The (Foodie)Force is Strong with Us...a Feb/Mar 2016 trip! THE END - NEW 9/13 Disneyland TR link!

[Jscott1115]

Thanks for sharing! We arrive in November. Cant wait!

 

[chunkymonkey]

We will be arriving 2 days after you in December! I also have scheduled the brunch at California grill and am so excited!!!!Cant wait to be back in Disney in December...doesn't it just feel extra magical!?

Oh too bad we'll be missing each other! It is the best feeling knowing you have another trip in the works! Plus we have annual passes! Woohoo!

Thanks for sharing! We arrive in November. Cant wait!

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a magical vacation!

 

[amalone1013]

That's great! The SPG card is the best way to earn those coveted Starwood points. I don't stay enough at hotels to earn enough points so the signup bonus is key. I really love the locations of the Epcot resorts, because Epcot is my favorite park! And entering from the WS is really nice as it's easy to eat around there. F and W is the best! I haven't been for a few years but it's one of my favorite times to go. I'm totally planning for next year. Wait, when are you getting married again?

I am all about the sign up bonuses. I'm not usually loyal enough to any brand because I'm just looking for a good deal when I travel - except maybe Southwest, but that's more because they are typically the best price for me. I do have my eye on their credit card next... I read about the SPG one on a non-Disney site, so now we will get 6 nights at Disney, and probably 2-3 nights near Universal and one night in Cocoa Beach, all on points. We just signed DF's mom up for it for free nights too!

We're getting married mid to late September... I don't want to put the exact date on the internet, but you are more than welcome to PM me I also have a wedding PJ going on here, and I haven't officially 'broken the news' over there, because I wanted to get all the details worked out/contracts signed. We're like 66% of the way there The other day I was adding up some other credit card rewards, which are being saved up for honeymoon expenses... and it's about $900 currently! So I'm gonna try and talk DF into a quick trip - definitely budget - to see places in person before getting married Those rewards plus the SPG points = me not feeling so bad about spending money on a quick trip

 

[chunkymonkey]

I am all about the sign up bonuses. I'm not usually loyal enough to any brand because I'm just looking for a good deal when I travel - except maybe Southwest, but that's more because they are typically the best price for me. I do have my eye on their credit card next... I read about the SPG one on a non-Disney site, so now we will get 6 nights at Disney, and probably 2-3 nights near Universal and one night in Cocoa Beach, all on points. We just signed DF's mom up for it for free nights too!

We're getting married mid to late September... I don't want to put the exact date on the internet, but you are more than welcome to PM me I also have a wedding PJ going on here, and I haven't officially 'broken the news' over there, because I wanted to get all the details worked out/contracts signed. We're like 66% of the way there The other day I was adding up some other credit card rewards, which are being saved up for honeymoon expenses... and it's about $900 currently! So I'm gonna try and talk DF into a quick trip - definitely budget - to see places in person before getting married Those rewards plus the SPG points = me not feeling so bad about spending money on a quick trip

Congratulations! I guess you are about a year away now! Awesome! Definitely keep collecting the points and miles. It will take you to faraway places. 2 years ago I flew myself and DH to Bali in first class and back all on points. It was the most amazing trip!

I hear ya on the quick trip! It's hard to stay away from Disney for long...hehe.

 

[cinderkelly]

Our Dec dates are From Dec 2-7th! 5 nights at the Dolphin. Will you be there?

Omg we will! We arrive on the 3rd, stay 2 nights at WL then move over to the BW for three nights, we will practically be neighbors! Are you going to do the Christmas Party?

This is a "budget" trip for us as I didn't anticipate going back

That's what having the annual pass will do! It's exactly what prompted our decision to go in Dec. I've always wanted to see Disney at Christmas too and never have.

So 5 nights at the Dolphin, plus I had some credits with united airlines so I only had to pay about 30 bucks for our flights.

How awesome is that! A practically free trip!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Omg we will! We arrive on the 3rd, stay 2 nights at WL then move over to the BW for three nights, we will practically be neighbors! Are you going to do the Christmas Party?

Oh awesome!! We should definitely meet up! I was thinking about doing the Xmas party...I forgot what days it is though. I think it's on the 4th? I haven't bought tickets yet. I was waiting to see who was going to do the Candlelight Processional on the 4th and 5th but they haven't announced it. I guess I should get the party tickets anyways. When were you planning on going?

