Only 2 days?!? - A Feb. 2017 PTR - Need Snack Credit IDEAS

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Welcome to my Pre-Trip Report!

I am hoping to start planning a very short trip in February! And hoping to get some good advise from some fellow Disney folks. I am fairly new to the boards, I have been reading and lurking for awhile and after our last trip to Disney decided to start my first trip report. (Which I need to finish) But we have new trips to start planning and thinking about.

So, Who is this family that you will be giving advice to? My name is Ariella and am the mom of (2) lovely ladies, Morgan (8) and Gwen (6). We are joined by my DH, Andy. Here is a picture of us on our last trip to Disney on the way to Hoop Dee Doo Review.


Gwen is first, she is our free spirit gal. Morgan is next, she is a bit more reserved. Myself is next, I am the planner of the family. And then Andy is last. (Obviously). He is out numbered but says he is ok with that.

We have been to Disney 3 times so far. And we all just feel in love with Disney and everything about it. I am big on making as many memories as I can before those two little rug rats turn into teenage girls that don't want to be scene in public with us!

So, the quick low down....

The reason for the trip is to see my Grandparents. They live in Sebring, FL (about 1-1/2 to 2 hrs south of Orlando. My grandmother is turning 80 in January and as everyone gets older, I am finding the urge more and more to get my girls to see there great-grandparents. I mean, in this day and age, there are a lot of kids who barely have grandparents let alone great-grandparents!

But..... since we will be flying to Florida and literally driving by Disney World, we "HAVE" to go to Disney also, right?

Well, after lots of talking about it, I finally broke DH down and he agreed. Woo Hoo! So, far all I have is plane tickets booked. Southwest was having a sale, so I grabbed them before the sale was over.

We Fly out on Thursday, February 2nd and Fly home on Wednesday, February 8th.
The plan right now is

Thursday: Arrive in Orlando around 1:55 PM. Pick up rental car and drive to Sebring.
Friday: Spend time with the Grandparents
Saturday: More time spent with the Grandparents
Sunday: Spend the morning with the Grandparents, At some point leave Sebring and head to Disney World
Monday: Day at Magic Kingdom
Tuesday: Day at EPCOT
Wednesday: Fly home at 3:10 PM

So, since we are going to Florida to see my grandparents, as of now my mom is coming with us. My Sister may be coming as well along with her boyfriend. But she isn't ready to commit to anything just yet. I am hoping that they both decide to come along and soon! I have things to plan!

I have lot of questions, but I will save that for the next post.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

What Parks to Choose?

So, when we first started thinking about actually going to Disney at short notice. We knew that we would only be able to do a day or two. And what park would we even go to?!? So, I asked the girls. They thought long and hard about it. There answer?

Magic Kingdom of course! Morgan says that it is a rule, that if you go to Disney World you HAVE to go to Magic Kingdom.

The second park was a bit harder to answer, they debated what they really liked at each park, Animal Kingdom to see the new Tree of Life show? But they said there wasn't enough rides at that park. Hollywood Studios to do Star Wars stuff? But they said that there would be too much construction. EPCOT? New Frozen ride, New Soar'n ride and Test Track! EPCOT won! We haven't gone on Soar'n yet, old or new version. And I mean they are girls, they NEED to ride the new Frozen ride. And they want to meet Joy and Sadness.

So, that is how we landed on those two parks. Problem is.... DH wants to go to Hollywood Studios to do the Star Wars stuff. We talked about getting Park Hoppers but really, we won't have time to park hop. One day at each park will be tough to really squeeze in all that we will want to do.

Maybe we will add a third day to have a half day at Hollywood Studios on Sunday? But I want to go to Disney Springs. We haven't actually done this either. Our first trip it just didn't appeal to us, the girls were little and we choose to just relax at the pool instead of shop. Then they started construction and just decided to avoid it. But now it is almost done and there are so many yummy restaurants to try.

