When you wish upon a star, a FAMILY trip comes true. May 2011 UPDATE 6/21 p.10-2posts

[JenAusty]

Wow.... where do I start?! It's been so long, I feel so rusty...

I guess I'll start with by saying Howdy and welcome to my first annual Disney World family vacation onsite!!

See it's not my first time, not my husbands first time- but it is my parents first time onsite... and it's our first Disney family vacation staying onsite as a family. Well.. partial family.. cause my DB and his GF aren't going.

Who: Me (Jen), DH (Austy), DM (My Mom), DD, (My Daddio)
What: Walt Disney World Vacation of course!
When: May 27 - June 4, 2011
Where: Disney World- All Star Movies Resort
Why: Celebrating my graduation of college, and my parents are celebrating their first time staying onsite.
How: Airtran will get us to Orlando, and then Disney will take care of the rest.



Ok, before I go any further.. I suppose I should introduce the crew (for those of you who don't know me, or forgot me because its been so long) and tell my story of how this trip came about. (I told you I'm rusty- I'll explain the reason for this later as well).

(This is me- from last summer, when I was tan, super blonde, and enjoying summer).
I'm Jen, Jennifer to my host teacher and sometimes DH Austy, Jenny to my long time best friends, Jenfer Rosa to my DH.. and many others. But honestly.. I prefer Jen! Like most of you, I have a huge Disney LOVE/OBSESSION for all things Disney. It all started when I was born and raised on all the classic films and then finally in 4th grade, during a family vaca to Florida- we went to the Magic Kingdom. I guess it was always there deep down inside my heart. But it wasn't until after my 3rd year in college did I finally return to the magical place. When I arrived, it was as if I died and gone to heaven. It was the most amazing experience I've ever had and I realized sooo many things about myself. The most important being that I truly loved Disney things and had a deep passion for it. I guess life got in the way of me figuring this out earlier, but I'm happy that my DH (DB at the time) decided to take a trip. Anywho, I am an OLD senior in college compared to most. I'm 27 years old (boo hoo wahhhh). I've been attending college since I graduated high school in 2002. So basically, I've been going to school for almost 21 years! The whole story of my college years and reason why it took SO long, its another story for another day. The important thing is that I'm finally GRADUATING on May 7, 2011. YIPPY! and my dream of becoming a teacher will finally come true... well if I can find a job that is. I'm willing to make the sacrifice of a movng as far as Tennessee, Georgia, or even Florida if I have too. I love pink and green, especially neon pink in the summer. It's like my teen alter-ego returns. I love all things outdoors; such as tanning, beaches, swimming, bike trails, hiking, camping, bonfires, walking my doggy. As far as disney goes, I'm a fan of the classics.. and I mean classics- Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Song of the South, The Three Caballeros, Fantasia, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks to name a few. I don't know why but there is just something special about the classic Disney films. More about me later!

DH (Austin or best known as Austy): (This is a pic I took on our Chicago trip in Nov.)
Austin is my very best friend and husband. We have been together for 9 years on June 7, 2011 and married for 3 years! He loves Disney World and some of the movies such as The Lion King, and the Song of the South but he's not exactly Disney obsessed and like many of you fellow disers, he has stated that he does want to have other vacations besides Disney... Ok, I suppose so do I someday.. He is a guitar player, loves old video games, the Discovery & History Channel, his idol is probably Bear Grylls. He is also an outdoors-man in the summer.

(My parents at my cousins wedding.. my dad being goofy like always. P.S. my mom hates this picture-but its the best one I have of them right now.. so shhh)
DD (My Dad):
I have always considered myself a girl version of my dad.. in the sense that we share sooo many of the same things. For instance, our love for cheese, and corn on our mashed potatoes, our goofy humor, our "glass is half-full" attitude, and our easy-going drama-free personality. My dad is my idol and always has been. He is such a good person, he is a "giver", he lives his life to give to others and take care of others, and he has a huge heart. I have always tried to be the same and become the same great person. I know for sure I get my goofiness from my father.. he is always stating off the wall, sometimes not appropriate jokes, dancing around the house, or being playful. P.S. my dad is responsible for making this trip come true. My dad is a fisherman and hunter at heart.

