Don't worry kids, we'll tell Mickey you say hi- May 2016 PTR *Updated 4/28*

[ashw100]

It's nice that you finally get to do a couples only trip.

I'm loving your ADRs.

I have never done California Grill but have heard great things about it.

I've only done Ohana for breakfast. I really want to do dinner but just haven't yet as my family is very picky.

I have Chefs de France for the first time in a week so I have no opinion there yet.

50s Prime Time is awesome! I recommend it to people all the time.

I haven't done Kona, Morimoto, or HDDR but have always wanted to do both Kona and HDDR. Morimoto isn't on the top of my list because again my picky family.

I've only done Beaches and Cream for the Kicthen Sink and let me tell you that is an experience! Both see, like good choices tho.

LTT seems like another good place to eat. I haven't eaten there myself but do want to try it.

Thanks, I am trying to take inspiration from your trip. Thanks for your feedback about the ADRs.

Hey! You have a lot of my wants for our upcoming trip on your list: Cali Grill, Ohana, Chefs de France, BOG dinner and Morimoto. Sounds fantastic!



I would say that if you don't think HDDR is up your alley than I'd skip it. I've never done HDDR because, like you, I don't think the entertainment is something we'd really enjoy. While the food might be good, unless you particularly like that kind of food you're paying for the entertainment. IMO, Morimoto will likely have better food for the price. Again, just my opinion. YMMV.



We ate at Beaches and Cream in April and really enjoyed it. It was a quick meal but then you have to consider transportation times, etc. so it might be tight getting back to HS for Fantasmic! Can you move the ADR up? Also, have you considered doing a different restaurant with the dinner package? We did Mama Melrose with the package and we thought the food was good and if I remember it was less expensive than HBD.

I am so torn, while its not necissarily my thing, I really want to step outside my comfrot zone. who know maybe we'll love it and it will become our thing

I LOVE planning ADRs...and anything else so I love this list.

California Grill seems like a great couple only meal. I read a dining report that said the steak was amazing! And the Wishes view will be awesome!

I enjoyed the food at Prime Time on our trip last year. I think I got the sampler? It was so good! But I remember the night being rough overall and the boys acting up at the table...so my memory is a little tarnished. And I keep hear rave reviews about the PB&J shake!

I would choose Skipper Canteen as well! And yum - Tonga Toast! Maybe keep Kona or even just pop over to Captain Cooks?

It might be cutting it close to get back for Fantasmic. It is the second showing but with it being a Friday night, it might be really crowded. Maybe keep searching for an earlier time at Beaches & Cream?

And we loved lunch at LTT! The Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake was just as good as everyone says it is!

I have switched things around you are right its just too close to F! One thing I have discovered is that it is super easy to switch things around when its just two

We ate at California Grill in 2014 to celebrate our anniversary. It was delicious and we had a wonderful server. Unfortunately, it was raining during Wishes, but the view was still spectacular- I made DH go outside for a bit, anyway.

Your other choices sound good, too! I can't wait to start reading reviews on Skipper Canteen!

Thanks, CG is the meal I am most looking forward to.

If the menu at Skipper Canteen is catching your eye I'd say go with that one. When I looked over the menu I noticed that the kids menu wasn't that great. It may be an easier restaurant to try when its just you and your DH.

I believe I may have heard that you can get the Tonga toast at the quick service. If that is the case and Tonga toast is all you are after then why not cancel the ADR and hit up the qs if and when you get a chance?

You must have skipped over my post about it then. The travel to get there is rather involved. While the show is fun we found the food to be more "Meh" then WOW. And while it may be something worth doing once, it really is a whole family thing and I think you would really regret doing it without your boys present. My vote would be to save this for a longer trip with the boys and do what we did that day (Rest day in the morning, see the show that evening. )

Is there a second showing for F! that day? If so I'd shoot for that instead. There is also the option to go the picnic route and eat qs while sitting in the stands.

Thanks for your input about HDDR, I did forget your post, so I have heard one negative review , but I think we are going to try it out. I am really making an effort this trip to do new things. I am probably going to use Uber for this to cut down on the craziness of getting in and out.

I'm with Gracefulskinny. We LOVE LOVE LOVE HDDR, but I say save it for your family trip. It's a great all ages kind of place, not not necessarily romantic. (although they sing a lovely song and let people dance if it's your anniversary or something) I toyed with going for our adults only trip but scratched it off the list because of the "family" factor.

Okay, everyone is making me nervous about this now I don't know what to do, I didn't think it was something super kiddie .

