Trip Report One enormous BirthdayversaryPalooza! aka 2 Broke Guys & a dog & Irma COMPLETED

We've been using the "2 Broke Guys" moniker for so long now, we've outlasted the TV show "2 Broke Girls" on which it was based. (Canceled!)

The idea was a year+ of saving Disney Chase Visa points to see if we could go to Victoria & Albert's for our 10 year wedding anniversary completely on their dime - and keeping a running total including additions and withdrawals (for little WDW trips along the way) much like they did at the end of every episode of that TV show - like this:

$1,678.91

And that figure is actually what we have left to spend on our trip - about double what we would need for our V&A dinner! Not to mention: points paid for our 2 AP's, some of our lodging for this trip, and many mini-trips along the way. All that meandering, planning, brainstorming and trip reporting is on this thread:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...table-of-contents.909657/page-43#post-7874545

But that can take awhile. I'll give a little background in another post. Shout out to @dizfan917 for accidentally naming this thread in a post on that one, and to @Tuvalu for inspiring the "mother thread" with links to other thread(s) format.

Also to all those who have been following all this time! As those folks know, I go back and forth between posting with my phone and my laptop, and I'm more comfortable on the laptop. I'm using the phone now, whilst not asleep in Orlando, and anxious to get this first post out of the way before I do something to accidentally make it go poof! I will tag the others in a separate post.

Can't believe we're finally here!!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Random stuff:

At one point, some guy said, "Hey, Tony!" and I thought maybe it was someone I knew or someone from here (?)

When I turned to see who made that sound it was a CM who then followed up with, "Happy birthday!" I thanked him and we all laughed.

The missing Eeyore pic:

 

[Tony the Tigger]

In the morning, our sneakers were still sopping wet. But it's illegal to drive without shoes. So I ripped the hoods off of last night's dollar tree ponchos. Since Brian has the bigger feet, I put those around his socks to keep them from the wet sneaker.

I ripped random pieces of plastic from the remainder of a poncho to wrap my own feet, which didn't work quite as well but was better than nothing.

We had to leave early-early because Brian had to get to work.

The day before, he kept texting this woman from work. Finally, while waiting to be seated at CP, I said (a little annoyed at first) that's enough with the phone - we're HERE.

He finally came clean and told me he wasn't really supposed to leave work early on Wednesday or take off on Thursday, but he wanted me to have this Disney bday moment. The woman he was texting was covering for him but kept having to ask him questions.

What a sweet pain in the you know what!

He also wouldn't let me pay for anything, which I did not expect. Ultimately, it all goes into the same kitty, but we do make/have our own money, and that was another overly nice gesture. I finally got him to use that $40 gift card at CP because I told him I got it just by talking about DVC on the phone!

But that means we still have all our points for the anniversary portion of our trip!

So...

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I'm booking more stuff!

Actually switching stuff (so far.) Those of you who kept up with the pre-TR know I had booked afternoon tea at the G.Flo one day. Brian didn't sound too crazy about it, so I googled to show him how nice it was - but I found more recent reviews with pictures - neither of which were too impressive, and now I wasn't so crazy about it, either.

We've never done anything "extra" at Food & Wine, so I started exploring those options - and nixed the tea in favor of a special F&W Mexican 4 course lunch with Tequila pairings!

I'm considering a similar Italian lunch the day before, but it runs from noon to 2:30pm, and our FoP FP is 2:30-3:30PM. That could be rushy-rushy.

I'm open for F&W suggestions! None of our fave celebrity chefs seem to be there on our days, but other things look interesting.

Anyway, we got home Friday around 11am with damp socks, and both went to work.

We also are very concerned about Kylie. So we took her to the vet and they prescribed an anti-anxiety medication since this will be the longest we have ever left her, and she gets upset when we leave her for 2 days. We did a test dose today and I think this will help a lot.

And today is Sunday, which means tomorrow we head back!!!

 

[sheriffwoody]

I'm considering a similar Italian lunch the day before, but it runs from noon to 2:30pm, and our FoP FP is 2:30-3:30PM. That could be rushy-rushy.

We have that problem with one of the events we wanted to do...it's right in the middle of our Flight of Passage FP and I can't move it at this point. But I certainly don't want to give it up! We are looking at that tequila thing too...I think we're going after you, so maybe I'll wait and hear your review

 

[riverside]

Tomorrow!! Yay!! I hope you have a wonderful time!!

 

[Tuvalu]

If you can't change your FoP FP, do not book the Italian thing. You'll never make it in time.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

If you can't change your FoP FP, do not book the Italian thing. You'll never make it in time.

