"You've got serious thrill issues, Dude" -- A 1st PTR!!

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Joining in! First trips are so exciting... and your boys are absolutely adorable!

October is a great time to visit WDW... DH and I have taken our DDs (now 10 and 8) to WDW twice, both during October. We did MNSSHP on our 1st trip and had a blast!

Re: Sci Fi vs. 50sPTC... we've dined at both, and enjoyed both. Of course, my girls liked Sci Fi better. I think the atmosphere of 50sPTC was a little over their heads. I would say your boys would like Sci Fi better because of the cars and experience of eating at a "drive-in", but that's not to say they wouldn't be entertained at 50sPTC. As for the food, I remember liking both places... the ribs at Sci Fi were yummy, as is the fried chicken at 50sPTC. And the PB&J milkshake at 50sPTC is to die for!

Welcome!! Thanks for your kind words about my kiddos! I am so excited to take them to MNSSHP. I have never been before. What were your favorite parts about it? What did your girls like best?

I think I am going to leave the Sci-Fi ADR - Jack saw a picture of the car, and he thought it was really cool. He really wants to "drive" it, so that right there pretty much sealed the deal! And now I can just tell Mike that we have to go back to Disney again soon to try PTC!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Disney recently extended free dining until March '12. Have you thought about taking advantage of that offer? Staying at a Value resort, you would qualify for only the quick service dining plan, which wouldn't include 50's but you can upgrade to the regular dining plan, which is very inexpensive to do, and that would include 50's.

Hi there! Thanks for asking, and yes, I did look into moving our trip around. However - #1) Mike would kill me if I moved the trip AGAIN, haha and #2) the dates we are going now are perfect for our celebrations, and I really like that the boys get to wake up, on their birthday, at Disney World!
So - maybe we will bounce back next year for free dining! It couldn't hurt to try!!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Hi all!

So, to keep me occupied while I try to wait patiently for October, I have decided I need some projects. So, here is what I am thinking:

1) Theme nights! My boys are super into the Pixar movies, so I am hoping to watch one of those every Saturday until our trip and turn it into a theme night. I already have a few ideas for A Bug's Life (copied directly from Shannon84 ) What are your favorite movies to do a theme night around?

2) Airplane goody bags! I was thinking it would be cute if "Mickey" sent my boys goody bags to take on the plane. So far I have gotten: Cars crayons and pencil pouches, Toy Story coloring pages, and Mickey stickers. If any Moms out there have done the same: what were the big hits with your kids?

3) Birthday t-shirts! Since the last day of our trip is the boys actual birthday, I wanted to make them cute birthday shirts. I was looking at a few websites for ideas, so hopefully I will be able to figure something out!
Any other "pre-trip must do's" with small kids?

 

[PixieMama]

Welcome!! Thanks for your kind words about my kiddos! I am so excited to take them to MNSSHP. I have never been before. What were your favorite parts about it? What did your girls like best?

As I said we enjoyed MNSSHP, but I will say this: had I known then what I know now, I would not have gone to the park for 1/2 a day on the day of the party. This was back in '07 (my girls were just 4 and 6 at the time). MNSSHP was the 1st day of our trip... we were at MK for Rope Drop and stayed until about 3:00, then went back to the resort to grab dinner and so the girls could change into their Halloween costumes. Then went back to MK for MNSSHP. We didn't do a whole lot, because my youngest was getting sleepy. I know we saw the Villains show and parade, and went to Chip & Dale's Dance Party. And of course the girls did some trick-or-treating. But I would totally do MNSSHP again (just not on a park day, LOL!) Seeing all the characters dressed in costumes is fun. And I really think the Boo to You! parade is the best out of all the parades at WDW!


I think the goody bas from Mickey is a cute idea! And for the birthday tees, how about checking out the DISign forum? http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

 

[Shannon84]

Hi all!

So, to keep me occupied while I try to wait patiently for October, I have decided I need some projects. So, here is what I am thinking:

1) Theme nights! My boys are super into the Pixar movies, so I am hoping to watch one of those every Saturday until our trip and turn it into a theme night. I already have a few ideas for A Bug's Life (copied directly from Shannon84 ) What are your favorite movies to do a theme night around?

