Yo ho, yo ho, a bounceback life for me LEAVING TOMORROW 9/12!!!!!!!!!!!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay, we're going back!

So far, here is our cast of characters:

That's me in the back row (46), and DH (37) next to me. The front row is DNephew (Matt, 11), mom (she will kill me if I reveal her age) and DSis (31).

I say cast of characters so far because there is a chance that mom, DNephew and DSis will not go with us. It all depends on DNephew's grades this year. Typically we take him out of school for our annual September trip however this year his teachers were less than pleased. If his grades are not where they should be, my DSis has said that they will back out of the trip. I'm thinking that mom won't go if they don't go, but you never know. On the flip side, if we all do go, we may (I hope) be adding DSis' DBF who I will refer to as "Spaghetti" during my PTR. . He is awesome and I really, really want him to come with us next year.

We had such a great time this past September that we booked the bounceback offer for free dining. This is the first year that we've booked bounceback. We never had free dining in the past but we tried it this year by booking a one day park pass and then ended up booking the bounceback for next year assuming that we will renew our AP's and only need a one day park pass. From what we've calculated, booking this way and using the AP's for park entry still works out better for us than the AP discounted room rates in September and the Disney Dining Experience card. The goal was to do whatever works out better financially. I am still calculating given that this year we have 2 credits (about $150 off each renewal) to go towards our AP renewal next year. It's all so darn complicated!

Also, we met Jenn (inkedupmomma) and her family this past September and they are going back at the same time that we are! We all booked the same resort for next year (CS...first time for us) and are really looking forward to this trip. Jenn, John, Kayla and Jack are awesome and we can't wait to get to spend more time with them next year. (MNSSHP here we come, right Jenn?)

So, I have a few dilemma's to work through so far:

1. When it comes time to book ADR's, how do we do this in case mom, DSis and DNephew are not able to go or if we are able to add our buddy Spaghetti? Do we book the entire party and try and change later once June rolls around? Do we wait unitl June to book (which will give me a nervous breakdown? We want to schedule some ADR's with Jenn and her family too so this is a dilemma for me because I don't know what to do first. What do do? What to do?

2. I want to visit Kennedy Space Center (for the first time) but am I (and is everyone else) willing to give up a day at Disney to do so? For those that have gone, what do you think?

3. Ditto number 2 only for Sea World.

3. Do I schedule my normal commando style or go with the flow? I am a commando style person when it comes to Disney (don't want to miss anything) but the family just couldn't hang this past September. Also, Jenn admits to not being a rope dropper and we were hoping that we could spend time with her and her family too. I was thinking that we have to build in breaks next trip for DH and for mom. Mom ended up at the doctor after the last trip becaues of how much we walked and was in pain for a few weeks when we returned. DH told me today that if the weather is the same as it was this year (very hot and humid) that he doesn't want a repeat of last trip and wants our ADR's to be in different places so that we are not "stuck" at the same park for an entire day.

Given all of this, I don't really know where to start with my planning which is a first for me.

I am looking to all of you, my DIS experts , for help during the planning which is why I have started my pre-trippie so early!

So, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

SUBBING Can not wait for next year!! Especially since you will be there and we are all staying at CSR!!

I have some adr choices.. we will have to dine together often! Maybe I should finish this years Tr first huh??

As for MNSSHP, heck yes!! I wanna go back 2 x again!! I don't think you can get it all done in one night! I def NEED to get pics with all the villains and Snow white and her crew! Other then that, I have nothing planned....

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

SUBBING Can not wait for next year!! Especially since you will be there and we are all staying at CSR!!

I have some adr choices.. we will have to dine together often! Maybe I should finish this years Tr first huh??

As for MNSSHP, heck yes!! I wanna go back 2 x again!! I don't think you can get it all done in one night! I def NEED to get pics with all the villains and Snow white and her crew! Other then that, I have nothing planned....

Get that TR finished already!

I have a few choices in mind for ADR's and am looking at the menus on all ears to make some decisions. We'll have to get together and figure some of them out.

We will probably get MNSSHP in advance for one day and get them there for the second day. Not sure though. So much is riding on if the rest of the family is going to go with us.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Here are a few thoughts so far on ADR's. We like to try new places and then every once in a while go back to a place that we enjoyed in the past. Here are a few random thoughts so far. Granted, we have a long way to go before we can make ADR's, but these are my thoughts so far.

