Will we ever get back?? Travis is Veteran of the Day!!!!

[SunnieRN]

I haven't ever written a trip report or a pre -trip report, but I'm to the point I thought it would help me stay organized to write everything down.

The reason for the title has to do with the U.S. Army. We were supposed to go to the world for my son in laws and Grandsons birthday, but about a month before the trip last August/Sept. my son in law got news he was going on a training mission to Louisiana. Now that doesn't sound too bad, right? Only thing is that they went during a hurricane. The entire base and surrounding area got evacuated. They had to stay.

My son in law said for us to go ahead to WDW as we had all been extreemly excited for our 1st trip. So... since it was free dining and we had already cancelled our trip, we ended up staying at shades of green for about 5 nights. It was beautiful and very convienient to either take the bus to th ticket and transportation center, or walk to the polynesian. The only thing that feaked me out a bit were the signs on the path that said "beware of alligators" Ahhh yea, believe you me I was aware of everything after that! Never saw one though!

Well, one afternoon we were at the poly, saw the DVC desk.........and scheduled a tour. Not to buy of course , just to "see what it was like. Famous last words, right?

We had looked into DVC and felt for our family that a different type of timeshare would be a better way to go (World Mark or Wyndam).
Well, we fell in love. What really cinched the deal was the fact that at AKV all 5 of us could stay comfortably in a 1 bedroom.

So we thought it over over-night, went back the next morning and bought some points. By the time we got home, we knew we didn't have enough points........wait for it...... then even though Bay Lake was announced during our trip, we had decided. due to the higher points required we wouldn't buy there...... but hey wait, it sleeps 5 also..... so we did a 160 pt add on there also .

Next we were going to go back in early December. then Christmas, but thank you US army, had to cancel those trips. (I'm sure DVC member services loves me).

Then we planned a 13 day trip in the beginning of May (supposedly my son in laws R&R from Iraq), yeppers, you guessed it. It got changed to the last two weeks of May. So we replanned everything yet one more time!!

So now our dates are May 13-June 1. We wanted a bit of leeway with the army and their plans!

Up next, introductions and cast of characters!!

 

[SunnieRN]

This is who we are....

Rachel, most like Tinkerbell. She is Mom to my two grandsons and my daughter!! She is super-smart, very giving and a wonderful wife and mother. (Yes I am a bit predjudiced). She goes to college on-line so she can stay home with her sons. I know it is hard for her sometimes, but she takes it all in stride and with a smile on her face. She helps me a lot as I have some health problems. She is an awesome lady!!

Next up is Travis. He is a cavalry scout and is in Iraq right now on his second tour of duty. I am so proud of him! He is a good man and a wonderful father! My grandsons miss him terribly, as do we all! We bought into DVC and he has yet to go to Disney World, so this trip is extra special and we really want it to be as good as it can as it is his R&R and 1st trip!! He is boots on the ground in Iraq and he has made us so proud of his service to our country!!! On his first tour he discovered the largest weapons cache to date!! It is still a record to this date!

My oldest grandson is Connor. He is 3. He is SO funny. He quotes disney movies all the time. LOVES imagination movers, Mickey Mouse, goofy and Donald! Since we've gone to WDW he asks us often, "Are we going to Mickeys house today?" He has a few problems, I know it's not ADHD, but we're not quite sure what it is. He has the biggest heart of any three year old I have ever known, but he has a very hard time sometimes. I love him so very very much!! He can always bring a smile to my face and my heart!! Most of the reason we ended up buying DVC was because of Connor. He LOVED it and it was a wonderful experience seeing him there and his interaction with everyone/everything! It was so awesome!! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!

Jacob is the "baby". He turned 1 this month. He was about 7 mos. old during our WDW trip and he was a trouper!! He loved it all. The characters, the colors, sounds, people and the food!!! He is Connors yang to his ying. They are so very different. It's so much fun. He's got the most contagious laugh I have ever heard!!! He is great fun. But oh my gawd is he stubborn!! When you tell him "no" about something, he looks at you, smiles and laughs and does EXACTLY what he wants! As I said, my daughter has her hands very full!!