So, for now we are sticking with MK on Monday and EPCOT on Tuesday. Sunday is totally up in the air. I think it will depend on whether or not my Sister and boyfriend decide to join us or not.

What would you do? Disney Springs? 1/2 day at Hollywood Studio?

I was also thinking about possibly doing Ohana for dinner. We have never done that before. But I could only get a 4:10 reservation at 77 days out! It's craziness. Any suggestions?

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Where to Stay?

So, I have been thinking about where we should stay. I am pretty sure we are going to stay at the Art of Animation, in a Little Mermaid room. I want to check out the resort and I figure this is a perfect way to do so. DH is a little bit of a resort snob. Well, maybe more of a bus snob. He hates taking the bus. Mostly because in previous trips we have had a rental double stroller that needs folded up and carried onto the bus. And I ended up with all of the stuff and two kids.

But I think for this trip we will just rent a single stroller in the park. Morgan is getting up there in age to be riding around in a stroller but I really want to stay at the park all day, since we will only be there 2 days. Ane she will not make it if she has to walk all day. DH thinks this is utterly ridiculous that either of them will be in a stroller. But that is until we get there and they walk like molasses!!!!! And want to be carried! I figure for 2 days, we can rent one in park. It will give us a place to put our stuff, as well.

My hope was with all of these "discounts" that are coming out, maybe we could take advantage of one. But I don't think The Little Mermaid rooms have ever been discounted. So, maybe I should just book it. Or maybe a moderate with a discount would even things out a bit? I have been eyeing Port Orleans - French Quarter as well.

I do want to keep it to a value or a moderate this trip. This is to be a short and cheap trip. Cause, really, I would LOOOOOVE to stay at Beach Club but it is too pricey.

 

[CatPack]

I'm new to the forum as well and will possibly be planning a mid-February trip with my mom, so will be following your thread for tips!

I guess I vote for 1/2 day at HS to satisfy the hubby with Star Wars. Plus, it appears the whole family enjoys this, so a win-win for everyone in my book!

With that said, you could technically do both HS and DS. Perhaps do HS on the day you arrive (you could catch fireworks) and then a "quick" trip to DS on Wed before you leave.

Yes, you would have to know what exactly you'd like to do at DS, but you could possibly pick a new restaurant to eat at for lunch before heading to the airport?

 

[CatPack]

Also, I vote for POFQ out of your options if you can afford it. The walk from LM seems like a decent trek from other's reports.

Another option might to to stay at Pop?

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I'm new to the forum as well and will possibly be planning a mid-February trip with my mom, so will be following your thread for tips!

Welcome!!!! I am so glad I have at least one person to bounce ideas off of!

I may want to take a closer look at POFQ. It would be nicer for my mom on the day that she lounges around. But I could see us staying there another time. And I don't think DH would want to spend a whole week at AOA or POP. But not out of the question...

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Who is going Again?

So, I wanted to go into a little more of the moving parts of the people who may / or may not be going.

First off, is our immediate family. We are def going!

Then there is my mother (DN) for Dear Nanna (which is what my girls call her). She has wanted to do some of the more typical Disney stuff with the girls ever since we took them the first time. But she has adrenaline deficiency. Which basically mean she gets tired easy. And by tired, I mean out right exhausted, is she pushes her self to hard her legs have been know to just give out on her and next thing she knows, she is on the floor.

Because of this, she was hesitant to come. Knowing how much walking is involved and how exhausting it can be. But I convinced her that one day at Magic Kingdom would be ok if she rented an EVC for her to use. My hope is it will give her the rest she needs. I am curious as to how it works on most rides if you don't need to stay in it. Do most have a place to park them after you wait in line? I assume some rides are better for this than others...

Also, because of this, is why she is only going to do one day with us. Which factors into whether we should do a half day at Hollywood Studios the day we arrive.