That's what having the annual pass will do! It's exactly what prompted our decision to go in Dec. I've always wanted to see Disney at Christmas too and never have.

It's gonna be so much fun! I'm so excited to see the decorations! It's too bad we missed the Osborne lights but there will be plenty else to see I'm sure!

How awesome is that! A practically free trip!

I know! I am over the moon about that! hehehe

 

[soniam]

Thanks! Oh too bad we'll miss each other! I think you said you're spending NYE there? Good luck! I'm sure it'll be awesome!
I'm not sure who is doing the CP on the other days we are there, there was a TBD next to some of the dates and so far, only Whoopie as been assigned so I think we'll stick to that until they announce someone else whom we prefer.

Yes, we are arriving 12/27 and leaving 1/2. It's going to be really crowded, but at least I know what to expect. I would love to see NPH. Maybe another time.

 

[Elevationist]

I've been a crappy commenter, but I still read, I swear! Heading over to subscribe to your DL TR right now!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Yes, we are arriving 12/27 and leaving 1/2. It's going to be really crowded, but at least I know what to expect. I would love to see NPH. Maybe another time.

Have a great time! I'd love to be there on NYE. Let me know how the crowds are!

I've been a crappy commenter, but I still read, I swear! Heading over to subscribe to your DL TR right now!

No worries! I've been bad at catching up on everyone else's PTR, TRs. But will do so soon!

 

[saratriceratops]

Wow fun! Definitely go to Villians Lounge if you have the chance. It was so much fun and the food was fantastic. It was the highlight of my trip!!

PTR Update: Disneyland, Princess 5k (Feb 2017) Trip ADRs

Ok, T-1 until we leave for California! I'm ALMOST packed...still have to decide on shoes. Is it wrong to want to bring 4 pairs for flip flops and 2 pairs of walking shoes? I am really trying not to overpack, but I do have some room since we are checking in some large suitcases that are only half full. I have always said, if I'm checking in a bag, it might as well be the biggest bag I am allowed to bring! I'm totally saving room for some popcorn buckets too...hehe.

So this past weekend was our ADR day for our Princess 5k Trip from Feb 23-28 2017. It also coincides with my birthday (27th)! At 7am I tried making ADRs both online and on the app...AND IT WASNT WORKING!! Kept giving me error messages. Maybe the system was overloaded? I doubt it...anyhoo, I called the Disney Dining number and made my ADRs with a CM. Sooo, here were the ADRs I ended up getting:​

Feb 23rd (Day before 5k): We'll have to go to the Race Expo to pick up our bibs from what I'm told. So not sure how long that takes. Maybe if we have some time we can go to Epcot or something. We will grab an early dinner at 1900 Park Fare. Nothing like Prince Charming and Strawberry Soup to get give you some pre-race face!
Feb 24th (Day of 5k): If I don't fall over and pass out after the 5k we may rest then head to MK. I have early dinner ADRs at Liberty Tree Tavern.
Feb 25th: Today will be an Epcot day, and we have lunch ADRs at San Angel Inn
Feb 26th: Today it's DHS and we have early dinner ADRs at 'Ohana
Feb 27th (my bday): It's an MK day! We have a PPO breakfast at BoG and then dinner at California Grill! Wishes is supposedly at 8pm that night, and the only ADR I could get was 6:50pm. I hope that's a good time.
Feb 28th (last day): We'll spend the day at AK and have brunch at Tusker House. I'm excited to eat here again as I love it! Then we plan to get an evening flight out.

The reason for all the early dinners is that I wanted to see if they are offering a Star Wars dessert party...so hopefully I can book that if/when they are announced. Sometimes they are not offered everyday so wanted to build in some contingency. I was thinking of doing Club Villain if it's available too!

@Elevationist @cinderkelly - when should we have our Dismeet? I'm pretty open to changing stuff around except for Ohana and California Grill since they are such coveted ADRs. Maybe we should have a post-race meet up! Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum anyone?

That's our plan so far! We have lodging booked (Contemporary) but I'm waiting on flights. I am strongly contemplating flying us in the day before (Feb 22nd) late night after work and spending the night at the airport Hyatt. I do have some free nights to spare so it wouldn't cost anything, then we can wake up bright and early ready to take ME to the Contemporary. The more I think about it, the more I think this plan appeals to me more. I don't love taking early flights out as it just tires me for the whole day, and I don't want to have to waste a day traveling. The last time we flew in late after work, our flight got slightly delayed and we ended up at Orlando at 1am, and still had to wait for ME to take us to our resort (which took another 30 minutes at that time and it wasn't a magical bus, just a plain white van). So spending the night at the Hyatt seems to be a good idea and we can wake up refreshed to take Magical Express!