DM (My Mom):
My mom is definitely a family person. She could spend every single day with us, and have us all living together in one house our whole lives. She can be controlling, negative, and likes drama/arguing but she means well and would do anything for her family. She is a nail tech (who does amazing nail art), loves the spring and summer, planting flowers, and going to the beach. She also loves "family movie night".

The way I see it- My dad and I are alike, and my mom and brother are alike.

I will introduce my DB, his GF, my animals, and much more later.

Now on to the trip, I feel so crazy, like I need to make a list of all the things I have to write about. See.. usually when I plan a trip to Disney I start my PTR like 9 months in advance.. and here we are 2 MONTHS AWAY today, and I'm just starting.. there is soo much to share; about the trip, things I've bought, dining reservations, my trip to Chicago to see The Lion King on Broadway, my student teaching experience, my graduating in May, my possible moving and life changing (new chapter) of my life, wow. I suppose I'll make a list in the mean time.. and spend the next few posts recapping on everything I haven't shared. I've missed you disfriends and it feels good to be back. I felt so bad for not starting my ptr sooner, and not reading your posts.. but I was just so busy there just wasn't time. Next week is spring break, and then the week after that is my last day of teaching. Then I have a break until.. well.. until either I get a job, move...

P.S. Next time, I'll make the pictures smaller. hehe


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Daily Schedule and Dining
We have to plan a family trip to Disney!
Resort and Questions..
Busy Bee
Good News/Bad News
More Shopping!
Chicago and more..
Chicago and more continued..
Update coming soon!
30 DAYS!!!
25 DAYS and DINING figured out!
So I was wrong..
Le Cellier or Raglan Road?!
My Favorite Memories of our Last trip!
3 DAYS!!
2 Days in counting...
1 more long day and then I'm OUTTA HERE!
Returning from Disney...
My thoughts and First Day!
Day 2 Memories: Magic Kingdom
Day 2 Memories: Magic Kingdom continued..

 

[JMat]

Hey! Cute PTR -- excited to hear more!

 

[TinksThree]

Subbing! We will be there the same time you guys are! I can't wait to read more of your PTR!

 

[disneyfan61]

I saw your post on Jackie's PTR so I thought I would come on board. I have a PTR started also. We will be there 5/23-5/29. Maybe we can make plans for a quick meet???

Congrats on your graduation!! We will be celebrating my sons college graduation on 5/21 & then leave for Orlando on 5/22.

That is great that family is going with you. Cannot wait to hear all about your plans.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Followed you over from your post on another report. I am joining in for the fun. I can't wait to read about your adventures!

Congrats on completing college!

Erika

 

[Moonies]

Subbing! Congrats on the college graduation! That's what I'm going to celebrate when we go down too!!

 

[tinkgurl]

I'm here!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I found another family going the same time we are. I will have to keep an out to see if I can recognize any one from there pictures.

Can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[thmar]

On board...looking forward to this

 

[RachelNinja]

YAY! It must be so exciting to have your trip come up so soon! As you look forward to May this year, I'll look forward to May next year because that'll be my Disneymoon month!

 

[xoktenox]

Hey Jen, I'm so glad you're back!! P.S. Chris and I arrive in Disney June 3! Maybe we could plan a quick meet?

 

[SoonerGirl]

Congratulations on your graduation Jen!! It must feel good to finally be done!

Looking forward to hearing all about your plans

 

[JenAusty]

Hey! Cute PTR -- excited to hear more!

Thank you! I'm glad you're here!

Subbing! We will be there the same time you guys are! I can't wait to read more of your PTR!

Welcome and YAY.. I'm noticing how many people are going when we are! Do you usually go during this time?