And then there is my sister (DA) for Dear Aunt or Lindsay. She isn't sure what her and her boyfriend want to do. They def want to join us for the first portion of the trip to visit our grandparents. But she isn't completely sure that the boyfriend is going to be so excited about a trip to Disney. They are coming down for a visit Labor Day weekend. And she was going to bring the topic up after that visit.

So, a lot kind of rests on whether they decide to come or not. I thought that if they DON'T want to come to Disney we could all still explore Disney Springs on Sunday before they head back to the airport. Or even something like Ohana. But I will try to write out some of my food thoughts in the next post.

I really hope my sister decides to come along but we will have to wait and see.

 

[ariane37]

Hi there! I followed your TR way back when you started it and I totally agree that if you're going to be SO close to Disney - ya gotta go!
As for resorts, you're right that the LM rooms are never included in discounts. Unfortunately POFQ is often excluded, too But occasionally it's included so take that with a grain of salt. Besides FQ the only other mod we've stayed at is CSR and we'll be staying there again for part of our trip in Nov. We really liked it, and so did our boys who were 12 and 9 at the time.

Now, for your other question: DS vs HS on Sunday LOL actually I don't even need to think, I'd do HS! First of all I need to ride TOT on every trip as it's my favorite; second, since it's a short trip you may as well squeeze another park in. It's really not much $$ at all to add one more day.......the "new" DS is very nice but honestly, unless the girls are really into Legos or you plan to let them do a good amount of shopping, my guess is they'll enjoy some time at HS more.

Hope the rest of your family decides to go! DH and I leave tomorrow morning for a quick adults only trip, but when we're back I'll look to see what else you've planned

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I followed your TR way back when you started it

Welcome!!! Thanks for coming over here as well. I have to get back and finish that trip report. I hate leaving it incomplete. Summer has been busy, busy, busy!

As for resorts, you're right that the LM rooms are never included in discounts. Unfortunately POFQ is often excluded, too

That is good know! I am torn. I was reading someone's trip report last night and saw some pictures of POFQ and it is beautiful looking! I will have to price the two out and talk to my mom as well, as she will have to get her own room.

the "new" DS is very nice but honestly

So, that is exactly why we haven't gone yet. We have always decided we would rather go to a park for an extra day than head down to DS. None of us are big shoppers. And it does seem like most of the shopping is a little high end. But all of the restaurants are too good! Why can't they move/open a good restaurant into Hollywood Studios?

DH and I leave tomorrow morning for a quick adults only trip,

That's right! I have been lurking on your trip report for your Thanksgiving trip, I just haven't finished reading it! Have a great trip!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speaking of an adult only trip. DH was in Miami all this week for a business trip and he text'd me and said that he found out that the Sales Conference next year is in March at the Swan & Dolphin! Now he doesn't know if he will actually need to go. But he said if he does go, maybe we could do an adults only trip! I won't say no to that!!!!

I did some number crunching and IF we do 2-3 days in February plus 3-4 days in March. And then the originally original plan was to go to Disney in December with friends of ours. My girlfriend and I wanted to go together and experience the holidays at the park. That would be a full week trip. sooooooo... I figured it would be worth at least myself and DH getting annual passes! I am not holding my breath but we will see. It would give us some extra flexibility with 1/2 days at parks or park hopping. Especially, since my biggest issues has been how $$$ the tickets to the park are when you only buy 2 days. This would soften the blow.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Food?

So, I think this is where I am having the hardest time. There is just so many places to eat and just not enough time.... I think we will do most meals out of pocket. It's such a short trip, it won't really be needed. We have always been big on breakfast in the room, and since we will have been at my grandparents, we can easily stock up on some snacks and breakfast items.


Sunday: My trouble day
So, this is obviously the day that is TOTALLY up in the air. I don't know what time we will arrive at Disney, I don't know where we will be, or who will be with us. But I stress because IF we end of with 7 for dinner, I REALLY should make a reservation!!! So, since this day is so up in the air, I think I will just list the places and ideas that I have been bouncing around in my head.

