When you Wish Upon a Star, Disney Dreams are not that far...

[Jenny Sanders]

Hello Pirates and Princesses! I will be visiting Disney for my 31st and 32nd trips this June. My name is Jenny. I have been happily married to Joe, the love of my life for almost 8 years. We have 4 kids, Matt (23), Tim (19), Ali (15), and Ashley (15). We live in Illinois, where it is unmagical and cold. My goal is to stay at every resort more than once, and to try something new each trip. I'm getting there, and getting there is half the fun...

My last vaca to Disney was for 6 nights in March of 2014 at POFQ for my husband's birthday. It was just the 2 of us, and it was glorious. We dined at places like: Narcoossees, California Grill, Artist Point, BOG and Brown Derby. We lounged by the pool, shopped in DTD, slept in every morning, booked FP for the afternoons, and did a good share of drinking. Then, I was banned from Disney for a year...I was told that there are other places worth visiting in the good, old US of A and that I needed to explore other options.
Sigh.

Thankfully, the year has passed, and I can once again visit my most favorite place in the world (besides my husband's arms). I have booked POR, river view, royal room for 1 night and POFQ for the next 5 in a garden view room. It will be me, my husband and our twin daughters. I have all my dining reservations booked, figured out which parks we will be visiting and planned plenty of down time (hey, laying by the pool with a cocktail is a must in this house). The only things I have left to do are online check in and book those coveted FP...Seriously can't wait to ride 7 Dwarfs (although, I've heard it's not that great)!!!!

I will continue to dream about my upcoming Disney trip right up to the night before we leave. I'm sure I will change some of my dining options, and plan many trips to the mall for those perfect outfits...I already bought the CUTEST pair of Minnie Mouse, cork flip flops...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi Gang! Well, yesterday I gave you a little background about me, my family and my upcoming trip in June. I am super excited! I have had major withdraw this past year, and have felt extremely left out. Thankfully, I was still able to enjoy some goodies from the happiest place on earth... A good friend of my husbands went this past August, so she was able to bring back a little Disney magic for me (soaps from Basin, for which I am extremely addicted). My oldest son was just there the last week of January, so he brought me back some awesome gifts too (yes, more soaps, a couple Disney pens and some yummy, frosted, character cookies).

This trip, we are doing a split stay between POR and POFQ. I've stayed at both resorts before, but have never done a split stay. So, this will be another first...I find POFQ to be very calming, and if I had to pick a favorite resort, this would be it. I like its small size and southern charm. It's easy to navigate, and there has never been an issue with the buses. Plus, who doesn't love a warm, sugary beignet in the morning??? And, this is the only resort that has them.


We are doing the dining plan (we always do one form of it). I have made reservations at: Olivia's (2x), Turf Club, Maya Grill, Yak and Yeti, The Plaza Restaurant, Chefs de France, The Grand Floridian Cafe, and Chef Mickeys. My daughters asked to have breakfast at Chef Mickeys. I'm not a huge fan, but do enjoy the character interaction without standing in line and waiting for it. I have dined there so many times in the past, and find it to be my least favorite character meal. I know others will disagree, but I find 1900 Park Fare to be my fav.

I'm thinking about booking a carriage ride out of POR. We have done it twice before, and have always found it to be a nice way to relax after a long day. I'm also going to try to make the coveted BOG lunch ressies when they become available at the end of the month. My husband and I had dinner there last March, and LOVED it!!!! I'd like for my daughters to have the same experience (at least get to see the inside of the Beast's castle).

I hope everyone has a nice day, and I will try to write more later on this week...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi Ya'll! I booked the carriage ride bright and early this morning. I scheduled it for our first night. I figured it was an awesome way to end our first evening in Disney. We don't even have to travel far, because it picks us up at the marina at POR, where we will be staying the first part of our trip. I think it would be a great idea to bring a bottle of wine for me and my husband, while we are enjoying what I hope to be a beautiful night. It sure will suck if it rains, and my carriage ride is canceled. But, only positive thoughts here...

 

[TheUndercoverDISer]

Hi Jenny!

Following along -- I had to because your PTR title is just too cute!

I am LOVING that you are a fellow pool lounger like myself! I feel like so many people want to go, go, go when in Disney. I neeeeeed my pool time AND my poolside drinks (Pina Colava, Banana Cabanas, Skinny Girl Coconut Mojitos....). I'll lounge by day and head into the parks late afternoon/early evening -- so cool that we Disney the same way!

I've been to Disney sooo many times that my Mom (my usual Disney buddy) and I like to take it easy and try to find new foods & drinks! One of our favorite things to do is to venture over to the Polynesian to visit the Tambu Lounge for my all time fav drink the Lapu Lapu! Have you ever had one? They are served in a hollowed out WHOLE pineapple and they taste like vacation

POFQ was my very first Disney hotel back in '92, so I have the fondest memories there. I truly feel it is the BEST moderate! So pretty and easy to settle in to. We returned there year after year until we stayed at Y&B and it ruined us hahaha. I've never done a carriage ride and actually didn't know POFQ offered them. Do they just take you for a ride around the resort grounds? Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather for you!!