I saw your post on Jackie's PTR so I thought I would come on board. I have a PTR started also. We will be there 5/23-5/29. Maybe we can make plans for a quick meet???

Congrats on your graduation!! We will be celebrating my sons college graduation on 5/21 & then leave for Orlando on 5/22.

That is great that family is going with you. Cannot wait to hear all about your plans.

Hello and thanks for joining! I've noticed that a lot of people are going during this time. Originally we planned on going the Monday after my graduation but then we got a really good deal- free dining- so we changed the dates.

I'm definitely excited to share my plans and get input on everything!

Followed you over from your post on another report. I am joining in for the fun. I can't wait to read about your adventures!

Congrats on completing college!

Erika

YAY! Welcome Erika! I'm excited you joined in! Thank you- I am super duper excited about graduating!

Subbing! Congrats on the college graduation! That's what I'm going to celebrate when we go down too!!

Hello! Thank you for subbing! Are you graduating this year to?! When? Congrats to you too!

I'm here!

YAY! I'm happy your hear Tink!

I found another family going the same time we are. I will have to keep an out to see if I can recognize any one from there pictures.

Can't wait to read more!!!!

hahaha Yeah- I've also noticed there are A LOT of families going during this time.. maybe its the free dining.. idk! But welcome and thanks for joining!

On board...looking forward to this

Hello! and thanks for joining!

YAY! It must be so exciting to have your trip come up so soon! As you look forward to May this year, I'll look forward to May next year because that'll be my Disneymoon month!

Yes it is very exciting but also kind of stressful! I ususally spend sooo much time planning and planning and reading and looking up... hehe But this time I just didn't have the time at all. It was nice to be busy cause time flew by but now I'm feeling the crunch. But either way- planned or not- I'm ready to go!! I can't help but feel some pressure though to make this trip the best because its my parents first time and I REALLY want them to like it and want to return.

Hey Jen, I'm so glad you're back!! P.S. Chris and I arrive in Disney June 3! Maybe we could plan a quick meet?

Hello Kristen! I'm glad your here! I'm also glad to be back I wanted to return earlier just no time. I'm excited to have this PTR short lived or not! Also, I would love to meet you! I think that we might be going offsite though throughout the trip because my Gma and my best friend live in FL. But if its not during those times- for sure!

 

[JenAusty]

Hello Everyone! I have been debating on what to post next.. because believe me I have a list of all the things I want to share. But I am going to start with the basics and share how this trip came about and my schedule of plans and dining reservations for the trip!

Also, I should mention.. I am still deciding on quick service meals for our trip.. so you will notice lunch/dinners are still undecided.. I know 2 months away- AM I CRAZY?!! Well now you know why I'm started this PTR.. I need major help and fast!!

Friday, May 27th- FREE DAY.
This is a free day because originally we weren't suppose to arrive at Disney until Friday night.. like 10pm approx. If you read my last ptr/tr you will remember that we flew out the night before and arrived at Disney around 12am. It was rough but it was nice to get full night sleep and then take on the world. Anywho, when I began searching flight prices and really wanting NONSTOP if possible, I noticed that we could save almost $30 a person by flying nonstop at 7am on that Friday. So I called my parents and asked them what they wanted to do because we had planned on working that day (so it wouldn't count as a vaca day for anyone) and then leave around 4pm or soo. My parents said that was fine and actually liked that idea better and after talking to DH he said he didn't mind taking another day off.. so thats what we did.
So... since we were arriving like 10+ hours earlier- we now had the dilemma of whether to add another day of park tickets and dining.. we decided to opt out to save money, because I know we can enjoy ourselves without going to the parks. My dad said he was actually happy with this new plan, and was excited to arrive to FL and be able to relax and explore the resort without having to be anywhere. So this made me happy.. because honestly, as much as I want to "relax" while I'm there.. as soon as I get to disney is always go-go-go. I can't tell myself NO you can't go to the parks you have to stay at the hotel allll day.. but now I can't go to the parks cause I didn't add another day and this will mess up all my plans if we do!

