Wishin' & Hopin', Planning & Dreamin': Oct 2013 PTR - 10/20 UPDATE: Link to TR!!

[Pixiedust530]

I agree!!!!
I am NOT a Valentines day person.. I only do things for the kids. But otherwise we really don't "celebrate" the day..

I am SO happy for you and getting another trip together!!!

How many of you are going?!?!

There are 4 of us (myself included). We all work together in a Middle School. I am the bookkeeper, one is an 8th grade English teacher, one is a 7th grade Special Ed teacher and one is a special ed teacher for students with severe mental handicaps. 2 have never been to Disney and the other has only been once when she was around 11 or 12 and she doesn't really remember much!

 

[Chicago Mo]

There are 4 of us (myself included). We all work together in a Middle School. I am the bookkeeper, one is an 8th grade English teacher, one is a 7th grade Special Ed teacher and one is a special ed teacher for students with severe mental handicaps. 2 have never been to Disney and the other has only been once when she was around 11 or 12 and she doesn't really remember much!

ohhh. I see this as TROUBLE!!! HA HA HA you are going to have OVER the TOP fun!!!!
I have several friends who are teachers (teach children with special needs) and they are crazy fun!!!

Ok i will let you get threw this report.. I will say i am looking forward to hearing ALL details!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

That is going to be one awesome and FUN trip!!! Congrats!!!

D~

 

[Dis_Yoda]

My husband & I are also in a BLT Lake View Studio the same as you are. Maybe we'll end up paying each other in the hall or at Contempo Cafe or something.

Have a great trip! I love F&W

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Whooohooo! This means we get to extend the time we stalk each other more in our PTR's! I arrive just a few days after you will leave! The 21st!

 

[Pixiedust530]

ohhh. I see this as TROUBLE!!! HA HA HA you are going to have OVER the TOP fun!!!!
I have several friends who are teachers (teach children with special needs) and they are crazy fun!!!

Ok i will let you get threw this report.. I will say i am looking forward to hearing ALL details!!!

I am actually a certified teacher myself...just not currently in the classroom! I actually prefer being the bookkeeper...a LOT less work comes home with me. Anyway...all that to say that YES...teachers are CRAZY FUN!!! I know we will have a blast...and probably a bit of trouble too!

That is going to be one awesome and FUN trip!!! Congrats!!!

D~

Thanks D~! I am so excited. I was a little afraid it wasn't going to work out, but it is all official now so I'm super pumped!

My husband & I are also in a BLT Lake View Studio the same as you are. Maybe we'll end up paying each other in the hall or at Contempo Cafe or something.

Have a great trip! I love F&W

So glad to have another October traveler along!!! Have you stayed in BLT before? this will be a first for us and I can't wait. Would be neat to run into one another! I will head over to your PTR in a few....3 trips...sounds AWESOME!!!

Whooohooo! This means we get to extend the time we stalk each other more in our PTR's! I arrive just a few days after you will leave! The 21st!

Yippee!!! More stalking! My favorite! I realized that we would miss each other by just a few days... That stinks!!!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

So glad to have another October traveler along!!! Have you stayed in BLT before? this will be a first for us and I can't wait. Would be neat to run into one another! I will head over to your PTR in a few....3 trips...sounds AWESOME!!!

I stayed in BLT in Feb for 2 Nights in a lake view. I could see why the studios would be too small for more than 2 people especially if you have to use the pull out. My husband hasn't stayed there yet.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

How did I miss the big announcement??? Oh yeah, I went away for a long weekend trip to a place with not internet... So excited for you!!!! I think there is no way I could ever get away with a Disney trip without my family... so I may be a bit jealous. BUT SO EXCITED for you, and cannot wait to read all about the fun and antics you girls have!

 

[Pixiedust530]

I stayed in BLT in Feb for 2 Nights in a lake view. I could see why the studios would be too small for more than 2 people especially if you have to use the pull out. My husband hasn't stayed there yet.

This will be our first time ever staying in a DVC resort! I know that some don't like the decor of BLT, but I actually do and I'm also very excited to be so close to Magic Kingdom!

How did I miss the big announcement??? Oh yeah, I went away for a long weekend trip to a place with not internet... So excited for you!!!! I think there is no way I could ever get away with a Disney trip without my family... so I may be a bit jealous. BUT SO EXCITED for you, and cannot wait to read all about the fun and antics you girls have!

Sometimes it's nice to get away...and without internet. I know there are time I need to de-stress! Sorry that you missed the big announcement! Wayne was totally excited for me to go and I haven't told Caden yet. I'm sure it will be fine! I am super excited, not only because I will be in Disney with my girlfriends, but also because this is the first "girls trip" I have ever taken! YEP...it's a first...and at Disney no less!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Okay, since we will basically be down there at the same time...should we try to have a Dismeet? We won't be doing parks, but maybe we could arrange a DTD meet? If your schedule is too packed, don't worry about it.

