We've FALLen for WDW...An October 2010 PTR! New 10/14 TR Link Added

[Stefy]

If it is attached to your name in the form of a pin code (they also could mail you a pin code or email you one) then you will find out when you call. Otherwise, we wait for a special to be announced through WDW. The website will have it posted and there are usually commercials on the TV. Also, if you are a Disney Visa Rewards member, sometimes you can find out or take advantage of the specials sooner. The current specials end March 26th I believe, so most are anticipating FD to be announced that the end of this month. My dates may not qualify for the first release of FD, but they may extend it. I would be happy with a room discount as well, as long as it allows me to break even if I choose to upgrade to the DxDP.

Wow! That was a lot of information, haha.

I see, well fingers crossed for you

Vacation News!​

Notice how I didn't say trip news...that's because I have caved and booked a Las Vegas trip for DH and I in June. It will be a two week late anniversary trip! So Michigan is cancelled...at least for that weekend. DH loves Vegas, he's been twice (once when he could gamble). I'm very excited, we don't gamble much but I am excited to see the strip at night and visit the stores and such. We will be taking a late flight out and spend 3 full days there!!! We are staying at the Treasure Island. Has anyone reading been to Vegas? What are the best shows to see, places to eat, etc.??? I am so excited to start planning that trip too!

Oh wow, a trip to Vegas sounds awesome and even cooler that you are staying at Treasure Island

I have never been, but would love to go, so can't give much in way of tips. But you should visit the hotels like MGM and The Bellagio as they are supposed to be a pretty site. You should also do that rollercoaster on one of the hotels. Not sure where you can eat, but I have heard there are loads of all you can eat restaurants. You should see the show with the tigers at The Mirage too

 

[DisMomAmy]

I've been to Vegas once, with two girlfriends. You probably don't want to take your DH to the show we saw...

I've always wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I see, well fingers crossed for you

Oh wow, a trip to Vegas sounds awesome and even cooler that you are staying at Treasure Island

I have never been, but would love to go, so can't give much in way of tips. But you should visit the hotels like MGM and The Bellagio as they are supposed to be a pretty site. You should also do that rollercoaster on one of the hotels. Not sure where you can eat, but I have heard there are loads of all you can eat restaurants. You should see the show with the tigers at The Mirage too

DH said he is showing me all his favorite hotels! I picked up a few Las Vegas travel books today and I am going to make a list of restaurants to try for when we go. That way we can decide when we are there and just play it by ear. (Hey, that rhymed... oh the little things in life!) Thanks for your input!

I've been to Vegas once, with two girlfriends. You probably don't want to take your DH to the show we saw...

I've always wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show.

I am really LOLing at that one! Yeah, I think my bacheloretty party was enough of that to last a lifetime...

I also want to see a Cirque show. I think I want to see Love (the Beatles one). We'll see what we end up doing. We may just play it by ear, although by looking at one of the travel guides I picked up from the library, there are a few websites I can check out to get discounted tickets. But-there is also ticket stations to get day-of tickets at a discount as well. Being that Vegas is down in tourism, it shouldn't be too hard to pick a show the day of and go!

 

[Priorityonecb]

There is now an Earl of Sandwich on the strip!!!! We love Vegas (we stay at the Monte Carlo). Don't miss the Bellagio fountain light show at night (free!).

 

[Charlefours]

Never been personally but if the Penn and Teller show is still happening it is suppose to be great! I second the Cirque show

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Never been personally but if the Penn and Teller show is still happening it is suppose to be great! I second the Cirque show

DH's dad and sister went to see Penn and Teller last summer when they were there. I will definitely have to ask them how it was. DH seems to be amazed by magic....

All I can think of when I think of Cirque and Vegas is the movie Knocked Up...weird...

