Ditching Dad & Doing As We Please - 06/16 PTR - Update 6/7, Thanks for playing!

[EvilQueensRock]

Hi! Welcome! I'm glad you stopped by! Grab yourself a cold beverage from the fridge, kick back, and let's have an obsessive-Disney-trip-planning EXTRAVAGANZA!

THE PLAYERS

Andrea, 41. I work as an accounts payable specialist by day, and by night I sing backup vocals in the Elvis Tribute Group "Alvie Ellenwine and the Sweet Sensations." I spend my free time driving to and from my daughter's various activities, and planning our next Disney adventure.
​

Favorites!
Disney character: Belle
Park: EPCOT
Ride: Expedition Everest

My beautiful daughter Madeline, 15. Maddie is a freshman in high school and is active in community theatre and Job's Daughters.
Favorites!
Disney character: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
Park: EPCOT
Ride: Haunted Mansion

Heading off to figure out how to load pictures into this thing (it's been awhile...)

 

[EvilQueensRock]

After some research, I'm going to try to post some pictures. We all know that's the best part of these trip reports right? Warning: I am TERRIBLE at this part.

Maddie, sporting her Monty Python tee she bought at EPCOT last December:



Maddie just had a birthday, so I attempted to make her some Mickey-inspired Oreo cupcakes, just to get us in a Disney trip mood:



And just for good measure, here's the Elvis Tribute Group I sing with!

 

[EvilQueensRock]

THE DETAILS:
WHERE TO STAY: POP CENTURY!

I actually had a reservation at Art of Animation, but completely changed my mind today when I booked our trip, and cancelled AoA. We can still head over to AoA and explore.

WHEN TO GO: JUNE!
Because we live in the heart of Polar Vortex country, and will still be cold in June. (And I'm an idiot.)




GOALS!
RIDE ALL THE RIDES!


EAT ALL THE MICKEY SHAPED FOOD!

​

 

[EvilQueensRock]

FOUR DAYS UNTIL I CAN BOOK MY ADRs!
So, here's where it gets a bit tricky. We have always scored free dining in the past, but as we are going in June, I'm pretty sure that's not going to be an option. I can't decide whether to add the dining plan or not. I LOVE the convenience factor, and knowing everything is paid for in advance. I just don't know if we will want to stop our Park Warrior insanity long enough to sit down and eat a decent meal.
Maddie does have one TS request: 1900 Park Fare! (She wants to chill with Lady Tremaine and the Step-Sistas.) I think that will be a good choice for our arrival day. I'm not getting park hoppers, and we have only 4 days of park tickets, so arrival day is going to be strictly travel, napping, and food.
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Here's my TS Wish List, in no particular order:

GF - 1900 Park Fare
HS - Mama Melrose (Fantasmic)
MK - Plaza
AK - Boma @ AKL
EP - Rose & Crown
PR - Kona
BC - Beaches & Cream

We were part of the "test group" for BOG ADR lunch, and loved the process. We had a great meal here too. I'm on the fence about going back simply because I have other items I would like to try at MK. The breakfast offerings don't really entice me either, and Maddie doesn't eat in the morning, so it would just be a waste of time and money.

I also want to try as many new restaurants as possible, so everything on the list above is something we have not been to before.

I'm also a foodie (see pic for evidence) and would like to do an awesome dining report.

Back to the Florida Heat Issue - I don't know if we'll feel like eating a bunch of hot food in a nice restaurant after being the park all day.

So the REAL Question is: Do I get the QSDP, and pay OOP for 1900 Park Fare and Mama Melrose Fantasmic? OR do I get the DDP, and hope for the best? (A side note - those of you with DXDP? I don't know how you do it!)

​

I'm soooooo glad these boards exist. ​

Below is a picture of my DH, Tim. That look on his face is pretty much what happens everytime the word "Disney" falls out of my mouth (and isn't followed by "cruise".) He's not involved with the Great Dining Plan Debate.

​

 

[tiggergal15]

Following---Love this already! I'm planning for June too ! Can't wait for the rest of your report!. BTW my dboyfriend gets that look as well...

 

[EvilQueensRock]

Thanks for following along! Would appreciate any input. Aren't the boys difficult to deal with? Seriously, I don't GET why he doesn't GET Disney!

 

[EvilQueensRock]

Keeping it Rolling
-Cuz God only knows when I'll have time to post again-
and I need to login to my actual job in 25 minutes....
​

Thanks to easyWDW, I've mapped out our park days. Has anyone used easyWDW rec's in the past? I honestly think in June it's not going to matter one bit. Every park will be a total Cluster every day.

