What do Norwegians drink???- A Dec 2014 PTR **Update 12/19--It's Almost TIMEEEE!!!*

[Britbrie]

Hey Ya'll!! I worked my magic on my parents again, and influenced them to take me to Disney World for the 37th time!!

I know most of you guys haven't read my trip report from December, and have NO idea who I am, but hopefully you'll learn to love me!

My name is Brittney, and I am 25 years old. I attend Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!!), and I am majoring in History. I hope to one day attend law school so that I can afford my Disney addiction. Like I said I have been to Walt Disney World 36 times, and have amazing persuasion skills.

This is me waiting in line at BOG back in Jan:

Up next is my Dad, my fellow Disney addict. He constantly tells me the story of when he went to Disney back in 1971, and used the E-ticket books, blah...blah...blah (haha). He's easy to convince to take me to WDW, and he loves Disney History/Pirates of the Caribbean.

I have to reuse the pic from my last TR... he looks the same anyways.

Last, but certainly not least, is Mom. She teaches high school ESL/language classes (English Second Language), and is currently trying to speak Spanish fluently. She isn't AS Disney obsessed and takes a little more convincing when it comes to taking me to WDW. She LOVES Christmas, so obviously that was my selling point. Her favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion, and she loves Stitch.

So that is our family... I guess I should tell you guys our plans/dates/where we are staying/etc. So see the next post for the details! ​

 

[Britbrie]

Table of Contents:

Intro (You probably just read that...)
Indecisiveness/Hotel Choice
Arrrrrrgh! I'm just trying to get into character
My Steak Addiction
More Steak?!
--1st Craft!
Beer and Sugar with my bread, yes yes yes!
Real Life Update
I mean, pot roast isn't technically steak...
Hellooo EPCOT
2000+ Rhinestones, I'm obsessed!
Moroccan Spiceeee
I'm gonna get fat!
I think I have an obsession...
No More Food!
Geaux Tigers!

 

[Britbrie]

Back again! I tried one of these Pre-Trip Reports last year, and NO ONE seemed to be following along so I abandoned it. Regardless of followers/readers this year, I am not giving up on this one! I have been lurking on some PTR’s/TR’s, and I feel that I have gained an understanding on how to make this interesting!

Here’s the brief run down of my struggles last year to achieve my Disney vacation dream goal:
1. Convinced my boss at a large retail chain to allow me (a manager) to take off of work during blackout vacation days.
2. Persuaded my parents to take me during Christmas/New Year’s.
3. The boss that originally agreed to let me go during this time got fired and no paperwork of my approved vacation could be found.
4. Once again worked my magic and convinced my new manager to let me go.

At that point last year I was pretty happy that I had succeeded in the overwhelmingly difficult task of being a smooth talker. Until one day in September when I broke my wrist while putting up our freight at work. The doctor/work/and I all assumed my wrist would be better in 6 weeks—long before our trip in late December. Little did I know, this issue hasn’t gone away and I am now facing having a possible surgery. After being on medical leave from work since February (that’s 6 months now!!), I am going stir crazy!

Needless to say, I needed this trip to have something to consume my time/brain! When I established the idea of taking another Disney Christmas vacation, I decided to pitch the idea to my dad first. Of course he was easy, and agreed… one down, one to go. I thought to myself, “Okay, no problem… mom LOVES Christmas, easy sell.”

The sales pitch was unsuccessful. Mom was pretty set on going somewhere tropical instead of Disney this year, and began to look at trips to Mexico and Hawaii (I would’ve been okay with Hawaii if we would have stayed at Aulani… just saying).

Long story short… I convinced her to say yes. (Duh, cause I’m good at convincing people).

At this point in our story, we had decided to go AFTER Christmas—Dec 27-Jan 3. Due to crazy Disney holiday prices, we booked the Pop Century (which is where we stayed last year), and were complacent with our choice.

With our hotel, tickets, and dining plan booked we were officially going to DISNEY!!! Mom was happy with the choice, until I began to implement my charismatic talking skills on her yet again. Through using the word: Upgrade… she was sold, and I was on the phone with Disney for the 3rd time in two days.
I was on hold for what seemed like HOURS before a CM picked up. Seriously I had listened to It’s a Small World at least 3 times, and was singing along when the girl answered the phone (I’m sure I’m not the only one, you guys know it’s an easy song to get stuck in your head!!).

