You Want to Stay Where?! A July PTR* TR LINK 8/8!

[shan23877]

Here we go again guys....



Last week your votes advanced 4 more restaurants to the Elite 8!

Here's how everything shook out


Signature/Celebrity Chef


2. Le Cellier vs. 6. Narcoossees

The Canadian mainstay trumped the competition yet again easily beating Narcoossees.





Character/Dinner Show


2. Crystal Palace vs. 3. Cinderella's Royal Table


In the battle of the MK character dining spot, CRT outlasted the gang from the 100 Acre Wood.





Table Service

2. Via Napoli vs. 11. Whispering Canyon Cafe

The Cinderella run of WCC has finally come to an end. Via Napoli was the clear favorite





Counter Service


2. Be Our Guest vs. 6 Earl of Sandwich

Well, Bryan's favorite sandwich in all the world had a nice run, but the beauty, location, and value of Be our Guest won out.





Here's your Elite 8:

​

Next week we'll determine the Final Four restaurants!

Here are the match-ups:


Signature/Celebrity Chef

1. California Grill vs. 2. Le Cellier Steakhouse



Character/Dinner Show


1. Chef Mickey's vs. 3. Cinderella's Royal Table


Table Service


1. 'Ohana vs. 2. Via Napoli


Counter Service


2. Be Our Guest vs. 4. Columbia Harbor House


Remember to vote for your favorite or for the one you'd be most likely to try! We're really getting down to it!

 

[shan23877]

Day 7 of our trip will dawn bright and early. We have the first reservation of the day at 'Ohana! We had such a great time at this breakfast last year. Maddie was in heaven parading around with her buddy Pluto and had a great time with Stitch. This year we're hoping for even more fun because Maddie will be wearing her Lilo dress! And, as it happens Day 7 is my birthday! I would happily have it ignored, but I know that Maddie would really love it if much was made of it. So, I'll wear the button.

​

Last year the first ressie of the day got us to the MK in time for rope drop. This will likely be our only chance to the Welcome show this trip, so I'm hoping for the same result this year.

As for our park plans, well I have no idea! I'm sure there will be a character or 12 that has eluded us in our first 2 MK visits so we'll have to meet them! The rest of the day will be spent taking another spin on favorite rides and taking on any we might have missed.

For lunch on Day 7 we're booked at Liberty Tree Tavern. It's another new place for us, and I think it looks great. I could eat Thanksgiving dinner every day, so I'm pretty sure I'll leave happy.


And of course we'll follow tradition and enjoy our last WDW meal at Chef Mickey. No, the food isn't the best, it's loud, and we've never been seated right away or had great service, but we've always had a GREAT time there. Maddie loves the chef outfits, and always seems to have so much fun with the characters there. And frankly, so do we!


I will post the results of the Guess my ADR game in 2 weeks because I'd like to keep some suspense in the PTR I will say that the tie-break question came into play....


Onto the mishmash!

We got our Magical Express documents in the mail today! I did have to call to request that they send us some more yellow luggage stickers, but the CM said they'd get them out right away.

We still hadn't received our PP+ voucher and CD, and I was getting worried. From everything I've heard, the PP+ stuff gets mailed as soon as it's ordered so I called. The CM said that when you order it from them as part of your package it gets sent with the Magical Extras (Planet Hollywood coupon etc) packet. She said ours was sent on the 1st of June, so I expect it to arrive any day now.

In other trip news- I read recently here on the DIS about a mom who printed little thank you notes for her kids to hand out to CMs during their trip. I imagine them to be like the "Gotchas" that Maddie's teacher hands out. ("Gotcha being good!") I really like the idea as a way to reinforce the importance of gratitude in Maddie. However, I don't know if the CMs would really respond to it. Would it be silly to them? Would they really care? I'd love your opinions. I sort of saw them as being little cards slightly bigger than an index card that said thank you in some way, and had Maddie's signature. What do you guys think?