See you all in Cali!

​

 

[ArielSRL]

Hi Everyone! I just started my Disneyland TR! Here it is:

Bring Back Hyperspace Mountain! A September 2016 Disneyland Trip Report

I only have intros at this point but I'm gonna write more tonight!

Also, some of you already know but we're going to be going back to WDW this December!! Dec 2-7th to be exact. It's sort of a last minute trip (well, last minute for us) to see the holiday stuff since we've never experienced it before and also to celebrate DH's birthday which is in December. We have reservations for the Candlelight Processional on Dec 3rd (Whoopie Goldberg) and we're also going to eat at Via Napoli, California Grill (Brunch at the Top), Restaurant Marrakesh, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. We may also add a few others. Since I was booking well within the 6-month window I wasn't able to get Ohana or BoG, but that's ok, we're going to Disney World again!

This is a "budget" trip for us as I didn't anticipate going back to soon but since I purchased our annual passes, I thought, why not? Hehe. So we're using my Starwood points to stay at the Dolphin. I thought I only had enough points to stay 4 nights, but luckily Starwood allows SPG members to redeem 4 nights and get the 5th free! So that was some pretty awesome news! So 5 nights at the Dolphin, plus I had some credits with united airlines so I only had to pay about 30 bucks for our flights. That is a relief as I've spent so much this year on traveling! We also have a trip to Hawaii in November with some friends. Might do a mini-TR as part of my Disneyland TR too.

I've stayed at the Swan before, if you want to read my first ever trip report from 2009 you can find it in my signature. Boy, has my trip report writing gotten a whole lot better. When I re-read some of my older trip reports I kinda cringe. What was I saying?!?! Ha ha. I like the location of the Swan and Dolphin but we have to pay for transportation from/to the airport...oh and no magic bands, although I may get some collectible ones to use for this trip and the next year.

Anyone else going to be there at that time?​

Envious, envious, envious of all your trips! Going over to subscribe to the DL TR now....

 

[topdog]

Hahaha...I haven't sign on here for quite a while then I spotted your TR. So glad we were able to meet after all these years.

We might be going back in Feb 2017 also but it depends on a few obstacles. Otherwise, we do have a plan to go back in Oct 2017 for another Halloween gathering. That will also depends on if we can get the reservation or not thru DVC rental.

Next time you come thru PA again, let us know and we can get together for lunch or dinner.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow fun! Definitely go to Villians Lounge if you have the chance. It was so much fun and the food was fantastic. It was the highlight of my trip!!

Thanks for the info! If it's being offered during our trips we'll definitely take a look at it!

Envious, envious, envious of all your trips! Going over to subscribe to the DL TR now....

Thanks! It's a first for us to have the annual pass, so I am going to milk it for everything it's worth.

Hahaha...I haven't sign on here for quite a while then I spotted your TR. So glad we were able to meet after all these years.

We might be going back in Feb 2017 also but it depends on a few obstacles. Otherwise, we do have a plan to go back in Oct 2017 for another Halloween gathering. That will also depends on if we can get the reservation or not thru DVC rental.

Next time you come thru PA again, let us know and we can get together for lunch or dinner.

Thanks @topdog! It was great seeing you and your wife! Will definitely let you know if we pass by the PA area again. Steve really liked Lancaster so we will be going there again!

Our plans for this and next year are Dec 2-7, Feb 23-28, May 3-8, Aug 5-12, and Oct 30-Nov 4. Except for Dec and Feb, nothing has been booked yet. I hope to be able to rent points for at least 2 of the trips. It would save us a lot of money. Maybe we will run into each other at WDW again!

 

[ArielSRL]

It's a first for us to have the annual pass, so I am going to milk it for everything it's worth.

Believe me, I would too, if I could!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just wanted to let you all know that I've started a new PTR for all the WDW trips we're gonna take this year and next with our annual passes! Hope to see a lot of you at WDW over the next year or so, hehe. Here's the link if you're interested:

New PTR: Chunkymonkey & Chubbyhubby's Year of Disney!
​

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Ugh playing catch up is no fun!