2) Airplane goody bags! I was thinking it would be cute if "Mickey" sent my boys goody bags to take on the plane. So far I have gotten: Cars crayons and pencil pouches, Toy Story coloring pages, and Mickey stickers. If any Moms out there have done the same: what were the big hits with your kids?

3) Birthday t-shirts! Since the last day of our trip is the boys actual birthday, I wanted to make them cute birthday shirts. I was looking at a few websites for ideas, so hopefully I will be able to figure something out!
Any other "pre-trip must do's" with small kids?

There's actually a whole thread of people on the DIS doing theme night (where I got the idea for some of my Bugs life stuff ) Some of my favorite Pixar ones were Incredibles and Monsters Inc as well. We just did Lilo and Stitch last night and that was a lot of fun!!

Here is the thread I mentioned

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1707141

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

I think the goody bas from Mickey is a cute idea! And for the birthday tees, how about checking out the DISign forum? http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

There's actually a whole thread of people on the DIS doing theme night (where I got the idea for some of my Bugs life stuff ) Some of my favorite Pixar ones were Incredibles and Monsters Inc as well. We just did Lilo and Stitch last night and that was a lot of fun!!

Here is the thread I mentioned

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1707141

Thank you guys so much for the links!! You rock for being so totally helpful!! I knew there was a good reason that I loved these DisBoards!

 

[Missyrose]

Thanks for your input Your food pics from PTC were incredible looking. I think Mike would absolutely LOVE the fried chicken that you had. BUT - I was actually looking at a TR last night where the family went to Sci-Fi. Jackson saw the picture of the kids sitting the car, and he was like, "Can I drive that car at Disney?" Sooooo I am thinking I will probably leave our Sci-Fi ADR so Jack can "drive" the car. Yep- I spoil my boys

Jack wins! Sounds like a great plan! Seriously, how many times are you going to have to ride the Tommorowland Speedway with those two?!?!?

 

[Oliquig]

Hi all!

So, to keep me occupied while I try to wait patiently for October, I have decided I need some projects. So, here is what I am thinking:

1) Theme nights! My boys are super into the Pixar movies, so I am hoping to watch one of those every Saturday until our trip and turn it into a theme night. I already have a few ideas for A Bug's Life (copied directly from Shannon84 ) What are your favorite movies to do a theme night around?

2) Airplane goody bags! I was thinking it would be cute if "Mickey" sent my boys goody bags to take on the plane. So far I have gotten: Cars crayons and pencil pouches, Toy Story coloring pages, and Mickey stickers. If any Moms out there have done the same: what were the big hits with your kids?

3) Birthday t-shirts! Since the last day of our trip is the boys actual birthday, I wanted to make them cute birthday shirts. I was looking at a few websites for ideas, so hopefully I will be able to figure something out!
Any other "pre-trip must do's" with small kids?

1. Familyfun.com has great party ideas featuing Disney movies, I have gotten a lot of ideas for some theme nights.

2. Color wonder books, nice and neat.

3. Right here on the Dis Boards there is a section for Disign. Several different artists will personalize their designs for iron on shirts, just make sure to read their first posts to follow the rules.

Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105


By the way I'm Rachel and I'm joining in, looks like you're going to have a great time, and your boys are adorable.

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

1. Familyfun.com has great party ideas featuing Disney movies, I have gotten a lot of ideas for some theme nights.

2. Color wonder books, nice and neat.

3. Right here on the Dis Boards there is a section for Disign. Several different artists will personalize their designs for iron on shirts, just make sure to read their first posts to follow the rules.

Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105


By the way I'm Rachel and I'm joining in, looks like you're going to have a great time, and your boys are adorable.

Hi Rachel! Thank you for joining in and thank you for the suggestions! The color wonder books sound great for the plane - no mess!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Disclaimer: I tend to go overboard. Just a bit. Okay, a LOT. ("Go big or go home", right??)

