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

[hokieinpa]

I'm excited for purple magic bands too! Ordered them for my mom and I for May!

Great plans! We'll be at MK all of the same days so we'll have to figure out a time to meet up!

And I agree with the big Rivers of Light question mark! I know it will be opening April 22 but what time? Is there a FP+? A dining package?? Come on, Disney!

 

[ashw100]

I'm excited for purple magic bands too! Ordered them for my mom and I for May!

Great plans! We'll be at MK all of the same days so we'll have to figure out a time to meet up!

And I agree with the big Rivers of Light question mark! I know it will be opening April 22 but what time? Is there a FP+? A dining package?? Come on, Disney!

I know I find it pretty annoying that they haven't released anymore information about that, guess we'll just have to wait and see. Yay for purple magicbands .

 

[ashw100]

If you couldn't tell from my many other posts about it, one of my favorite parts of a Disney vacation is the food. I pour over menus, constantly checking out restaurants and changing up ADRs, and just generally obsessing about all the delicious food I can eat while I'm there.

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This is one of the reasons we love going this time of year, because the food options increase with Flower and Garden. This event started about two weeks ago and we loved it so much last year, we have dedicated an entire afternoon to eating around the world at the booths. Thanks to the Disney Food Blog (all pictures credited to them), I can share with you some of the favorites we want to have, along with some new dishes as well.

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First up, La Isla Fresca.

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Nothing really stands out to me here, but I'm thinking Jamaican Braised beef because at least Joe will like it.

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Cider House

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Here I want to try Land-harvested Field Greens with Apples, Dried Blueberries, Stilton Cheese and Apple Cider Vinaigrette.

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Also, I am a big fan of hard cider so I think we'll go with the flight to try them all.

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Urban Farm Eats

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I'll probably go with the Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction. We had this last year when it was at the Florida Fresh booth and I really liked it.

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I am also excited to try the Peach Sparkling wine .

Pineapple Promenade

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This is a booth we missed last year and I am excited to finally try the hotdog and lemonade, because I have heard rave reviews about both of them.

Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Taro Chips


Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
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Jardin de Fiestas

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This is another food booth where I am not feeling the food, but the margarita sounds amazing.

Mmmm I love margaritas
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Lotus House

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Joe is really excited to have the strawberries again this year and I am looking forward to trying the beef bun. Pete and the guys from DISUnplugged gave a really good review to the buns at Nine Dragons and I am hoping this is as good here too.

Beijing candied strawberries
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Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

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Here I want to have the chicken fricassee with green asparagus and peas and grapefruit beer I have heard so much about .

It actually doesn't look appetizing to me, but it sounds delicious.
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Primavera Kitchen

I actually want two things here and for stomach capacity reasons we are trying to limit it to one food item at each place, but I'll share both of the ones we want here.

Mezza Luna primavera, egg pasta stuffed with riccota and spinach in a creamy sauce with spring vegetables and pecornio.


Pollo a parmigiana
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The Smokehouse

This is my favorite outdoor kitchen and I literally want everything on the menu. We'll probably go with the hash, which was a favorite from last year and break the one item rule because I NEED the chocolate cake .

Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños


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Hanami

We're going to go pretty simple here and stick with the frushi, which is my favorite thing from F&G.

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Taste of Marrakesh

Here we will probably go with the chicken which was something we had last year and enjoyed. I want to branch out and try the falafal but I'm not really sure what it is.

Harissa Chicken Kebab with Sweet Couscous Salad


Falafel Pocket with Cucumber-Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
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Florida Fresh

I actually don't like anything here, which is kind of a relief because we can take a food break and just have some drinks, which we are interested in trying.

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Fleur De Lys

Another one of my favorites and where I will have to break the one item rule.

Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Puff Pastry Crust

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Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam

La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush (Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain liquor with White and Red Cranberry Juice)
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Right now we only have one afternoon to try all the foods. Even if we stick to one item, there are 13 booths which split in half is still a ton of food. I seriously doubt we will be able to get to them all.

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However, it's fun to dream and I've been on a diet for the last month so dreaming about food is a necessity right now.

I am also closing in on deciding about our next family trip. The guilt is really starting to hit me about leaving the kids behind, and I think if I can finally decide when we can go back with them, I won't feel as guilty. A little guilty? Of course, but not as much

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[hokieinpa]

Yum, I'm excited to try F&G goodies too! I need to make my list but we're on the same page with most of the booths.