*Brown Derby - repeat from 2 years ago - Fantasmic Package this time
*1900 Park Fare for breakfast - never been there before
*Bistro de Paris - maybe for our anniverary? - never been there
*Fresh Mediterranean Market for dinner - never been there
*Narcoossee's for dinner - never been there
*Kona for breakfast - repeat from last year
*Spoodles for dinner - never been there
*Yachtsman for dinner - repeat from 2 years ago
*CRT for breakfast - repeat from 2 years ago
*Boma (or Mara) for Zebra domes. This is a MUST!

We'd like to take a tour again this year. We've done the Backstage Magic tour twice (or maybe three times, I can't remember), the Behind the Seeds Tour (once in Sept 2008) which we enjoyed and the Family Magic Tour (Sept 06 or 07, can't remember). I was thinking about maybe Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour this year or the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I know that they have age restrictions so if DNewphew does go that will be part of the decision making on what tour to take. Either that or we would schedule our tour the day that DSis and DNephew go to the Tarpon Springs area to see DNephew's Nana.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? We tend to like either breakfast or dinner ADR's and avoid lunch when we can.

Thanks in advance for any input!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

Here are a few thoughts so far on ADR's. We like to try new places and then every once in a while go back to a place that we enjoyed in the past. Here are a few random thoughts so far. Granted, we have a long way to go before we can make ADR's, but these are my thoughts so far.

*Brown Derby - repeat from 2 years ago - Fantasmic Package this time-Yes, this is on my list!
*1900 Park Fare for breakfast - never been there beforeYes, again on my list! we loved it there this past trip!
*Bistro de Paris - maybe for our anniverary? - never been thereNot on our list, but that is your anniverasary anywho lol
*Fresh Mediterranean Market for dinner - never been thereI never even heard of this one, but it doesn't seem like my cup o jo
*Narcoossee's for dinner - never been thereYes, on our list since we canceled this past trip
*Kona for breakfast - repeat from last yearYes, loved it here and def need to try the tonga toast this time!
*Spoodles for dinner - never been therehmm..idk
*Yachtsman for dinner - repeat from 2 years agoJohn's not sure about this.. after this pasts trip drama there..but we are on dxdp and have some credits that needs to be used..plus what I did get to eat was very yum!
*CRT for breakfast - repeat from 2 years agowe have dinner for here 2x and wanna try breakfast..again using up those dxdp credits..plus i really like it here
*Boma (or Mara) for Zebra domes. This is a MUST!we are def doing breakfast here.. a couple times actually.. but we kinda wanna try dinner.. we'll have to see...

We'd like to take a tour again this year. We've done the Backstage Magic tour twice (or maybe three times, I can't remember), the Behind the Seeds Tour (once in Sept 2008) which we enjoyed and the Family Magic Tour (Sept 06 or 07, can't remember). I was thinking about maybe Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour this year or the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I know that they have age restrictions so if DNewphew does go that will be part of the decision making on what tour to take. Either that or we would schedule our tour the day that DSis and DNephew go to the Tarpon Springs area to see DNephew's Nana.
*** do you wanna pay all that money for a tour??
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? We tend to like either breakfast or dinner ADR's and avoid lunch when we can.

same here!
Thanks in advance for any input!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

DH and I were talking about ADR's again. I fear that he is going to ban "Disney talk" if I keep yapping about it. We have 10 months to go and I'm not sure he can handle my daily rambles.

Has anyone been to the Fresh Mediterranean Market at The Dolphin? We've talked about going there for a couple of years now and have never gotten there. I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion?

A couple of years ago we went to Todd English's Bluezoo for dinner on our anniversary. The food was really good. I was surprised that the restaurant was not more crowded given how good the food was.

We like CRT for breakfast better than for dinner. We were not all that impressed with the dinner menu and the desserts are pretty lame. My dinner there last trip was well, not so good actually. Breakfast is nice because as early risers, we get there before the park opens for our ADR's and it makes for great pictures. Not to mention the food is better and there is interaction with princesses during breakfast. Granted, you get to see Cindy at dinner time too.

We made the decision that we liked the Yachtsman better than LeCellier. It was a tie for the longest time. Jenn, sorry that you had such a crappy experience there. Maybe you can give it another try?