 

[swwake]

Vacation News!​

Notice how I didn't say trip news...that's because I have caved and booked a Las Vegas trip for DH and I in June. It will be a two week late anniversary trip! So Michigan is cancelled...at least for that weekend. DH loves Vegas, he's been twice (once when he could gamble). I'm very excited, we don't gamble much but I am excited to see the strip at night and visit the stores and such. We will be taking a late flight out and spend 3 full days there!!! We are staying at the Treasure Island. Has anyone reading been to Vegas? What are the best shows to see, places to eat, etc.??? I am so excited to start planning that trip too!

Hi! I stumbled on your PTR because of the Vegas link. I will subscribe and catch up. Check out my Vegas Mini-Trip Report in my signature. We had so much fun! My husband and I get to Vegas about 4 times a year. I can tell you lots of good stuff.

Here are some tips:
- The roller coaster at NYNY is not my favorite. I love roller coasters. But this one is jerky/bouncy and your head hits the padded (?) supports many times. Not good if you have a Vegas hangover.
- See if you can get into the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay for a cocktail. Best view of the strip ever. But this is a private club, and sometimes hard to get into, especially on weekends.
- A very close 2nd place is a cocktail in the bar at the Mandarin Oriental lobby. In fact, you should make this a MUST. Easy to get into.
- Where are you staying? I can give you some tips based on that.
- See the arboretum inside Bellagio. They update the decorations by season.
- The best shows I've seen are "O", LOVE, and Blue Man Group. I've also seen Barry Manilow, Elton John, Celine, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia (now gone, replaced by Lion King, which is bound to be spectacular - I have seen it in Austin), KA, Carrot Top (not worth the money), and Zumanity (x2). Maybe others, but I don't remember.
- Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Caesar's is a must-do. Make reservations FAR in advance (about a month - not 180 days - haha).
- While you're there, after dinner, take a walk to the left out of the restaurant to Shadow lounge to see the shadow dancers (no cover), or to the right to see the PussyCat Dolls dancing in the blackjack pit.

I might have more info for you. Let me know if you have specific questions.

 

[swwake]

Oops! I missed that you're staying at TI. Good location. Right next to the Fashion Show Mall, which has better prices than the Forum at Caesar's. Across from Palazzo, my favorite place to stay and to gamble. My favorite restaurant (other than Mesa) is Sushisamba, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're able to splurge for the omakase. It's in Palazzo.

Walk through the Wynn lobby and casino. Very over-the-top. Have a martini at Up Parasol in the middle of the casino. Great people-watching.

Next door will be the Mirage, with LOVE (Highly Recommended!) and during the day, you can go to the dolphin habitat, which is actually worth the money and a nice stroll.

Next to that is the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's - very cool shopping and the world's first spiral escalator! Worth seeing!

Do you like clubs or lounges or both (or neither)? Do you like live music? DJs? I can give you tips on nightlife places to go.

Social House is in TI - it is a social fusion sushi restaurant. I've been there twice, but like Sushisamba much better.

Take a cab to Hard Rock Hotel if you have a chance. Very cool to walk around. Center bar has good bartenders and stout drinks. Join their player's club (in fact, join EVERY player's club) and get some free match money and a free drink or two. Gambling there is fun.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Hi! I stumbled on your PTR because of the Vegas link. I will subscribe and catch up. Check out my Vegas Mini-Trip Report in my signature. We had so much fun! My husband and I get to Vegas about 4 times a year. I can tell you lots of good stuff.

Here are some tips:
- The roller coaster at NYNY is not my favorite. I love roller coasters. But this one is jerky/bouncy and your head hits the padded (?) supports many times. Not good if you have a Vegas hangover.
- See if you can get into the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay for a cocktail. Best view of the strip ever. But this is a private club, and sometimes hard to get into, especially on weekends.
- A very close 2nd place is a cocktail in the bar at the Mandarin Oriental lobby. In fact, you should make this a MUST. Easy to get into.
- Where are you staying? I can give you some tips based on that.
- See the arboretum inside Bellagio. They update the decorations by season.
- The best shows I've seen are "O", LOVE, and Blue Man Group. I've also seen Barry Manilow, Elton John, Celine, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia (now gone, replaced by Lion King, which is bound to be spectacular - I have seen it in Austin), KA, Carrot Top (not worth the money), and Zumanity (x2). Maybe others, but I don't remember.
- Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Caesar's is a must-do. Make reservations FAR in advance (about a month - not 180 days - haha).
- While you're there, after dinner, take a walk to the left out of the restaurant to Shadow lounge to see the shadow dancers (no cover), or to the right to see the PussyCat Dolls dancing in the blackjack pit.