Countdowns are getting so short now!!

 

[Dugette]

I love grazing the food booths. I agree - that's a lot to try at once, but sharing definitely helps. Good picks - a lot of that sounds so good! Mmmmm....

 

[afwdwfan]

This is one of the reasons we love going this time of year, because the food options increase with Flower and Garden. This event started about two weeks ago and we loved it so much last year, we have dedicated an entire afternoon to eating around the world at the booths.

This is the way to do it. I'd love to be able to get there sometime to just enjoy trying some new things from all the booths.

Nothing really stands out to me here, but I'm thinking Jamaican Braised beef because at least Joe will like it.

That looks pretty amazing to me.

Mmmm I love margaritas

Primavera Kitchen

I actually want two things here and for stomach capacity reasons we are trying to limit it to one food item at each place, but I'll share both of the ones we want here.

I don't blame you, both look really good.

Right now we only have one afternoon to try all the foods. Even if we stick to one item, there are 13 booths which split in half is still a ton of food. I seriously doubt we will be able to get to them all.

But I applaud the effort!

I am also closing in on deciding about our next family trip. The guilt is really starting to hit me about leaving the kids behind, and I think if I can finally decide when we can go back with them, I won't feel as guilty. A little guilty? Of course, but not as much

Guilt is overrated. Mommy and Daddy need some time for themselves too.

 

[ashw100]

Yum, I'm excited to try F&G goodies too! I need to make my list but we're on the same page with most of the booths.

Countdowns are getting so short now!!

Everything is so good, you'll love it. I know, I can't believe it's almost here

I love grazing the food booths. I agree - that's a lot to try at once, but sharing definitely helps. Good picks - a lot of that sounds so good! Mmmmm....

Yeah, we'll see what we can get through, I've been on a diet so my eyes are bigger than my stomach at the moment

But I applaud the effort!

haha thanks

Guilt is overrated. Mommy and Daddy need some time for themselves too.

We definitely need the time, that's for sure.

 

[ashw100]

Okay, so as you may know we had to cancel our family trip due to circumstances out of our control and I have had a hard time decided when to go and have played around with every possibility. We were supposed to go in the fall for MNSSHP and I really want to take them to it, but I don't want to push to back a whole year. Joe isn't blacked out from vacation from November 1 to January 1, so it had to be after that. We also wanted to go before May so we could get APs and save a little money that way. So I have finally settled on January 2017!!Now obviously nothing is book, as room rates aren't even out yet and I always wait until Southwest releases before I decide on tickets, but the dates are pretty solid. We are thinking either Jan 15-22 or 22-30. If we go with the first week, it falls on MLK day which means Connor misses one less day of school, but CLs are 10's. It would also begin on parents anniversary (they are thinking about coming again) and end on my birthday. I'm not crazy about leaving Disney on my birthday, but a b-day trip would be fun.

I am already 99% sure we are going to stay at AKL, which I am super excited for. I have always wanted to stay there and this will be our last chance to do so because there rooms only hold 4 people and 1 under three. Unless of course we want to stay in a one-bedroom which I don't think will happen unless I win the lottery . So AKL one way or another. I am looking into DVC, but I am not going to book crazy early, which seems to be the only way to rent points nowadays, so we'll see. Thankfully AKL is on the "cheaper" end of deluxes and pushing my trip back three months will give my ample time to save up for the splurge of staying deluxe.

Anyways, I thought I would share this even though it's not really related to this upcoming trip except we are going to be Annual Passholders now.

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Is it weird I've always wanted an AP? Like every time your checking out and they ask you if you have an AP and I have to say no it makes me sad . But not this year, I get to say yes give me that discount . I pretty pumped because it will actually save us a good amount. For these tickets we spent $382 each on 7 day, park hoppers. For our Jan trip would spend $448 on 7 day, base ticket (this is before and after price increase and also third party sellers), which give us a total of $830 for tickets for both trips. An AP is $797, on top of that we have merch discounts and free MM which would would have bought for both trips anyway. We'll also be doing Tables in Wonderland, and we should save us a little bit maybe around $50 for this trip, but we will obviously see more savings next time.