Anyways, the 1st CM was of no help. She essentially tried her hardest to crush my spirit and tell me no. Clearly, she was unaware of who she was dealing with… and I finally convinced her to grant 3 out of my 5 requests.

So after doing some research on plane tickets, and prices… I called Disney again. This time I got to listen to “I’m Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street U.S.A”. Geeeez. I had just barely gotten It’s a Small World out of my head, and now this. This time the wait was much shorter, and a new CM was on the phone. After telling me I was unable to get free dining unless my check out date was December 23, I told the CM that I would just do it myself and was going to give up on the whole idea.

The CM didn’t like the idea of giving up, so she tried to book what I had proposed in the first place… and with that we were now booked for Dec 23-Jan 1 in a Pirate Room at the Caribbean Beach Resort! Woooo!

I know that people are strongly in opposition to staying in these rooms, but hey! It’s an “upgrade” from a value. Our family has stayed in Trinidad South previously, and we don’t mind the extra walk to the food court.

Sorry this was a ‘long-winded’ post, next time I’ll add pictures of the rooms and maybe discuss ADR’s!
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[MrsAyres]

Following along! Props for working the system (and your folks) to get what you want from a fellow persuader!

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

 

[Britbrie]

So, the idea of having to book a pirate room in order to get free dining wasn’t really an exciting aspect of the whole reservation making. When we decided to make the switch to add extra days to our trip, and free dining, I was really hoping we could get a normal CBR room. The pirate rooms, to me, seemed to be more geared towards children rather than 3 adults.

After viewing pictures, and looking at reviews, my mom and I decided the Pirate room would be sufficient and we booked it. Many people seem to dislike the location of the pirate rooms, because they are further away from the food court and drink refill station, but our family has stayed in Trinidad South previously and were not bothered by the walk. Hey, you are at Disney!! You’re going to walk… a lot.

Ok, ok… enough talking. You guys probably would rather look at pictures. So, I did some google searching, and decided these pictures on AllEars were the best. Thanks to whoever Jack is, and AllEars for the pictures!

These are the beds… obviously.

I have seen a lot of people complain about the comfort of these beds, and all I have to ask is… Have you slept in a Pop Century bed? It’s rough.

The t.v. and drawer space…

Table/Chairs

That curtain… oh my. It’s very pirate-y. I suppose since my dad LOVES Pirates of the Caribbean that he will love this curtain.

Lastly, the bathroom sink area… standard Value/Moderate layout.

Overall, I don’t think that the pirate décor is too much. I expected it to be tacky and outdated like the rest of CBR was before they began the refurb.

Speaking of refurb, after we booked this room, I started doing some research and saw pictures of the refurbished rooms that were completed. Personally, I liked them better but mom and dad were cool with the pirate thing so we stuck with it.

Ok so for real, next post—ADR’s!
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[Britbrie]

Upon making our reservations for this trip… it dawned on me that we were late making our ADR’s. This of course meant no Be Our Guest dinner, again. Oh well, lunch there is good too and I don’t mind making my parents wait in line for 2 hours… I’ve done it before.

Anyhow, I rushed on the computer and made ADR’s hoping we would be able to get something for Christmas and New Years Eve dinner! Last year, we were stuck only being able to eat at The Plaza for lunch… not that there is anything wrong with the Plaza, we just enjoy eating dinners more.

For our arrival date, I decided we needed to eat somewhere “semi-fancy”. We haven’t been back to Le Cellier’s since they were only 1 credit on the dining plan. Last year we skipped it due to the fact it was considered 2… but I thought to myself “ohhh who cares, I want some soup”.

Oh by the way, Thank you to Disneyfoodblog.com for the pictures! Awesome website, you guys should definitely check it out when making ADR’s.

The menu on Disney’s website:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/le-cellier-steakhouse/menus/

At this restaurant, I am planning on eating the filet mignon, and the mixed tea sorbet. I know everyone is probably like… why sorbet? Well, I LOVE tea. I’m from Louisiana so obviously iced tea is my favorite… and well this is ‘iced tea’. Hahaha.
We used to enjoy Le Cellier’s back in the day, and I am hoping it is still as amazing as it used to be.