**Sending BOG vibes** You've got to get your girls in there! I feel like everyone needs to experience BOG at least once just so they can see how gorgeous it is!!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi TheUndercoverDiser! The Lapu Lapu is on my list!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

It is soooooo cold in Illinois! I cannot wait to get to the Florida sun...Unfortunately, that's still some time away. In the meantime, we customized our magic bands. I can't wait to pick out some cute accessories for them when we get down south (yes, I'm already looking at what Disney has to offer). My goal is to have one of each color, before the wonderful world of Disney comes out with new colors. Where's purple???

When it comes time to book FP, I will schedule all of them for the afternoons. Hey, this girl will be on vacation, and a BIG part of vacation is sleeping in. There will be no rope drop for this family. Besides, we have been to Disney so many times, that we have found it's not all about the parks. There is sooooo much more to do, like: afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, firework cruises, carriage rides, pool time, monorail crawl to the MK resort bars and lounges, shopping, resort sight seeing, mini golf, and Disney Quest (I'm always up for a game of Ms. PAC MAN).

Stay warm everyone...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Good morning! This week will mark double digits until my trip and the chance to book BOG for lunch. You can bet your butts I'll be on this computer bright and early Wednesday morning in the hopes of securing that hard to get ressie (with everyone else who has an upcoming trip to the World planned)...I can already taste the strawberry cupcake melting in my mouth. Yummy!

My sons booked a trip to WDW the first weekend in March. My oldest was just there 4 weeks ago...So jealous! But, for now, all I can do is countdown until my trip...

Oh, I almost forgot...I am going to start asking questions after each of my blogs, just to get some opinions...

1. How is Maya Grill?

2. How is Turf Club?

 

[TheUndercoverDISer]

Never been to Maya Grill, Turf Club I have!

Turf Club was a pleasant surprise for me & my mom - I remember I cleaned my plate! Being DVC, I've stayed at SSR numerous times but have actually only eaten here once. It was a few years back when I ate there, but I remember I had a fettucini type pasta with asparagus and it was delicious! Atmosphere isn't anything special, but food is yummy!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi everyone! It's still cold here, and I'm tired of being inside. I'm dying to be outside in the Florida sun at my most favorite place in the world! The first thing I'm going to do after I check into POR is put on my bikini, grab an adult beverage, and get a chair in the sun by the pool (hopefully, our room will be ready). My husband thinks this is a fantastic idea. My twins are all about the laying in the sun part.

Our first day routine always involves staying at the resort (swimming and exploring) and going to another resort for dinner. After dinner, we may go to DTD to shop, or head back to the hotel for an early bedtime (hey, traveling makes me tired). I almost forgot! We have a carriage ride booked!!!

We always have breakfast at Olivia's during our stay, and we always have at least 1 non park day. And, like I said before, we always try to do something new each time, whether it's eating at a new restaurant or trying a new activity.

What do you all like to do when you first arrive at WDW?
Dose anyone have a tradition during their stay or routine they follow?

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Ok, so for 52 minutes now I've been calling Disney to make lunch reservations at BOG (the line has been busy and I've gotten the recording " all circuits are busy, please try your call again later"). I finally got through, followed the prompts, and am waiting for a cast member (of course the POTC theme song is playing while I patiently wait)...I have been on hold for 11 minutes...12, 14, 15, (I don't want to hang up for fear I won't get through again). It's now been 16 minutes, 17, 18, (this is CRAZY). Did I tell you I got up at 5:45 to do this and it is now 7:11??? This is dedication...After nearly 20 minutes on hold, a cast member came on the line to tell me the system is down and they cannot accept reservations by phone or online...Sigh...

 

[TheUndercoverDISer]

You can only make reservations for dinner - lunch is strictly quick serve. (Unless this has changed since I was there in December)

Did you try the FP+ website for BOG lunch? Log in and see what you can get, if anything.

https://beourguestlunch.disney.go.com/

^^ That site can be glitchy which happened to me, but I called tech services so they can note the problem on my MDE profile. They did and I went to Town Hall in MK on the day we were "supposed" to have lunch and an awesome CM was able to get me & my family in for lunch.

It's worth a shot! Especially to keep you busy while on hold

 

[Jenny Sanders]

After 3 hours and 45 minutes on the phone and this darn computer, I was able to snag a June, lunch reservation for BOG!!! Persistence pays off...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Good morning! This will be short, because I have to get ready for work soon. Just wanted to say again how thrilled I am to have gotten BOG ressies. If you didn't manage to snag them yesterday, keep trying...persistence definitely pays off.

Having lunch at BOG will be another first for me, for I have only had dinner there. I am going to have a bowl of the French onion soup for sure!

What are some Disney firsts for all of you?

