Nov17: Shhh…Don’t Tell the Kids , Husband or Podiatrist

momabaarjo · Jul 7, 2017

Shhh…Don’t Tell the Kids from Solo to Couple plus lots of NEW in November

EDIT 8/16: Shhh…Don’t Tell the Kids, Husband or Podiatrist

If you would have asked me after my last trip to WDW this past November (2016) when my next trip to WDW was, I would have told you probably not until 2018. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that I would be back the same time the following year, November 2017. My trips are generally spaced out 18-24 months apart, not 12... as most of my trips involve runDisney and a couple of Disney running BFFs (aka Girls Trip). But here I am writing a PTR for November and salivating waiting for Food & Wine booth menus to be released thanks to a conference that I am attending at WDW (what a great place for a conference, okay maybe not so great since it is going to be held at the BW and all I will be doing is dreaming of tasty morsels). Besides the conference, this trip is going to be a little different...

WRONG I AM I am NOT running the Wine & Dine Half Marathon thanks to an injury I am still recovering from last Wine & Dine. I am not sure how that is going to play out mentally since I am going to be there during the runDisney weekend. I am already have issues of still being unable to even walk for exercise (except in the pool) the last 8 months…what is going to happen when I hear the clinking of runDisney bling? EDIT CHECK OUT THIS POST
There is no runDisney BFFs coming along, most of this trip is going to be solo…although I am going to meet up with a few running friends for dinner 1 night and Mr. Grumpy will arrive towards the end of the WDW part of the trip so I can share with him my love of Food & Wine before sailing off in the sunset for a short 3-Day cruise on the Disney Dream to celebrate our belated anniversary. I promised the family that the next trip they would be coming along, and I sort of lived up to that promise…I did take them to Disneyland last March. But I am so excited to slip away with Mr. Grumpy (and even more shocked that he agreed). EDIT Going completely solo on this trip...CHECK OUT THIS POST
I am challenging myself each day to try something new each day. I have been in sort of a rut my last couple of trips doing (and eating) the same things. This trip is all about adventure, when I am not sitting in a conference session. I am going to be like Koda…STILL PLANNING TO DO THIS

So come along with me while I search for new adventures and trying to hide my solo fun from my kids, husband and podiatrist.

momabaarjo · Jul 7, 2017

Table of Contents

momabaarjo · Jul 7, 2017

I am Tammie, your mostly solo traveler who is going on yet another WDW trip without her kids (but I am taking DH along for part of this trip) and trying to keep it a secret…not really, they know. I am selfie challenged (which might not be a good thing for this trip since I totally agree with the selfie stick ban after being nearly struck by one and my phone losing the battle with the pavement on Main Street while waiting for Wishes one evening).

I am an almost (I SAID ALMOST) half century old Disney Queen who tries to act like one except when I am guzzling chocolate at Via Napoli or when a Lapu Lapu is spraying from my mouth. But more importantly I am a wife & mother of 3 (all who tend to get left behind when I go off to WDW with the runDisney BFFS…hey DH goes on his boy’s hunting and fishing trips so I have no guilt with him at least). I work in education in a position I like to call “Between a Rock & a Hard Place). I love to scrapbook & take pictures (duh, you need those things for scrapbooks) in addition to planning and dreaming of Disney trips (okay really Disney food and drinks).

My favorite Disney leading man is Killian Jones, sigh (okay you knew he was going to come up if you have ever read any of my PTR/TR). I would like to request a slightly older verison of Captain hook because I do not have the patience to train another man in my life…now that DD is off to college it’s just me and my 3 boys at home (yes, I consider DH to be one of my boys cause he is worse than the tween and the teenager at times, more about him after I talk about me).

My DH, Jeff, aka Mr. Grumpy is "most" of the time a very wonderful and patient man (thank goodness because he puts up with me). He is a self-employed contractor and small business owner, which is nice when it comes to planning last minute trips. In his free time he loves to restore hot rods, fish and hunt. He won’t admit it, but he loves WDW and is a huge CARS fan.

His favorite character has always been Doc Hudson, in fact he even had to buy a Hudson to restore because of Doc. He is classic, straight forward and a little gruff just like Doc.

momabaarjo · Jul 7, 2017

Dates, Dates, Dates

So when is this trip taking place?

Funny you should because lately my departure date has been a moving target thanks to Southwest Airlines.

My conference is November 7 & 8 with a day between our Very Merrytime Cruise from November 10-13. I had originally planned to fly down after work on Monday, November 6th and I booked that flight. Then I got to thinking that I would have no time to really explore Avatar (not that I am a fan or anything but checking it out goes along with my newest life adventure) and have more days to eat/drink my way Around the World like I love to do this time of the year in Epcot. But an earlier flight would mean being docked a day at work (I can only take 5 personal days a semester)...hmmm, Employment first, right?

Wrong! SW just had to drop the Monday morning flight fare and I just had to book! A few days later it dawned on me that why wait until Monday morning, since I was already taking off Monday? Why not go on Sunday? Darn SW airlines, still even cheaper to fly out on Sunday than Monday. DH gave me the green light and bam I am arriving on Sunday early afternoon, November 5th!