In sewing news, I have finished another set of outfits for Mads and Carissa (though not Disney related) and finished refitting and mending a HUGE pile of tshirts, dresses, and shorts. I may be way off, but I think I could have the Etsy shop up in the next 2 weeks! I'll keep you posted!

Thanks again for letting me share guys! I'll leave you with a few pics of the countdown pages from this week. 36 days to go!!!

​

 

[TinksThree]

Here we go again guys....

Last week your votes advanced 4 more restaurants to the Elite 8!

Here's how everything shook out

Signature/Celebrity Chef

2. Le Cellier vs. 6. Narcoossees

The Canadian mainstay trumped the competition yet again easily beating Narcoossees.

http://s1239.photobucket.com/user/shanbell23/media/PTR13/LECEL_1_998.jpg.html

Character/Dinner Show

2. Crystal Palace vs. 3. Cinderella's Royal Table

In the battle of the MK character dining spot, CRT outlasted the gang from the 100 Acre Wood.

http://s1239.photobucket.com/user/shanbell23/media/PTR13/images1-2.jpg.html

Table Service

2. Via Napoli vs. 11. Whispering Canyon Cafe

The Cinderella run of WCC has finally come to an end. Via Napoli was the clear favorite

http://s1239.photobucket.com/user/shanbell23/media/PTR13/Via_Napoli_01_998x450.jpg.html

Counter Service

2. Be Our Guest vs. 6 Earl of Sandwich

Well, Bryan's favorite sandwich in all the world had a nice run, but the beauty, location, and value of Be our Guest won out.

http://s1239.photobucket.com/user/shanbell23/media/PTR13/Be-Our-Guest-Bridge-Entrance.jpg.html

Here's your Elite 8:

http://s1239.photobucket.com/user/shanbell23/media/Bracket6-06.jpg.html

Next week we'll determine the Final Four restaurants!

Here are the match-ups:

Signature/Celebrity Chef

1. California Grill vs. 2. Le Cellier Steakhouse

Character/Dinner Show

1. Chef Mickey's vs. 3. Cinderella's Royal Table

Table Service

1. 'Ohana vs. 2. Via Napoli

Counter Service

2. Be Our Guest vs. 4. Columbia Harbor House

Remember to vote for your favorite or for the one you'd be most likely to try! We're really getting down to it!

I have missed out on so many rounds but maybe I can finish this thing out!!

Signature: since I have been to Le Cellier and we love it, I am voting for LC!

Character: CRT...we are not fans of Chef Mickey's. I know! Blasphemy!! We just had bad luck there all but once!

Table service: ok this one is HARD!!! These are a our two favorites! I am going to just choose one: Via Napoli

Counter Service: I have not been to BOG and to this point Columbia Harbor House is our go to so I will vote for CHH

 

[Bethislucy]

Picks this week are

Le Cellier Steakhouse
Chef Mickey's
'Ohana
Be Our Guest

 

[afwdwfan]

You have a point! Is it bad that I'd rather have embarrassing stories about Bryan to write about?

Kind of, but I completely understand where you're coming from!

I feel like I just made you make a decision you weren't prepared to make! I feel terrible!

I absolutely love both of those restaurants! What it came down to was WCC BBQ is good, but it isn't anything I can't get elsewhere. I've never had pizza anywhere else that tastes like Via Napoli.

Tournament:

This might actually be the easiest round for me to make my picks.

Le Cellier - Steak > Sushi

Chef Mickey - This one has become a first day tradition for us, kind of like it has become a last day tradition for you.

Via Napoli - I hate to vote against endless supplies of meat, but this place is just absolutely frickin awesome.

Be Our Guest - CHH is overrated.

As for our park plans, well I have no idea! I'm sure there will be a character or 12 that has eluded us in our first 2 MK visits so we'll have to meet them

Or visit them again to say goodbye...