Day 1 - Travel/Mini Golf/1900 Park Fare/Catch Electrical Water Pageant from GF
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Day 3 - EPCOT
Day 4 - Boardwalk to do "Boardwalk Ballyhoo Tour"(can anyone confirm this still exists?) and some Boardwalk-y stuff, Disney Springs for Shopping, use the other two Mini Golf passes, check out AoA
Day 5 - Animal Kingdom, Culinary tour at Boma (can anyone confirm this still exists?)
Day 6 - Hollywood Studios - Fantasmic
Day 7 - WIDE OPEN. Not sure if I'll add a park day, head over to Universal, do a Resort tour on the monorail loop, or just chill by the pool
Day 8 - Travel

​

 

[EvilQueensRock]

MAGIC BANDS​

Is anyone else as enthralled with the Magic Bands as I am? Seriously. Awesome on my wrist.
We ordered our Magic Bands yesterday. I went with Pink, Maddie chose Grey. The question I have is:
HOW LONG CAN YOU USE A MAGIC BAND?
I have questions.
Do they still work? Can I link more than one Magic Band to my reservation so I can be all color coordinated with my Disney parks wardrobe? Why is the sky blue? Why oh WHY is Oswald not at WDW yet????
Seriously, My kid just wants a human size version of Oswald to keep on display in her room. IS THAT ASKING TOO MUCH?
...but I digress....
Back to the Magic Bands...

Went out to Etsy this morning, & found a stocking stuffer:
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Apparently, this is the one and only Oswald Magic Band decal in existence. (I'm not crafty enough to make my own, trust me.)

Grabbed a little something for myself as well:​

Then I found this guy.

It's for the cruise ship doors. I can't remember if you can put magnets on the hotel room doors as well. Anyone? Regardless, I may have to buy this.​

 

[EvilQueensRock]

24 HOURS UNTIL I CAN MAKE MY ADRs!
.....AAAANNNNNNDDDD We are excited.
​

I'll tell you what - the Disboards are giving me fits this morning. It may be my ancient work-provided laptop that's the problem though.
Not to worry, that's not going to keep me from Obsessing Over ADRs! (ok, maybe it will.)

DISNEY DINING PLAN DILEMMA - I can't make up my freaking mind whether or not to add the DDP. I'm still waiting on my refund from Disney for cancelling the 1 night deposit on AoA. Once I start building up my DSA again that might change my mind.

PLAN A​

DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
Fly in. Check in. Hole-in-one in. Cannonball in. Then.... let's go Grand Floridian-in!

New Photo op with Lady Tremaine and the Step-Sistas. And we've never been to GF. Ironically, we almost bought into DVC last year at GF. Almost. I decided I needed a new car instead. That took me an entire year to accomplish as well.

DAY 2: MAGIC KINGDOM
Rope Drop, Ride Drop, Drop-ice cream-like-it's-hot (b/c it will be really hot) at....THE PLAZA!

Magical Ice Cream Fountain aside, I saw they have a Club Sandwich on the menu.

DAY 3: EPCOT
OK, my creative and witty commentary streak just died. Rose and Crown.

I want a Scotch Egg and a stomach ache to go with it. This restaurant is just lovely, and I'm looking forward to dining here.

I just realized what time it is, and need to sign off so I can get ready for work (that pays for Disney trips and car payments and such. ) Stay tuned for the rest of the ODP!​

 

[EvilQueensRock]

ADR obsessing continued....
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DAY 4: BOARDWALK/DISNEY SPRINGS/GO TO BEACH CLUB AND CRY OVER NOT HAVING ACCESS TO THAT POOL
In honor of our Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Day, let's go get a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream!

I just wanted a glass of water! Sheesh.

DAY 5: ANIMAL KINGDOM/BOMA CULINARY TOUR
Well, since we're already here... I guess we can stay.

I want to go play with the giraffes after dinner.

DAY 6: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Whatsa matta, don chew like eet?

Would love a good italian meal instead of Olive Garden. (I like the OG, I'm just tired of it.)

DAY 7: WIDE OPEN SPACES
No plans seems like a good time for Sushi!

Moving in.

 

[EvilQueensRock]

ADR UPDATE

1900 PARK FARE: NAILED IT
PLAZA: NAILED IT
ROSE & CROWN: NAILED IT
BEACHES AND CREAM: FAILED IT. I NEED TO RECONFIGURE FREE DAY #1
BOMA: NAILED IT
MAMA MELROSE/FANTASMIC EARLY SHOW: NAILED IT
KONA: FAILED IT. WE MIGHT HIT UNIVERSAL INSTEAD.

Still on the fence regarding the DDP purchase. Stay tuned for my dummy ordering to see if it's going to be worth it.
​

 

[Saphire5742]

Joining in...

by night I sing backup vocals in the Elvis Tribute Group "Alvie Ellenwine and the Sweet Sensations."

NICE!!!! That must be fun.
One of my favorite musicals is "All Shook Up" , inspired by Elvis songs.

Maddie just had a birthday, so I attempted to make her some Mickey-inspired Oreo cupcakes, just to get us in a Disney trip mood:

Very cute!

Maddie does have one TS request: 1900 Park Fare! (She wants to chill with Lady Tremaine and the Step-Sistas.)

That was in my original plan. But then I found out about HDDR, so...

I'm soooooo glad these boards exist.

YES!!!!!!!!