So the plans are... arrive- get to our rooms (hopefully check in early), unpack a little bit, and then whatever are hearts desire. We are planning on exploring the resort, taking pictures of everything, enjoying to pools, and visiting DTD. I'm pretty sure at some point we will go to Planet Hollywood for lunch or dinner- because we get a $15 gift certificate from the resort for there. DH and I ate there before in the past and it was delicious.. but other than that- no plans. and yes, it makes me a little crazy not having them. hehe

Saturday, May 28 -Magic Kingdom Day! (Of course MK has to be the first day, it's my favorite park, plus its the 1 park my parents have been too).Plus, I like to go here first because I visit MK many times during my stay.

Lunch- undecided
Dinner- Cinderella's Royal Table @ 5:25pm. This was my mothers request, and we are actually NOT using our dining for this because it takes 2 table service meals... so we are just paying. But my mom insisted... "we have to eat at Cinderella's Castle".. so we are. and I'm excited, I'm kind of ashamed to admit I've never eaten there before.

Sunday, May 29th- Animal Kingdom (DH favorite park and the park my DD is most excited about. This is what made him say "we need to plan a family vaca" and every time I bring it up he says "that will be awesome, I can't wait" I can't either Dad!! He is super is excited for Kilimanjaro Safari.
Lunch- undecided
Dinner- Boma- Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge @ 4:30pm (This is MY must have pick.. we went to this last time, and the food was amazing. I struggled with choosing this because my dad is a picky eater.. but I figured there was soooo much to choose from, he if bound to like something. I hope. Anyone here a picky eater and liked Bomas?) Either way, my dad said he would try it for me. So I added the whole African theme to Animal Kingdom.

Monday, May 30- Epcot (This DH and I 2nd favorite park. My parents however have that "We heard there is nothing to do there- it's all educational" mumbo jumbo in there heads. Because honestly, that is what they've heard. Of course, I am going to change it.. I hope.
Lunch- Sunshine Seasons Food Court (This was our favorite QS meal the last trip in terms of quality of food)
Dinner- Coral Reef Restaurant @ 4:00pm. This Austy and I's special place. We went here our first time at Disney, and now its a tradition and every time we go there the food is amazing and we always get surprises! Last time it was 2 glasses of champagne for our anniversary and decorated dessert.

Tuesday, May 31- Hollywood Studios (DH and I's least favorite park.. don't get me wrong I love the theming and some of the attractions.. but it just doesn't compare to the other parks to us. Although, we are willing to give it another try- well I am.. this time I'm making sure I attend all the shows).
Lunch- undecided
Dinner- Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano @ 4:15 for the Fantasmic Dinner Package.

Wednesday, June 1- FREE DAY/DTD/WATER PARK This day was originally schedule before we were arriving so early on Day 1. I wanted to make sure we had a day (if we wanted) to relax and sleep in. I always feel like half way through my trips, I start to get run down because I don't let myself slow down. My DD wanted to check out the fishing excursion thing... and my DM wanted to check out the spa options and I'm game for that! We were always planning on visiting DTD or a WATER PARK not sure which one. Probably Blizzard Beach because we went to Typhoon last time.
Breakfast- Tusker House @ 9:10am for the character breakfast. (This was DH choice, I was going to do Crystal Palace again and he really wanted this. So I let him choose.)
Lunch- undecided
Dinner-Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant @ 7pm in DTD(for my irish hubby.. he wanted to do this last time.)