Then there is me. I am Karla. I am Rachels Mom and Connor and Jacobs gramma!! I am also "the mother-in-law" to Travis (poor guy). I am an RN and work 12 hour night shifts. I recently found out I have renal failure. I'm not to the stage where I have to go on dialysis quite yet. I am hoping to be able to do peritoneal dialysis when the time comes. I am a disney fanatic. I was at disneyland on the 50th birthday and I was "one of those people" who waited in line at Disney California to be the first group to walk into disneyland that morning! The cast members lined the streets to "welcome home" all the guests. Since I grew up and lived in CA all my life this was about my 40th trip and that greeting made it all the more special!! Why did I wait in that line you may ask?? To buy one of the limited edition pins, of course!! So now you know another of my passions..... I also took a tour that night and got special seating to view the fireworks!! So very cool!!

Well, that's us! I have managed to make my daughter into a disney fanatic(she is as bad as I am), and my grandsons are close behind us!! Connor wants to live at WDW in Mickeys house!!

Next up, our itinerary!! Wow, this is actually a lot of fun!!

 

[SunnieRN]

Hmmm, not sure if I should go on with this as I'm talking to myself.... but I will go ahead and post my adr's and some pictures of us tomorrow!! Have a good night everyone!!

 

[TxRabbit]

I'm the first one!

It IS fun writing the pretrippies, huh!!! It's fun to be reading all about you and your family after chatting with you on my pretrippie. I'm excited to hear more about your plans. Have you finally finished with the ADRs? All those phone calls would have made me nuts!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm number 2! Keep it coming!

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm the first one!

It IS fun writing the pretrippies, huh!!! It's fun to be reading all about you and your family after chatting with you on my pretrippie. I'm excited to hear more about your plans. Have you finally finished with the ADRs? All those phone calls would have made me nuts!

Woo hoo, thanks for stopping by!! I finished booking yesterday and in a few min I will post my adr's! Thanks so much!!

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm number 2! Keep it coming!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I'm going to look at your pre-trip report and then I will post my adr's!!

 

[SunnieRN]

When we had our trip planned for the first part of May I had arranged all of our adr's already. Everything was set! Then came the date changes and only a few days before our 90 day window for adr's.
Since we will be at WDW for19 nights we struggled with what to do about dining. My grandsons eat small amounts about 4 times a day. They are on a schedule for meal times within about an hour or so. We decided we needed to have at least two meals a day and then some snacks to fill in the rest of their meals.
We also wanted to make sure Travis relly got to enjoy his R&R!! The food in Iraq is not very good (to say the least) so we wanted the trip to be extra special food wisw for Travis. So this is the plan we came up with.
May 13th thru the 16th we will be at AKV kidani. This will be the 4 of us as Travis will not be there from Iraq yet. We will be doing the QSDP and having one dinner at Sanna, the new kidani ts rest.
The 16th thru the 23rd we will be at OKW. Travis should be joining us the 16th or 17th. We decided that due to Travis traveling and probably being exhausted we would do the QSDP here also.
On May 18th we will be going to O'anas or Sannas and on May 21st we will have dinner at Olivias Cafe.
There are a lot of CS places we enjoy: Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Rays, Yak and Yeti, Tangerine cafe, Caseys, Sunshine Seasons and want to try a few others as well. We also love Artists Pallette at SS. Yummm!!
We haven't been to Wolfgang Puck Express, but the food porn pics from there look great!! I am also excited to try Mara!
We have never even seen AKL so this will be a big treat for us!
Then May 23 we move to SS for 9 nights. Here we begin the DxDDP.
In order to make the adr's I had to call on a daily basis. Well, I guess I didn't "have to", but I chose to as this was day 10 of our 90 day + 10 for being on Disney property. I really wanted to get our choices of restaurants.
When we went on our Sept. trip since it was free dining and booked last minute we couldn't even get 1 ts meal. So we wanted to really do this right!
Next I will post our adr's.

 

[SunnieRN]

Here is what our adr schedule looks like. I have a feeling some of these days I will be lucky to get through only 1/2 of my food! I am excited to try these restaurants though!!

May 23:
B: snack credits
L: Wolfgang Puck Cafe
D: Turf Club
This is a day off from parks for us, so we will be going to DTD and then relax and swim at the resort.

