Getting ready to roll

It takes a special kind of sexy to pull this look off.

Unfortunately, it's a look I don't have. Oh well.

Getting the last of my stuff together for the trip - we leave just after midnight. I can't wait. The one thing concerning me is all the reports of rain we're going to have to put up with. With two pairs of shoes and neither of them waterproofed, I may get a little soggy this time. And with all that walking.... I shudder to think.

But it's Disneyworld - no complaining allowed, especially when you don't have to lug kids around. :) Yeay us!

Last posting from home before we leave

Well, it's almost here. Am packed and ready to leave.

Be sure to check back as we will be posting during our trip.

Wish us good weather!!! (the rest will take care of itself)

t.

weather forecast

The weather is what it is.

Predicted thunderstorms on Sat, with 60% chance of rain; high of 81, low of 56.

Sunday: looks to be cloudy, with rain at 10%; high 63, low 54.

Monday: few showers, rain at 30%; high 74, low 57.

Tuesday: showers, chance of 40%; high 73, low 56.

Wednesday: cloudy, with only a 10% chance of rain; high 73, low 57.

Thursday: rain, chance of 40%; high 76, low 54.

Friday: few showers, 30% chance of rain; high 76, low 54.

Saturday: showers, rain at 30%; high 74, low 54.

Sunday: showers, 30% rain; high 73, low 54.

It's not so much as the temperatures that might put a damper on things, though I am expecting it to be very humid. It is Florida, after all. It's the dampness. I plan on BIG frizzy hair, wet shoes, and steamed up glasses on a daily basis.

At this time, WDW is still planning on doing the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, Illuminations at Epcot, and Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios. For a couple of days there I wasn't sure as the Disney website didn't show these events happening. They're back on (for now), and so are the ADRs!!

t.

weather is possibly ruining some of our ADRs

Only 2 days to go. Thought i had the dining plans (ADRs) all ready go do; some based around certain evets. I panicked at first, but now realize it is what it is. Am off to take care of a last-minute root canal today, so that I can enjoy our DDP to the fullest. Has to take a day off work to accomplish this .. oh well. Will post tomorrow when I'm off the little blue pills ;p

t.

WDW Online Check-In

Just did our online Disney check-in. Didn't even know this existed. It's so you can pre-register your credit card that's attached to your Key to the World card (the one you can use to charge purchases back to your room), also so you can give them your preliminary info (address, phone number, etc) so you can by-pass the regular check-in and go straight to the online check-in counter upon arrival. Sounds fancy! Seeing what others have posted about the service, it sounds like instead of waiting in a long line to check-in which DOES take a really long time you proceed to a special line and check-in is as simple as showing your ID. You're given a folder with your room assignment and key, which allows you then to go out and play in the parks. Perfect as check-in time is 3pm and we'll be there around 10:30am.

Only 4 more days!! We seriously cannot wait to be there, instead of here (at home).

the PLAN

All the following restaurants are going to be redeemed using our FREE dining; all have confirmed reservations:

Day 1 ..

Leave PHX at 1250am, change plans in ATL, arrive in MCO at 928am. Take the Disney Magical Express to Pop Century Resort. Grab our Key to the World and RUN to Magic Kingdom!!!
130pm reseration at The Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. Standard American fare. Nothing fancy.
Spend the day at the Magic Kingdom, as I believe it should ALWAYS be the first and last resort you do when visiting any of the Disney parks. The park is only open until 9pm so it'll be an early night for us. Dinner then rest. Then again, after the overnight flight the night before, I think we'll need the rest!
945pm dinner at Narcoossee's, located at the Grand Floridian Resort. This is one of the most popular restaurants I've read about in online posts. Seems that alot of people love this place. It'll be a first for both of us and it does require 2 dining credits. I just look forward to trying many new places, this being one of the many.

Day 2 ..
525pm Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios. This is a character buffet restaurant. This, again, will be a first. Hoping to snag in on the Fantasmic dinner/show deal. I was having no luck trying to book the package through Disney dining phone reservations so thought I'd just try to sneak in my own online reservation and mention it upon arrival. Can't hurt to ask .. worst they can say is no, right? Also, just read that there are no characters at the dinner service .. YAY!
700pm or 830pm (two chances!) to see Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios. (I've seen this at Disneyland many times but have somehow missed going to the one at WDW for the past two years somehow).
Magic Kingdom is open until 11pm this evening. Definately a late night for us. Perfect!!

Day 3 ..
1200pm Les Chefs de France at Epcot. (Heard on boards that the lunch is better than the dinner and Remy makes an appearance).
900pm Illuminations show at Epcot. I've seen this several times already. I have yet to have a decent place to see it at though. They're doing it every night we're there so maybe I'll try a different country to change viewpoints any night we're there. We'll see .. maybe we'll just skip it, as I've already mentioned we've seen this already.
Hollywoodl Studios is open until 10pm. Plan to hang out here until dinner reservation time.
955pm Cap'n Jack's Restaurant at Downtown Disney.