I like the idea for the trip! I think a little time without the kids becomes a necessity from time to time. I'm just sorry that things beyond your control have thrown a wrench in the family trip plans.

It looks like you're really taking advantage of being without the kids and trying to have some very good meals!

Thanks, we are crazy excited to just be going away Thanks for the feedback

 

[ashw100]

Disney Must Dos


Now that I am going back to Disney for my fourth time in a little over 2 years, there are still a great deal of things that I haven’t done. While there are many things that do not interest me, I do have a list of things that are going to be new to me and important for me to hit, so I am making a must do list. I made a must do list for our last trip but keeping up with the kids took much of my focus away from it. Now, I am going to make it my mission to do these ten things and will try to stick with it.


1. See the kiss goodnight.


This is something that I have been wanting to see since I first heard about it, but with little ones, it’s hard enough to stay until the fireworks are over let alone late enough to see this happen. We will have two nights that we are staying until close at MK which gives me two opportunities to see this.


2. Have a Dole Whip.

​

Somehow I have made it this far and not had this Disney treat. It has always been my priority to get one of these and yet I have not had the opportunity to actually do it.


3. Eat/drink around the world


I always just thought this sounded fun and want to give it a try. With Joe it should be easy because we can always split one thing from every country and probably not overdo it too much.


4. Enjoy the streetmosphere.


I have been around when streetmosphere is going on, but we usually pause for a minute and then move on. I would like to actually stay to enjoy the whole set from beginning to end. Top on my list would be Dapper Dans or Trolley Car show, but I will gladly stop for the other forms of entertainment in the parks.

​

5. Do a Tour


Right now I am contemplating doing a tour I am just not sure which one, I will post when I figure it out though.

​

6. See Wishes from outside the park.


We plan on doing this night one at California Grill

​

7. Have a Drink at Trader Sam’s


Trader Sam’s had just opened on my last trip, but not something I wanted to do with three little ones in tow. We are supposed to have dinner at Ohana so I am hoping to swing by trader Sam’s before our ADR

​

8. Watch Wishes from Fantasyland or from a ride


This is actually recycled from my last Must Do’s and we never not got around to it. I have heard this offered a unique perspective on the show, which is my number one favorite thing at Disney.


9. Take time to explore every country.


This is actually a must do for Joe and myself. By the time we get to that section of the park the boys are tired and we usually ended up just walking around the outside of the world showcase and only being able to glimpse at the pavilions. Joe and I are determined to actually go inside and take in what each country has to offer.





10. See Fantasmic!


We have had the dinner package the last two times and each time were unable to actually go see the show. I have seen it before, although it’s been awhile, but Joe has yet to see it and really wants to and I need a refresher.

​

I feel pretty confident that I can accomplish everything on my list. We’ll see how I do in just 4 months time.

 

[hokieinpa]

I love, love, love your list! And pretty much everything on your list is on mine too. I'm taking a solo Mommy trip in October and I plan on crossing off lots of things! It sounds like you guys are going to have a great trip!!

1. See the kiss goodnight.

Yes! I've seen videos but this looks so magical. And you're right, not something little ones can hold to see.

2. Have a Dole Whip.

I haven't had one either!

4. Enjoy the streetmosphere.

I'm excited to see the Trolley Show!

5. Do a Tour

This will be fun for the two of you! Again, not something you can do with kids! I'm planning on one for October.

7. Have a Drink at Trader Sam’s

Yum! Fun!

9. Take time to explore every country.

Yes! We always spend time in Mexico then speed through every other country because the boys are just DONE! It will be fun to take the time to really explore the World Showcase!

 

[Chelley00]

We have the same to-do list I think!

As for HDDR, I didn't mean to scare you off! I love HDDR. It's good food, corny jokes and really really fun. I just think of it more family oriented than "romantic" adults only. But, it's definitely not "kiddie". You'll love it whether you have kids with you or not. We took my mom and she loved it as much as my then 7 year old did.

 

[rteetz]

Great list! I can't believe you haven't had a dole whip!

 

[ashw100]

I love, love, love your list! And pretty much everything on your list is on mine too. I'm taking a solo Mommy trip in October and I plan on crossing off lots of things! It sounds like you guys are going to have a great trip!!

I bet you're so excited for your solo trip, I'm jealous

Yes! I've seen videos but this looks so magical. And you're right, not something little ones can hold to see.

Yeah, I'm not even sure I can hold out

I haven't had one either!

