Yes, we can be bribed. PTR *NEW UPDATE 05/22 - SO CLOSE I CAN'T EVEN FUNCTION

[Madonna3]

While I didn't get a huge response here (guess I'm not that popular after all ) I did get a large response over on the Facebook page. Pretty much everyone, except like 2 people, told me Tony's sucks. Some responses included:

"No parade is worth subjecting yourself to Tony's"

"The DOD uses Tony's to get information out of prisoners"

and the winner:

"I wouldn't eat at Tony's if they let me ride in the parade on Mickey's float, dropped me off for a free shopping spree at the Emporium, and let me press the button that started Wishes"

Well then.

I am HONESTLY surprised at the negative responses, because I, like only two other people, had a nice meal at Tony's. However, in full disclosure: a) I was in a good mood b) I was heavily medicated probably why I was in a good mood c) my husband was in a good mood because he was buzzed on wine d)it was the first day of a very anticipated vacation

So I don't know if those are the reasons we had a nice experience, but I remember everyone seemed to enjoy it. This was also 2ish years ago. I appreciate these people for their honest, although hilarious, opinions.

The Tiana ice cream social is $4 more per person for the event and the parade view sucks. The Tony's event by comparison is $4 cheaper than the Tiana event and includes a full meal of an app, entrée, dessert, and drink. Here's the complication with that: I can't eat all that. I physically cannot do it. In full disclosure, I had bariatric surgery and I don't have the capacity for that. It would literally take me all day to sit there and eat and well, I'm going to waste $90. So I am canceling both.

I am very defeated in I wanted to sit back and watch this parade and it seems the only way I am going to be able to do that is go stake out my spot nice and early, just like usual. Maybe this time I will try and pick a spot along Main Street.

 

[dlavender]

I am very defeated in I wanted to sit back and watch this parade and it seems the only way I am going to be able to do that is go stake out my spot nice and early, just like usual. Maybe this time I will try and pick a spot along Main Street.

You could just change your viewpoint. Pretend you aren't doing the ice cream ride as a stance against the removal of the trees. Then secretly throw a few oak tree seeds in the dirt.

 

[Madonna3]

You could just change your viewpoint. Pretend you aren't doing the ice cream ride as a stance against the removal of the trees. Then secretly throw a few oak tree seeds in the dirt.

Wait a minute, aren't oak tree seeds called acorns?

 

[missangelalexis]

I feel like there are always good spots that you dont necessarily have to camp out early for, such as Frontierland or at the end of the parade route near the Train Station.

 

[Madonna3]

I feel like there are always good spots that you dont necessarily have to camp out early for, such as Frontierland or at the end of the parade route near the Train Station.

Quite true. I think it's more that I like "VIP" viewing areas. I like to know there's a dedicated spot waiting for me and that CM's will shoo everyone else away.

Speaking of VIP viewing, don't do the DHS one. That one is awful.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

haha, I saw your post in one of the groups on Facebook that I guess we are both members of and noticed the, um, not super positive response to Tony's and wondering you reaction knowing you had a good experience there.

Oh, well, i think it is probably for the best to save the money and just find a spot - hopefully it won't be too crowded that day and you can get a good spot without too much waiting.

Interesting your take on the DHS spot as I really liked it when we did it and thought having a good angle is important given the amount of projections. I also liked how it was split with a spot for the kids up front (so that was good for us having 3 little kids). I also really liked the party too though so that helped with my view of the event overall I think

 

[Madonna3]

I always do this...

I plan out our vacations and I usually schedule us to leave after work so I can maximize my time off.

This creates arguments, fights, animosity, and grudges that last a day or two into the vacation. Like, we're seriously mad at each other the WHOLE 2.5 hour car ride and then probably another day after that. Usually, I am trying to pack at the last minute because the week before a vacation is always completely a mess.

I'll plan to pack during the week and something will happen and I don't. I will plan to shop for vacation the weekend before and something will happen and I won't. I'll say, "Oh, I have time" and "I can get that done on "x" day" and then BAM! It's time to leave, nothing got done, and now I am rushing.

So, this time, I planned to leave Sunday. That means, I have ALL DAY Saturday to do whatever I need along with Friday night. So now, the ambition is kicking in and I want to leave Saturday. I have a hair appointment first thing in the morning, which mean that will take me to lunch time. Then I have to do my last minute errands and make sure I stock the house with food since mom and Mikey are staying home with the pups. I can see myself busy until about 3pm. I have no idea what Jay's schedule will be that day, which means I am on my own. If he is working late then I'm screwed and this will be Saturday evening:

We have a tentative plan to stay somewhere off-site Saturday night. Last year, for Xmas, we left on Friday night and we grabbed a hotel in Lakeland. My mother had some business she needed to attend to at a bank that's NO WHERE around here, but they have a few on the way up to Disney from our house. To get to the bank on time, we would have to leave our house SUPER early and drive the 2.5 hours, stopping for breakfast on the way. There's no way my patience would have survived it. So, I suggested packing up Friday night and just driving to Lakeland. It's only 45 minutes from Disney and I could do 1.5 hour drive with no issues, even with the stress. Well, we followed through with that plan and got to Lakeland about 1 hour later than I had hoped. We checked into our hotel, which was a Comfort Inn about 2 miles from the bank in the heart of Lakeland and woke up at 8, had breakfast, and was at the bank by 9. By 10am I was at Port Orleans Riverside unpacking the car.