I will post the results of the Guess my ADR game in 2 weeks because I'd like to keep some suspense in the PTR

That's not cool...

However, I don't know if the CMs would really respond to it. Would it be silly to them? Would they really care? I'd love your opinions. I sort of saw them as being little cards slightly bigger than an index card that said thank you in some way, and had Maddie's signature. What do you guys think?

I think it really would depend on the CM, but go for it! There's a Disdad who has a daughter working in the MK through the CP. She got "wrote up" for doing a good job last week and was excited about it. It might not mean as much to some, but I know there are certain CM's out there who would have their day made by something like that.

Thanks again for letting me share guys! I'll leave you with a few pics of the countdown pages from this week. 36 days to go!!!

I really do like your countdown. Especially with Maddie's notes!

 

[disneylvr4vr]

Signature/Celebrity Chef

1. California Grill

Character/Dinner Show

Cinderella's Royal Table

Table Service

Via Napoli

Counter Service

2. Be Our Guest


Maddie still looks soooooo cute in her lilo dress! Im sure you guys will have an awesome time at o'hana!

Her coloring pages are just sooo cute!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

You are too sweet to me Courtney! I really appreciate your kind words about my projects.

I'm actually really excited about LTT! It looks awesome! What did you have if you don't mind me asking?

LTT was such a good meal! We walked up on our last day on a whim because the CMs were outside announcing that they were taking walk-ups for lunch. We had the Crab and Spinach Dip for Two - blue crab, spinach, cream cheese and warm flatbread $10.99 for an appetizer which I could have eaten as my meal alone and been happy

And then we both had the New England Pot Roast... Our Tavern Keeper's Favorite - braised beef in a cabernet wine and mushroom sauce served with mashed potatoes and garden vegetables $18.99 because our server said it was amazing and she was totally right! It was delicious and so much food! It tasted like homemade pot roast too!

 

[Cinderella909]

Originally Posted by Cinderella909 View Post
Woohoo Cool!!!! Now, I know you don't know but I'm a super fan of the man, I call Paul!!! I'm going to DC to see him with some good friends. It's the only show I'm making at this go around. I had no idea that you wanted to see him!!!! And, here's some trival for you... I've been to a 'few' shows... and my picture is in the Back in the US live CD, center page with "sometimes life spoils us" quote.... I'm the girl with the sign that says... "I'm Karen"


AHHHHHH! Karen you didn't tell me that you are one of the coolest people alive! You've been holding out on me!

We sold all of our actual CDs in a garage sale (all iPod for me now), and while I held on to a few of my Beatles CDs I don't have that one. I'm totally doing a Google image search of it though.

I was so excited... you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE this show! And, I knew I liked you!!!

Enjoy!

Thank you! I am getting really excited! I can't decide if I want to treat it as a special occasion and dress up a bit, or wear one of my many Beatles shirts. I take it you'd be in favor of me sharing the concert as a preamble to the TR?



I am too! I've loved having you play along!

Thanks for the kind words! And, to save you from a long exhaustive google search, I've posted the photo for you. The photo is in the center of the booklet, but I took it apart to hang on the wall. Course, I do have several copies of this cd, as everyone in my family received this cd for Christmas that year from me! I kept a copy in my purse for years, until it got so ratted and torned. Here's the photo!



I'm the girl in the middle of my two friends... this was by far the most awesome concert that I've ever attended, as we were so silly, so 16 years old all over again and Paul gave us so much attention! Two nights later, we showed up at the next concert in the same seats. When guitarist Brian Ray came out on stage he saw us and laughed. Then Brian pointed us and said 'no, not you again!'

And, I never wear Beatle tee shirts, I always wear something that I feel good in, ... I have to look my best for Paul!

Enjoy the show and can't wait to hear all about it... details details details!