This PTR is obviously starting to wind down, as our countdown slowly dwindles, 42 you guys!! My excitement is through the roof right now. I may have gone a little overboard recently with shopping for this trip, which I will share next time. Thanks for following along during this dry bit, but soon there will be a TR to share

 

[afwdwfan]

This seems like a pretty good idea. I've always wanted to be an AP holder too, so I totally get where you're coming from. I know we really loved our few days there this past January. We were there just the week before you're going though so we missed some of the bigger crowds around the MLK Day weekend, but even on Friday when MK was supposed to be like a 9, it didn't seem all that bad. It might be close, but you might even catch a few Christmas decorations that aren't quite down yet. We saw some around World Showcase and DHS seemed like they'd never even started taking theirs down yet. MK was undecorated on 1/12 and 1/13 this year so you'll probably miss out on seeing that.

 

[Dugette]

Yay for figuring out your family trip and planning to become an AP holder!

We really love AKL, so glad you will get a chance to stay there! (Don't forget - AP holder room discounts too!)

 

[ashw100]

This seems like a pretty good idea. I've always wanted to be an AP holder too, so I totally get where you're coming from. I know we really loved our few days there this past January. We were there just the week before you're going though so we missed some of the bigger crowds around the MLK Day weekend, but even on Friday when MK was supposed to be like a 9, it didn't seem all that bad. It might be close, but you might even catch a few Christmas decorations that aren't quite down yet. We saw some around World Showcase and DHS seemed like they'd never even started taking theirs down yet. MK was undecorated on 1/12 and 1/13 this year so you'll probably miss out on seeing that.

So glad you understand my excitement for an AP, let's me know I'm not crazy, well at least crazy about that . I am worried about weather that time of year, but hopefully light crowds will make up for it.

Yay for figuring out your family trip and planning to become an AP holder!

We really love AKL, so glad you will get a chance to stay there! (Don't forget - AP holder room discounts too!)

Thanks, I really want to stay there so hopefully we can get a good discount if we can't do DVC. Wish we could book it as a bounce back, curse Disney and the way they release their pricing

 

[ashw100]

I can't believe how quickly this trip has snuck up on me. It seems like just yesterday I was making FPs and then today I got this email

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I feel like I can't really get excited about this trip because our plans hinge entirely on other people for it to work. If for whatever reason my in-laws can't come watch the boys we're SOL . Obviously there's no reason to believe this would happen but still. Hopefully the excitement can kick in soon though. I have spent a small fortune to update our clothes for this trip. Usually I am so focused on what the boys will wear each day, that I don't put too much thought into what I do. With it just being us. I decided to get some new things to wear. I don't have specific outfits for every day, but I will share what I do have. *All photos taken from site where they were purchased


For arrival day I got this t-shirt from Etsy.

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On the day we have the tour I got this shirt from Kohls, Lauren Conrad had a Disney Collection

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For our Hollywood Studios day I got these for Joe and I

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Haunted Mansion shirts for Joe and I for our MK morning as well as matching ears for me

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UP shirt for AK morning and matching ears

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Joe can't wait to show Kylo Ren his family portrait shirt when we meet him

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I also got him this throwback shirt to wear whenever

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I don't have much else to say about our trip for now. We are waiting to hear about ROL still and how and if these new paid premium events will effect our trip. One month from right now we will be at Epcot

 

[hokieinpa]

A January trip and APs!! So exciting! It sounds like APs are the best deal for this situation with the savings on tickets and MM. I have a TIW card too and it paid for itself in about 5 meals (with 7 of us going). And make sure you use it at Everything Pop too, which I forgot about the first time I ate there!

Yay, MBs shipped! It's getting so close now! And I really hope they release more info on ROL too. I'm really hoping for a FP+ or dining package so we don't have to wait in line!

 

[frostymojo]

Checking in, can't wait to read the trip report. We will be there the week after you, May 10-19th.

 

[Dugette]

Cute outfits - glad you could have fun with picking those out.

I just heard today that RoL's opening was delayed (along with other AK nighttime things). What a bummer, but maybe easier to plan your AK time now, I guess.

 

[cindianne320]

I love the clothes you picked out! I actually ordered a similar Home shirt from Etsy yesterday and just may have to go check out Kohl's! I love the Animal Kingdom tank, too!

RoL being delayed has me super bummed for my May trip as well.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

This is a booth we missed last year and I am excited to finally try the hotdog and lemonade, because I have heard rave reviews about both of them.

Both are good. I've heard that the hotdog is full sized this year.