Actual pic of me yelling at someone to come help me with my stuff:

When we reflected on our trip, the one thing everyone agreed on was leaving and NOT making it to Disney the night before was SUPER relaxing. It only took us 45 minutes to get to Disney and by time we got there we had stopped at the bank, Walmart, and had breakfast sicne it was free at the hotel. Which means as soon as we got to Disney, there was NOTHING to do. No one was hangry, no one was tired, no one was stressed.

So, reflecting on this, hubby and I are looking for a place to stay somewhere around the Lakeland Area. We like the Target just off US27 and I4 in Davenport. There's about 5 hotels in that area. Two or three of them are probably ok, the others are a little shady. The problem is the prices are a little nuts for "ok" and "shady" hotels. We're not looking to spend more than $75/night on a place that includes a continental breakfast. We thought about adding a night on to our CBR reservation since we'd get $75 more to the gift card offer, but we agreed that part of the relaxation was NOT being in the Disney bubble. So, now we're considering somewhere in Kissimmee. I just want to be near shopping like a Target/Walmart/Publix. I know there is a Walmart right off 192 in the heart of the outer bubble with a Pulix and a Walgreens across the street so today I will be looking at the maps trying to find a place.

STAY TUNED:

We're at the 33 day mark. Starting at Day 30 I will post a fun Disney fact containing the countdown number per day!

 

[Madonna3]

haha, I saw your post in one of the groups on Facebook that I guess we are both members of and noticed the, um, not super positive response to Tony's and wondering you reaction knowing you had a good experience there.

Oh, well, i think it is probably for the best to save the money and just find a spot - hopefully it won't be too crowded that day and you can get a good spot without too much waiting.

Interesting your take on the DHS spot as I really liked it when we did it and thought having a good angle is important given the amount of projections. I also liked how it was split with a spot for the kids up front (so that was good for us having 3 little kids). I also really liked the party too though so that helped with my view of the event overall I think

I forgot to respond to this. Here was the problem. The spot for VIP viewing was behind the main area. So, while we got to our doors first and we're at the very front of the designated area, 4000 people stood in front of us in the area immediately in front of the stage.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I forgot to respond to this. Here was the problem. The spot for VIP viewing was behind the main area. So, while we got to our doors first and we're at the very front of the designated area, 4000 people stood in front of us in the area immediately in front of the stage.

HMmm, when we did it there was an aisle right in front of the party reserved area and the CMs kept it really clear so it led to a really good view

 

[Madonna3]

HMmm, when we did it there was an aisle right in front of the party reserved area and the CMs kept it really clear so it led to a really good view

Yeah there was an aisle and while CMs tried really hard to keep
It clear, people just filed in behind those already in the more front area.

 

[Madonna3]

tomorrow is my online check in day.

We're requesting Jamaica in building 44 or 45. Truthfully, I don't care what building in Jamaica they put us in as long as it's Jamaica. I never realized before that the beach backs up to the quiet pool. I need to have that in my life.

We're still undecided on our plans for the 27th. Part of us says, "just go to Disney and get another $75 to spend" or stay off-site and go see a movie. We're really leaning toward the latter and even deciding if we should stay as far west as Tampa.

 

[BlvInMagic]

Jamaica is a great village to stay in too, b/c that is usually the first drop-off point for the Disney resort busses!

On a side note, I thought too that Martinique was going to be closed during the construction phase. We are booked at CBR for a vaca at the end of June and did our online check-in earlier this week. I was surprised to see that one of the room preference choices was Martinique Village? At the time of booking, we selected Preferred Rooms (and at CBR that would mean Martinique or Trinidad North), so I'm guessing now that they are just closing Martinique bldgs. 21, 22, 23 which have the standard rooms?!? It is all so bizarre, because Trinidad North was listed as a choice. Thoughts?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

tomorrow is my online check in day.

We're requesting Jamaica in building 44 or 45. Truthfully, I don't care what building in Jamaica they put us in as long as it's Jamaica. I never realized before that the beach backs up to the quiet pool. I need to have that in my life.

We're still undecided on our plans for the 27th. Part of us says, "just go to Disney and get another $75 to spend" or stay off-site and go see a movie. We're really leaning toward the latter and even deciding if we should stay as far west as Tampa.

Very exciting!

I like your thought process of having almost like that buffer day/night to change between home and Disney modes rather than stressing about getting to Disney, etc. - though I think if you can truly view that first night as an "extra" night and not worry about when you get there, etc. that can be your "break in" night as well

 

[Madonna3]

Jamaica is a great village to stay in too, b/c that is usually the first drop-off point for the Disney resort busses!