Thursday, June 2- Magic Kingdom Day 2 /Blizzard Beach if not Wed.
Lunch- undecided
Dinner- NEED YOUR HELP- Heres where it gets tricky... I can't make up my mind between the 2 so I sorta made 2 reservations.. and figured you guys would help me choose.
Choice 1: Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 6:35pm in the Wilderness Lodge.
I chose this because of the theme (lodge like feel), the amazing resort, to food sounds delicious and I figured it would be something my dad would like, and the atmosphere sounds fun.
Choice 2: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater @ 6:40pm. I know the food is probably mediocre but this is one DH and I have wanted to try for years. We actually had ressies the first time we went and I got motion sickness and we canceled. The other special thing about this is the theme. I love the old fashion Drive-in theater, old cars thing. See the drive-in is an old favorite memory of mine with my family. We had a drive-in about 10 minutes from our house and we use to go all the time in the summer; back when my DD had a pick-up truck and we use to fill the back with air mattresses, blankets and lots of snacks. So I figured they would like this because its something we love. But with that being said- I feel like I'm giving up delicious food for cool theming.
So.. I need your suggestion- have you ate at both? Compare? Ate at one or the other? Or just have any tips to help me decide.

Friday, June 3- Epcot Day 2 (This all depends on how my parents felt about the park. Plus, we tend the change our schedule a little bit once we've been to all the parks and go with the flow).
Lunch- undecided
Dinner- San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion @ 6pm (When we were talking about where to eat- and what everyone would like.. my mom said Mexican and I thought of this place. I've always wanted to try it.. plus, its right next to my favorite characters.. the three Caballeros

Saturday, June 4- LAST DAY Animal Kingdom/Magic Kingdom

Lunch- undecided
Dinner- Le Cellier Steakhouse @ 1pm. Go out with a bang!! hehe I figured we would eat somewhat early because we have to leave in the afternoon for the airport. boo hoo.

And these are the plans.. let me know what you think..

Next posting.. how this trip came about (because I forgot this time), and the QS dining ideas on my list.

Thanks for reading!

 

[disneyfan61]

Your plans look great. I think it is nice that you will be sort of relaxing on your first day because I know when I get there it is go go go also.

We will probably be at MK on the 28th also as that will be our last day & I like ending my trips with MK. There is the parade that night also.

I am with you on DHS being my least favorite park. I do love RNRC & Tot but that is about it. I can take or leave everything else. DH does love the Muppets though.

We have eaten at Sci Fi. It is a great atmosphere & I thought the food was good but it was for lunch & we are not that fussy. We have not tried Whispering Canyon so I cannot compare but it has gotten some great reviews from others. Sorry I could not help you on that one.

We have never eaten at CRT either. I have 2 boys so it was never a must for us. I have heard good things about it also.

That's great that you eat at Coral Reef every year. We have eaten there once & would like to go back some day. That's nice that you got surprises. We will be at Disney for our anniv. on 5/25. LeCellier usually does something nice also.

 

[Moira222]

I followed you over here, too. (lots of stalkers here)

Your plans look great so far, though I have to ask....if you are having breakfast at Tusker House, will you really be able to leave the park to go "relax"? I don't think I could....

Congrats on celebrating graduation!

 

[999ghostslover]

Hi Jen-Your PTR is great. It sounds like you have a great family. We will be there at the same time as you. But I think our only park day that lines up is MK on June 2. That is my DS1's 3rd birthday. Your ADRs sound good. We too are getting there earlier than we thought (although a day later and at CSR and we have been thinking of swapping Le Cellier lunch with an early BOMA dinner on the day you are there. So if we do I'll PM you and we can meet up!

 

[tinkgurl]

Dinner- Cinderella's Royal Table @ 5:25pm: I'm so excited you're eating there! I really hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Since you're at the MK that day and night, for lunch you could hop on the monorail and head over to the Poly. Capt. Cook's has great lunch for a CS place!

Lunch- Sunshine Seasons Food Court: I love Sunshine Seasons! They always have such a great variety!

Dinner- Coral Reef Restaurant @ 4:00pm: This one will be fun! It's always neat with the glass wall. And how cute, it's such a special place for you two!