Day 4 ..
100pm Rose & Crown Pub at Epcot.
800pm Spirit of Aloha luau at the Polynesian Resort. This is something we're only doing because of the dining plan. This is not something we'd normally go in for, out of pocket. I'm stunned to read that alcoholic beverages and beer are included with the dinner, which is served family style. Sounds like it'll be a fun, interesting night!
All parks are closed early this evening so a night of luau and booze will be the end of us! Maybe I do need to rethink our breakfast reservation for the next day.. NO .. MUST STOP CHANGING RESERVATIONS! I AM DONE!!! (ha!)

Day 5 ..
1010am Supercalifragilistic breakfast at the Grand Floridian Resort. This is the character breakfast we chose to stick with. Those known to make appearances: Mary Poppins, Alice from Wonderland, the Mad Hatter .. all winners! Oooh, and I hope they break out with Big Bertha!!
730pm Yak & Yeti Restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Park.
Animal Kingdom park is actually open until 8 tonight. Never have been to AK past 5pm. Curious what goes on. Do the animals sleep??

Day 6 ..
340pm Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano at Hollywood Studios.
700pm one last chance to catch Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios.
850pm Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's African food, so outside our comfort zone. Again, trying it because of the dining plan. Menu looks interesting.
Another night where none of the parks are staying open late. A chance for us to enjoy dinner and an evening "in".

Day 7 ..
1115am 50's Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios. Ate lunch and dinner here last year. LOVED the food .. very much good comfort food. Plus, the decor is exactly what I see my house as. 50's thrift store kitsch. I wanna take EVERYTHING home! I've heard the milkshakes are kick ass but I've never ventured yet. I can attest their chicken pot pie and roast beef sandwich are both some of the best I've ever had!
300pm Sci Fi Dine In Theater at Hollywood Studios. (Again, only sticking with a milkshake here as I've not had good experiences with the food here - it's quite bland. Going here is ALL about the atmosphere!)
945pm San Angel Inn at Epcot.
Epcot is open until MIDNIGHT!! I love Epcot at night. There's just a different mood about it all. Also notice more adults at Epcot than at the other parks. So glad there's not too many rides here and that the kids get bored with the World Showcase. Nice for us "grown-ups".

Day 8 ..
1050am Cat Cora's Kouzzina at the Boardwalk Resort.
850pm California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. This is also a 2 credit dinner but I feel the experience alone is worth it. (I mentioned this place in my previous post). Have also heard the food is great; one of the best in the WDW complex. Also, many have mentioned the kid factor here is low. Let's hope for that to be true!
Magic Kingdom is open until 10pm, but we'll be calling it a night after dinner. We have a 7am flight the next morning. The MK fireworks are at 8pm, which we'll attempt to view from the balcony at the CA Grill (they said we could!) and then enjoy a nice long leisurely romantic dinner. Awwwwww. I believe the perfect end to a great vacation!!

Day 9 .. 1/2 asleep, we leave take the Disney Magical Express back to MCO for a 700am flight. This time changing planes in SLC (brrrr!!!), and arrive back in PHX at 1248pm.

Me and E at Disneyland 2009

Me and E at Disneyland 2009, stuck on the Haunted Mansion ride for quite awhile. (Yes, I do live with all that sexiness!).

And .. my favorite video of E on the tea cups. Just wish I would'a had sound to go with it. Don't ask me what he's talking about. I was laughing too hard to pay any attention. http://www.flickr.com/photos/retropopartgallery/4164821924/

E and me at 50s Prime Time Cafe

E and me at 50s Prime Time Cafe - Disney World 2009.

Mickey Mouse pancakes

The Mickey Mouse pancakes upon returning home. It took a week for him to finally take the ears off (JK!).

Disneyworld 2008

E and I at Disneyworld 2008. This was the conversion trip.

So what does "20 Pounds of Disney" mean, anyway?

The title isn't what you think it is, though it is the amount of weight one could gain with the Disney Deluxe Dining plan if you did nothing else but eat. This will be a blog about our 2010 Disney World vacation. Let me start from the beginning..

Early Spring 2008 .. E and I meet online. We're both late 30s. Both childless, tho not dogless (mine tho now his too!).

In my online profile I mention I am Disney fan, have an annual passport to Disneyland, and am employed at an airline so I do frequent the park.

E isn't much of a fan, actually exhibits what's close to hatred toward Disney and theme parks in general. This is due to childhood trauma and past girlfriends. After hearing the stories, I lay off talking him into any theme park including the great Disney (lands and worlds).

Months into the relationship, E starts asking me about Disney and what I love about it and why am I so into it, etc. I tell him it's the only place on Earth where you forget the outside world, that you're automatically age 12 when you walk through the gates, that it's somewhat a "high" and depressant for days after you leave and it's all a good thing, that there are some amazing eateries, and it's just all contagious not only when you're there surrounded by it all but it stays with you.

Move to end of Summer of the same year and E surprises me by saying he's willing to give Disneyland a try ... for one day.