Karen

 

[lvcourtneyy]

I can't speak for the CMs but if I were one, I would LOVE to get thank-you cards from guests (especially little ones!). I know I follow a girl on Instagram who is friends with Pocahontas and posts pictures of the cute little things guests give Poca so I'm sure many of them will enjoy it!

Maddie's countdown pages are so cute. What a great way to make the days go faster!

My votes are for:

California Grill
CRT
Ohana
and Be Our Guest!

 

[katt789]

YYYYAAAAAY CANADA! ….sorry…felt like I needed to represent for a moment there…glad Le Cellier won, and yes, definitely do it next trip!! It’s super delicious and the wait staff is always super friendly!

And yes! That Alice bow is definitely big enough, awesome!

I vote for:

Le Cellier!

CRT

Ohana

BOG!

Oh my gosh Maddie’s pose! That girl is the cutest thing in the world! I swear, all you disboarders with your adorable kids is just killing me!!

Bahahaha character…or twelve. Hey man, it’s always fun to meet characters repeatedly, especially the face characters! If you see that Naveen I know, you’ll have to say hi! Glad that you guys have semi good reviews of CM. I was hesitant booking in, but Jess said it was worth it, and I hear there’s lots of Disney carbs, baha. I also can’t think of a better way outside the parks to start a trip, it just seems so classic!

Oh my gosh, the CM’s LOVE stuff like that! When they’re little cute cards I’ve heard of them keeping them on the bulletin boards in their rooms. Honestly, when someone does something nice like that, it’s always awesome to have something to keep, rather than just a “you were amazing thank you!” I’d say do it! I definitely have a couple pages of templates saved on my computer to print out for next trip, as I know we’ll run into a few amazing cm’s!

Okay, the fact that you just got your ME stuff makes me feel better hhaha. I’ve usually gotten mine so far in advance, and we’ve booked the ME stuff now but I hadn’t gotten anything yet, and I mean, we’re using the bag service this time so I was kinda concerned, but oh well!! I have also heard that if you just give them the baggage claim ticket they can pick up your luggage with that too! WHEW

You’ll have to tell me all about the photopass plus, especially if you notice photogs taking more photos! I still want to get it, but Mom of course hasn’t said anything about it. You can exchange the certificate in for the card at the Poly, right? I’m thinking I’ll need to stop there before CM on our first night!

Wow, I talk a lot

Yay Etsy!

Have a magical weeeeeek!

 

[KristinAnne]

Signature: I'll pick California Grill. I want to go there more than Le Cellier!

Character: Tough one, but I think I'm going with CRT. I've been to both, but I think the atmosphere and overall food quality gives CRT the edge.

Ohana. So much fun!

Counter Service: Hmmm...underdog! Columbia Harbor House

The coloring and writing Maddie is doing is so cute. It must be such a fun motivation for her to practice her letters and sentences (teacher talking!). I can't wait for your Etsy shop!

 

[marDgreen88]

It's getting so close! So exciting. Sounds like a wonderful birthday at Disney, and I personally think the thank you cards sound adorable. I'm sure you'd be able to tell if a certain CM would have a nice reaction to it.

I'll vote for California Grill, Cinderella's, 'Ohana, and Be Our Guest.

 

[Cinderella909]

Oh these decisions are getting too difficult....

California Grill - As much as I love Le Cellier, I hear such wonderful reviews and to try California Grill and watch wishes from the terrace.

Cinderella's Royal Table - Mickey you know how much I love you.... but's it's Cinderella's Castle.

'Ohana - Hands down!

Be Our Guest - Well, it's a castle... need I say more?

Oh the agony of these decisions...

Karen

 

[merbobear]

Signature/Celebrity Chef

Le Cellier Steakhouse
I just wanna try the pretzel bread!


Character/Dinner Show


Chef Mickey's
I've already told my bad CRT experience story, and Chef Mickey's is a favorite! The food is decent to good and we always enjoy a good napkin waving!