I'm in the midst of sorting and organizing our pictures so will get started on the TR over on the Disneyland Trip Report forum soon. I'll post a link here and in my signature when I've started. We had an amazing time, the weather was gorgeous, and staying at the Grand Californian was awesome in terms of location.
Here are my top 10 initial thoughts, coming from a WDW veteran:

Oooo as DH and I just recently started talking about whether we would want to save up for a Disneyland trip or a World trip for our next (in the far too distant future!) Glad to here your perspective!

1) DLR was much more crowded. We've been to WDW and now DLR during labor day week and DLR felt more crowded whereas WDW was pretty light. Granted DLR is a smaller park but I was expecting much lighter crowds during the weekdays. I guess school hasn't started for a good portion of kids yet!

See I've been wondering if it would end up feeling that way. With everything more compact I can see how crowds will feel more congested quicker.

2) I liked the compactness of DLR and how easy it is to walk from park to park and to DTD. The Grand Californian is right above the heart of Downtown Disney, plus you get an entrance from the hotel to California Adventure (for all Disney resort guests, not just Grand Californian), just around the corner from Soarin'. The line for that entrance though, was really long in the mornings, but was very light the rest of the day. The best feature about the Grand Californian was the location and the restaurants. I thought the hotel itself was rather dark and dated and our room was in need of some updating. The restaurants looked really nice though, and the one we did eat at, Storyteller's Cafe, was bright and fun.

3) Characters at DLR had much longer lines, also many of them ended their appearances early, at like 4pm and after that they don't come out anymore. The ones that did show up at night though had really long lines.

huh. I was under the impression Characters were easier to meet there.

5) I like the Disney "bubble" of WDW better as you become fully immersed in the experience, with magic bands and FP+. You technically don't need to bring any money with you. At DLR I found I was using cash a lot as when paying by credit card, they check your ID for everything, including a coffee at Starbucks, and I always seemed to misplace it in my wallet or bag, so I just used cash for smaller purchases as it was easier.

Also something I've been wondering if I would end up feeling. I'm a total fan or the Magicbands and FP+ it pushes all the stress of planning and making decisions to before the trip allowing yourself to relax back and enjoy while on the trip.

6) I am going to say it...like FP+ better than paper FP. DH is the opposite. He prefers to run and grab paper FP so he can ride everything multiple times. I realize there are benefits to that, but I also like being guaranteed a ride on something with an FP+ reservation.

See above. Count me as another who is a fan of FP+ and the lack of it and the complications to park planning is counted as a major downside to a land trip.

Hi Everyone! I just started my Disneyland TR! Here it is:

See you there shortly!

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, before I start ...... I was more than 10 pages behind. Being on vacation for close to 6 weeks and taking 5 weeks to catch up left me with a lot of reading material.
I had to just pick a few things out of your TR to reply on, otherwise I could fill a whole page.
Plus, I had to skim through all the comments or otherwise it would have taken me even longer to reply.
So here we go ...

Here's the crowd. It looks crowded but that's because people were so spread out. There was plenty of space in between groups and parties. If it were a packed night they would make everyone squish together.

Wow! Not too bad - we went to see the Jungle book thingy at AK and they squeezed us in like sardines.

That was one awesome show. You really need to get to see the new one (if you have not already) - it is even more amazing.

I think I got the Castaway Crush: Leblon Cachaça, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice

I got the same thing. And Tom got something that was for 2 - but we could not understand the server, so we had no idea when it arrived. I liked my drink!

Love those pics! I didn't even know they served breakfast - Tom and I do not really like characters during a meal, so that one just went by me.

I always like to do Character Spot first so we look fresh and wide awake in the PP pictures, and especially before Test Track!

Mickey was all hugs!

And another one we have never even been to ..... maybe we should try to meet some characters some time. Clever thinking to go before you ride Test Track.

But I finally booked something....we're gonna be staying at...
The Contemporary Resort
in a Garden Wing Standard View Room
Feb 23-28 2017

Oh, AWESOME ... the Contemporary is such a wonderful hotel and to be able to walk over to MK - that convenience cannot be beat.

Now on to AKL!!!
We took a bus from Epcot to AKL and got off at the Kidani Village stop which is where Sanaa is located.

I remember that lobby! Happy memories!