May 24:
B:Cape May Cafe
L: Teppan Edo
D: Le Cellier
I am very excited about Teppan Edo as we do nt have a Teppan restaurant in our town. I miss Benihana!

May 25:
B: Hollywood and Vine (for my grandsons)
L: Sci Fi Dine Inn
D: Raglan Road

May 26:
B: Crystal Palace
D: Cinderellas Royal Table (for DD)
This breakfast is a bit late and dinner is early at 4, so we will just have a snack in between.

May 27:
B: Tusker House (heard this described as Boma light lol)
L: Yak and Yeti
D: Boma
This will be my son in laws chance to see the AKL

May 28:
B: Grand Floridian Cafe (DD request for Lobster eggs benedict)
L: Liberty Tree Tavern
D: Konas (can't wait to eat here)

May 29:
B: Askerhus Princess Breakfast (DD request)
L: Chef De France ((DD request but this one scares me from the reviews)
D: Tutto Italia

May 39:
B: snacks for the kids
L: 50's Prime Time
D: Yachtsmans Steak House (especially for Travis)
Then we are doing the Illuminations Cruise for my DD and DSIL anniversary!!

May 31:
B: snacks for the kids
L: repeat LTT (at DD request)
D: California Grill

June 1:
B: Chef Mickeys

So aside from the fact that I wont be able to eat 1/2 my food and the desserts I pick will be for my grandson to eat (i.e.: Kona cone, the Le Cellier Mousse moose, Prime time s'mores etc.) what do you think??

I have a feeling we will be getting a lot of snacks for Travis to bring back to Iraq lol.

Also, does anyone know if kids can still get corn dog nuggets at Caseys on the dining plan? Most of the kids choices Connor wont like, so he will share my meals, but he LOVES hot dogs and corn dogs! Thanks!!

Later, when Rachel is up I will post pictures as they are on her computer. I have a great onr of Connor near the castle when hardly anyone is there!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You have some marvelous adrs, and wow, soooo many! Some I've been to and some I've not....
You will also love some of the meals but probably not all of them, but that's to be expected with so many meals out. The most important thing to remember is that you are with your family and you are going to have a magical time!
Le Cellier is my favorite but I hear that Yachtsman is very very good. Do you have Crystal Palace before the park opens? If so you will get some wonderful pictures of the MK before it opens. Kona is a favorite of ours for breakfast, and we love Liberty Tree for dinner and would love to try it for lunch too The atmosphere at SciFi is really cool, Chef Mickeys is fun, as well as the absolute coolness of eating in the castle.....

 

[TxRabbit]

Here is what our adr schedule looks like. I have a feeling some of these days I will be lucky to get through only 1/2 of my food! I am excited to try these restaurants though!!

May 23:
B: snack credits
L: Wolfgang Puck CafeLoved our lunch here. The BREAD! SOOO good! Here's my report of that if you want to see more food pics.
D: Turf Club
This is a day off from parks for us, so we will be going to DTD and then relax and swim at the resort.

May 24:
B:Cape May Cafe Loved our breakfast here. The characters were GREAT!
L: Teppan EdoWent here pre refurb, it was wonderful.
D: Le Cellier
I am very excited about Teppan Edo as we do nt have a Teppan restaurant in our town. I miss Benihana!

May 25:
B: Hollywood and Vine (for my grandsons)
L: Sci Fi Dine InnGreat lunch! The spinach dip appie was so tasty! We got burgers and shakes like everyone suggests and were so pleased.
D: Raglan Road

May 26:
B: Crystal Palace Loved lunch and dinner!
D: Cinderellas Royal Table (for DD)LOVED lunch!
This breakfast is a bit late and dinner is early at 4, so we will just have a snack in between. This will be a GREAT day for grabbing yummy snacks! You need those on the deluxe plan!

May 27:
B: Tusker House (heard this described as Boma light lol) We have this on our schedule!
L: Yak and Yeti We have this on our schedule!
D: BomaI LOVED the soups here especially!
This will be my son in laws chance to see the AKLIf you like zebra domes, after your Boma dinner, you should head to Mara to get some zebra domes to take back to your resort for a different day. They have 5 in a container for one snack credit! Grab several snacks for all the fans!