• Disney Springs - Blaze Pizza or D-Luxe Burger or Food Trucks - It would be free (no park ticket needed) and we could just walk around.
• Polynesian - Ohana - I actually just made a reservation for 7 for this... I know it is soon hard to get. But all I could get was a 4:10 reservation! But I will cancel it if I know for sure that we aren't a party of 7. We have not done with dinner and I thought it could be a good option that wasn't "too" Disney-ish if my sister and her boyfriend came with us. Plus we could get Dole Whips after. And the Poly is a great hotel to explore. And now that I am typing, we could do a monorail crawl and just see all of the resorts, if we have my mom, sister, & boyfriend... hmmm.
• Grand Floridan - 1900 Park Fare or Contemporary - Chef Mickey - I thought both of these would be a nice character meal to have my mom expierence with the girls.We have done both. We really liked 1900 Park Fare for the character interaction but the food was just so so. And we did breakfast for Chef Mickey for breakfast, so I am not sure what the dinner food is like. But I am also not sure my sister and boyfriend come, I am not sure if that would be too much for the boyfriend.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge - Boma - We all love Boma, the girls talk about it all the time. And I figured we can look at the animals while there and the lobby at that hotel is amazing to see.
• Hollywood Studios - I am not even sure, we really don't like much of the food there right now.... Which leads me to NOT go there.. that day.

Monday: Magic Kingdom
I really think this day will be counter service all day. I am not a huge fan of most of the sit down places IN the park. Maybe we would do Skipper Canteen. It is def my favorite in the park but I am also ok skipping it this trip. And I am just thinking that there is so much to do in the park I don't want to spend a ton of time waiting for the bill and what not. But we could to The Plaza, maybe? What is the current status for booking that? We haven't done that yet, as we have always been on the dinning plan and it always seemed like a waste of a table credit.

We love Columbia Harbor House, I read about it on our first trip and I am pretty sure we go at least once each trip. We also liked Pecos Bill this last trip and I am pretty sure we could split a fajita meal between two adults. Once you add all of the toppings, it was HUGE serving! Plus, I want to maximize my snacking, I think!

Tuesday: EPCOT
So, I haven't thought too much about where we would eat in the park. There are some many good snacks and counter service places that I think we will just do that. Morgan says that she "HAS" to get her Nutella Croissant in France. It's actually part of the reason she choose EPCOT.

I started a snack bucket list that has lots of items in EPCOT. You can see it here. It is a work in progress but I always get so distracted when we are there I forget what I want to try. If you want to check out my list, here is a link to the google document! Food Bucket List Feel free to give other snack and/or food suggestions!

Anyway, I got sidetracked... I booked a reservation at Beaches and Cream for Dinner this day. I was able to get a 5:05 reservation for 5. We have never been, and the idea of the Kitchen Sink Sundae sounds fun. It won't be amazing food, but it is reasonably priced (for Disney). And I figured my mom could take the bus (or car - but that is a whole other issue to be decided) from the hotel over to that area and meet us for dinner. She wouldn't need to have a park ticket, either which would be good. We really haven't even been over to that area, so it would be nice check out that area.

Gwen requested we eat at Via Napoli. She really liked eating there on our last trip. Which is an option if we decide that we don't want to leave the park and/or my mom decides to not meet us for dinner. But there are so many other restaurants in EPCOT I feel like we should try something new. But what?

Wednesday: Resort
Honestly, at this point, I figured we would lounge around the hotel, enjoy the pool and just eat at the counter service at the hotel. I was thinking this, mostly if we were staying at AOA, as I hear good things about the food court. But we will see. Maybe we do Hollywood Studios this day and just do counter service at the park... How is the counter service at PORFQ?

I hope I didn't make anyones head hurt. But this is why I wanted to start this little trip report! There are so many variables, my head spins in circles! It's so much easier when I am just planning for just our family. Adding other folks makes it so much more complicated.