Some of the tours are not that expensive. The Behind the Seeds tour was $15 and totally worth it. I have not looked into the prices of the other tours yet but I plan to do that soon. Joe (DH) wants to take the tour at the Animal Kingdom so at this point, I am confused about the whole tour thing.

And my newest dilemma is what to get DH for our anniversary? Again, the same dilemma as last year. He really liked the steins but I want to try and think of something different. I have LOTS of time but it can't hurt to start sooner rather than later.

Ok DISers, this is your cue to chime in with some help here.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Ok, so I'm bummed that I'm not getting any help here. I must be boring as the day is long.

I'm going to continue this pre-trippie. I guess I will just talk to myself . Who knows, maybe I'll come up with something?

We're still struggling with our ADR decisions. I'm back to reading the menus to get more choices in the mix.

As for tours, we'll probably take one, but who knows which one. It will depend on if DNephew wants to go or not.

Do we go to Kennedy Space Center? Sea World? Do we plan a down time day? A shopping day?

About the only thing that we have not thought of changing so far is our resort. Seems that one is set in stone.

Anyone have any thoughts? Ideas?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Sophia,
Sorry I'm late!!! How did I miss your link?????
Good thing is you've got plenty of time to make your plans.
As for Seaworld or the Kennedy space centre......we've been to both, though KSC only once.
Seaworld is really good, shows are all great and it does have a couple of coasters (if you like that). KSC is more of a museum type experience - loads to see and do though. I would definately say to go for one of them - Disney is great, but the other parks are really worth a visit? have you thought of Universal? We love them as much as WDW.
ADR plans sound good - though have never been to Narcoo (can't spell it so will not even try), or the Yachtsman, Spoodles. We tend to go more for character ones (for the kids of course ).
Take a good look at all the restaurant reviews and see what takes your fancy.
I suppose it all depends on how many are going or not - but I would be inclined to book ADRs for everyone who might be going early on, it would be easier to adjust an exisiting booking than to try and get one nearer the time.

Di x

 

[AZMickeyfans]

I'm here Sophia! I'm slow catching up on the reports I've missed as I've gotten back. Shoot I didnt even know you started this!

I'm in now!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Sophia,
Sorry I'm late!!! How did I miss your link?????
Good thing is you've got plenty of time to make your plans.
As for Seaworld or the Kennedy space centre......we've been to both, though KSC only once.
Seaworld is really good, shows are all great and it does have a couple of coasters (if you like that). KSC is more of a museum type experience - loads to see and do though. I would definately say to go for one of them - Disney is great, but the other parks are really worth a visit? have you thought of Universal? We love them as much as WDW.
ADR plans sound good - though have never been to Narcoo (can't spell it so will not even try), or the Yachtsman, Spoodles. We tend to go more for character ones (for the kids of course ).
Take a good look at all the restaurant reviews and see what takes your fancy.
I suppose it all depends on how many are going or not - but I would be inclined to book ADRs for everyone who might be going early on, it would be easier to adjust an exisiting booking than to try and get one nearer the time.

Di x

Hi Di,

We had a Sea World here in Ohio for years and years. I had read a few TR's before we left last September and was determined to get there. We even had free tickets! We never got there because my mom had a really hard time the day before. It was so darn humid and she had just gotten out of the hospital. We didn't want to push it. I do want to get there though.

I also read a lot about KSC and I really, really want to go there as well. There are just not enough days to do it all!

We have been to Universal but dare I say, it is not for us. We just don't care for it for some reason.

You are getting close now for your trip! Are you packed yet???!!!

I'm here Sophia! I'm slow catching up on the reports I've missed as I've gotten back. Shoot I didnt even know you started this!

I'm in now!

Hi Shawna,

Yep, I decided to start organizing my thoughts early for next year. I feel like I'm talking to myself though. Jenn (inkedupmomma) and I talk by text just about every day although we haven't done much trip planning yet so I'm going to keep going at this thread!

Glad that you're in!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

You are getting close now for your trip! Are you packed yet???!!!

Shoot I've been packed since September!!!!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Sophia,
Just popped in to say 'cheerio', don't know if I'll have time tomorrow to do much Dissing.......did I mention we're heading off to WDW? TOMORROW!!!!!
Catch you later!
Di x

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Sophia,
Just popped in to say 'cheerio', don't know if I'll have time tomorrow to do much Dissing.......did I mention we're heading off to WDW? TOMORROW!!!!!
Catch you later!
Di x

Di,

Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful holiday! I cannot wait to hear about your adventures!!