 

[Jenny Sanders]

99 days until my trip!!!! Double digits at last...

So, who goes crazy shopping for clothes before they go on vacation? Me, me, me...I'm that crazy person. So, like I said before, my Disney trip starts in 99 days. I have already bought: 2 pairs of shorts, boyfriend jeans, boyfriend overalls, a cute, stripped tee, 2 pairs of espadrilles, 2 maxi dresses, a tee shirt dress and a pair of Minnie Mouse, cork flip flops. The flip flops are adorable. Eventually, I will post a picture of them...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hello to all! I was talking to my twins about which fast passes they want to book in early April at breakfast this morning. It was unanimous at the MK: 7DMT, Thunder Mountain and either Peter Pan or Buzz Lightyear. At AK, they both agreed on the safari, Everest, and Dinosaur. At Epcot, they both wanted Test Track over Soarin', Space Ship Earth, and Mission Space. So, that being said, I hope everything is available when I go to actually book.

What does everyone like to book for their fast passes? Any must do's...???

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi everyone! 96 days until I am in the happiest place on earth with my family. I am super excited, as is my husband and twin daughters. After our 6 nights in Disney, we are heading to St. Pete to visit family and to spend some much needed time at the beach (another 5 nights). I think that after all the hustle and bustle of Disney, it will be great to just lay back on a beach chair, and soak in some rays. Disney can be exhausting, and St. Pete is like a vacation from my vacation...Does anyone else feel this way after Disney? We don't even do parks everyday, and I'm still tired at the end. I'm a firm believer in smelling the roses while at Disney. There is so much more than rides and attractions (but I've said this before, so I won't bother you with more details).
Bracing for the ice storm that's going to hit tonight...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

OMG! It is sooooo cold outside! Next week when it's 50, I'll be able to wear shorts, because it will feel like 80.

So, does anyone have any special souvenirs that they buy every time they go to Disney? Like me, I buy soap from Basin every trip. I'm addicted to it. You know, the glycerin kind with the Mickey heads in them??? Any time one of my kids are going or a friend, I give them money for more soap. I also have a tendency to overdose on Disney pens and stationary. Key chains are a must too, as are tees. I buy a new tee every time. I could spend 2 weeks at Disney and wear a different Disney, character tee each day.

In June, I will be adding Pandora to my list. My wonderful husband gave me 3, Disney charms for Christmas. Now, I'm after the Disney parks exclusives...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Honestly, this trip CANNOT come soon enough. I'm going stir crazy sitting in this house all winter. If you live in Illinois, you know how I feel. It's been too cold to go walking (something my husband and I like to do on a regular basis summer, spring and fall), you can't get your car washed, or the doors will freeze shut, and if you go out for fast food to bring home, it's cold by the time you walk in the house. Even going to get the mail is a chore during these freezing, winter days. By the time I walk down the driveway and back, I can't feel my toes, my nose is running, and my fingers are stiff. I know, blah, blah, blah, at least I don't live out east. Then, I'd really have something to complain about...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hello my fellow Disney fanatics! My sons left for a weekend trip to the wonderful World of Disney this morning (yep, just needed to get out of the arctic blast for a few days). They are staying at ASMu. They will be visiting Epcot today and MK tomorrow. They are going to be doing a "pin challenge." This is how it works: They each buy a lanyard and a surprise pack of pins. Then they have an hour to trade each pin. They will take pix of the pins, and I have to choose who acquired the best ones (I won't know whose is whose). How cute is that? Then, the boys will give their sister, Ash all their pins, because she collects them. Isn't that so sweet??? Oh, the winner of the pin challenge gets to pick a character of their choice to pose with the loser. Then, said loser has to wait in line to pose with character...It obviously won't be Anna and Elsa...

 

[Jenny Sanders]

91 days to go...it still feels like such a long time. Anyway, my boys are currently in Disney, at the MK to be exact. The nice thing about that, is they are constantly sending me selfies and pictures throughout Disney World. I almost feel like I'm there in the magic...almost.

Today, I wanted to talk about "hidden Gems" and 1 of my absolute favorites. A hidden gem to me, is a place that's not highly recognized. It's a place that's tucked away, that doesn't get a lot of publicity and has something that other places may not offer, that stands out. One of those places for me is a restaurant in OKW called Olivia's.

Olivia's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have dined here several times, for each meal. The food is always delivered cooked to perfection and the service is always top notch. I always dine here at least once each trip. On the vacations where we visit family in St Pete, it isn't unusual to drive the hour and 15 minutes to Disney just to dine here (and maybe take in a little shopping in DTD).

I like to sit outside to eat at Olivia's when the patio is open. It's just such a nice place to have a relaxing meal. My favorite meal is breakfast, and they serve an awesome banana bread French toast. Yummy! Needlesstosay, we are having breakfast here twice in June during our stay...

If you haven't tried Olivia's, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

What are some of your hidden gems? Anyone? Anyone?