I might have more info for you. Let me know if you have specific questions.

Oops! I missed that you're staying at TI. Good location. Right next to the Fashion Show Mall, which has better prices than the Forum at Caesar's. Across from Palazzo, my favorite place to stay and to gamble. My favorite restaurant (other than Mesa) is Sushisamba, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're able to splurge for the omakase. It's in Palazzo.

Walk through the Wynn lobby and casino. Very over-the-top. Have a martini at Up Parasol in the middle of the casino. Great people-watching.

Next door will be the Mirage, with LOVE (Highly Recommended!) and during the day, you can go to the dolphin habitat, which is actually worth the money and a nice stroll.

Next to that is the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's - very cool shopping and the world's first spiral escalator! Worth seeing!

Do you like clubs or lounges or both (or neither)? Do you like live music? DJs? I can give you tips on nightlife places to go.

Social House is in TI - it is a social fusion sushi restaurant. I've been there twice, but like Sushisamba much better.

Take a cab to Hard Rock Hotel if you have a chance. Very cool to walk around. Center bar has good bartenders and stout drinks. Join their player's club (in fact, join EVERY player's club) and get some free match money and a free drink or two. Gambling there is fun.

Wow, thanks for all of the tips! I am definitely heading over now to check out your mini TR!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Taking it Back: A Look Into my Very FIRST Disney World Trip! ​

DISCLAIMER: Please forgive the quality of my pictures. I believe I was still using a disposable at this point in my life.

The first time I went to Disney World, I was 16. (I'm nearly positive. It was either my sophomore or junior year of high school.) The year was 2004. I went with my high school marching band. We stayed offsite and took two tour buses down. We also spent one day at Universal (our last day in Orlando).

We did spend our first day at Blizzard Beach. I remember being intimidated by the huge slide (and deciding NOT to go on) and going on the raft ride with some friends.

We performed in a parade on Main Street U.S.A and that was my very first glimpse of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. I remember not really paying attention to playing and trying to see all the sights around me.

To be honest, I don't really remember much from Magic Kingdom. I believe we were only able to spend half a day here (by the time the parade was over). I remember waiting in line for Philhar Magic and getting our Mickey ears and such made (and laughing histerically that they wrote Captain Al on my friend's pirate hat). I know we did a LOT of waiting in line on this trip but I don't remember it being that bad as there was always a large group of us and we had fun! We did eat at Pinocchio's Village Haus as we were given one meal voucher for every day we were there. I can't believe I don't remember seeing more attractions. I would assume that we rode Splash Mountain and Space Mountain at least but I don't remember it at all.

We were lucky enough to visit each park. When we went to DHS we all wore our matching shirts. (Yes, I'm sure we were the people some of us DISers groan at! However, we did not travel in large packs, but in groups of 5 or 6.) I remember riding Tower of Terror and laughing so hard at a picture of my friend, she was the most scared I have ever seen (to this day) to be on that ride! I also remember waiting in line for Rock N Roller Coaster, it was so hot and the line was probably about 2 hours long... That's the only line I remember being upset it because so much of it is outside!

We even got to visit DTD. I believe we may have went here the first day after Blizzard Beach, but I can't be sure. I obviously bought some souvenairs because I am holding a bag. I bought so many souvenairs on this trip b/c I worked as a waitress about 30 hours a week in addition to going to school (I worked at the same restaurant my Grandma has (and she still is) for about 30 years). Everyone I loved got a souvenair when I came home.