Sophia

 

[ILuvCrush]

We had a Sea World here in Ohio for years and years.

I miss Sea World OH!! What a great place

I also read a lot about KSC and I really, really want to go there as well. There are just not enough days to do it all!

This may be a great idea for the non-Disney males in my family I may need to look into it. I've never gotten there either. We're starting prelim plans for July... which will probably include a couple beach days... hmmmm

We have been to Universal but dare I say, it is not for us. We just don't care for it for some reason.

Haven't been there yet. DDs are big into thrill rides, but I'm making them wait til Harry Potter World opens before we discuss a trip

Paula

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Shoot I've been packed since September!!!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I was looking at my bounceback ressie. It is interesting how they get you with the flyer that they put in your room to advertise bounceback.

Basically, the flyer is totally based on the 4 people per room, per night math. Meaning that to get to the actual price of what the room is, you have to take the advertised number on the flyer and multiply it by 4. If you don't have 4 people, you take the total you just got and divide by the number of people that you DO have.

Frustrating to say the least. A flyer with $95 per night for a deluxe (to catch your eye) comes out to $3,040 for 8 nights for 2! Go figure!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, now to the meals. Jenn (inkedupmomma) is helping me figure out what way to go. Meaning, do we upgrade to deluxe dining? I put a list together of places that we want to try again "some day." I put one of these * near the places that we really want to go to in September. The rest are "on the list" to select from. We're trying to narrow down our list of choices for next September.

These are the places that we want to try but not necessarily all of them next year:

1900 Park Fare for breakfast*
Bistro de Paris for dinner*
Citricos for dinner
Fresh Mediterranean Market for Dinner
Narcoossee's for dinner*
Rose and Crown for lunch
Teppan Edo for Lunch
Boma for Breakfast*

Here are the places that we have been to that we want to go back to, but again not all necessarily next September. There are far too many of them:

Tusker House for breakfast
CRT for breakfast*
Kona for breakfast*
Chef Mickey's
50's Prime Time*
HDDMR
Liberty Tree Tavern for Dinner
Boma for dinner*
Cape May Cafe for breakfast
Yachtsman for dinner*
Hollywood and Vine
Brown Derby
Mama Melrose
O'Hana for Dinner
Biergarten
Cap n Jacks
Whispering Canyon
Spoodles
Maya Grill

So, anyone out there wanna help me out?

 

[ILuvCrush]

Hmmmm looks like you'll NEED Deluxe to hit a good potion of that!! I'd be very tempted to upgrade to DxDDP just because it's a deal at $30/day... whereas $69.... not so much If I had the free dining it might be the only way I could swallow Dx!!

I did 1900 park faire and boma bfasts.... I loved them both
Boma bfst worked well with early am time then rope drop at AK

We did 1900 PF as a 'brunch' took the latest sitting on a 'sleep in' day then hit MK for a while.... also worked great

I'd recommend either/both of them. If you only do one, I'd pick 1900 PF cause there's characters, GF is gorgeous, and if you go early you can still use MK character bfast bus if ou don't have car/taxi

I'm getting hungry thinking about it

Paula

 

[inkedupmomma]

I think you should change your trip from 12-20 to the 13-21! then go to HDDMR on the 20th for John's Bday If not we'll work it somewhere else in there and hopefully you will join us!1 It will be that more fun with a large group!

 

[AZMickeyfans]

So its only $30 to upgrade to DxDP? I say do it if that is an option. Thats not much if you can stomach eating all that food.

You could also use a couple of them for the signature dining 2 TS meals and do some more "nice" meals right? That might be nice like the Narcoosees and such. I say go for the Deluxe. And then do whatever switchy thing Jenn is talking about above me too!

So does everyone get a bounceback promo or is it just random? We didnt get one. Now I'm not upset because we were not going anyway but I was just curious.

 

[ILuvCrush]

So does everyone get a bounceback promo or is it just random? We didnt get one. Now I'm not upset because we were not going anyway but I was just curious.

I didn't get one in my ASMu room oct 13-18th. I asked about it at the desk (cause I already knew from the DIS boards it was available) the 1st girl I got knew nothing about it The next day I asked someone else... she walked right over and got me a flyer from the filecabinet and told me to be sure to call before i checked out!! Crazy... you would think if they have a promo, Disney would WANT people to know so they could sell it

Paula