At least I'm not the only one.

I'm excited to see the Trolley Show!

Me too, I see it as kind of an extension of the welcome show and I adore that.

Yes! We always spend time in Mexico then speed through every other country because the boys are just DONE! It will be fun to take the time to really explore the World Showcase!

I am so excited for this, every pavilion is so beautiful and I never get to enjoy it.

We have the same to-do list I think!

As for HDDR, I didn't mean to scare you off! I love HDDR. It's good food, corny jokes and really really fun. I just think of it more family oriented than "romantic" adults only. But, it's definitely not "kiddie". You'll love it whether you have kids with you or not. We took my mom and she loved it as much as my then 7 year old did.

No worries, as long as I am not stepping into something that was designed specially for kids like the Disney Junior show.

Great list! I can't believe you haven't had a dole whip!

I know right? Especially because I really wanted one but we don't spend too much time on that side of the park and there just never seemed to be an opportunity to get one . I am determined this time.

 

[ashw100]

I booked two more things this week that I am excited to share.

​

The first thing I booked was our tour. I ended up going with the Keys the Kingdom Tour for Tuesday, May 3. We got the 8:30 which means we get to get into MK early which I love. I am looking forward to this, but I am afraid that a lot of what is said, I may already know about MK. However, I am more excited for Joe because I think this is something he is going to love . Plus, I think he will grow to love WDW even more by learning about it, thus ensuring all future trips I want to take will happen. ​

​

All a part of my master to plan

The second thing I booked was Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I went back and forth on this one, but ultimately went with it. The one thing about me and Joe is that we like to stay in our comfort zone. For example, last year half of the things we ate at F&G would not be something we would look at and order in a normal situation, but we committed to branching out and found things we loved. So that is what HDDR is about, its not something we would ever think to go to if it were here in the 'real" world, but we're going to give it a shot at Disney and who knows maybe we'll love it.

I also have been going through our daily plans and tweaking some ADRs and such, thanks to some helpful suggestions. Soon, I will have to start figuring out FPs and buying some new clothes for the trip , it doesn't totally feel real yet, but I'm getting there.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I am probably going to use Uber for this to cut down on the craziness of getting in and out.

jUst be sure to factor extra time to deal with the internal bus system. (Unless I have read wrong in multiple places, the uber car can't take you all the way to the door. Just the entrance to Fort Wilderness. )

8. Watch Wishes from Fantasyland or from a ride


This is actually recycled from my last Must Do’s and we never not got around to it. I have heard this offered a unique perspective on the show, which is my number one favorite thing at Disney.

THis one has been on my list for a while now as well.

9. Take time to explore every country.


This is actually a must do for Joe and myself. By the time we get to that section of the park the boys are tired and we usually ended up just walking around the outside of the world showcase and only being able to glimpse at the pavilions. Joe and I are determined to actually go inside and take in what each country has to offer.

Start at the back and work your way forward. That way Your energy will be fresh at the countries that normally you are tired at and by the time you are tired you will be passing the countries that you normally do first so you've probably seen more of them.

The first thing I booked was our tour. I ended up going with the Keys the Kingdom Tour for Tuesday, May 3. We got the 8:30 which means we get to get into MK early which I love. I am looking forward to this, but I am afraid that a lot of what is said, I may already know about MK. However, I am more excited for Joe because I think this is something he is going to love . Plus, I think he will grow to love WDW even more by learning about it, thus ensuring all future trips I want to take will happen.

Exciting!

The one thing about me and Joe is that we like to stay in our comfort zone. For example, last year half of the things we ate at F&G would not be something we would look at and order in a normal situation, but we committed to branching out and found things we loved. So that is what HDDR is about, its not something we would ever think to go to if it were here in the 'real" world, but we're going to give it a shot at Disney and who knows maybe we'll love it.

 

[afwdwfan]

8. Watch Wishes from Fantasyland or from a ride

I like your whole list, but this one in particular is a lot of fun. I've seen it from Splash and BTMRR. Both offer some great vantage points as you're going around the mountains in the ride... but if you can time it to see some fireworks as you make the drop on Splash, that is pretty incredible.

The first thing I booked was our tour. I ended up going with the Keys the Kingdom Tour for Tuesday, May 3.

Awesome!!! This is a tour that I'd love to be able to do sometime!

I am looking forward to this, but I am afraid that a lot of what is said, I may already know about MK. However, I am more excited for Joe because I think this is something he is going to love . Plus, I think he will grow to love WDW even more by learning about it, thus ensuring all future trips I want to take will happen.