Dinner- Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano @ 4:15 for the Fantasmic Dinner Package.: Mama Melrose! Yes! A favorite of mine. And you're doing the Fantasmic package. Honestly, we really loved the package so much that it's the only way we'll ever do Fantasmic again! Plus, eating that early allows a little time to enjoy the park a little before heading to the show. Just make sure to get there when the tickets say that they'll allow you to start seating!

Breakfast- Tusker House: We ate here for the first time this past trip and loved it! The food and juice are both great! And the characters were fun!

Dinner-Choice 1: Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 6:35pm in the Wilderness Lodge.: I chose WCC! We love eating there. The atmosphere is fun, the food is great, and WL is gorgeous! Be ready to yell for ketchup!!

Dinner- Le Cellier Steakhouse @ 1pm: Yum! What a great way to end the trip!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am loving your ADR's. So many yummy things that I want to try out on futur visits. Since we are there for Liam's 9th birthday I needed to make reservations for places he would like to eat.

The only day we seem to be overlapping in on Tuesday for DHS. We also have reservations for Mama Melrose with the F! dining package. We are having lunch there though at 2pm. But maybe we we will see each other at F! I specifically made these because I read that the line starts to line up 2 hours before the show.

Know that I am reading your plan on relaxing on the first day I am wondering if I made the wrong decision to go to MK on our first day. I am planning on relaxing most of the day and going at about 4 or 5 and stay for some of the EMH. I hope I am not making the wrong decision.

 

[JenAusty]

Your plans look great. I think it is nice that you will be sort of relaxing on your first day because I know when I get there it is go go go also.

We will probably be at MK on the 28th also as that will be our last day & I like ending my trips with MK. There is the parade that night also.

I am with you on DHS being my least favorite park. I do love RNRC & Tot but that is about it. I can take or leave everything else. DH does love the Muppets though.

We have eaten at Sci Fi. It is a great atmosphere & I thought the food was good but it was for lunch & we are not that fussy. We have not tried Whispering Canyon so I cannot compare but it has gotten some great reviews from others. Sorry I could not help you on that one.

We have never eaten at CRT either. I have 2 boys so it was never a must for us. I have heard good things about it also.

That's great that you eat at Coral Reef every year. We have eaten there once & would like to go back some day. That's nice that you got surprises. We will be at Disney for our anniv. on 5/25. LeCellier usually does something nice also.

I also end my days with MK. I don't always plan it to be that way but by that morning all I think about it going back to MK to say my goodbyes and get in my last few joys.

Thanks for the review on Sci-Fi. I am truly debating it back and forth (in my head) because no one else cares as much about it as I do. I told DH and all he said was "yeah", and just went on. I wanted to say "HELLOO- don't you understand my dilemma? Aren't you just as stressed?! hehe Of course he isn't, no one is. Whenever I ask my parents, all they say is "we trust you" or "I don't care, as long as there will be stuff that Dad will like, we can go" and my dad always says "I'll try anything, I don't care"- but the truth is- he won't try anything- he is a traditional- plain jane kind of guy.

I've heard many nice things about LeCellier- and it's our first time there. So I'm hoping its a great last meal to our trip.

I followed you over here, too. (lots of stalkers here)

Your plans look great so far, though I have to ask....if you are having breakfast at Tusker House, will you really be able to leave the park to go "relax"? I don't think I could....

Congrats on celebrating graduation!

That's OK! I like the stalkers of DIS! hehe That's how you make your disfriends in the disboard world! I'm glad my PTR is somewhat interesting and people want to read. I would go crazy if there wasn't the DIS around during my trip planning and pre-excitement!

Yes, I did think of that (Tusker house morning)! I think I had to stick it somewhere and that's where it fit. I suppose I could move it to the day we are at AK but then I would have to switch out dinner plans to later.. I guess the way I see it now is.. if we go to AK and don't want to leave- then we don't leave. But we have to know that this is our water park-swim at the hotel-relax and tan- day! So if we miss out- then we miss out! hehe But usually half way through my trip, after we've visited all of the parks, we are a lot more easy going and our plans do tend to change. We kind of go with the flow and how we feel.

