Why does drinking always lead us back to Disney? Sept 2017 6/13 update!

[Chicago Mo]

Loads to update! ​

Last month during a volleyball tournament i received a call from Disney! SO EXCITING right?
I tried to get away from the kids to answer it and i succeeded for about 3 minutes.. Matthew caught me outside..
It was Disney Signature Services. It's the new IPO (itinerary planning office) The service from staying Club Level. it was an amazing 3 minutes. Like i was able to tell my fairy godmother this was a surprise trip for the kids, i wasn't able to talk.
She sent me an email:

Good morning Michelle!
We are excited to assist you in the planning of your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation. I am contacting you on behalf of Disney Signature Services, a newly enhanced team exclusive to Club Level guests. Below is a link that allows you to explore our Enchanted Extras Collection. This holds the key to over 100 ways to make your vacation more memorable!

Our team can also assist you in the planning of dining, FastPasses, and any other needs you may have. Disney Signature Services looks forward to speaking with you in the future.
Have a magical day!

Isn't that AWESOME?!?!? Ohhh the magic has started!
I was able to call them back and was the best phone call!! They really are like your very own Fairy Godmother! If i were to work for Disney World THIS would be the job i would want!
We talked for a long time about our wishes- the kids birthday- Bryan and Amy's anniversary amongst other fun things Disney offers now which is a TON of tours!
She gave me a few ideas how to surprise the kids. In the end i did give her the list of ADR's we were hoping for.
She said she would email me.
I have been in constant contact with Bryan talking about the trip. and possible changes.
Like i did call Disney looking at different resorts. I had Bryan on one phone and Disney on the other phone Yes two phones.

I changed to the boardwalk! Club level again! Just thought we can relax a lot more- the kids could enjoy the activities on the boardwalk while all the adults can sit and have a refreshing drink!

Yes.. Yes i did..




Then as we were trying to get Bryan-and Amy's parents over. She noticed there weren't any more rooms available.

Damn.








So back to the Poly!
Garden view! I wanted garden view when i first booked.

Lagoon and theme park i don't think is worth the money. Since we have the lounged with the amazing view whenever we need!
and of course:

So ground zero went right back to our original plans.

or will they???


Bryan had the time to figure out projected park times. which corresponds with our plans perfectly.
See? He is a huge asset in this whole planning thing! Except AK. He still will not budge on AK.
Which is fine with me.

This past Saturday they had a birthday party for the girls Elliot and Payton. I had to work like i have been for the last 4 weeks! Nope I haven't had a day off in i don't know how long.

We got there late of course had a great time like always!! this time i kept an eye on the time.. NO WAY were we staying until 2am.. JUST NO. Thankfully this wasn't a planning get together. Yes there was drinking. Yes there was Disney talk but i kept it at a minimum. I did NOT want another family deciding it would be a great idea to come along. 14 is enough.
There were other reasons for leaving early.
Time Change
I did have to work Sunday
Most important i had to get up early..





Yes yes yes yes.. I have disney signature services trying to get our ADR'S but my crazy planning kicked in. Booted up the laptop and remembered.
I have to make them 14 people. I was able to start with BOG it will allow you to make them for a large party.
click on the time and...

well then..
Time to call. 5:58 Not open yet.
try on web site:

5:59 call
Not open.

6:00 On the dot i call again.
Stupid automated service. FINALLY get through all that nonsense and get a real live person on the phone
She was more then helpful Shockingly i did NOT have any issues getting exactly what we wanted with the amount of people we had!!
This was way to easy.
In the end we got:

9/9 Ohana Dinner 9:35pm holy moly this is the latest i ever got a reservation for!

9/10 Scifi lunch

9/11 Garden Grill Lunch I do have two time slots here

9/12 Cinderella Royal Table

That's right.. We got it!!! a late lunch! we will not miss ANY party time!!! WOOHOO!