Table Service


1. 'Ohana
Oh boy..this one was actually tough. I did LOVE Via Napoli a great deal, but 'Ohana is a for-sure repeat for our next trip, and in fact we are considering doing 'Ohana for both dinner & breakfast next year. 'Ohana wins!

Counter Service

Columbia Harbor House

While BoG clearly has the finer theming and they offer the added value of a "sit down" style meal for a counter service credit, I just can't help but love CHH a bit more! Anyone who has made their way upstairs at CHH knows the real value, and that is a quiet and cool place to eat lunch, hidden far away from the mid day crowds of MK.

 

[IheartDDuck]

All right, here are my votes!

Signature - Le Cellier
Character - CRT
Table Service - Via Napoli
Counter Service - Be Our Guest

Yay for Maddie's Lilo dress! I love it!

That's a cool idea about having Thank You notes to hand to CM's. I don't think it would be silly, especially if they really deserve a thank you. If I had gotten something like that back in my theme park days, I would have been so happy!

 

[pkondz]

I'm gonna vote this time. I think it's the first time I'm at least a little familiar with the restaurants in question!


Signature/Celebrity Chef: No contest -Le Cellier
Character/Dinner Show: Another easy one for me - CRT
Table Service: Never been... but wanna - 'Ohana
Counter Service: Only 'cause it's new - Be Our Guest

as it happens Day 7 is my birthday! I would happily have it ignored, but I know that Maddie would really love it if much was made of it. So, I'll wear the button.

uh, huh. For Maddie. Right.

No, no. I believe you.


Really.

Honest.

For lunch on Day 7 we're booked at Liberty Tree Tavern. It's another new place for us, and I think it looks great. I could eat Thanksgiving dinner every day, so I'm pretty sure I'll leave happy.

We had supper there and really enjoyed it. But boy were we stuffed afterwards!

I really like the idea as a way to reinforce the importance of gratitude in Maddie. However, I don't know if the CMs would really respond to it. Would it be silly to them? Would they really care? I'd love your opinions.

I think they'd be well received. Who doesn't like being told they're doing a great job?

 

[Cinderella909]

In other trip news- I read recently here on the DIS about a mom who printed little thank you notes for her kids to hand out to CMs during their trip. I imagine them to be like the "Gotchas" that Maddie's teacher hands out. ("Gotcha being good!") I really like the idea as a way to reinforce the importance of gratitude in Maddie. However, I don't know if the CMs would really respond to it. Would it be silly to them? Would they really care? I'd love your opinions. I sort of saw them as being little cards slightly bigger than an index card that said thank you in some way, and had Maddie's signature. What do you guys think?

I've made some 'appreciation cards' for my DGD, who loves to give them out to CM and even some new friends we've met along the way. The CM have been so touched and some have told us how they will put these in their scrap books. My DGD is quite shy, so it was a nice way for her to say thank you. My cards are business card size with the different characters. I have some with toy story and star wars for Hollywood Studios. Lots of princesses and the usual mickey and gang. I'd be more than glad to share my designs with anyone. I think to have them on index cards with Maddie's signature is a wonderful idea!

Great idea! Karen

 

[ronnmel]

Two of my absolute favorites are in the running this week. I hope they win!!

Signature/Celebrity Chef
California Grill

Character/Dinner Show
Cinderella's Royal Table

Table Service
Via Napoli

Counter Service
Be Our Guest

 

[1000HappyWishes]

Gosh, I am behind on the PTR! Anyway, my votes:


Le Cellier Steakhouse
-Chef Mickey's
-'Ohana
-Be Our Guest

 

[Shaniyah]

I was a lurky loo on your last TR. And I have just finished all of your inserts for this PTR. I have definitely enjoyed reading and I can't wait to read more. Your sewing projects are awesome. I have been planning to sew for the last couple of months and I haven't touched my machine I am truly inspired now and I hope I get a couple of projects done this summer while I am on summer vacay.

I can't wait to read more!