Next, is our Christmas Eve selection… California Grill! Yes, I know it is also 2 credits… I have expensive taste buds. Haha.

The menu:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/california-grill/menus/

Once again, we haven’t been back to the California Grill in years. I was around 13 years old when we first started going here, and never really enjoyed the food. Now that I have expensive taste buds, I’m pretty sure I will love it more than I did when I was a teenager.

For a starter I plan on sharing the BBQ pork and apple flatbread with my mom. Years ago the California Grill had an amazing BBQ pork flatbread that mom and I absolutely loved… but they quit featuring it. I am hoping this is equally as delicious as that one.

For an entrée, I will most definitely be ordering the Filet of Beef. I am a huge steak eater, so hopefully this does not disappoint. Dessert is probably going to be a toss up, but I’ll probably eat the Vanilla Crème Brulee.

On Christmas day, there were several options available… but it was pretty much asking my parents if they wanted to eat Italian, Italian, or Italian. So, they of course chose Italian.

With that, I booked Tony’s Town Square Restaurant… which we have not been to in years as well.

Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tonys-town-square-restaurant/menus/dinner/

At Tony’s I am planning on either eating the New York Strip, or the Chicken Parmesan. I know what you are thinking… this is this girl’s 3rd day of eating steak, and while that may seem like a lot of steak, I am probably going to eat steak on the 4th day as well. Haha.

For dessert I am without a doubt choosing the tiramisu. It’s one of my most favorite desserts ever!

To be continued…

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[GraceMonica]

Joining in! My mom and two of my sisters stayed in the pirate rooms. My mom keeps telling me about how awesome it was. She LOVED the quiet stroll around the resort. Also, she says the busses go all the way around and it wasn't too much of a hassle.

 

[Britbrie]

Following along! Props for working the system (and your folks) to get what you want from a fellow persuader!

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

Thanks so much for reading so far! I'm also following your PTR, it'll be fun to see how you plan things!

Joining in! My mom and two of my sisters stayed in the pirate rooms. My mom keeps telling me about how awesome it was. She LOVED the quiet stroll around the resort. Also, she says the busses go all the way around and it wasn't too much of a hassle.

Oh good!!! I'm glad to know your mom liked them, I've been worried! I'm also following your PTR as well, and I appreciate you reading mine!

 

[Britbrie]

I’m backkkk. I’ve been busy doing a Disney related project today, and I’m pretty excited with how it’s turning out!! I’ll let you guys see it soon, but not yet.

The next restaurant we are visiting will be Narcoossee’s. We discovered this restaurant last trip (December/Jan) and absolutely loved it! Most of you are aware of the fact that this is located at the Grand Floridian…

Here is a picture from my trip report last year of the Grand Floridian’s beautiful lobby:

So, let’s talk dinner here. It’ll be my 4th night of steak (more than likely), but we will have the addition of lobster this time. Their bread here is also good, and OMG the almond crusted cheesecake is on a whole other level. I’m excited to eat here again for sure!!

This was my dinner last year:

The Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/narcoossees/menus/

Basically, I just want everyone to know that they need to eat at Narcoossee’s at least once in their life!!!

Up next will be the Liberty Tree Tavern. We have eaten at LTT a lot of times, and of course I always get the standard Pilgrim’s Feast at lunch. However at dinner the menu is an array of different things. I'm kind of bummed I won't be ordering a steak, but I suppose one night of eating something else won't kill me.

Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/liberty-tree-tavern/menus/dinner/

For the next day we had originally planned on eating at San Angel Inn, but we decided to eat at places we didn’t eat at last time. So, as of today we will now be eating at Chefs de France. It’s been a very long time since we ate here, so it’ll be nice to revisit.

Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/chefs-de-france/menus/dinner/

I was going to originally eat something different like chicken or something… but who am I kidding? I’m probably going to get the Grilled tenderloin of beef. Yes, I know… I’m obsessed with steak. For dessert I’m planning on the chocolate mousse.

To be continued...​

 

[Britbrie]

Ok so, I would like to interrupt this PTR to share with you guys the 1st Disney craft I'm in the process of making...

I saw this idea on Pinterest... (like most ideas) and thought it was adorable.