You know, I think you'll enjoy it even more because you know a lot of the Disney "inside" information. I think it will be neat to finally be able to see some of the behind the scenes things in person that you've heard about.

 

[ashw100]

jUst be sure to factor extra time to deal with the internal bus system. (Unless I have read wrong in multiple places, the uber car can't take you all the way to the door. Just the entrance to Fort Wilderness. )

Good to know, thanks.

THis one has been on my list for a while now as well.

Me too, I'm excited to do it.

Start at the back and work your way forward. That way Your energy will be fresh at the countries that normally you are tired at and by the time you are tired you will be passing the countries that you normally do first so you've probably seen more of them.

Thanks for the tip we always just work our way around, but you're right this may work better.

I like your whole list, but this one in particular is a lot of fun. I've seen it from Splash and BTMRR. Both offer some great vantage points as you're going around the mountains in the ride... but if you can time it to see some fireworks as you make the drop on Splash, that is pretty incredible.

Ok, this is now my plan. I had originally wanted to do BTMRR, but it will be closed. Seeing the fireworks from the drop sounds amazing.

You know, I think you'll enjoy it even more because you know a lot of the Disney "inside" information. I think it will be neat to finally be able to see some of the behind the scenes things in person that you've heard about.

That's a great way to put it thanks. I may know the information but I rarely stop to take it in while I'm there, like the windows

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Thanks for the tip we always just work our way around, but you're right this may work better.

We used to do it that way as well until the last night of our trip when I decided to give it a shot. DH and I were very happy with the result. ANd you still get most of the countries. I'm not sure we will tour the world showcase without using this method again.

 

[ashw100]

We used to do it that way as well until the last night of our trip when I decided to give it a shot. DH and I were very happy with the result. ANd you still get most of the countries. I'm not sure we will tour the world showcase without using this method again.

Awesome, good to know. Do you take the boat back or do you walk? I've never taken the boat, but I think it will give our feet a nice break.

 

[ashw100]

Double Digits Dance!!

​

Our countdown is now 99 days!!! I always feel that by this point in the planning, my obsession intensifies. I feel like the trip is so close compared to when I started planning and yet there is nothing to do. ADR's are set, days are planned out, FPs still have a month to go and I can't really do anything else until I get closer. I always end up wanting to be immersed in Disney and have nothing to do . Is this just me, please tell me its not . Thank goodness for trip reports, at least I can read about other people's trip . Next week, I will probably start laying out my plans for each day .

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Awesome, good to know. Do you take the boat back or do you walk? I've never taken the boat, but I think it will give our feet a nice break.

Indeed we do. If you are trying to kit up the most countries on one go Take the Morocco boat and work your way towards mexico. YOu only miss France, England and Canada this way. And really France is right there by the boat dock for Morocco so you could even hit that up as well if you don't mind a small bit of backtracking.

Double Digits Dance!!

​

I always end up wanting to be immersed in Disney and have nothing to do . Is this just me, please tell me its not .

Not this time for me! We are still dealing with the logistics from moving (we are getting the old house cleared out) and won't be done dealing with that until end of February. By then our trip will be right around the corner. I completely missed our double digit dance and almost missed FP day!

 

[Dugette]

Just got all caught up on your plans. I am so happy that you and Joe get an adults-only trip. Disney will seem totally different without having to attend to the needs of 3 little boys at all times. And I'm glad that you're planning to try new things that are better suited to couples. We love dinner at California Grill - ask for a window seat to see the fireworks, we've had to wait, but gotten one each time. The steak is very good! We did the Keys to the Kingdom tour a few years back and really enjoyed it. And I'm certain you will learn/notice new things. The guides are VERY knowledgable and excited to share all sorts of little tidbits (we had Rae as our guide and she was phenomenal, but I hear many of them are). I can't believe your trip is only double digits away! How exciting! I look forward to hearing all about it.

 

[knkmom]

Joining the party late but I've enjoyed reading through your PTR so far and can't wait to read more!! You've given me some excellent ideas to add to our next trip in May 2017!

 

[hokieinpa]

Yay! Double digit dance!!

And I feel you - I want to plan SOMETHING! I end up playing around with our plans and change or add ADRs. We're getting close!

 

[Chelley00]

Yay for double digits. We are there too!

 

[Corrine 1973]

New to the party but I am enjoying what I have read so far. Can't wait to read more.

 

[rteetz]

Double digits! I wish I was going back to WDW in less than 100 days.