On a side note, I thought too that Martinique was going to be closed during the construction phase. We are booked at CBR for a vaca at the end of June and did our online check-in earlier this week. I was surprised to see that one of the room preference choices was Martinique Village? At the time of booking, we selected Preferred Rooms (and at CBR that would mean Martinique or Trinidad North), so I'm guessing now that they are just closing Martinique bldgs. 21, 22, 23 which have the standard rooms?!? It is all so bizarre, because Trinidad North was listed as a choice. Thoughts?

Yes, we believe at this point only the buildings you listed will be closed and the Preferred Martinique rooms will stay open. What I think sucks is that 24, 25, and 26 also had standard rooms (well at least 24 did) and now they've made those rooms "preferred" or maybe they haven't, I don't know. I honestly did not care for Martinique the 3 times I have gotten stuck in that section so I am definitely requesting Jamaica. Trinidad North has always been "preferred" as well it's just most people prefer Martinique.

Now, I am a little disappointed at their solution for these grab n go markets. They converted guest rooms into small markets with 1 or 2 rooms in each village. I so hope you're not the room next to that!

 

[Madonna3]

Very exciting!

I like your thought process of having almost like that buffer day/night to change between home and Disney modes rather than stressing about getting to Disney, etc. - though I think if you can truly view that first night as an "extra" night and not worry about when you get there, etc. that can be your "break in" night as well

We did it last year at Christmas and it was amazing. I knew I wasn't going to get to Disney that night, but I knew I was going to get closer. So, if we left 15 minutes later than planned, I didn't care. If our shopping trip took 30 minutes later than planned, I didn't care. I have my hair and nails scheduled for the 27th so there's no way I am done with that until 4-5pm anyway. My husband is going to ask to work that day only until 5, so by time he gets home, showers, and changes, there's no way I am leaving until 6. If I stay on property, I will be gunning to make it to the resort by 8. If I know I am not getting to Disney that night no matter what, I will be more relaxed.

Instead, I think we'll book a room in Brandon, grab a movie and dinner and head out first thing in the morning. We HAVE to be at Disney by 12 now, however, as Jay booked a full service at Art of Shaving for then. I think he wants to look good for ya (j/k)

 

[BlvInMagic]

Now, I am a little disappointed at their solution for these grab n go markets. They converted guest rooms into small markets with 1 or 2 rooms in each village. I so hope you're not the room next to that!

YES, I just saw on Twitter last night what the converted room looks like as a grab n go market ... Looks really... um.... different? This will be one interesting vacation. We are tying to keep positive and repeating to ourselves that we're really just sleeping there and will be using the ADR's to our fullest advantage. The room price combined with the $75 gift card makes it an attractive offer. Just hope the juice is worth the squeeze!

 

[Madonna3]

YES, I just saw on Twitter last night what the converted room looks like as a grab n go market ... Looks really... um.... different? This will be one interesting vacation. We are tying to keep positive and repeating to ourselves that we're really just sleeping there and will be using the ADR's to our fullest advantage. The room price combined with the $75 gift card makes it an attractive offer. Just hope the juice is worth the squeeze!

We have some ADR's, but there are some days we have no plans and were going to take advantage of the quiet pool. Realistically, this doesn't bother me TOO much, what does bother me is the absence of the iced tea machines or at least my perceived absence of them. Perhaps I just didn't see them in the pictures. There have been some complaints of crowd control. They have one/two machines for each village in a small confined space and there have already been some reports of crowd control issues. I think once the food trucks are open and the quick service by Trinidad North is open these issues will subside.

We knew this was coming so I'm not too upset, just very surprised about the converted rooms. I thought there would be tents up in the parking lot area. I don't know why I thought this, but I guess I thought I read it somewhere so to see drink machines in rooms was a bit of a shock.

 

[Madonna3]

So, I went on Touringplans and stalked the rooms I wanted. I absolutely want Jamaica and I guess I can be flexible as to where they put me, but I picked 3 rooms that are the view I booked, even though I secretly hope for an upgrade, and are in the exact location I want.

We still don't have our "pre-vacation" day ironed out. However, all my hair and nail appointments are confirmed

However, we've decided to do something we've never done before. We're going to Cirque!!

Today was a nightmare at work, well really the past 2 days and it has just interfered with my ability to sit on the internet and daydream and play on the Disney site.

 

[Madonna3]

TODAY IS THE BIG DAY!!

30 DAYS AND COUNTING!!

So as promised, here's fun fact #30

30. Guests at Walt Disney Resort Theme Parks are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can!

 

[Madonna3]

joining in the fun as well! wish i could have been that flexible and taken the deal because it sounds too good to be true!

I thought so too, but I'm on a Facebook group for the CBR resort and reports are coming in that there are very few issues with the gift cards, but in the end, everyone is getting them.