P.S. I look at myself with those ridiculous sunglasses and wonder how I ever thought they were cool. I do remember that they weren't very good at keeping the sun away, but they were better than nothing!

This picture, if you look closely, allows you to see the crowd level. Wow! At least I was a novice to Disney World at this point in my life, or I would have been upset.

I remember seeing It's Tough to be a Bug and FREAKING out when the bug "ran" on the chair at the end. (It made for a good laugh a couple years later when I went with my family and I didn't tell anyone.) We also went on Dinosaur. I don't remember doing much else here. We did eat at Flame Tree BBQ and the taste of that meal is something I remember to this very day. When I went back with my family, we didn't eat here and I wish we would have (but I really thought this place was in Universal)-that just shows how foggy my memory is when it comes to this trip.

Our EPCOT day had to be one the best days. We got a music lesson from a Disney Conductor Cast Member "backstage". We played a song from Little Mermaid with the movie running in sync. It was really cool! I remember loving World Showcase (and obviously that CM I took a photo with)! I do remember in the few conversations we had with some CM's that most of them weren't even wearing their own name tags but the tags of other CM friends. I wonder if they still do this?

The biggest Disney aspect I remember is that EVERY single CM we encountered was smiling and friendly. The only one we had an experience with that wasn't smiling was the cashier at Pizza Planet in DHS. It made such an impact on me!

This trip was...exhausting but full of laughter and great times. I remember on the bus ride there I barely slept at all and the bus ride home I slept nearly the entire way back!

If any of you have a favorite picture and/or memory for your very first trip I would love for you to share!

Be on the lookout for my next Disney trip look back!

 

[swwake]

Thanks to wdwgirl03, I stopped at Borders this morning and picked up a new book.

Ok, I'm all caught up. I am also reading that book. How are you liking it? I really enjoy it. But I'm weird. I started at AK and I'm working my way forward.

I have a couple of comments about just a few of your ADR options:

BREAKFAST

Boma
We with this place! We went here on our last trip in December and I discovered the goat cheese & chive eggs as well as the banana bread. I really think this a must do every trip. I know we'll regret it if we don't do it. Haven't done breakfast here, but we LOVED dinner here. We will be doing it again. We might get a chance for breakfast as well. We'll see...

Kona
I really want to try the Tonga Toast, if only for the strawberry syrup. Well, and the sugary goodness that appears on the outside. Plus, I really think that DH will enjoy the macadamia-pineapple pancakes. I would LOVE to try the Tonga Toast here.

LUNCH

Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre
DH loves burgers and I love onion rings. I want to try one of the cookies & cream milkshakes. I also think the atmosphere of this place is awesome. We did this, but it was YEARS ago, when Katie was 5 (she's 17 now). I didn't like the selection of movie clips, or the food, necessarily, but we did enjoy the overall atmosphere. It may have changed quite a bit since then, and we may just try it again this trip.

San Angel Inn
I regretted not trying this last time. The atmosphere of the pavilion is really neat. Plus, the soup looks great! The lunch menu seems to be more appealing and from what I've read here on DIS, get better reviews than dinner. Plus, I want to spend our evening at EPCOT sampling all the food the F&W festival has to offer. Check to make sure this one will be open. They are showing it on the "closed through Fall 2010" list.

DINNER

California Grill
The only other signature restaurant (besides Citrico's which we have already had) that I found an appetizer, entree, and dessert that I wanted to try (the triple cheese or BLT flatbread, oak fired filet, and valrhona chocolate cake). The ability to see Cinderella Castle and possibly wishes from our table is another things to add to the awesome scale for the vacation. I saw that you mentioned this would be the one you'd be willing to give up. I have to tell you, this was our family's FAVORITE memory of our 2008 trip. We had a 7:40 reservation and Wishes was at 10pm. We told them when we got there that we weren't in a hurry. We did not get a window table, but that was fine, because we were able to go outside to the viewing deck (maybe even a better view), where the music was also piped out, between the entree and dessert. Also, as soon as the fireworks were over, we turned around and watched the water pageant (I can't remember what it's called on Bay Lake. The food was ridiculously awesome. Not a bad selection on the menu. The service was outstanding. Bar was really beautiful. I think this is not to be missed.