Hi Jen-Your PTR is great. It sounds like you have a great family. We will be there at the same time as you. But I think our only park day that lines up is MK on June 2. That is my DS1's 3rd birthday. Your ADRs sound good. We too are getting there earlier than we thought (although a day later and at CSR and we have been thinking of swapping Le Cellier lunch with an early BOMA dinner on the day you are there. So if we do I'll PM you and we can meet up!

Wow.. that would be so hard to switch up- Le Celler for Boma.. they are both amazing.. well I've never ate at Le Cellier but I have heard wonderful things for years and its at the top of my list right now. And Boma- the food is delicious! Have you ever ate there? If not, you will LOVE it. The buffet is huge and there is so much to choose from.. and the dessert.. omgosh don't get my started on those!

And yes, if you switch- do let me know! I would to say hello and meet and actual Diser friend!

Dinner- Cinderella's Royal Table @ 5:25pm: I'm so excited you're eating there! I really hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Since you're at the MK that day and night, for lunch you could hop on the monorail and head over to the Poly. Capt. Cook's has great lunch for a CS place!


Lunch- Sunshine Seasons Food Court: I love Sunshine Seasons! They always have such a great variety!

Dinner- Coral Reef Restaurant @ 4:00pm: This one will be fun! It's always neat with the glass wall. And how cute, it's such a special place for you two!

Dinner- Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano @ 4:15 for the Fantasmic Dinner Package.: Mama Melrose! Yes! A favorite of mine. And you're doing the Fantasmic package. Honestly, we really loved the package so much that it's the only way we'll ever do Fantasmic again! Plus, eating that early allows a little time to enjoy the park a little before heading to the show. Just make sure to get there when the tickets say that they'll allow you to start seating!

Breakfast- Tusker House: We ate here for the first time this past trip and loved it! The food and juice are both great! And the characters were fun!

Dinner-Choice 1: Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 6:35pm in the Wilderness Lodge.: I chose WCC! We love eating there. The atmosphere is fun, the food is great, and WL is gorgeous! Be ready to yell for ketchup!!

Dinner- Le Cellier Steakhouse @ 1pm: Yum! What a great way to end the trip!

Actually, I should say- that one of the main reasons why I FINALLY decided to try it was because of your pics from one of your last trips. I loved all the attention to small detail. And then my mom of course said you can't visit disney without going there- so we decided its a must. I'm hoping we enjoy it too because we are paying for it additionally- instead of using our DDP.

MM- This is also the only way we will do the Fantasmic package- the others don't really appeal to me. Plus, I love Italiano!

I am sooo happy to here you like Tusker House because honestly, I have been debating switching it because I really want to go to Crystal Palace. I loved the food there and there was a huge variety. And when I looked at the menu at TH it just doesn't seem as appealing. BUT DH wanted to go there, so I'm crossing my fingers. But this definitely made me feel a lot better because you're a disney pro!

I am loving your ADR's. So many yummy things that I want to try out on futur visits. Since we are there for Liam's 9th birthday I needed to make reservations for places he would like to eat.

The only day we seem to be overlapping in on Tuesday for DHS. We also have reservations for Mama Melrose with the F! dining package. We are having lunch there though at 2pm. But maybe we we will see each other at F! I specifically made these because I read that the line starts to line up 2 hours before the show.

Know that I am reading your plan on relaxing on the first day I am wondering if I made the wrong decision to go to MK on our first day. I am planning on relaxing most of the day and going at about 4 or 5 and stay for some of the EMH. I hope I am not making the wrong decision.

Yes, we made the F! package last time we went, and we went to dinner but never went to the show because its was constantly raining and we thought it would get rained out- of course it didn't.. but we are excited this time!

I don't think you made the wrong decision. We "usually" always go to MK the first day.. but this day was added kinda last minute and since I'm with my parents I'm trying something new. But I will share how it turns out! hehe