Mickey Planters:

I still have 2 more Mickey's to make, and then on to 5 Minnie ones. I loveee how they are looking, and cannot wait to add flowers in them!
Bought the planters at the dollar store, and the paint at walmart. I'll keep you guys updated on how the rest turn out, and of course the final outcome!

I'll be back later to post more plans! ​

 

[GraceMonica]

Ok so, I would like to interrupt this PTR to share with you guys the 1st Disney craft I'm in the process of making...

I saw this idea on Pinterest... (like most ideas) and thought it was adorable.

Mickey Planters:

I still have 2 more Mickey's to make, and then on to 5 Minnie ones. I loveee how they are looking, and cannot wait to add flowers in them!
Bought the planters at the dollar store, and the paint at walmart. I'll keep you guys updated on how the rest turn out, and of course the final outcome!

I'll be back later to post more plans!

If I wasn't saving literally every extra penny for Disney, I'd totally make these! It would be such a cute idea for a little herb garden!!

 

[Britbrie]

Omg I tried to resist making them... but I tried to buy the cheapest craft paint I could. haha. I'm going to probably put red, white, and yellow flowers in them, but a herb garden would be adorable too!! Thanks for commenting!!

 

[Britbrie]

I'm backkkk! So, craft update... I have finished the Mickey planters, and now I'm going to begin the Minnie ones. Ahhh I can't wait until they are done, they will look super cute!

Anyways, back to the ADR's!

So for the next day we have booked the Rainforest Cafe in AK for breakfast. We typically just pick something up on our way to rides and eat on the go, so I highly doubt we will keep this ADR, but it is nice to have it just in case.

The Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...inforest-cafe-animal-kingdom/menus/breakfast/

I'm planning on maybe getting a coffee and the breakfast sliders. They sound pretty yummy! Our ADR is at 9 am, so I HIGHLY doubt we will make it to the Rainforest for breakfast but hopefully!

For this night's ADR, we are planning to meet up with my aunt and cousin at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.

This is my aunt and cousin that we will meet up with:

We ate at Raglan Road last year, and I developed a strong obsession with that Guinness Reduction/Soda Bread combo... omg I mean a deep love for it.

These pics are from last year's trip report:

I ordered the steak last year, and it was pretty amazing... But, I mean who likes steak anyways... I've noticed a trend in my food choices thus far. Is there such a thing as too much steak??

The Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...n-road-irish-pub-and-restaurant/menus/dinner/

Up next: More ADR's... I'm almost done, promise. Then onto more exciting things.





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[Britbrie]

Okayyy so I'm back.

Real Life update--> Been crazy busy trying to schedule classes for my fall semester at LSU. I finally got a few classes, but not what I needed! Oh well, the way I look at it this semester is all that is keeping me away from Disney!

Second real life update--> I finished the Minnie planter pots, and started working on a few American/Honduran Flag pots for my Mom's classroom. I will post pictures soon, not yet though!

Third update--> I went to the dentist, and had to get 2 fillings. OUCH! It was an awful experience that resulted in me getting an acid burn on my face, and now I'm pretty miserable! But, it will go away eventually and I'll be able to leave my house again. Until then, I'm staying away from the general public!

So, other than that nothing new is really going on. I purchased a shirt from the internet for my trip. It's long sleeved with Belle on it, and I loveeeee it. I guess I will need to post a picture of that too. Geez, lots to do! ​

 

[Britbrie]

Last of the ADR's!

Like I stated previously, we really wanted to try to eat at restaurants we haven't tried in a while.

Previously for this next dinner, we had booked San Angel Inn. Usually at San Angel, I order the Pollo a las Rojas. Which is AMAZING!
However, we decided to change to something different. While looking at our options, we chose to eat at Kona Cafe.

The Menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/kona-cafe/menus/dinner/

We have eaten at Kona before, but I hardly remember it. I'm sure it will be as amazing as Disney's other restaurants! I am planning on eating the New York Strip, or Coffee crusted pork chops. I haven't quite decided yet!!
For dessert I pretty much want to eat all of them... sooooo Kona needs to offer a sampler plate. haha. Just Saying!

Last but certainly not least, for New Year's Eve we will be eating at the 50's Prime Time Cafe!