The voice of reason.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

We did a little early karaoke with friends this evening.

Irma may be complicating things.

There's no easy answer; we have no idea what's going to happen.

Of course we'll put up our hurricane shutters in the morning. We have jugs of water in case the water goes out.

But if we're up there and Kylie is down here, that doesn't help. Trysch isn't going to bring her to a shelter.

The best we could come up with was to book BFPC for Thursday to Saturday, worst case scenario we would drive home Thursday to pick her up and bring her back up with us.

We have to cancel by Tuesday to not lose the deposit. Don't know if we'll know by then what's up.

 

[MinnieM123]

We did a little early karaoke with friends this evening.

Irma may be complicating things.

There's no easy answer; we have no idea what's going to happen.

Of course we'll put up our hurricane shutters in the morning. We have jugs of water in case the water goes out.

But if we're up there and Kylie is down here, that doesn't help. Trysch isn't going to bring her to a shelter.

The best we could come up with was to book BFPC for Thursday to Saturday, worst case scenario we would drive home Thursday to pick her up and bring her back up with us.

We have to cancel by Tuesday to not lose the deposit. Don't know if we'll know by then what's up.

Lots of decisions here. Let's all hope that Irma fizzles out in the ocean. Think the country has had enough hurricanes this year.

 

[Minthorne]

Lots of decisions here. Let's all hope that Irma fizzles out in the ocean. Think the country has had enough hurricanes this year.

Yes let's hope - but be prepared!!

 

[SSH]

We've never done anything "extra" at Food & Wine, so I started exploring those options - and nixed the tea in favor of a special F&W Mexican 4 course lunch with Tequila pairings!

Way better than afternoon tea. Smart move.

Tough call on Irma - fingers crossed. The supermarket shelves were already cleared of water yesterday. Not sure if supplies are being diverted to Texas or Floridians are watching the TX footage and getting a jump on preparations.

Fingers and everything else crossed that it passes us by and you can focus on the big anniversary celebration.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

OK, because of Irma we have some revisions, just to be on the cautious side.

Disney graciously let us cancel tonight's reservation for All Star Music without penalty, under the circumstances.

And Kylie is coming along!

Best Friends Pet Care has no availability today, which is why we had to cancel our ASM reservation.

Instead, we are going to stay at a La Quinta tonight (costs the same as ASM! SMH.) and of course, Kylie can stay with us there. So our plans are still pretty similar - get up there tonight, and we really had no plans beyond that for tonight. It was an extra day added at the last minute in order to make the most out of tomorrow rather than spending the morning driving.

Fortunately, we just had Kylie's shots updated and got her some anxiety meds (and tested them yesterday with very good results - calm, but not zonked. She still responded by jumping up if we squeaked her squeaky Mickey toy, etc.) We can bring those pills up with us and dose as needed, if at all. When she was young, she spent a good amount of time in a shelter (we got her at 7 months, and another family adopted and returned her first) so she may just be fine.

I'm concerned about her, but relieved we'll all be together, come what may, and we'll get to see her every day, so no missing my puppy. I hope she is OK with this.

Adding daily (at least) trips to BFPC for playtime to our daily schedule. Probably twice a day.

So that means we're starting off with AKL first thing in the morning(!) (after dropping her off.)

I feel good about this. Peace of mind that she'll be nearby, no rushing up today uncertain of what's going on down here, not relying on Trysch or other people in case of mandatory evacuation, etc. It's looking very likely to make some weather for South Florida by Friday/Saturday and possibly hit or come very close by late Saturday/Sunday. Then it may continue north, or who knows what?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

OK, because of Irma we have some revisions, just to be on the cautious side.

Disney graciously let us cancel tonight's reservation for All Star Music without penalty, under the circumstances.

And Kylie is coming along!

Best Friends Pet Care has no availability today, which is why we had to cancel our ASM reservation.

Instead, we are going to stay at a La Quinta tonight (costs the same as ASM! SMH.) and of course, Kylie can stay with us there. So our plans are still pretty similar - get up there tonight, and we really had no plans beyond that for tonight. It was an extra day added at the last minute in order to make the most out of tomorrow rather than spending the morning driving.

Fortunately, we just had Kylie's shots updated and got her some anxiety meds (and tested them yesterday with very good results - calm, but not zonked. She still responded by jumping up if we squeaked her squeaky Mickey toy, etc.) We can bring those pills up with us and dose as needed, if at all. When she was young, she spent a good amount of time in a shelter (we got her at 7 months, and another family adopted and returned her first) so she may just be fine.

I'm concerned about her, but relieved we'll all be together, come what may, and we'll get to see her every day, so no missing my puppy. I hope she is OK with this.