May 28:
B: Grand Floridian Cafe (DD request for Lobster eggs benedict)The pictures I've seen of this restaurant look so pretty. Light and bright. Should be a beautiful place to have breakfast too. I'd like to on a future trip.
L: Liberty Tree Tavern
D: Konas (can't wait to eat here)I really wanted to eat here to, but it just doesn't fit with our touring plan.

May 29:
B: Askerhus Princess Breakfast (DD request)
L: Chef De France ((DD request but this one scares me from the reviews)I've read the good and bad on this one too, but despite all that, eating in France is what made the men excited, so we are giving it a try. We are going for dinner though. From what I hear, you at least can't go wrong with the onion soup! Which I LOVE btw.
D: Tutto Italia

May 39:
B: snacks for the kids
L: 50's Prime Time
D: Yachtsmans Steak House (especially for Travis)Us too! I'm so looking forward to this one!
Then we are doing the Illuminations Cruise for my DD and DSIL anniversary!!That sounds like so much fun. Are you going to have a cake? I'm still debating for us. But if you were. I wonder if you could take the cake with you?

May 31:
B: snacks for the kids
L: repeat LTT (at DD request)
D: California Grill I'm really looking forward to trying this for dinner too!

June 1:
B: Chef MickeysWe are doing this for the first time to on our last day! Seems like such a great way to end the trip!

So aside from the fact that I wont be able to eat 1/2 my food and the desserts I pick will be for my grandson to eat (i.e.: Kona cone, the Le Cellier Mousse moose, Prime time s'mores etc.) what do you think??

I have a feeling we will be getting a lot of snacks for Travis to bring back to Iraq lol.

Also, does anyone know if kids can still get corn dog nuggets at Caseys on the dining plan? Most of the kids choices Connor wont like, so he will share my meals, but he LOVES hot dogs and corn dogs! Thanks!!

Later, when Rachel is up I will post pictures as they are on her computer. I have a great onr of Connor near the castle when hardly anyone is there!!

I posted comments in your quote incase you didn't notice right away.

I just read about some kids getting corn dog nuggets on a dining report, so I think they can.

Your plans look awesome. It does look like a LOT of food! You will be getting SOOO full. I saw that someone often substituted fresh fruit inleiu of dessert, so maybe that would be an option since there will be so many desserts floating around.

I'm glad you are finally DONE with the ADR making!

 

[Happydog]

Here is what our adr schedule looks like. I have a feeling some of these days I will be lucky to get through only 1/2 of my food! I am excited to try these restaurants though!!


May 28:
B: Grand Floridian Cafe (DD request for Lobster eggs benedict)L: Liberty Tree Tavern
D: Konas (can't wait to eat here)

May 29:
B: Askerhus Princess Breakfast (DD request)
L: Chef De France ((DD request but this one scares me from the reviews)
D: Tutto Italia

May 39:
B: snacks for the kids
L: 50's Prime Time
D: Yachtsmans Steak House (especially for Travis)
Then we are doing the Illuminations Cruise for my DD and DSIL anniversary!!

May 31:
B: snacks for the kids
L: repeat LTT (at DD request)
D: California Grill

June 1:
B: Chef Mickeys

So aside from the fact that I wont be able to eat 1/2 my food and the desserts I pick will be for my grandson to eat (i.e.: Kona cone, the Le Cellier Mousse moose, Prime time s'mores etc.) what do you think??

Also, does anyone know if kids can still get corn dog nuggets at Caseys on the dining plan? Most of the kids choices Connor wont like, so he will share my meals, but he LOVES hot dogs and corn dogs! Thanks!!

goodvibes

Hello! Gee your plans sound wonderful, both weeks, and this final week and the ADRs sound amazing! Great choices. We are having breakfast at GFC too, that lobster eggs benedict sounded fab! We are sneaking that in while DS 7 and DS 4 are on the pirate cruise... I didn't know there was such a thing as corn dog nuggets?! Alas, we missed Casey's our last trip but I am definitely planning on it this time. I have enjoyed reading your story so far!