9/13- Nada remember this is a down day. Works since Cindy's table requires the 2 TCs

9/14 50's Prime time! YES WE ARE FINALLY GOING!! every time i book this something comes up where i either have to cancel OR i had to leave Disney early. Nothing stopping use now!

9/15- BE OUR GUEST

try 4!!! I have 4 tables!!! YES YES I DID!

9/16 Ohana Breakfast

So there ya have it!

Notice something missing? yeah me too. I forgot to book Tusker house.... Hold on a sec-
just like that the magic of computers i was able to book our TH for the 9th at 8:35am. Just now. oops.

Apparently Sept 2017 is not that busy? I have never been able to book all this, this easily!

Oh? Did i miss something else? Like anything on the kids actual Birthday?
Because i have no idea what to do.

None.

tom and i kinda agree once we get to Disney ON their birthday we will let them pick what to do. We can just hit up all the QS which ever park they agree on. BUT at night i do want to head over to AK see Pandora at night. We will be exhausted but we do have the now 8:35am ADR for tusker house!

All this worry for nothing! Just nothing! it was EASY AS PIE!


Hope your all still around!

 

[Chicago Mo]

We get the snow tomorrow

And yes I'm all for a dismeet!

i don't want snow. ever again.. two more years of this white crap and i am out of here!

YAY! i posted our days so i hope we have something together?

 

[Raeven]

i don't want snow. ever again.. two more years of this white crap and i am out of here!

YAY! i posted our days so i hope we have something together?

Good idea!

Yes! We'll be in Epcot the 11th too and Mnsshp the 12th.

It's great you didn't have a problem with adrs! We never have a problem with sep ones but we're a much smaller group so I didn't really think we'd have any.

It sounds great that they have people that help you out but I wouldn't leave adrs to them either

We've already switched resorts too for sep we're going to be braving the cbr construction for the gift cards. If it's really bad though we're still holding our reservation for pors for now just in case.

 

[Woth2982]

Yay ADR's! Boo you couldn't switch hotels, but Yay for garden view! We can book our ADR's on Sunday! Plans so far look great! Totally worth being tired to see Pandora at night.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Good idea!

Yes! We'll be in Epcot the 11th too and Mnsshp the 12th.

YAY! let's plan to meet up at some point!

It's great you didn't have a problem with adrs! We never have a problem with sep ones but we're a much smaller group so I didn't really think we'd have any.

Nope not a dang thing! I can't believe i didn't have one problem! I haven't come upon any issues in the past.. But when i was faced with a party of 14 i got scared!
So amazing to get everything on the days we needed! SO HAPPY!!

It sounds great that they have people that help you out but I wouldn't leave adrs to them either

Nope.. I just couldn't let go.. I am sure i could have and still got everything like i needed but still I just can't let that one go..

We've already switched resorts too for sep we're going to be braving the cbr construction for the gift cards. If it's really bad though we're still holding our reservation for pors for now just in case.

SMART!
I am sure some changes may happen between now and then..

Yay ADR's! Boo you couldn't switch hotels, but Yay for garden view! We can book our ADR's on Sunday! Plans so far look great! Totally worth being tired to see Pandora at night.

I agree!!! I cannot wait to see Pandora!

Good luck on your ADRs!!! Let me know how you do!

 

[Chicago Mo]

hello all and I hope your having an excellent Friday and St. Patricks Day!!!

The above is one of my favorite proverbs!!

 

[kde175]

We're planning on doing MNSSHP on the 12th, too.

 

[Chicago Mo]

We're planning on doing MNSSHP on the 12th, too.

YAY!!! another meet!!! I love to meet you all!!!

 

[Ladyfish77]

Been lurking and reading. Finally caught up. Your trip sounds awesome, and I'm truly amazed that you got all your ADR's. I'm sure it helps that free dining (if announced) hasn't been announced yet!

I'm starting to plan a trip for November because I'm going to be in Orlando for a conference. I need to figure out my ADR dates which are coming up soon. Definitely want to get those ASAP!