 

[ariane37]

First, let me say that while the Beaches and Cream food isn't gourmet, it's actually very good! We've eaten there twice and both times I got the grilled cheese and tomato soup and LOVE IT! Between my DH and 2 DS's they've had burgers, hot dogs, some kind of salad and maybe a reuben? Anyway everything we've all had has been very good "comfort" food. Of course you go for the ice cream lol but it helps that the food isn't bad!

The Plaza.......you should double check but I believe the current set-up is that they only take walk-ups with the exception of either the 11-12 hour or the 12-1 hour every day, something weird like that. It should be a quick option if you decide to do a TS; we ate there once, it was good. Again nothing fancy, pretty basic, but my DS's love their shakes.

Now HS TS yeah I know, nothing spectacular and QS is even more disappointing. Although Pizza Rizzo should be open for your trip so if the reviews are favorable you could always try that. We're going to try Mama Melrose again in November. We haven't been there in years but I've read quite a few favorable reviews lately, so hoping for a good meal!

For Epcot TS we really enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco. It took us awhile to try it because a. we were afraid it would be too "different", and b. the reviews aren't always positive. But we finally tried it on an adults only trip, loved it, and then took our DS's last Nov. and they loved it also. We're going back there again in November, too I'm going to take a look at your snack list, but if school bread from Norway isn't on it - add it!!!

 

[MamaMeggie]

Morgan says that she "HAS" to get her Nutella Croissant in France. It's actually part of the reason she choose EPCOT.[/QUOTE
I did not know this existed! We are going to have to try this for sure.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So, I think I mis-typed.... It's not a Nutella Croissant, it's a nutella crepe. Personally, I find the crepe it's self just ok. But the girls love them.


BUT if you have not had it you must try the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle in the Magic Kingdom at Sleepy Hallow! So good!!!!

 

[MamaMeggie]

I have NOT had that. It was on my list for our first trip and we just didn't get to it. I really want one this trip! But I do like crepes as well. There are just so many treats to eat!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

First, let me say that while the Beaches and Cream food isn't gourmet, it's actually very good!

If we don't make it this trip, I def want to try it out at some point...

For Epcot TS we really enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco.

We are semi-adventurous eaters, but I am not sure about that menu. Maybe, I would like to try all of the restaurants at some point. We have eaten at the quick service restaurant in Morocco and we liked that.

I'm going to take a look at your snack list, but if school bread from Norway isn't on it - add it!!!

It's not, but I will add it!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So, a minor update...

My sister and her boyfriend were here visiting this weekend. Which resulted in my mother also coming over. So, there was some talk about the vacation planning. (YEAH!)

The first update/change is that my mom wants to spend an extra day with my grandparents, which actually makes sense, instead of spending a day by herself at the resort, she will spend it with her parents and then meet us at Disney. So, what that does to my plans, is this:

Sunday: Either Hollywood Studios or Disney Spring / Hotel swimming
Monday: EPCOT
Tuesday: Magic Kingdom

Which works out fine. I always like to end with MK. And we can go all day and kill ourselves, we only have swimming and travel the day after.

The second update, that my sister (STILL) hasn't committed to going but sounds like they might... Ha, so i guess that isn't much of a second update.

I am leaning towards trying to hit Hollywood Studios on Sunday. But still flip flopping on which hotel to stay at. PRFQ would probably fit my sister and boyfriend better, but I think my mom and DH's would prefer AOA. And I am totally torn. Sigh. I feel like AOA will win out, just because it is cheaper...

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hi Everyone!

It's been awhile but there really hasn't been any planning going on as of late. BECAUSE my sister STILL hasn't made a decision on what she is doing! Grrrrr..

But she is coming down this weekend for our other sister's baby shower and she "promised" to have a decision by then. So, hopefully, I can get some of the big things finalized and booked!