Rope Drop, Ride Drop, Drop-ice cream-like-it's-hot (b/c it will be really hot) at....THE PLAZA

I like what you did there

I'll just wanted a glass of water! Sheesh.

Looking forward to future updates.

 

[EvilQueensRock]

Crazy-person scratch pad:
TABLE SERVICE:
Day 1 - 1900 Park Fare - buffet - $45.50 each = $91.00
Day 2 - Plaza - Maddie - Chicken Strawberry Salad - $15.49 + Andrea - Club - $12.49 +1 Soft drink $2.99 = $30.97
Day 3 - Rose & Crown - Maddie - Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon - $22.99 + Andrea - Scotch Egg $9.99 (really???) + Bangers & Mash - $17.99 + 1 Soft Drink - $2.99 + 1 Adult Bev - $8 = $61.96
Day 5 - Boma - buffet - $42.59 each = $85.18
Day 6 - Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package - $38.00 each = $76.00
Estimated TS costs - $345.08

QUICK SERVICE: Estimated $15/meal
Day 1 x2
Day 2 x2
Day 3 x2
Day 4 x4
Day 5 x2
Day 6 x2
Day 7 x4
Day 8 x2
20 QS meals @ $15 each= $300

RAPID FILL MUGS - 2 @ $18 each = $36.00

SNACKS - $10/day x 7 = $70

ESTIMATE OOP COSTS (GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED) - $751.08

DDP FOR 2 ADULTS - about $800.00

 

[EvilQueensRock]

Joining in...



NICE!!!! That must be fun.
One of my favorite musicals is "All Shook Up" , inspired by Elvis songs.

Welcome! I have not seen "All Shook Up." I better check that out! Send me a pm if you like and I'll link you to some of our performances!

 

[EvilQueensRock]

We interrupt this PTR for a real life update!

So I've made my ADRs sans 2, and am now in the OMG I STILL HAVE 116 DAYS UNTIL FAST PASSES stage. I guess I could do some park planning but we have plenty of real life stuff going on. Maddie is about to be Installed as Honored Queen for Job's Daughters, so that's a big party that I get to plan. (If you're not familiar with Job's Daughters, it's a leadership organization for girls age 10-20. Honored Queen is the equivalent to a chapter President.) Her fun emblem for her reign of terror, erm, term of service, is Oswald! I found a couple cakes I'm going to try to make for her reception.



While I pride myself on being a good cook and baker, I'm not the best at arts and crafts, so I'm not sure how these will translate once I get involved with the creative part of it. I'm also cooking for about 50 people on a budget, so that my cut into may creativity. I may be best to take a picture to the good people at the Kroger bakery and let them put Oswald on a sheet cake.

 

[Saphire5742]

Congrats to Maddie!
Can't wait to see a picture of the cake you end up making.

On another note-I ended up adding 1900 Park Fare dinner to my plans. Found a spot after all.

 

[EvilQueensRock]

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
welcome to my madness​

I used to run an only-legal-at-the-farmer's-market candy store out of my kitchen, where I would make truffles, candy, and other baked goods to order. Christmas was my busy time, obviously, and I would actually start on the truffling in October. Last year we decided to go to WDW instead, so I didn't make any goodies at all. I actually took down my FB page for my "business" and kind of shelved my pipe dream of doing nothing but singing and making candy all day long instead of staring blankly at a computer for hours on end (and crying every time I had to work with Excel. That program is evil.) Well, this year I'm so busy I don't have time to make candy again. That is, until all the guilt set in from various friends, family, and co-workers requesting goodies. I'M ONLY MAKING ONE BATCH OF EACH ITEM. I SWEAR TO GOD.

ROUND 1
COOKIES AND CANDY

Raspberry Truffles dipped in White Chocolate


Homemade Turtles (yes, I make the caramel. No cheating.)


Pinwheels
cookie dough is spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and filled with chocolate and coconut.
This is my favorite cookie. Everybody else hates it. HA! more for me.


Bailey Bars (or Whiskey Cake. Whoops.)
Cake bars with a cream cheese swirl, laced with Irish Cream and white chocolate.
Minor detail - I think I overdid the Irish Cream, because these pretty much taste like white chocolate covered Whiskey.​

STAY TUNED - MORE MADNESS IS COMMENCING NOW.​

 

[EvilQueensRock]

My husband may have me committed.

I've finished the truffling. Still plan to make another batch of mint ganache tonight, and a batch of poppy seed cakes. Have to start shipping tomorrow. Fingers crossed they will make it before Christmas.

Peanut butter crunch.

I think you may know these as "Buckeyes."
Finished product:


Mint truffles. These are probably the most popular flavor I make.

​

 

[purplelover88]

I stumbled upon this pre trip report and it sounds like the makings of a great trip! Me and my mom travel just the two of us all the time and it is a blast. The plans sound great. I personally would go with the dining plan if it is only a little bit more just for the fact that it is already paid for and you don't have to worry about anything other than tips. Plus then you can order whatever you want and not have to even think about prices.

 

[Stargazer9]

Following along! The three of us will be at WDW starting 6/20. Exciting!