After planning for a few weeks, he decides that maybe two days would be better.

Am I to say no?

Well, that two days was life-changing for him. He turned into that 12 year old that I previously spoke of. For weeks afterward he was glowing with stories of what we did, what we saw, where and what we ate ... asking when we'd be going back.

The weekend after we got home, he was in the kitchen (with Ears on!) making us Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes. The disease had overcome him!

Not long afterwards, I get asked THE QUESTION .. when are we going to Disney World? What?!?! Did I hear that right?!?! Yes, E was serious!

At that point, I was working for the vacations department of before mentioned airline. The only "in" I was privileged to was 10% off prices of what we were selling to the public. I held off for a bit, just pricing the different ways this could be done ... Disney World direct pricing vs. our airline vacation dept pricing vs. other website pricing.

Then it happened ... the $200 gift card offer. It was an offer for stays of 5 nights, you got 2 nights free and a $200 gift card. We bought it (with my discount) for $916.30 for a 7 night stay at Pop Century and 7 days of base tickets. Nothing fancy but we thought it was a good deal at the time. No dining. We just wanted to keep it basic, and not overwhelming. We booked this trip on Jan 16 2009 for travel Feb 21-28 2009. VERY last minute! (I should also mention that since I work for an airline, we chose to fly stand-by so the flights were free from Phoenix).

Yes, we had a great time. Yes, we wanted to cry when we left and wanted to stay longer. Yes, we couldn't wait to go again but couldn't even comprehend when that would happen. Two.. maybe three years?

How about in less than a year?

I kept notice that Disney was running all kinds of specials toward the end of 2009. Free nights .. free nights with free dining .. free gift cards. Bad year for the economy, bad year for the travel industry, great year for the traveler. There's SO MANY deals out there! .. take it from an insider.

These bonuses weren't really doing it for us though, prices were still higher for 2010 than they were the previous year.

I'd play around at work, in between calls, with booking a hotel/park ticket package on the airlines' vacation website, Disneyworld.com, and on other travel sites. The prices were just way out of our range for the year. (E was out of work for a few months and was just getting back on his feet ... I had just filed bankruptcy and was getting through that ... things were just not in our favor).

We did manage around this time, which was the beginning of Dec 2009 to make it to Disneyland for E's birthday and take advantage of the free ticket on your birthday promotion. I had to buy my ticket, which I found someone on eBay who sells discounted tickets so I was able to grab a cheap ticket for myself. (If you'd like to know about this, email me for info - it's a great deal tho it is against Disney ticket policies). Ah, the taste of Disney. It was such a tease! Oh, how we longed for the great Disney World!!

Then, IT happened! A special? A system glitch? I'm still not sure what happened. The free dining special was over with, as well as the free nights. The gift card promo had not yet come out yet.

What I was seeing was unbelievable! 8 nights at Pop Century, 8 days of Park Hopper tickets, ... and .... and ... breathe ... free DELUXE Disney Dining. Not the 1 table service meal, 1 quick service meal, and 1 snack per person daily BUT the 3 table service meals and 2 snacks per person daily ... DID I MENTION FOR FREE?!?!

I hesitated for about 2 days before I even mentioned it to E. I wanted it to be true, but it just couldn't be. Oh.. I didn't even yet mention the price on all this. Are you ready for it?? Well, I really shouldn't reveal the actual price but let's call it 1/2 of what it should've been.

Day 3 into this still being available online, I mention it to E. He couldn't say yes fast enough! There was no convincing needed.

We booked it early in Dec 2009 for travel Jan 30-Feb7. This is a trip that should've been over $2600 easily! I still don't know if it was some sort of special-special or web glitch or someone's screw up. It's our benefit now. This IS our lottery winning and we know it's most likely the best WDW trip we'll have in our lives. Yes, I know there's better hotels in the WDW complex but Pop is now my second home (as this'll be my 3rd trip there - E's 2nd, as I've already mentioned).

Really.. how much time are you at the hotel anyway? Especially not having kids travel with you. There's not much need to be at the hotel other than to shower, change clothes, and sleep ... I'd say shit but you can do that anywhere as WDW has plenty of restrooms everywhere!

Since we got such a deal, we even purchased positive space airline tickets on a competing airline as they were running a sale of tickets at $99 each way per person.

The deals were just coming and coming. Now, can I just hope that everything in the stores at Disney will be on sale too??

As of the writing of this, we have only 10 days 4 hours 38 minutes until our flight leaves for Orlando. Our suitcase is ready to be packed .. our ears are dusted off .. Disney has confirmed our package (along with ticket and dining elements) .. I have our dining table service reservations booked .. now just waiting .. waiting ... 10 days 4 hours 39 minutes ...

So, this is how it comes about that we'll be eating 20 pounds worth of food during our vacation. We plan on LOTS of walking to/from hotel, rides, attractions, restaurants, parks so we hope NOT to have the 20 pounds we eat stick to our bottoms.



Stay tuned.. next post I'll show you our itinerary ...