 

[Pixiedust530]

Okay, since we will basically be down there at the same time...should we try to have a Dismeet? We won't be doing parks, but maybe we could arrange a DTD meet? If your schedule is too packed, don't worry about it.

I would love to have a Dismeet if we could make it work. Right now it looks like we will be at DTD on Wednesday, October 9. We have plans to do the Keys to the Kingdom that morning at Magic Kingdom from 8:30-1:30. My guess is we will probably get to DTD sometime around 3:00 or 3:30. Are plans at DTD are to just wander around all the shops and have a QS dinner somewhere. No other evening plans for us other to be in bed at a reasonable time to be ready for Rope Drop the next morning. Any chance that day could work for your family? I think it would be wonderful to meet and I still want to make it to Opry Mills Mall some weekend so Caden and Gabe can meet!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Wednesday, the 9th, is the only night we have plans already. We have extended family that live in Orlando and we are having a family BBQ that night with everyone.

Now that school is starting, our weekends should slow down. Let's try to schedule an Opry Mills play date!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

October 9th was when I was planning on Splitsville for Bowling & Alcohol then dinner at Fulton's (I think) so we may be able to stop by for a hello.

 

[Pixiedust530]

Wednesday, the 9th, is the only night we have plans already. We have extended family that live in Orlando and we are having a family BBQ that night with everyone.

Now that school is starting, our weekends should slow down. Let's try to schedule an Opry Mills play date!

Sad that we can't meet at DTD, but a big family BBQ sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

School starts this Wednesday for us, so I am hoping that puts us back into a more normal routine also. I will take a peek at the calendar and see what looks good for us. We definitely need to get to Opry Mills though!

October 9th was when I was planning on Splitsville for Bowling & Alcohol then dinner at Fulton's (I think) so we may be able to stop by for a hello.

That sounds wonderful. I love doing DISmeets and it great when they work out with everyone's already planned schedule!!! Let's try and make that work!

 

[Pixiedust530]

I have been so swamped I have had NOOOOOOO time to DIS. It's actually driving me a little crazy. Not to mention, I am now planning 2 trips! It's also a busy time around here as school starts back up on Wednesday! I am a bookkeeper at one of the middle schools in our district. I have been back full time since last Monday and the kiddos start this coming Wednesday, August 7. Caden will be starting at a new school this year in the 1st grade and he has Open House tomorrow night. Caden attended private school for Kindergarten, but his dad and I decided to switch him to public school in the district where I work. He needs more than the private school can offer...not to mention the money that it will save us. So anyway...all that to say that I have missed the DIS and life is getting in the way! I warned you in my first post that I can be long-winded!

So...time for a proper update. The menus for the Food and Wine festival were released this past week and I was able to spend some time making our selections. Wayne and I did experience F&WF in 2011 and we had some favorites. Here's what we tried and my rating system:

1 = LOVED IT...would try again if available
2 = OKAY...not bad but probably wouldn't try it again
3 = HATED IT...definitely disliked and definitely would not do again


Baklava from Morocco = 1


Cannoli from Italy = 3


Ravioli from Italy = 2


Ribeye Taco from Mexico = 2


Spicy Tuna Roll from Japan = 1


Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles from China = 1


Pork Pot Stickers from China = 1


Potato Pierogie w/ Keilbasa from Poland = 2


Lobster Claw Cuddler w/ Drawn Butter from Hops & Barley = 2


Warm Chocolate Lava Cake from Ireland = 1/2 (LOVED it but teeny tiny portion)


Nuernberger Sausage on a Pretzel Roll = 1


Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni from France = 3


Jerk Chicken Drumstick with Mango Salsa from Caribbean = 2


Cheese Fondue from Cheese Booth = 1


Cheddar Cheese Soup from Canada = 2

The Coq au Vin from France was the only thing I just really hated. We actually threw it away. The Cannoli from Italy was actually okay I guess, it just wasn't what I expected so I was disappointed. Caden actually finished it off!

This year, a few of our favorites are returning, but there are LOTS and LOTS of new things we want to try. Here's the list:

*Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro - Brazil
*Garlic Shrimp with roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini - Australia
*Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles - China (repeat)
*Chicken Pot Stickers - China (kind of repeat...was Pork in 2011)
*Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard - South Korea
*Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese - Germany
*Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll - Germany
*Apple Strudel with Werther's Karamel & Vanilla Sauce - Germany
*Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Cheese Bread) - Poland
*Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey jack & Sweet and Hot Pickles - Florida Local
*Spicy Tuna Hand Roll - Japan (repeat)
*Baklava - Morocco (repeat)
*Belgian Waffle w/ Warm Chocolate Ganache & Whipped Cream - Belgium
*Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet w/ Mashed Potatoes) - France
*Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner w/ Irish Stout, Skellig - Ireland
*Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey's Custard - Ireland
*"Le Cellier" Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon w/ Truffle Butter Sauce - Canada
*Griddled Greek Cheese w/ Pistachios and Honey - Greece
*Chicken Gyron w/ Tzatziki Sauce - Greece
*Fried Shrimp w/ Dole Pineapple Sweet & Sour Sauce - Refreshment Port
*Desert Trio: Chocolate Orange Cupcake, Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake, Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse - Desserts & Champagne
*Seared Scottish Salmon w/ Cauliflower Puree, Watercress & malt Vinaigrette - Scotland


As you can see....we have a very long list. I really didn't expect to go through and want to try so many things. Most everything we get, Wayne and I will share...even though they are already small portions. This will basically be our "lunch" one afternoon. If we are just totally stuffed we do have another evening that we will be at EPCOT for IllumiNations and we can grab some of the things that we missed. We are not generally big dessert people, but so many of the dessert options sounded good. If we have to cut items, we will probably start there. So...what do you think? Too much to do all in one afternoon? We did the 15 pictured items in about 2 hours in 2011. This list has 22 items! YIKES...I didn't realize it was so many until I counted...and that doesn't even include the wine and beer. We haven't even started looking at that list yet!

 

[DMGeurts]

I loved seeing your pictures! All of the food looks fantastic!

We have been twice now for F*W festival... And you are gonna LOL... We have NEVER done the Food or Wine portion of it!!! GASP!!!!

The first time we were there for it in 2003, we knew it was there, but it was our first trip with no research, so we just wandered aimlessly.

The second time was 2008, and that was the do-over trip from 2003... We were just trying to "do" Epcot, so we didn't even bother with all the stands.

Clearly... I am over due for another fall trip - so I can experience the Food and the Wine portion... Thinking this should be an adult trip though...

I can't wait to read your TR from this coming trip to see what you liked and what you didn't!

D~

 

[-Hope-]

Yumm!! Oh, my that all looks so good! I think of you're sharing and have the opportunity to come back if you get too full then that lust is totally doable.

Incidentally, we were there for soft opening in 2010 but no one in my family is adventurous with food except me. I think I'd have to do a girlfriends trip to really experience F&W.

 

[Pixiedust530]

I loved seeing your pictures! All of the food looks fantastic!

We have been twice now for F*W festival... And you are gonna LOL... We have NEVER done the Food or Wine portion of it!!! GASP!!!!

The first time we were there for it in 2003, we knew it was there, but it was our first trip with no research, so we just wandered aimlessly.

The second time was 2008, and that was the do-over trip from 2003... We were just trying to "do" Epcot, so we didn't even bother with all the stands.

Clearly... I am over due for another fall trip - so I can experience the Food and the Wine portion... Thinking this should be an adult trip though...

I can't wait to read your TR from this coming trip to see what you liked and what you didn't!

D~

Food & wine is really a wonderful time. Depending how willing Alli and V are to try new foods I think it is definitely something that they could both enjoy as well. In 2011 we did the food booths during the day (beginning at 11:00am just as World Showcase was opening). We saw very few people, little to no lines and lots of families and encountered absolutely no drunks, rude or raucus behavior. I DEFINITELY would not do F&WF in the evening with small children or strollers and maybe not with impressionable teenagers like A & V.

I hope that I can write a TR this time around. Somehow time got away from me in 2011 and I never wrote a TR. If nothing else I will be sure to give a full report on Food & Wine!!!

Yumm!! Oh, my that all looks so good! I think of you're sharing and have the opportunity to come back if you get too full then that lust is totally doable.

Incidentally, we were there for soft opening in 2010 but no one in my family is adventurous with food except me. I think I'd have to do a girlfriends trip to really experience F&W.

We will definitely share and we also do not have any plans for breakfast that morning. Probably just grab a Nutri Grain bar or yogurt in the room...so we shoud be nice a hungry by the time WS and F&WF booths open at 11:00am.

There are many things that picky eaters can enjoy at F&WF, but I agree that it would be best experienced with girlfriends, sig others or adventurous eaters.

 

[Chicago Mo]

FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
Yummers... That little thing from Ireland was delish!!! that was about all i remember from F&W.. seriously. i can show you a picture i took afterwards.. i still laugh at it.

I am so excited i know 2 people going the tour! PLEASE share all the fun secrets! i am so excited for you all!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I WILL make it to F&W one of these years! I will, I tell you! :yes: This would totally be up mine and Brian's alley. We LOVE to have new food experiences. We are both pretty brave in trying new things, and everything looks DIVINE! I cannot wait to read your reviews!

Do let me know when you want to head to Opry Mills! I am taking the kids to the zoo this Saturday!