Ohana
I like that it is a take on a Brazilian steakhouse. The food looks like something both DH and I would enjoy We did this one. My DH has been to Brazil, so we're churrascaria purists. 'Ohana is similar, but not really close to the real deal like Fogo de Chao or Texas de Brazil would be. (Incidentally, Rum Jungle is an authentic churrascaria in Vegas at Mandalay. ) However, the food was still very good, and it was all-you-can-eat style. We loved the pineapple bread. Plus, watching the kiddos in the little show and the coconut races is a lot of fun. I recommend 'Ohana.

Beaches & Cream
I want ice cream from here soooo bad. Also, another burger joint for DH. We stayed at the Beach Club in '08. We had a lunch and some ice cream here and really enjoyed it. It's lots of fun if another table orders the Kitchen Sink while you're there. I think the burgers were pretty good.

I also want to see a Cirque show. I think I want to see Love (the Beatles one). We'll see what we end up doing. We may just play it by ear, although by looking at one of the travel guides I picked up from the library, there are a few websites I can check out to get discounted tickets. But-there is also ticket stations to get day-of tickets at a discount as well. Being that Vegas is down in tourism, it shouldn't be too hard to pick a show the day of and go!

Just a caution - the day-of tickets are at outlets called "Half Price Tickets" in about 3 places along the strip (there's one in the Fashion Show Mall right by your hotel). However, they rarely have tickets to any Cirque shows. Also, after many mistakes, I have finally realized that the $20 or so that you pay for better seats is well worth it. I have seen some shows twice and the seats can really make a difference. With 2 exceptions: LOVE - Don't buy the floor level tickets. You want the mid-level, but not the top-tier level. So much happens in the aisles up top that you miss a lot of the action if you have seats down on the floor. Also, anything in the Colosseum (Celine, Elton, etc.) - there is literally not a bad seat in the house. I was on the 17th row for Celine and on literally the back row, top level for Elton, and both seats were equally excellent.

Really enjoying your plans!

I love the old pics. I have a few. There is a whole thread for "old Disney park photos". It's fun to see. But it's funny because when I think of "old", I think of the 80s and before. Someone posted a pic from 1999 over there the other day and I just about fell out of my chair!

 

[Stefy]

Great flashback photos, it sounds like you had a great time.

I love too how all the CM's are just so friendly and helpful

Looking forward to more

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great flashback pictures!! Unfortunately I don't have many pictures from my first trip, and the few I have don't include me!

The first trip is so magical!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Love the old pictures! It's always fun remember those past trips.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Ok, I'm all caught up. I am also reading that book. How are you liking it? I really enjoy it. But I'm weird. I started at AK and I'm working my way forward.

I have a couple of comments about just a few of your ADR options:

Just a caution - the day-of tickets are at outlets called "Half Price Tickets" in about 3 places along the strip (there's one in the Fashion Show Mall right by your hotel). However, they rarely have tickets to any Cirque shows. Also, after many mistakes, I have finally realized that the $20 or so that you pay for better seats is well worth it. I have seen some shows twice and the seats can really make a difference. With 2 exceptions: LOVE - Don't buy the floor level tickets. You want the mid-level, but not the top-tier level. So much happens in the aisles up top that you miss a lot of the action if you have seats down on the floor. Also, anything in the Colosseum (Celine, Elton, etc.) - there is literally not a bad seat in the house. I was on the 17th row for Celine and on literally the back row, top level for Elton, and both seats were equally excellent.

Really enjoying your plans!

