you thought about Coral Reef? I know you said your BF doesn't care for seafood, but neither does my DH and it's one of his fave restaurants. They have LOTS of steak and chicken options for him and lots of chicken/fish for you. It's a very lovely, romantic restaurant and you can even arrange a cool personalized menu/diver sign to surprise him. Just a thought.

I have more input for later but I have to go now. I'll be back soon!

 

[CharacterFan]

San Angel Inn- great view of Illuminations and love Mexican food

San Angel Inn is inside Mexico's Pavilion you won't be able to see Illuminations from there.


Great PTR so far. I can't wait to read more. BF and I are looking to go the last weekend of April.

 

[TPCShauna]

I totally have not forgotten about you or the diver info. I've just been swamped with life stuff and haven't had a chance to look for the info. I'll PM as soon as I find it.

'K. I promised you more (probably unwanted) input on your plans.

ADRs
-Hollywood Brown Derby- Pretty pricey. Might not be best choice if y'all are looking for bang for your buck.
-Mama Melrose- I've heard that the food is VERY so-so. I also wouldn't bother with the Fantasmic package either. More on that below.
-Tusker House- We're doing breakfast here as I'm dying to see Daisy. I've heard good things about this place and Boma.
-Biergarten- Yes, Chris is German but there is VERY little here that you will eat. Think lots of sausages, pork and one or two fish and chicken dishes.
-Le Cellier- We liked it here
-San Angel Inn- No view of Illuminations as it is inside the Mexico pavilion. Are you thinking of Cantina de San Angel? That's the little CS stand in Mexico right on the lagoon.
-Plaza Restaurant- I've heard it's good but very small and basically just burgers/sandwiches, fries and ice cream.
-Big River Grille & Brewing Works- I've heard that the food is very blah.
-ESPN Club- It's a sports bar with food you could probably get at home (and I thought it was way overpriced)
-Whispering Canyon Cafe- I've also heard that the food is very good but it is also very beef and pork. They do have chicken (on the bone which I can't eat) in the skillet.
- Yachtsman Steakhouse- VERY pricey but really good steak. They have some fish entrees. This would be an expensive meal but probably worth it if y'all really want it.

Fantasmic Package - We did this on our last trip. Besides the fact that we prefer Fantasmic at Disneyland (which I know doesn't apply to you), we'll never do this again. The seating you get from the package is near the front but it is way, way off to the right side of the stadium. I thought the seats were really horrible and I could barely see Mickey. If we ever go to Fantasmic at WDW again, we will eat somewhere we want to and stand in line. Yes, it takes more time but it is cheaper in the long run and you could probably get better seats. Just my $0.02.

EMH - I know y'all have limited time but I have to tell you that EMH parks are terribly crowded by 1:00pm during busy times. Are y'all going at a super busy time? If so, I'd avoid the EMH parks like the plague. We made the mistake of going to an EMH park during our last trip and had to leave out of self-defense. It was yucky crowded and no fun.

Are y'all doing park hoppers?

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

We're staying at Pop too! And we're not doing the dining plan. Like you and your BF, my DH and I would never want to do a TS every day and we could never eat all that food.

Sounds like you have a fun trip in the works!

 

[TPCShauna]

Hey there!

I replied to you on my PTR and then realized I should probably have posted it here. I just wanted you to know I hadn't forgotten you.

I think y'all are going to LOVE Coral Reef. It's very cool and was the first TS I ever dined in at WDW. I'm digging up my Passporter this weekend so I'll be able to give you the menu/diver info then.

 

[julezdisney]

Hi Kristen! I followed you over here from Charleston Princess's PTR for June '09, I just wanted to say from your intro, that DH was reading over my shoulder and laughing because he read the parts, "Chris likes beer." and "Chris likes steak." And he says, "I like beer! I like steak! Chris and I are destined to be friends!" And than I say, "There you go, honey, apprently, Chris is also a cable guy." and he really got a kick out of that, as he also started that this past year. Anywho- I'm subbing!

 

[xoktenox]

Ok since I'm actually starting to get some readers I'm going to give an update later on tonight. So check back later on tonight and I'll have some new info

Hi Kristen! I followed you over here from Charleston Princess's PTR for June '09, I just wanted to say from your intro, that DH was reading over my shoulder and laughing because he read the parts, "Chris likes beer." and "Chris likes steak." And he says, "I like beer! I like steak! Chris and I are destined to be friends!" And than I say, "There you go, honey, apprently, Chris is also a cable guy." and he really got a kick out of that, as he also started that this past year. Anywho- I'm subbing!

Hey and thank you so much for joining in! That is just too funny about your DH, sounds like they definitely were meant for eachother I'm going to head over to your PTR right now I can't wait to read it!!

Hey there!

I replied to you on my PTR and then realized I should probably have posted it here. I just wanted you to know I hadn't forgotten you.

I think y'all are going to LOVE Coral Reef. It's very cool and was the first TS I ever dined in at WDW. I'm digging up my Passporter this weekend so I'll be able to give you the menu/diver info then.

Thank so much! It's no rush so whenever you get a chance to get it just let me know

We're staying at Pop too! And we're not doing the dining plan. Like you and your BF, my DH and I would never want to do a TS every day and we could never eat all that food.

Sounds like you have a fun trip in the works!

Hey and thanks for joining!! Yeah I mean if by some chance they have free dining during the week we're going then I'll be all over that but there's no way we're shelling out $30-$40 extra a day right off the bat. Can't wait to try out Pop!!