For this trip, I had originally intended to only do 2 ADRs. One fun restaurant, and one character meal. I wanted Chef Mickey's for breakfast on 10/17. It wasn't available. So I booked CP, but then I still really wanted Chef Mickey's. I booked both. I was going to cancel Sci-Fi. I didn't. Then DH mentioned he wanted to go to PTC. So I debated switching it. I didn't. I just now booked PTC. Whoops!

So - for the family who was only going to have 2 ADR's - it now looks like this:
Thurs - arrival day - no ADR, MNSSHP
Fri - lunch @ Sci-Fi w/1st visit celebration
Sat - breakfast @ Chef Mickey's
Sun - dinner @ 50's PTC w/anniversary celebration
Mon - breakfast @ Crystal Palace w/birthday celebration

So, now that I have completely gone overboard with my ADR's, should I revisit doing the DDP? Originally when I priced it out, it didn't seem worth it. But, that was also when we intended to mostly eat QS or snacks. What do you like/dislike about DDP?

 

[PixieMama]

We've done the DDP twice... the 2nd time was with a Free Dining promo. Our first trip we booked through a travel agent, so I don't recall pricing the vacation with/without the DDP.

Soooo... I have no idea whether it's worth it or not. I'm really helpful, aren't I?

I will say that I enjoy having the DDP, and would definitely get it again (especially if it's FREE ) It's just nice knowing we can order whatever we want, not having to worry about ordering what's in our budget.

 

[Shannon84]

I have only used DDP when I was lucky enough to book during free dining periods (2 different vacations). I enjoyed trying it out, it was free so you cant beat that of course I felt like it was a great amount of food, I loved that there were a ton of snack options (especially during Food and Wine when I went I could use snack options at the carts). But I felt pegged into getting dessert at meals when I would have rather nothing more or an appetizer instead

When it came to this trip I priced out my expectations of what we would eat (including what it would cost me out of pocket for my ADR meals) I decided against it, but I may re calculate after reading your post I used an Excel spreadsheet to calculate

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

When it came to this trip I priced out my expectations of what we would eat (including what it would cost me out of pocket for my ADR meals) I decided against it, but I may re calculate after reading your post I used an Excel spreadsheet to calculate

See... this is where I worry about my math... I think the boys didn't qualify for the DDP to be added to their ticket, because they don't have tickets. But, they will be eating... so I don't quite get how it works??
I think I am about to call the friendly ppl at the Disney Travel Company and ask some questions!

 

[ZFamily5]

Hi all!

So, to keep me occupied while I try to wait patiently for October, I have decided I need some projects. So, here is what I am thinking:

1) Theme nights! My boys are super into the Pixar movies, so I am hoping to watch one of those every Saturday until our trip and turn it into a theme night. I already have a few ideas for A Bug's Life (copied directly from Shannon84 ) What are your favorite movies to do a theme night around?

2) Airplane goody bags! I was thinking it would be cute if "Mickey" sent my boys goody bags to take on the plane. So far I have gotten: Cars crayons and pencil pouches, Toy Story coloring pages, and Mickey stickers. If any Moms out there have done the same: what were the big hits with your kids?

3) Birthday t-shirts! Since the last day of our trip is the boys actual birthday, I wanted to make them cute birthday shirts. I was looking at a few websites for ideas, so hopefully I will be able to figure something out!
Any other "pre-trip must do's" with small kids?

My sisters and I love doing Disney theme nights to get ready for the trip! The older of the two (11) liked Bug's Life and the younger (6) liked Lion King. We too, make goody bags for the trip. Ours usually involve coloring books, snacks and a new book (but a new book might not work as well with your boys as it does with my sisters). A fun pre-trip activity might be letting Jackson and Ryan help you make a countdown chart and then they can take off a stick or Mickey head everyday.

Disclaimer: I tend to go overboard. Just a bit. Okay, a LOT. ("Go big or go home", right??)

For this trip, I had originally intended to only do 2 ADRs. One fun restaurant, and one character meal. I wanted Chef Mickey's for breakfast on 10/17. It wasn't available. So I booked CP, but then I still really wanted Chef Mickey's. I booked both. I was going to cancel Sci-Fi. I didn't. Then DH mentioned he wanted to go to PTC. So I debated switching it. I didn't. I just now booked PTC. Whoops!

