I've been missing you....

[Jessica Meier]

Well, I haven't been on much the past couple of weeks. Recovering from my surgery, accepted a teaching position for the fall, and swim lessons for the baby girl has kept me beyond busy the first couple of weeks of summer vacay. I have been trying to keep up here and there and looking for some of my faves to see what they are pondering. I have a few things to get opinions about so figured I would compile it.

1. Does anyone know what time the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Boat Ride finishes? I believe Wishes is at 9, although there are Evening Extra Magic Hours at MK that night. I thought we might get out if my little one has the energy.

2. Decided to cancel the BBB for my daughter's birthday. She just interested in doing that and couldn't get the timing right anyways. Have decided instead to do a special gift, delivered to the hotel by a Disney Personal Shopper. Super excited about the items she has found. Still debating on a cake from publix, decorated with japanese blossoms and with a edible image of Mulan on the top. She will probably get a cupcake(or two or three) that day at our ADRs, so just don't know if we really need the cake. Of course I want it. But just don't know if it is really necessary.

3. Still can't decide if I'm gonna get PhotoPass or PhotoPass+. We aren't buyers of the ride pictures, but the ADR pics would be nice.

4. On our last day, we should have no table service meals left on our DDP. I imagine we will have just one CS meal per person. Anyone have any suggestions on where we could eat for a really great last day in the parks meal without blowing our wallet?

All I have for now!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

So sorry to hear about your surgery. Here's some cheaper options for TS.
1. Prime Time Cafe
2. Beaches and Creme
3. Tony's (warning: tends to be hit or miss)
4. Rainforest Cafe
5. Via Nappoli
6. Rose and Crown

 

[Jessica Meier]

So sorry to hear about your surgery. Here's some cheaper options for TS.
1. Prime Time Cafe
2. Beaches and Creme
3. Tony's (warning: tends to be hit or miss)
4. Rainforest Cafe
5. Via Nappoli
6. Rose and Crown

All are ones I would like to try except for Rainforest. Thanks!

 

[coachwnh]

The plaza is pretty reasonable as far as TS in a park goes. If you're in the MK, that is a suggestion.
As far as pirates and pals, you'll head back after wishes and as you arrive you'll meet Peter Pan. You have time for a meet and greet with him once you dock. If wishes ends around 910, you should be back at the contemporary dock by 920-9:30. How long it takes to meet Peter Pan is all dependent on where you're seated on the boat and how fast you walk to meet him
Enjoy!

 

[Jessica Meier]

The plaza is pretty reasonable as far as TS in a park goes. If you're in the MK, that is a suggestion.
As far as pirates and pals, you'll head back after wishes and as you arrive you'll meet Peter Pan. You have time for a meet and greet with him once you dock. If wishes ends around 910, you should be back at the contemporary dock by 920-9:30. How long it takes to meet Peter Pan is all dependent on where you're seated on the boat and how fast you walk to meet him
Enjoy!

Thanks @coachwnh. I was thinking Plaza maybe. Thinking since we are staying at the Contemporary it will be back to our room and hopefully in bed by 10:30 to get up early for our breakfast at Akershus.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Hope recovery is going well...

You know my thoughts on cake, even if it's not necessary + maybe there's more room in the budget to justify it now that you're skipping BBB.

Not sure what your plans are for the Pirate Pals day, but if you guys do a middle of the day break/nap she might be able to handle EMH. That's how we're able to do EMH. The girls never nap at home, but WDW is a totally different story.

As for Photopass, I think some of it really comes down to how many pictures you take on your own. I know that doesn't make up for the various ADR pics, but you also have to ask yourself how many you'd normally want and buy without it.

I could go in a million and one different ideas for dining, but is there anywhere you're planning on being? Anything you really do or don't want to have?

 

[93boomer]

Hey glad you are back. Hope your recuperation goes well

 

[Jessica Meier]

Feeling really good. Pretty basic sinus surgery so I was back to normal after about 4-5 days. But I still am having a good day then a bad day cycle so it makes it hard to get a lot accomplished.

Very true about the cake. Still thinking.

I took about 400-500 pics last trip. I really wanted a lot of the photo pass pics but never ordered any. Expect it will be the same this time, so am thinking the deal on buying it pre-trip will ensure I get them.

Our girl NEVER takes naps except in the car. It was the same at WDW, she would only nap in the stroller. We are going to AK that day so I imagine it will be a back at the hotel no later than 4:30(depending on bus timing after parade). So we should be able to rest a bit or at least go to the pool before the cruise.

Not big on seafood or sandwiches. Just wanted a really "this is Disney" meal without paying a ton.

 

[bethymouse]

Glad you're back.

 

[Shere_Khan]

I've heard that Olivia's Cafe is off the radar so should be relaxing, a cheaper TS option, and great food.
We are going for the first time in December and I am really excited to check out Old Key West.
I'm sure it would help if I'd actually been there but a lot of people have recommended it to me.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Feeling really good. Pretty basic sinus surgery so I was back to normal after about 4-5 days. But I still am having a good day then a bad day cycle so it makes it hard to get a lot accomplished.

Very true about the cake. Still thinking.

I took about 400-500 pics last trip. I really wanted a lot of the photo pass pics but never ordered any. Expect it will be the same this time, so am thinking the deal on buying it pre-trip will ensure I get them.

Our girl NEVER takes naps except in the car. It was the same at WDW, she would only nap in the stroller. We are going to AK that day so I imagine it will be a back at the hotel no later than 4:30(depending on bus timing after parade). So we should be able to rest a bit or at least go to the pool before the cruise.

Not big on seafood or sandwiches. Just wanted a really "this is Disney" meal without paying a ton.

Still, that kind of surgery can be a pain. I remember when my friend had nasal work done for a deviated septum and she was not happy. Well, I take that back...they did some minor rhinoplasty with it as well...and that part she liked.