Adding daily (at least) trips to BFPC for playtime to our daily schedule. Probably twice a day.

So that means we're starting off with AKL first thing in the morning(!) (after dropping her off.)

I feel good about this. Peace of mind that she'll be nearby, no rushing up today uncertain of what's going on down here, not relying on Trysch or other people in case of mandatory evacuation, etc. It's looking very likely to make some weather for South Florida by Friday/Saturday and possibly hit or come very close by late Saturday/Sunday. Then it may continue north, or who knows what?

It's very nice that you were able to cancel the All Star without penalty. But more important is that Kylie will be close to you if the storm is bad. I wouldn't want to leave my fur-baby in that situation either. I'd be worried the whole time.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Well, we made it to the Disney Good Neighbor La Quinta on I-drive. Ta-da!

 

[MerMom1981]

You are such a wonderful daddy to Kylie!

I hope Irma heads out to sea and that you have a fantastic week!

 

[Tiggerish]

So back to dinner at the Turf Club, Wednesday night. Flight of bourbon pre-dinner, Manhattan with dinner. Dinner was:

Maple-Citrus Brined Pork Chop
Jalapeño Cornbread Pudding, Grilled Asparagus, and Vidalia Onion Sauce

Nothing sounded bad about that to me!! Pork, onions, maple - sold! It was very good.

Brian decided to go prix fixe - which I can't find online to copy - but basically it was some kind of steak, plus salad, plus french onion soup, plus a dessert. Brian asked if they could sub the sugar free dessert, and they said of course.

I had his soup, he had the salad, so that was our "appetizer course." All good. He was very happy with his steak, and I with my pork chop, although I did feel a little more tipsy than expected.

And then comes dessert. They brought me a cupcake with a candle in it and some balloons! I asked Brian if he had ordered that and he said no, it was all Turf Club. How sweet! And they brought his dessert, which I sampled of course, and it was delicious.

Our server returned to ask how we enjoyed our desserts. Brian remarked that he couldn't believe it was sugar free, it was that good.

...and our server's mouth fell open. Uh-oh.

It was not sugar free. She said she had even written down "sugar free dessert." She felt awful and seemed really scared. She came back a moment later with the chef. The chef was very nice and asked matter of factly if they needed to call an ambulance, and not to worry because Disney would pay for any medical treatment.

I could not stop laughing.

Why? I've seen Brian eat a piece of cake before. Sometimes his stepmother will bring out a regular cake for his birthday or something (which annoys me) and he'll eat it. He has been insulin dependent type I diabetic since age 10 (as many of you have heard before) and he knows how to deal with it. The one frustrating thing was the chef didn't know the specific recipe. When Brian asked her what was in it, she replied, "chocolate, sugar, espresso..." blah blah blah, but could not tell him how many grams of sugar, etc. which would help him figure out how much extra insulin to take.

They were both genuinely concerned, I felt really bad and I tried to put them at ease and make light of it a bit. Brian did the best he could to figure out an extra dose, and he was just fine.

He remarked that they took the dessert off the bill. I took his word for it. The next day I realized - no, they didn't. It was prix fixe LOL. Anyway, no harm done. We would eat there again should we ever stay at Saratoga Springs again (which is very possible down the road.)

Our first dinner at Turf Club, I got horribly sick afterwards. Like, food poisoning sick. I did eat there a second time (by group decision, not my choice) and was fine. End result, somehow I'm never surprised to hear them screw up.

In the morning, I woke up to this adorable and sentimental card from Brian, and some hotel breakfast LOL.

View attachment 226065

(Side note: it's not always easy to pick a good card when you have to rule out all the ones that are specifically a picture of a man and woman together LOL.) So, well done, Brian! (which reminds me, I have to pick out an anniversary card very quickly!) Amending my to do list.

But first, I must quote myself:



As we rolled up on Best Friends Pet Care this morning, who should we see exiting the building?

View attachment 226066

The 3 B's! (you figure it out.) (there is a mostly white one behind the one in front, you can just see her snout sticking out.)

To avoid a gang war, we took the high road and I asked Kylie to "sit" in the back seat of the car for a moment. We didn't go in until after they boarded their own gangsta vehicle. I believe they were from Riverbottom Nightmare Band. (Obscure Muppets reference.)

Then we went in, and she had a blast with this eight month old poodle!

View attachment 226067


Now take a bday pic with Daddy.

View attachment 226069

46 isn't so bad, right?

Great card. I'm always behind at buying anniversary cards.

And 46 is JUST FINE. Beats the heck out of 54. I think I peaked at 46.