And such a treat it was...OMG, this was huge! And it was just as amazing as it looked. I loved the different flavors of everything and liked how you could mix and match. The breads were absolutely delicious, some of the best naan ever!

you were brave! We dined at Sanaa during our summer trip and the "smaller" version of this was more than enough for the two of us. To take on the deluxe version - you are my heros.

Thank you for your TR. I loved following along, even though it took me a while to catch up. Going to sign up for the PTR now and then reading your DL TR. I need to compare notes with yours - we loved our little stay so much, we added a day at the end.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Ugh playing catch up is no fun!

It's great to see you back!

Oooo as DH and I just recently started talking about whether we would want to save up for a Disneyland trip or a World trip for our next (in the far too distant future!) Glad to here your perspective!

They are different beasts I think, but they both have their pros and cons.

See I've been wondering if it would end up feeling that way. With everything more compact I can see how crowds will feel more congested quicker.

Yes, especially with the shortened hours we had. I think when they have the park open until midnight, it's much different.

huh. I was under the impression Characters were easier to meet there.

Not really, but we also weren't too familiar with where to find them so it could just be us. My sister did manage to get all the characters she wanted to me though, but me and DH were more interested in the rides so we only did some of them.

Also something I've been wondering if I would end up feeling. I'm a total fan or the Magicbands and FP+ it pushes all the stress of planning and making decisions to before the trip allowing yourself to relax back and enjoy while on the trip.

See above. Count me as another who is a fan of FP+ and the lack of it and the complications to park planning is counted as a major downside to a land trip.

I am definitely a fan of the magicband and the FP+, but with the paper FP we were able to ride some big ticket rides about 6 times per day! It is a bit of work though so I don't think I could do it for every trip.

Okay, before I start ...... I was more than 10 pages behind. Being on vacation for close to 6 weeks and taking 5 weeks to catch up left me with a lot of reading material.
I had to just pick a few things out of your TR to reply on, otherwise I could fill a whole page.
Plus, I had to skim through all the comments or otherwise it would have taken me even longer to reply.
So here we go ...

Great to see you back too!!

Wow! Not too bad - we went to see the Jungle book thingy at AK and they squeezed us in like sardines.

Looks like they are not having the Jungle Book show when we are there in December.

That was one awesome show. You really need to get to see the new one (if you have not already) - it is even more amazing.

This is also going away after November, to make way for a Christmas themed show.
I think it'll be a good show but I think after seeing the CP, and MVMCP, we'd be all Christmas'ed out. I could use a little Star Wars!

I got the same thing. And Tom got something that was for 2 - but we could not understand the server, so we had no idea when it arrived. I liked my drink!

The drinks there are potent but good!

Love those pics! I didn't even know they served breakfast - Tom and I do not really like characters during a meal, so that one just went by me.

Yup they serve breakfast now. It was pretty good for us but I had some friends go after us and they said it wasn't as good (bread was hard, food cold, etc) but they went at a later time.

And another one we have never even been to ..... maybe we should try to meet some characters some time. Clever thinking to go before you ride Test Track.

the Character spot is great because you can meet so many characters in one go. And with FP+ there really isn't much of a wait.

Oh, AWESOME ... the Contemporary is such a wonderful hotel and to be able to walk over to MK - that convenience cannot be beat.

Can't wait to experience it for the first time!

I remember that lobby! Happy memories!

Such a beautiful resort!

you were brave! We dined at Sanaa during our summer trip and the "smaller" version of this was more than enough for the two of us. To take on the deluxe version - you are my heros

.

I'm chunkymonkey for a reason! LOL. It was definitely a challenge to finish, but it was so delicious and I wanted to try every single chutney and sauce they had.

Thank you for your TR. I loved following along, even though it took me a while to catch up. Going to sign up for the PTR now and then reading your DL TR. I need to compare notes with yours - we loved our little stay so much, we added a day at the end.

Thank you for reading, Karin! I can't wait to read more of your new TR!

 

[dizneeat]

Looks like they are not having the Jungle Book show when we are there in December.

You won't be missing much there. The NEW starwars fireworks ........ are a reason to go back there SOON after Christmas! They were A W E S O M E!!!!
I will talk about them soon in my new TR.

 

[paradesintherain]

I love this picture:

​

I was just reading your old trip reports because I love them, and I started to realize that I was at Disney World at this exact time and then I started realizing I was probably at Magic Kingdom at this exact time and then the next picture I scrolled to - sure enough, there I am in the background! Right behind the trash can to the left in the red heart KC shirt. So random and hilarious!