I love the old pics. I have a few. There is a whole thread for "old Disney park photos". It's fun to see. But it's funny because when I think of "old", I think of the 80s and before. Someone posted a pic from 1999 over there the other day and I just about fell out of my chair!

I am really enjoying the Hidden Magic book. I am going to reread it shortly before the trip.

Thanks for all of the tips for LV! Can you recommend any restaurants besides Bobbie Flay's? I really want to go there but we'll see. We also don't enjoy sushi. Tuna in a can is as about as much seafood as I eat. DH will eat shrimp and we both have tried lobster but I can't do the texture.

Great flashback photos, it sounds like you had a great time.

I love too how all the CM's are just so friendly and helpful

Looking forward to more

Thanks! Since my first trip, I have come across some that are not as spunky though! Everyone has their bad days!

Great flashback pictures!! Unfortunately I don't have many pictures from my first trip, and the few I have don't include me!

The first trip is so magical!

Those are all the picture I have from my first trip.

I agree it is magical. But-you will just have to wait and see if it is the first time I fell in love with Disney.

Love the old pictures! It's always fun remember those past trips.

I agree, I am going to spend tonight working on a recap of my second trip!

 

[swwake]

Thanks for all of the tips for LV! Can you recommend any restaurants besides Bobbie Flay's? I really want to go there but we'll see.

I would recommend anything with Wolfgang Puck's name on it. There's Spago at Caesar's, a Trattoria at Mandalay Bay, and another at the Shoppes at the Venetian. There is also CUT at Palazzo, but I haven't eaten there.

We love Rum Jungle at Mandalay. As I mentioned earlier, it's a Brazilian Churrascaria. Great atmosphere too.

They have an Emeril's at MGM Grand, but I haven't eaten there.

I would say Voodoo Lounge at Rio is nice for the view and specialty drinks, but I don't recommend their food.

Pink Taco at Hard Rock Hotel is good Mexican and a fun environment.

Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY is great pub food and there's usually a guy singing and playing guitar.

For steak, N9NE at the Palms is supposed to be wonderful.

There is plenty of good food in Vegas. You could try a Zagat's guide if you want "the best". Or just check with the Concierge at TI and they can point you in the right direction.

 

[ddmeka]

I am enjoying your pre-trip report.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I would recommend anything with Wolfgang Puck's name on it. There's Spago at Caesar's, a Trattoria at Mandalay Bay, and another at the Shoppes at the Venetian. There is also CUT at Palazzo, but I haven't eaten there.

We love Rum Jungle at Mandalay. As I mentioned earlier, it's a Brazilian Churrascaria. Great atmosphere too.

They have an Emeril's at MGM Grand, but I haven't eaten there.

I would say Voodoo Lounge at Rio is nice for the view and specialty drinks, but I don't recommend their food.

Pink Taco at Hard Rock Hotel is good Mexican and a fun environment.

Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY is great pub food and there's usually a guy singing and playing guitar.

For steak, N9NE at the Palms is supposed to be wonderful.

There is plenty of good food in Vegas. You could try a Zagat's guide if you want "the best". Or just check with the Concierge at TI and they can point you in the right direction.

Thanks! This trip I want DH to make the majority of the decisions because it is essentially "his trip". He appears to love Vegas almost as much as I love Disney. Which I think is quite funny, because I have been reading several guide books that compare Vegas to WDW in some way. So, I am going to type up a list of recommended restaurants and let him pick the day of. Or-if we pass something on our adventures and it appeals to him-that shall be.

I am enjoying your pre-trip report.

Thank you! Thanks for stopping by, don't be a stranger!

 

[Charlefours]

TFS your first trip pictures! I remember using disposable cameras--it seems like ages ago. Though, I have to admit, we still used a film camera (a nice one tough) on our first trip to Disney and a basic digital camera (one of the first Sony ones) too but we had such a small memory card.

 

[KatMark]

I had no idea you had a pre-trip report going. So I apologize for being late to the party, but I'm here now and am enjoying all that you've posted so far.