Congrats to your kids on their sport seasons.

You are making me consider whether to stay Poly or Boardwalk! Almost stayed Boardwalk on my last visit. This would be my first deluxe stay! Looking forward to hearing how the rest of your plans come together!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your trip sounds awesome. Since you ended up getting your own ADR's did the club level CM get ADR's for you, too, or did they notice that you already made your own reservations?

I know that you would have loved the Boardwalk because it is such a great place for the many restaurant and drinking options. But I also know that you have wanted to stay at the Poly for a long time now. You'll just have to book another trip to be able to go to both of them.

We stayed at the Grand Floridian in December and really hated the monorail. It is the only way to get to Epcot and taking two monorails is a pain. But we did enjoy the luxury of the Grand, so all was good.

I thought about you on St Patrick's day. You have the most perfect sweatshirt ever for the occasion.

 

[Ohhlookitsnic]

Started following your thread over the summer while I was trying to plan my ( Very First) girls trip with my mom ! Im not sure how I stumbled across as I'm travelling from Canada and have no children but reading through your posts helped get me through the countdown ! I don't know why I never made an account before my trip but I'm happy I did now because I cant wait to start planning my next trip ! ( And its not gonna be 23 year wait this time )

 

[DMGeurts]

Yup - behind... As usual!!!

for getting all of your ADRs for 14 people!!! I think I'd probably have a nervous break down for that one! LOL You did get some great restaurants and some great meals though!

Ahhh... One day I'd still love to stay at BWI... I don't mind the clown pool at all - I think it's kinda cool. That being said - I know the Poly is where your heart is!

Love you my friend!!! Miss you bunches!!!

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

Been lurking and reading. Finally caught up. Your trip sounds awesome, and I'm truly amazed that you got all your ADR's. I'm sure it helps that free dining (if announced) hasn't been announced yet!

Hi and a Big ol
Glad you came out of lurkdom I thought i was pretty much talking to myself for a while there. Not that I don't often talk to myself.
I didn't even think of free dining! your right that is probably why it's so dead? I just checked the site and there are still a ton of sought after ADR's available! Like you said... Until free dining is announced.

I'm starting to plan a trip for November because I'm going to be in Orlando for a conference. I need to figure out my ADR dates which are coming up soon. Definitely want to get those ASAP!

ohh November.. When the castle is all decked out in lights! amazing..
Where are you thinking of staying? YES pick the restaurants. can't wait to hear what you pick!!

Congrats to your kids on their sport seasons.

thank you! PLAY ALL THE SPORTS! Drive mom bat crap crazy!!!

You are making me consider whether to stay Poly or Boardwalk! Almost stayed Boardwalk on my last visit. This would be my first deluxe stay! Looking forward to hearing how the rest of your plans come together!

well forget my last question of where you are going to stay! LOL!
First deluxe stay i am going to say POLYNESIAN!
right across the lake from the castle. It's amazing to wake up every morning and see it in all it's glory!

Your trip sounds awesome. Since you ended up getting your own ADR's did the club level CM get ADR's for you, too, or did they notice that you already made your own reservations?

Hi!
This is going to be pretty fun! I have no idea. I haven't called them yet and i don't see anything on the MDE. I did try to call them last week. sadly the kids needed my attention ever few minutes and couldn't get away why is it when i need to do secret stuff they are all over me. When i have nothing going on I can't find one of them??
I will call them today and see if they did get anything? Still need to book the dessert party!

I know that you would have loved the Boardwalk because it is such a great place for the many restaurant and drinking options. But I also know that you have wanted to stay at the Poly for a long time now. You'll just have to book another trip to be able to go to both of them.

Not going to lie.. IF something opens up for all of us i plan on switching. Shhh don't tell the others.
Or i like your idea WAY better and book another trip for the boardwalk.
maybe the adults trip i have been wanting to do.. But the guilt will eat me ALIVE!