 

[SunnieRN]

You have some marvelous adrs, and wow, soooo many! Some I've been to and some I've not....
You will also love some of the meals but probably not all of them, but that's to be expected with so many meals out. The most important thing to remember is that you are with your family and you are going to have a magical time!
Le Cellier is my favorite but I hear that Yachtsman is very very good. Do you have Crystal Palace before the park opens? If so you will get some wonderful pictures of the MK before it opens. Kona is a favorite of ours for breakfast, and we love Liberty Tree for dinner and would love to try it for lunch too The atmosphere at SciFi is really cool, Chef Mickeys is fun, as well as the absolute coolness of eating in the castle.....

Thank you!! I am expecting some great meals and some wash-outs, so I will be happy either way and will know where we don't want to go next time. lol

 

[SunnieRN]

I posted comments in your quote incase you didn't notice right away.

I just read about some kids getting corn dog nuggets on a dining report, so I think they can.

Your plans look awesome. It does look like a LOT of food! You will be getting SOOO full. I saw that someone often substituted fresh fruit inleiu of dessert, so maybe that would be an option since there will be so many desserts floating around.

I'm glad you are finally DONE with the ADR making!

Thank you for all the comments!! I am going to read your review now!! I saw the zebra domes you posted and they got me drooling!!

 

[SunnieRN]

Hello! Gee your plans sound wonderful, both weeks, and this final week and the ADRs sound amazing! Great choices. We are having breakfast at GFC too, that lobster eggs benedict sounded fab! We are sneaking that in while DS 7 and DS 4 are on the pirate cruise... I didn't know there was such a thing as corn dog nuggets?! Alas, we missed Casey's our last trip but I am definitely planning on it this time. I have enjoyed reading your story so far!

Wow, your boys birthday celebration with a pirate cruise will be wonderful!! Are you doing a pre trip report?? I would love to hear more!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Karla! We'll be in WDW at the same time and at the Epcot meet on the 17th. I look forward to hearing more about your plans.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

joining in on your pre trip report, sounds like fun. We'll be there from the 12-19 for our very first time!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Sunny Ressies look good !! I am eating at Chefs for a second time so that tells you I liked it ! I ate dinner there and had the shrimp and scallops! The portions aren't big but it was delicious! For desserts I had the applecrepes which were to die for ! Tip if you should order them ask for a little sauce and some on the side !! Mine was fine but I have seen pix of it swimmimg in sauce !! If on the DX I would go for the onion soup!!

 

[lmillercrew]

I'm joining in too!!! Your plans look great! PLEASE thank your SIL for his service! I'm a much appreciative of the freedoms that he provides for me!! Tell his wife, your DD, thank you for her sacrifices that she makes so her DH can protect and serve our country.
You guys are going to have a great time!!

 

[SunnieRN]

Hi Karla! We'll be in WDW at the same time and at the Epcot meet on the 17th. I look forward to hearing more about your plans.

Hi! It's nice to meet you!! I will look forward to meeting you there!!

joining in on your pre trip report, sounds like fun. We'll be there from the 12-19 for our very first time!

So nice to meet you!! Wow, first trip!! Too cool!! We went on one other trip last Sept. My sil was at training so we planned the trip in 3 days during free dining . Needless to say we did all counter service lol. Will you be coming to the Epcot meet on the 17th at 3?? It should be a lot of fun to put faces with names!! I will be posting some pics in a min.

Hi Sunny Ressies look good !! I am eating at Chefs for a second time so that tells you I liked it ! I ate dinner there and had the shrimp and scallops! The portions aren't big but it was delicious! For desserts I had the applecrepes which were to die for ! Tip if you should order them ask for a little sauce and some on the side !! Mine was fine but I have seen pix of it swimmimg in sauce !! If on the DX I would go for the onion soup!!

Thank you Rose!! I so appreciate your good review of chefs!! Small portions here sound great as I am sure I will never be able to eat all the food we will have. Looking forward to meeting you at Epcot!!

I'm joining in too!!! Your plans look great! PLEASE thank your SIL for his service! I'm a much appreciative of the freedoms that he provides for me!! Tell his wife, your DD, thank you for her sacrifices that she makes so her DH can protect and serve our country.
You guys are going to have a great time!!

Thank you so very much ! I gave her your message and she said "tell them thank you Mom"!!
I can't wait to see Travis and let him just have some relaxing downtime with his family!! Thanks again!!

Ok, now for a few pictures!!