What has happened since my last post was that Disney did release some discounts for Room Only bookings! Which has made my decision our where we want to stay that much harder!!! So, the resorts we are contemplating:

• Art of Animation: Little Mermaid Standard Room - $124 a night

No discount offered but still the cheapest option
I think this is the girls choice for hotels and I kind of feel like we need to do it before they get much bigger.
They just won't appreciate it as much.

• Art of Animation: Lion King Suite - $255 a night

I think we would enjoy this much better than the standard room. Just having a little more space and closer to the main pool and food court.
And if it ends up just being my mom, she could just stay with us instead of booking 2 rooms.

• Port Orleans French Quarter - $170 a night

I think this is where I want to stay the most but I am mostly being out voted

• Caribbean Beach - $132 a night

So close in price to a Little Mermaid room and we would get more space in the room, but again I am being out voted

But soon much depends on whether my sister is coming too, if it is my sister and her boyfriend... Hopefully, she will have a decision this weekend. Because really, I need to book the room ASAP at this point.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So, we booked a room! Woo Hoo!

We are staying at Caribbean Beach. Art of Animation was going to be our first choice but since my sister was taking to long to decide. So Little Mermaid rooms were gone and the only suites left for the discount was Cars. And that is probably the ONLY movie that we don't really like.

I just booked our room tonight and my mom is going to book her room tomorrow! And well, my sister is still deciding on something, what, I am not sure. But I didn't want to wait any longer.

I am excited to check out a different resort! I started to see what the "best" locations were at Caribbean beach. But I am kind of thinking of just making sure that we get rooms near each other and not worry about which area to be in. But if anyone has recommendations, I will def take some suggestions.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hello!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just for awhile, there was nothing happening and then school, and the holidays hit!

Updates:

• My sister finally decided what she was doing. She isn't going to do a park day. She is flying directly from a business trip and then leave the weekend after for another one. So she is hoping to spend a couple days at home. So, her boyfriend and her will just drop us off at Disney on Sunday.
  
• I booked our fastpasses on Monday! Woo Hoo! The system was different from the last time we went. And it's nice that you don't have to choose 3 but you had to keep track of what you picked. Not sure how I feel about the "upgrades" I almost missed the day to book the fastpasses. I have been so busy and pre-occupied with Christmas stuff, that I completely forgot. Thankfully, I just happened to check my countdown!

So, this is the plan!

Sunday: Dropped off at Disney! We are thinking of maybe trying to do Mini-Golf on property. Anyone actually do this before? And maybe walk around Disney Springs.
Food: I think we will just stick with counter service choices. I am thinking either Blaze Pizza or the new Burger place. Both look delish.

Monday: EPCOT

Who:
Andy, Morgan, Gwen, & myself

Fastpasses:
11:05 - 12:05 Mission Space
2:50 - 3:50 Frozen Ever After
5:40 - 6:40 Character Spot

Food:
I don't think we will make any hard dinning reservations today. There are lots of counter service options and I think that new food kiosk/art show event will be going on that day. So, I think that will work on just fine for this quick trip.

Tuesday: Magic Kingdom

Who:
Andy, Morgan, Gwen, myself & my mom

Fastpasses:
11:15 - 12:15 Big Thunder Mountain
1:15 - 2:15 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
3:05 - 4:05 Peter Pan's Flight

Food:
This day I am still debating about reservations. Might try to get a Plaza reservation, if we want to sit for awhile. But otherwise, I think we are going to just do counter service today as well.

Wednesday: Swim / Pack / Magical Express

So, that is the latest update!

After the holidays, I will have to figure out 2 Tinkerbell Gifts for the girls. And figure out anything else, that I can't even think about right now. Must go back to Holiday planning.

 

[ariane37]

FP plans look good! We've done both mini-golf courses, Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens. I'd suggest Winter Summerland as I think it's a bit easier and I love the theming, although Fantasia has cool elements, also. However the whole getting there/busing situation has changed and now I'm not sure how easy it is to get to W-S? Whereas you can basically walk to Fantasia from any of the Epcot resorts. I think mini golf on arrival day is a good idea though