We stayed at the Grand Floridian in December and really hated the monorail. It is the only way to get to Epcot and taking two monorails is a pain. But we did enjoy the luxury of the Grand, so all was good.

Really? hated the monorail! What happened?!?!
The GF is all about luxury! I never feel comfortable there in my comfy clothes and flip flops. Totally under dressed LOL. I have a bucket list i might as well add to the bottom of the replies.. love to hear everyone elses.

I thought about you on St Patrick's day. You have the most perfect sweatshirt ever for the occasion.

aww thank you!

Hope yours was just as nice?

Started following your thread over the summer while I was trying to plan my ( Very First) girls trip with my mom ! Im not sure how I stumbled across as I'm travelling from Canada and have no children but reading through your posts helped get me through the countdown ! I don't know why I never made an account before my trip but I'm happy I did now because I cant wait to start planning my next trip ! ( And its not gonna be 23 year wait this time )

Hi there and a big Ol to you too!
So glad to have you here!
I hope you and your mom had a most magical trip I see you loved it enough for another go! When are you going again?

Yup - behind... As usual!!!

Hi there!

for getting all of your ADRs for 14 people!!! I think I'd probably have a nervous break down for that one! LOL You did get some great restaurants and some great meals though!

How about it? I cannot believe how easy this was to get! But like "ladyfish777" said probably because free dining hasn't been announced yet.
Who knows but i have them all! and i am so happy! Not going to lie i was weirdly calm about these? Maybe because i wasn't feeling all that great? Who knows.

Ahhh... One day I'd still love to stay at BWI... I don't mind the clown pool at all - I think it's kinda cool. That being said - I know the Poly is where your heart is!

It really is.. But i am not going to lie i am already thinking of our next trip AT BWI.
the clown pool is the stuff of absolute nightmares.

Love you my friend!!! Miss you bunches!!!

Love you! Miss you too.. we need to get together!!!




******************************************************

 

[Wood Nymph]

Really? hated the monorail! What happened?!?!

The day we arrived the monorail was having problems and huge lines formed at the resort for it. We were going to Epcot so of course we had to switch to the Epcot monorail at the TTC, which takes a few minutes. So that part was fine. But the monorail back from Epcot to TTC at park close had huge lines. And there is no other way to get back to GF except via monorail. My husband is not a patient person and decided that we were going to walk all the way back to the BC from the monorail so that we could take a taxi back to the Grand. We had originally planned to spend a lot of time seeing all the Christmas stuff in the World Showcase, but the thought of having to take two monorails (which turns into four monorails on a round trip) just turned us off. We scraped our Epcot plans and decided to enjoy the Grand for what it was, which was fine.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Talking about bucket lists..
Here are mine:
Resorts:
Boardwalk CL
AKL 2 bedroom!
Bay Lake Tower theme park view
IN THE CASTLE!

Restaurants!
Crystal Palace- SERIOUSLY PEOPLE I NEED TO GET HERE!
California Grill
Dine with an animal specialist
Dine with an imagineer
Spirit of Aloha
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Olivia's
Raglan Road
Sanaa
Jelly rolls


Stuff to do!
Flower and Garden
If they bring back Star wars weekends!
Caring for Giants Tour
Key's to the kingdom Tour
Want to take the nighttime tour of the animals!!!
Wild Africa Trek
well any of the VIP tours.

These are a few of Mine.. What's yours??

How about your favorite You Tube now that my beloved see ya real soon has taken a break..

Right now i have to say Underground Teapot. I adore these two. Well I also 'know' them from right here on the Dis! She did me a HUGE favor with this trip coming up too.
ALL MY VIDEO'S of the characters talking to my kids! Love them!

Tim Tracker is another one who has the most amazing camera for fireworks.