I seriously do not know what is up with SW and airfares...I am not complaining! I have never seen ticket prices this low...flying out of a regional airport you just expect higher fares but it is cheaper for me to fly to Orlando (1 stop/1 plane change) than it is to fly directly to Dallas (where my regional airport connects).

This past weekend I was talking to Mr. Grumpy about my excitement for my upcoming trip (trust me he just shakes his head, kind of the way I shake my head when he talks about cars)...I just happen to catch him in his happy place (fishing) and he asked me why wasn't I going Friday night after school instead of waiting till Sunday. Knock me over...I explained that it was during DS football season (senior year not knowing what playoffs will be like) and my conference room rates did not start until Sunday. His response was, what about other resorts? Of course that got my mind turning as I really needed to check out a certain resort that I had never stayed at for a friend traveling later in the month. Never wanting to waste a moment of Mr. Grumpy's temporary insanity (brought on by a HUGE trout) I got on MDE found availability, checked SW and guess what the amount I was saving by booking a Friday night flight would almost cover 1 of my added nights (Don't you just love Funny Disney Math...and I am a math teacher). SCORE...are you totally confused now?

So when is this taking place?

November 3-6 Pre Conference Solo Fun
November 7-8 Conference
November 9 Solo Fun
CANCELLED November 10-13 DCL Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream

momabaarjo · Jul 8, 2017

While room reservations are not finalized yet (hopefully by the end of the week) I have turned my attention to my favorite thing about Walt Disney and the real reason I love going home...

Food Food Food, Oh Glorious Food

This trip is proving to me my most difficult to plan in terms of dining for several reasons...

1. I do not have to make reservations with anyone else in mind...this is ALL ABOUT WHERE I WANT TO EAT AT! I think this is something I am most excited about. I dont have to please anyone but myself...no compromise, no playing tour guide...

2. I love food & Wine so much that I want to spend as much time possible there since last year I had a bad start to my binge feast of Eating & Drinking around the world that set me behind the rest of the trip. I came close though!

3. My personal challenge of trying new places, instead of gravitating to my favorites...this is proving a REAL CHALLENGE :scared1:

Have made and cancelled more ADRs the last few weeks then I care to admit...

Friday-Nothing Disney, since my flight gets in after 11 pm nothing will be open at MCO or Disney.

Saturday-I am not a breakfast person and I am going to force myself to sleep in some thanks to the lat flight the night before. Considering going to Animal Kingdom for the day and I tentatively have an ADR for a late lunch at Tiffins. Darn show on the Discovery Channel a few weeks ago. It looks so beautiful and the food looks AMAZING.

tiffins-restaurant-animal-kingdom-walt-disney-world-031.jpg

Sunday-I love the new Disney Springs and although I am not a huge shopper I am very excited about going to lunch at Art Smith's Homecoming. This is the one ADR I knew that I had to work into my schedule...but I am also considering trying to fit it in later in the trip and do Food & Wine all day (might even by a W&D Party ticket) but I know that Sunday is not the best crowd level day for F&W.

Monday-Dinner tonight is going to be at my only repeat ADR (at this time anyway) Be Our Guest with running friends Gretchen & Jan. So excited to seeing them and giving BOG dinner 1 more chance. My only other visit was a bust. We dined together last year at the Parisian Breakfast after the W&D 10K and I was not feeling too hot to enjoy my time with them. Can't wait to meet up!

Tuesday-Remember I just said I was not a breakfast person, well I did schedule an early breakfast ADR right before my conference begins for Bon Voyage. Tuesday night I will be munching my way around the World at Food & Wine since the Epcot has Evening EMH that day after my conference ends.

Wednesday-Conference all day and a special dining/party event that night. Mr. Grumpy arrives late so I might need to think of something for him.

Thursday-I am showing Mr. Grumpy the world...we are grazing F&W all day. I hope he can handle it...or really can I handle him. We were at DL during their Food & Wine last March and he was not impressed...although I must say some of the was way out there.

Friday-I am hoping that we will have enough time before transportation to Port Canaveral for our cruise to have breakfast at Olivia's.

momabaarjo · Jul 12, 2017

Food & Wine Booth Menus are up today! Sadly I have not had a chance to sit down and really pour over them. I did look to see if any events are happening while I am there that I might want to try out. Sadly, like last year the same weekend there is not much that is really of interest. I am totally bummed Carla Hall will be there the day I arrive, but I don't think she will stick around and wait for me until midnight...I sure would like to whooty-who with her. I did think about redoing the Parisian Breakfast on Saturday (still dreaming of endless mimosas and that drinking chocolate that I would like to bathe in). Although I am dying to go Monsieur Pauls, the Parisian Lunch is not enough to make me cancel Tiffins. I guess I will just have to stick to my favorite event of all...rolling and teetering my way through the World Showcase!

momabaarjo · Jul 14, 2017

In honor of the menu release, I am looking back at my 5 favorite flavors from 2016 (and a few I will get to experience again this year in addition to all the new yummies)…

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel from the chocolate studio
Beijing Roasted Duck in a Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce from China
Piggy Wings (Fried Pork Wings) with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds from Craft Beers
Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa from Greenhouse Guru
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce from Morocco

momabaarjo · Jul 18, 2017

MOVIN ON UP FROM VALUE TO DELUXE

George would say we are...