Last trip I ordered a Maui Wowie, and OMG it was good! Very little alcohol, but still yummy!

Every time we eat here, we ask for Cousin Richard who has been working there for YEARS! He is honestly one of the best servers there though, and we are hoping he will be there again this trip.
I am planning on eating Mom's Sampler. I loveee the Pot roast at Prime time, and have gotten it 90% of times I have eaten there since I was a kid.

For dessert, I usually get the Brownie Sundae but I might just try the S'mores this time.

So there you have it, our ADR's for this trip. I will try to update tomorrow on more plans, but I also need to check in on some of the other PTR's I have been reading! Thanks to anyone who is reading, and please feel free to comment!


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[Britbrie]

While we are on the topic of food, let’s talk about my plans for snacking (and drinking) around the world in Epcot!

I’ve included a map for referencing…

Alright, so let’s start in Canada. Obviously Canada needs to get with the program as far as snacks are concerned. They very clearly have their table service game on point, but lack in snacks/pastries outside of Le Cellier’s.

For this pavilion I plan on making my dad suffer through the O Canada! Film, after we stop for a snack. There are a few food options in the Traders Marketplace like cookies, or candies. I think for my snack in Canada I will choose the Maple cookies, or a popcorn from the beer cart.

A picture of the cookies:

Menu of the Beer Cart:

By the way, special thanks to wdwinfo, and eatingwdw for the pictures!
As far as my drink in Canada, I will plan on trying out the Torontopolitan. Sounds amazinggg!

Up next is the United Kingdom:

The obvious choice is the Yorkshire County Fish as far as snacks are concerned…

The Menu: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=255

Mom and I will probably share the fish and chips, and a diet coke. I’m probably going to skip anything alcoholic in the pavilion, I don’t really drink beer and I’m not trying to get drunk! Haha.

I am also planning on shopping around the world, and hope to find some shot glasses to add to my collection!

France… omg the food options! They have the ice cream/sorbet place, 2 table service restaurants and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.

The menu of Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=330

Obviously we are going to get dessert! I am planning on getting the chocolate mousse, or an éclair.

Also, I saw on disneyfoodblog.com the Macarons collection. Expensive yes, but I think this is an awesome thing Disney has done! I want one, and might even bring one home!!

To be continued!-More snacking around the world, and the reason behind my title!
​

 

[Britbrie]

I want to interrupt this PTR to show off these awesome shoes I made! I have been gluing swarovski rhinestones to a pair of black heels for a month or two now.

It has been a very LONG and tedious project, but I'm enthused with the outcome!! When I first thought of the idea, I did not think that finding the rhinestones would be such a challenge. I must have hit EVERY Walmart in Louisiana to buy those dumb things.

Anyways, without further adieu...

These pictures do not do them justice! They are sparkly beyond belief! I am currently working on an emerald green pair, and may decide to start selling them on Etsy as custom orders. But for now, I'll be greedy and make TONS of sparkly shoes.

As of right now, I am planning to wear these beauties to Narcoossee's. Can't wait until the green ones are done! Let me know what you guys think, leave some comments!​

 

[nilla]

Not only did I completely miss that you had started this PTR, but you've been an update machine! I loved your last TR, so I'm subbing on this as well

Way to work the magic and make the trip a reality. I was able to convince the matriarch in this family to go back to WDW a few years back, but that took a lot of help from a then-6-year-old girl

Great meal selections, IMO. I keep trying to get Kristin to go back to LC some time, but the "2 credits" thing is an inhibitor. Odd, though, since she's a lot like you in regard to steak.

We've never eaten at California Grill, Tony's, or 50s Primetime, so I'll be interested to hear about those as well (even though I've already read about them in past TRs).

Keep trying for BoG!

 

[nilla]

...and I commented without reading page 2! Love the candy in Germany. We always end up using our remaining snack credits on it. I'm sure Emily would love the shoes, too

Great PTR! Can't wait for the actual TR!

 

[SarahDisney]

I just discovered this and I'm enjoying reading about your planning! I love that you've already decided what you want to get at most of the meals (and there is definitely no such thing as too much steak).

I LOVE those shoes! They look like they're probably super sparkly. I can't imagine how much work it must have been to glue on all of those rhinestones!