STORY TIME!
This weekend Tom finally got around to doing our taxes. Which would make it the BEST time to ask the kids what they wanted to do for their birthday.
Right?
Matt and i were the only ones in the living room at the time Zack was huddled away with his laptop somewhere out of sight. So i asked.
Now that we know what we are getting back on our taxes would you rather a Party or go to a small weekend get a way. As in take the trip to Georgia see Ariana and the Aquarium? teee he he he he he

I am so sneaky aren't I?


Are you ready for this answer???




Are ya





Are ya???






Party with friends.

Woah..

WHAT???

Stop the presses.

ZACK!!!

Coming!!


Zack let me ask you. Now that we know what we are getting for taxes would you rather a party or go on the road trip to GA.


A party

What the...


How did this just happen. Well then..
I will just ask peanut when she gets home from her sleepover.
As they pointed out it's 2 against 3 they win.
No you little rats I RULE THIS AND YOUR GOING TO DISNEY.
Clearly i can't say this.. But point out fine you can have a party and Peanut and i will take a road trip.
Yeah like i can drive alone all the way to GA.
Next day.
we are all together the boys bring up the birthday thing. Peanut says she would rather a road trip.

THAT'S MY GIRL!

Asked if she could bring a couple of friends. My weekend daughter Meg and another little girl they all hang out with.
Sure why not I will say yes to anything at this moment of joy and the fictitious trip we will be taking.

Oh the boys breath. If we wanted to to the road trip could WE bring a friend.

Hold on how many people do you think we can put in my car?
They both want the same friend. OK so IF this trip were real my car would have about 9 people.

Which pretty much sums up the Disney trip with 14 people!
Totally legit.

Well I won't be bringing this up again for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG
TIME.
I will have parents calling me asking about a trip to GA..

Nope.

I will quietly plan and scheme without any more comments from them.
They WILL have friends on their Birthday trip. Just not the ones who they think!

 

[Chicago Mo]

The day we arrived the monorail was having problems and huge lines formed at the resort for it.

oh no.. You sound like D- as you know she always has monorail problems!

We were going to Epcot so of course we had to switch to the Epcot monorail at the TTC, which takes a few minutes. So that part was fine. But the monorail back from Epcot to TTC at park close had huge lines. And there is no other way to get back to GF except via monorail. My husband is not a patient person and decided that we were going to walk all the way back to the BC from the monorail so that we could take a taxi back to the Grand. We had originally planned to spend a lot of time seeing all the Christmas stuff in the World Showcase, but the thought of having to take two monorails (which turns into four monorails on a round trip) just turned us off. We scraped our Epcot plans and decided to enjoy the Grand for what it was, which was fine.

oh no... no no no no..
there isn't a bus? your kidding! the Poly has the option for the bus! or they used to.

Honestly i think the best way into Epcot is on the monorail! when you ride around SE? ohh it's lovely

But i understand how it can be a real pain when it's packed!

 

[Raeven]

Talking about bucket lists..
Here are mine:
Resorts:
Boardwalk CL
AKL 2 bedroom!
Bay Lake Tower theme park view
IN THE CASTLE!

Restaurants!
Crystal Palace- SERIOUSLY PEOPLE I NEED TO GET HERE!
California Grill
Dine with an animal specialist
Dine with an imagineer
Spirit of Aloha
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Olivia's
Raglan Road
Sanaa
Jelly rolls


Stuff to do!
Flower and Garden
If they bring back Star wars weekends!
Caring for Giants Tour
Key's to the kingdom Tour
Want to take the nighttime tour of the animals!!!
Wild Africa Trek
well any of the VIP tours.

These are a few of Mine.. What's yours??

How about your favorite You Tube now that my beloved see ya real soon has taken a break..

Right now i have to say Underground Teapot. I adore these two. Well I also 'know' them from right here on the Dis! She did me a HUGE favor with this trip coming up too.
ALL MY VIDEO'S of the characters talking to my kids! Love them!

Tim Tracker is another one who has the most amazing camera for fireworks.