View attachment 226166

Haha! Who am I? The guy who never gives up on getting ADRs, that's who!

While in the car on the way over, I kept trying. It was a little bit pathetic. But I kept trying, and finally an 8:45 PM reservation showed up. I asked Brian, "Should we do this?" And he said to book it. I grabbed it immediately!

Because Tigger.

 

[krisri18]

I'm guessing Kylie would rather be spending her days hanging out with her furry friends than waiting for your return back home, she's a lucky pup! Can't wait to hear how the rest of the trip goes!!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Not sleeping! Surprise.

If you can't change your FoP FP, do not book the Italian thing. You'll never make it in time.

Still trying to figure this out. Or something equally special.

@bee were you saying something about bottomless drinks and buffets at dessert parties? My concern is there would be nothing sugar free and they would bring Brian some berries and whipped cream while I go to town.

Other suggestions welcome for a special dining event up to $300 total.

Lots of decisions here. Let's all hope that Irma fizzles out in the ocean. Think the country has had enough hurricanes this year.

Yes let's hope - but be prepared!!

Always prepared. Left home later than expected because we put up the hurricane shutters, put all patio furniture/ projectiles in the shed, mowed the lawn, filled gas tanks, got more water jugs, etc.

The one thing we've never gotten is a generator. Turns out much of the supply has gone to Texas and it's going to be tough getting one in time. Even up here, they're already gone. (This is what I've been researching while not sleeping - generators and dining events lol. B also wants to do something to learn about wines in prep for his new job.)

We've never done anything "extra" at Food & Wine, so I started exploring those options - and nixed the tea in favor of a special F&W Mexican 4 course lunch with Tequila pairings!

Way better than afternoon tea. Smart move.

Tough call on Irma - fingers crossed. The supermarket shelves were already cleared of water yesterday. Not sure if supplies are being diverted to Texas or Floridians are watching the TX footage and getting a jump on preparations.

Fingers and everything else crossed that it passes us by and you can focus on the big anniversary celebration.

Thanks to all of you for the good vibes. It helps!

We also packed 12 ponchos and extra sneakers!

It's very nice that you were able to cancel the All Star without penalty. But more important is that Kylie will be close to you if the storm is bad. I wouldn't want to leave my fur-baby in that situation either. I'd be worried the whole time.

Not only no penalty, but the manager at ASM really did me a solid. After her staff twice incorrectly transferred me to the main WDW number, each time being on hold over 30 minutes (I mowed the front lawn while on hold) she made sure I didn't lose anything. I had paid for the room with $50 in Chase points and the rest cc. She credited back the card, but you can't credit back the points. She could have left it at that, but instead transferred a $50 credit to our AKL stay.

You are such a wonderful daddy to Kylie!

I hope Irma heads out to sea and that you have a fantastic week!

Our first dinner at Turf Club, I got horribly sick afterwards. Like, food poisoning sick. I did eat there a second time (by group decision, not my choice) and was fine. End result, somehow I'm never surprised to hear them screw up.



Great card. I'm always behind at buying anniversary cards.

And 46 is JUST FINE. Beats the heck out of 54. I think I peaked at 46.



Because Tigger.

Because Tigger!!

I'm guessing Kylie would rather be spending her days hanging out with her furry friends than waiting for your return back home, she's a lucky pup! Can't wait to hear how the rest of the trip goes!!

Me, too!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Holy cow! Our room is ready at 7:30am!

 

[bee]

@bee were you saying something about bottomless drinks and buffets at dessert parties? My concern is there would be nothing sugar free and they would bring Brian some berries and whipped cream while I go to town.

Other suggestions welcome for a special dining event up to $300 total.

Until a couple months ago I would have absolutely recommended the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party. If you called in advance (or maybe if you don't?) they had a supply of sugar free desserts available. Not sure how good they were, but I at least saw some cake/pudding options and not just berries and whipped cream. And yes, there were bottomless drinks (two types of sparkling wine and usually one cocktail choice), and one of the best, uncrowded views of IllumiNations anywhere. For $49/person, it was a great deal.

BUT.

It has been replaced by the new Frozen dessert party. It's essentially the same menu but now everything is Frozen-themed and the party admission includes a ride on Frozen Ever After. And apparently the Frozen overlay is worth an extra $30/person because now it's $79!!!

If you were going to be there for a Saturday morning/afternoon (I don't remember when you're leaving?) I might recommend the Parisian Breakfast for Food and Wine. There is a buffet of cheeses, meats, breads, and pastries. The only issue is that the unlimited drink is mimosas and I'm not sure if Brian can drink that much orange juice. It's $42/person I believe.