We'll probably go with the hash

Mmmmmmmm

I want to branch out and try the falafal but I'm not really sure what it is.

I used to know what this was. Its escaping me now. I wanna say its a mediterranean version of a hush puppy, but I could be way off.

Right now we only have one afternoon to try all the foods.

That seems ambitus!

I am also closing in on deciding about our next family trip. The guilt is really starting to hit me about leaving the kids behind, and I think if I can finally decide when we can go back with them, I won't feel as guilty. A little guilty? Of course, but not as much

No mommy guilt! Investing in your marriage is an investment in the kids lives!

So I have finally settled on January 2017!!

It would also begin on parents anniversary (they are thinking about coming again) and end on my birthday. I'm not crazy about leaving Disney on my birthday, but a b-day trip would be fun.

I'd shift those plans by a day at least. THat sounds like a pretty stressful way to spend your bday.

we are going to be Annual Passholders now.

Is it weird I've always wanted an AP? Like every time your checking out and they ask you if you have an AP and I have to say no it makes me sad . But not this year, I get to say yes give me that discount .

Nope! I'm still a little put out that no one warned me about the wedding last may. I totally would have upgraded our tickets and gotten a tables in wonderland card last May had I known I would be back in March!

42 you guys!!

For arrival day I got this t-shirt from Etsy.

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Love it!

Oh wow do I love this!!!

We are waiting to hear about ROL still

I thought of you when I heard about the delay. I heard somewhere that its looking like it might be closer to June.

One month from right now we will be at Epcot

 

[ashw100]

A January trip and APs!! So exciting! It sounds like APs are the best deal for this situation with the savings on tickets and MM. I have a TIW card too and it paid for itself in about 5 meals (with 7 of us going). And make sure you use it at Everything Pop too, which I forgot about the first time I ate there!

I plan to eat there every morning for breakfast

Yay, MBs shipped! It's getting so close now! And I really hope they release more info on ROL too. I'm really hoping for a FP+ or dining package so we don't have to wait in line![/QUOTE]
Still haven't gotten them yet

Checking in, can't wait to read the trip report. We will be there the week after you, May 10-19th.

Exciting, we went that week last year and loved it!

Cute outfits - glad you could have fun with picking those out.

Thanks

I just heard today that RoL's opening was delayed (along with other AK nighttime things). What a bummer, but maybe easier to plan your AK time now, I guess.

I know I have many feeling about this, none of them good

I love the clothes you picked out! I actually ordered a similar Home shirt from Etsy yesterday and just may have to go check out Kohl's! I love the Animal Kingdom tank, too!

Thanks, I have quite the obsession with Etsy it's a problem

RoL being delayed has me super bummed for my May trip as well.

Me too they just piling on the crap it seems.

Both are good. I've heard that the hotdog is full sized this year.

They made something bigger, that's shocking (I am a little bitter towards Disney these day if you can't tell)

I used to know what this was. Its escaping me now. I wanna say its a mediterranean version of a hush puppy, but I could be way off.

If I get one I'll make sure to report back.

No mommy guilt! Investing in your marriage is an investment in the kids lives!

Oh I like that

I'd shift those plans by a day at least. THat sounds like a pretty stressful way to spend your bday.

Already done, we are looking at leaving the day before my birthday now

Nope! I'm still a little put out that no one warned me about the wedding last may. I totally would have upgraded our tickets and gotten a tables in wonderland card last May had I known I would be back in March!

Yeah, that would have annoyed me

Oh wow do I love this!!!

Thanks me too I think it's my favorite.

I thought of you when I heard about the delay. I heard somewhere that its looking like it might be closer to June.

I am super bummer, see previous statement about being bitter towards Disney

 

[Gracefulskinny]

They made something bigger, that's shocking (I am a little bitter towards Disney these day if you can't tell)

I could totally be mistaken! I'd check EasyWDW or Disney Food Blog for verification. But that picture from Disney food blog does seem to back up my memory.

Oh I like that

Its something to remind yourself when the mommy guilt kicks in.

Already done, we are looking at leaving the day before my birthday now

I am super bummer, see previous statement about being bitter towards Disney

I'd say there is still hope. And even if they don't release it in time you'll still be able to see it in January.

 

[ashw100]

I'd say there is still hope. And even if they don't release it in time you'll still be able to see it in January.

I know, it seems there will lots to do in January that we'll just miss in May.