Mine for resorts would be: Beach Club, Yacht Club, Poly CL, Poly bungalows, PORS royal rooms, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian, Contemporary. So basically anyone we haven't already stayed at...

Cinderella's Castle is a good one too!

Restaurants: That we don't already have scheduled for an upcoming trip:
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Afternoon tea
Crt
Citricos
Victoria and Alberts
Via Napoli
Il Mulino
Chefs de France
Olivias
Raglan Road
Garden Grill

I'm sure there's more.

Stuff to do: Caring for Giants tour, Undiscovered futureworld tour, keys to the kingdom tour, marceline tour, vip tour, would kind of like to celebrate different holidays there even if it would be crowded, festival of the arts, maybe a 5k, if they ever brought back the 24 hour day I'd love to do that, disney wedding, all the different dessert parties. Basically everything

Youtube channels: gillianathome, disunplugged/the dis, ohyeahdisney. Just started watching thetimtracker too. I also just started my own channel "happiest haunt" but I won't have any disney videos till we go in may. I do have a few small things up though!

I am so sneaky aren't I?

You are!

Party with friends.

Woah..

WHAT???

I will quietly plan and scheme without any more comments from them.
They WILL have friends on their Birthday trip. Just not the ones who they think!

Good plan!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

If I were turning 13 and the choices were a party with friends and a road trip to GA, my teenage self would have gone for party. You throw some awesome parties, so it is your fault. And, they are probably already talking to their friends about going on a road trip. Good luck with all that.

I still NEED to do my taxes. I wish they did them by themselves. I bought our flight tickets! Direct flights and that is a first for us. So excited!

 

[Ladyfish77]

ohh November.. When the castle is all decked out in lights! amazing..
Where are you thinking of staying? YES pick the restaurants. can't wait to hear what you pick!!

I'm definitely leaning toward Poly. We like the QS option there vs Boardwalk, which seems to not have decent choices. Of course we'll have a car this trip because I have to have it to get to the conference. Soooo, guess we could buy stuff for breakfast at a local grocery. Boardwalk would be wonderful for popping over to Epcot for F&W.

So how quick/easy is it to get to Epcot from Poly? I would guess it's quicker to walk to TTC then hop the Epcot monorail? This brings up the thought of stay at the Contemporary with walk to MK and quicker monorail to Epcot? It's also less expensive, but I love the Poly theme and of course: Dole Whip! Ack, decisions.

Lol at your attempt to get the kids on the road to WDW with the Atlanta trip. Have they seen pictures of that aquarium? Awesome! Also, Coca-Cola, as well as many other cool things in Hotlanta! Figures. Guess you should not have given them a choice! (Baseball game might be something to dangle in front of them, since they love sports--unless they don't care for baseball?)

Taxes--ugh. I haven't even started. Got everything to accountant for my business, but I generally do the personal ones myself, which I don't enjoy.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Crystal Palace- SERIOUSLY PEOPLE I NEED TO GET HERE!

We FINALLY went for dinner on Christmas Eve....I was kind of underwhelmed It is BEAUTIFUL inside and very cool with the nighttime MK lights through the windows, but it our waiter was icky and we could never keep track of him. We were there over an hour and had to ask to see Piglet so we could finally leave....I think I need to get back here for a pre-park opening breakfast and give it another try!

Mickey's Backyard BBQ

This. Was. Awesome. I wish we had done it back when Jimmy was turning 2, but I was nervous he would be too scared to interact with the characters. Did you read this part of my TR yet? Your kids would love this!!!

Wild Africa Trek

Yes!! I remember reading about Arianna's Wild Africa Trek with her Mom and I kept thinking, "we must do this!" Rob, Dad and I finally did it on this trip and it was so incredible, I would do it again in one second!

I have SO many things still on my Disney Bucket list, but I have to agree with you on the ultimate----a night IN THE CASTLE would top anything else!!