You've still got plenty of time on the cake.

We were afraid they wouldn't nap at WDW- since they are not stroller nappers and their napping is only so/so in the car, but we found a nap approach that's worked for us. We try to keep them in the parks until at least 2pm (later if we have a later dinner ADR) and then when we go back to the hotel...we turn out all of the lights, get the drapes closed as well as possible to eliminate all light, and then we all climb into bed for a while. I sometimes even play nature noises or their bedtime music. I know every kid is different and it might not work for you, but it's never failed us.

As for the meal, you might do best at a place with a true menu so you can share items. I know reviews on Tony's are mixed, but it would be very "Disney" to share a plate of spaghetti just like in Lady & the Tramp. While not TS, I swear, sitting down outside at Casey's and having dogs around the time the parade is going by feels very Disney...and it's fairly affordable- and this is coming from a girl who doesn't even really like hot dogs.

 

[Jessica Meier]

Still, that kind of surgery can be a pain. I remember when my friend had nasal work done for a deviated septum and she was not happy. Well, I take that back...they did some minor rhinoplasty with it as well...and that part she liked.

You've still got plenty of time on the cake.

We were afraid they wouldn't nap at WDW- since they are not stroller nappers and their napping is only so/so in the car, but we found a nap approach that's worked for us. We try to keep them in the parks until at least 2pm (later if we have a later dinner ADR) and then when we go back to the hotel...we turn out all of the lights, get the drapes closed as well as possible to eliminate all light, and then we all climb into bed for a while. I sometimes even play nature noises or their bedtime music. I know every kid is different and it might not work for you, but it's never failed us.

As for the meal, you might do best at a place with a true menu so you can share items. I know reviews on Tony's are mixed, but it would be very "Disney" to share a plate of spaghetti just like in Lady & the Tramp. While not TS, I swear, sitting down outside at Casey's and having dogs around the time the parade is going by feels very Disney...and it's fairly affordable- and this is coming from a girl who doesn't even really like hot dogs.

We will have to try the nap trick. I have a feeling Carl and I may be the only ones napping, but hey at least we will get a good nap out of it!

We did Casey's last trip and camped out for the parade. Got some great seats and enjoyed a decent lunch. I am with you though, I'm not a hot dog fan. I like mine grilled to a nice dark brown crisp. Not boiled. I am thinking we will either be doing MK or HS for our last day so it will probably be either Plaza, Tony's, or Mama Melrose if we can walk up and get in. Gonna let that day be a play it by ear day and fly by the seat of our pants!

 

[foreverbelle]

Are you looking for just inside the park CS? meals...we always end up doing Earl of Sandwich the last day, so if your looking outside that may be an option to choice from, or at least put it in the maybe list. Just a thought.

And welcome back, hope recovery continues to go well and congratulations on getting a teaching position come fall. That is awesome news.

 

[Jessica Meier]

Thanks! I thought of Earl of Sandwich. My hubby may try that. I am not much of a sandwich girl so thought of trying the conewich thing at DTD.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We will have to try the nap trick. I have a feeling Carl and I may be the only ones napping, but hey at least we will get a good nap out of it!

We did Casey's last trip and camped out for the parade. Got some great seats and enjoyed a decent lunch. I am with you though, I'm not a hot dog fan. I like mine grilled to a nice dark brown crisp. Not boiled. I am thinking we will either be doing MK or HS for our last day so it will probably be either Plaza, Tony's, or Mama Melrose if we can walk up and get in. Gonna let that day be a play it by ear day and fly by the seat of our pants!

One warning though...successful middle of the day naps at WDW...at least for our kiddos, have been heavy duty naps. I swear, the girls wind up sleeping as deeply/soundly as they would in the middle of the night b/c they are so tired from everything. We've learned to put a limit on how long they nap and have a wake up plan just to make it an easier process.

If you're looking at all of the parks, 50sPT and Sci Fi could be fun if in DHS.

 

[Jessica Meier]

One warning though...successful middle of the day naps at WDW...at least for our kiddos, have been heavy duty naps. I swear, the girls wind up sleeping as deeply/soundly as they would in the middle of the night b/c they are so tired from everything. We've learned to put a limit on how long they nap and have a wake up plan just to make it an easier process.

If you're looking at all of the parks, 50sPT and Sci Fi could be fun if in DHS.

Yeah I worry about that. She is a BEAST to wake up from a deep sleep too. Grumpier than Grumpy ever could be. I wouldn't mind either of those restaurants as I haven't tried either.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Yeah I worry about that. She is a BEAST to wake up from a deep sleep too. Grumpier than Grumpy ever could be. I wouldn't mind either of those restaurants as I haven't tried either.

I've sometimes resorted to post nap surprises. I remember day 1 of our 2011 trip...we stayed in the park until nearly 3pm and had to be back in MK and at CRT for our 7pm dinner. They were in such a deep sleep for this nap...I mean, totally beat! We had gotten them up at 6:30a for the surprise drive into WDW, checked into the Contemporary, hit MK for a pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace, and then just went full steam in MK until nap time. Plus, we'd lost an hour with the time zone change. They even started to fall asleep in the stroller on the way out of MK- something that never happens. Well, I woke them up by surprising them with their princess dresses along with a few new accessories I picked up while DH took them on the carousel. The whines about sleep quickly turned into princessified excitement.

I've done 50s twice...the girls had a lot of fun there on our last visit. We've never done Sci Fi, but we're hoping to pop in for a snack for this trip. I think the experience/theme just screams Disney.

 

[Jessica Meier]

I am thinking we could definitely do something fun with the Pirate cruise theme to help surprise her. She knows she is going on it but letting her dress up for it would be right up her alley. My little actress.