So - for the family who was only going to have 2 ADR's - it now looks like this:
Thurs - arrival day - no ADR, MNSSHP
Fri - lunch @ Sci-Fi w/1st visit celebration
Sat - breakfast @ Chef Mickey's
Sun - dinner @ 50's PTC w/anniversary celebration
Mon - breakfast @ Crystal Palace w/birthday celebration

So, now that I have completely gone overboard with my ADR's, should I revisit doing the DDP? Originally when I priced it out, it didn't seem worth it. But, that was also when we intended to mostly eat QS or snacks. What do you like/dislike about DDP?

Believe me, I know about going overboard with ADRs! For our 12 day trip, I had more than 20 ADRs scheduled at one point! Not good!! We've done the dining plan multiple times and enjoyed it a lot. We felt it was easier than paying OOP because you got a lot of food and it was already paid for. Then again, if the boys turn three on the trip, they will be considered free, therefore wouldn't receive the dining plan. I don't know if your boys are big eaters, but in my mind they might want their own food. Just my opinion...can't wait to hear what you decide!

 

[teekathepony]

Jumping in! I followed you over from Missyrose's PTR (her shameless plug worked!).
I've only ever done the dining plan when it was free, but I do love it. When I get to the restaurants I'm not looking at the prices, but at the food. I'm super cheap and would otherwise be ordering just a side salad with no dessert to keep the cost down. Last year we went in Nov. and didn't expect the free dining promo, so we priced it and found it was well worth our while to buy the ddp. However a month or so before our trip they put the free ddp promo out for our trip so it worked out anyway!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Jumping in! I followed you over from Missyrose's PTR (her shameless plug worked!).

Hello and welcome! (Thanks Missy!!)

I did call and add the dining plan. It seemed to be a good value for this trip. And, I like what you said about being able to look just at the food instead of at the price - that'll be much more "vacation" pace. Food is where I would have cut major corners! I also like that it will be pre-paid.

Thanks again for joining in!

 

[heathsf]

From what I've read about the dining plan (and if it's a good deal), it seems that Disney's claim that you save 20% (or whatever it is that they say) really only holds true when you order the most expensive items on the menu. In my opinion, even if you only save a little money or just break even, it's nice to have it prepaid. It may be silly but to look at it this way but if the food is already paid for, I'm going to be able to enjoy it more without worrying about prices on the menu. But that's just me.

So I hope you enjoy having the DDP!

 

[jenneth79]

From what I've read about the dining plan (and if it's a good deal), it seems that Disney's claim that you save 20% (or whatever it is that they say) really only holds true when you order the most expensive items on the menu. In my opinion, even if you only save a little money or just break even, it's nice to have it prepaid. It may be silly but to look at it this way but if the food is already paid for, I'm going to be able to enjoy it more without worrying about prices on the menu. But that's just me.

So I hope you enjoy having the DDP!

I look at it the same way. We have the DDP, and while we probably won't make any money off the package than paying OOP, I think we'll probably come close to breaking even. That, and not worrying "how much will this set me back", since it was already paid for.... makes for MUCH less stress when I vacation.

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

I am waffling on the DDP again. I priced it all out again using the menus from allears.net. I am pretty much breaking even. (I think - I am still not clear on the kids under 3 thing - I know at buffets they're free, but what about CS or TS if I order them a kids meal? I feel like, if they're gonna eat it, I've gotta pay for it?!??) But I could definitely cut some corners, and share some meals with DH. And we definitely don't need desert each meal. I am trying to lose weight for this trip, not come back 10lbs heavier!!
So now I am back to not wanting the DDP. Oh, not to mention I just got a Disney Visa card, and it comes with a $200 Disney gift card. So that's food money right there! Sigh... I guess I'll just have to make more changes.

Although... that's nothing compared to the changes that will be coming in my next update!

 

[Missyrose]

Although... that's nothing compared to the changes that will be coming in my next update!

Big changes, huh? I may know a thing or two about that