I finally have all of the room reservations made! I know this sounds crazy but since I am going solo for most of this trip I decided that I wanted to do a little resort hopping. My Disney Bucket List includes staying at every Walt Disney Resort, so this trip I am going to sort of check of 2 more (still holding out for 3) more resorts.

I find it so shocking that the one resort that I REALLY wanted to stay I could not get a room reservation. I had plans to start my trip off in a Value Resort, mainly All Stars Music but there was no availability there or at ANY of the All Stars resorts. So I am settling with a repeat resort...

POP Century. I Know it sounds crazy but I am super disappointed, but I am still holding out that I will get an All Stars reservation. I do like POP and I can easily cross the bridge to AoA and get my favorite Surf & Surf burger should I have a craving. Maybe I will even end up in a refurb room, I sure hope they look better in person!

I will be staying at POP for Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday I will have bell services transfer my luggage to

Coronado Springs Resort for my Sunday-Tuesday nights stay. This will finish off my stays in all the moderate resorts. I am not sure what to expect here with all the construction going on. I am really sad about both Coronado and Caribbean Beach totally getting a makeover and lots of new additions. I wonder if Disney is going to start losing some of the quaintness of the resorts? I am no really excited to think about a tower going in, but then again I know nothing about Coronado...it is my conference hotel so its a good pick. On Wednesday Mr. Grumpy is arriving and he made a comment in passing about how much he loved staying at the Boardwalk so,

Wednesday and Thursday night I am splurging and we are staying at the Boardwalk Inn. Technically we have stayed at the Boardwalk, but in the DVC/Villa side so I am counting this as a new resort stay since from the pictures the rooms are entirely different. I love that we are going to be able to just walk over to Epcot for they day on Thursday. On Friday, we will head to Port Canaveral where we will board the Dream for a short Merrytime Christmas 3-Day Cruise and staying in...

a deluxe stateroom with a verandah!

This seems like a lot of moving and I would never do with with a family or even a couple...but since it will be just me and Disney bell services is so efficient I really do not foresee any problems. I also have lost my need to constantly be in the parks the entire time and can't wait to explore the resorts!

buzzrelly · Jul 18, 2017

Joining in! DH and I are going down 10/28-11/6 and doing a split between UO and WDW, so our dates will overlap with yours somewhat! We've never been for Food & Wine and are really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we also signed up for the 10K/Half-marathon challenge :sad2:

I think we may have bit off more than we could chew with that, but we'll see :rotfl2:

Pop is my favorite value…I've stayed at ASM once and don't feel the need to return so I think you've actually made a good choice. Sorry it's not helping you finish off your bucket list though! I've never stayed at Coronado Springs, but it looks to be the nicest one of the mods, and obviously, will be super convenient for your conference! BW looks great too, and you can't beat the area! Sounds like such a fun trip!

We did a 4-night on the Dream last year and it's so AMAZING :love:

You and your DH will be hooked! My DH and I already booked the Fantasy for 11/3/18 for an Eastern Caribbean cruise and no, we haven't told the kids yet either! I can just hear it now… :crazy2:

They are already upset that they aren't coming on this trip in a couple months. Do your kids try to lay the mom-guilt trip on you like mine do?

Looking forward to reading more!

ashw100 · Jul 18, 2017

Joining in. Love the plans so far. You're Disney bucket list is like mine, I am slowly making my way there hence the ASM stay for me. I'm so jealous about the cruise portion of your trip. One day I will hopefully be able to do that as well. Looking forward to hearing more and possibly seeing you there.

momabaarjo · Jul 18, 2017

WELCOME!!!!

buzzrelly said:
Joining in! DH and I are going down 10/28-11/6 and doing a split between UO and WDW, so our dates will overlap with yours somewhat! We've never been for Food & Wine and are really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we also signed up for the 10K/Half-marathon challenge I think we may have bit off more than we could chew with that, but we'll see

Pop is my favorite value…I've stayed at ASM once and don't feel the need to return so I think you've actually made a good choice. Sorry it's not helping you finish off your bucket list though! I've never stayed at Coronado Springs, but it looks to be the nicest one of the mods, and obviously, will be super convenient for your conference! BW looks great too, and you can't beat the area! Sounds like such a fun trip!

We did a 4-night on the Dream last year and it's so AMAZING You and your DH will be hooked! My DH and I already booked the Fantasy for 11/3/18 for an Eastern Caribbean cruise and no, we haven't told the kids yet either! I can just hear it now… They are already upset that they aren't coming on this trip in a couple months. Do your kids try to lay the mom-guilt trip on you like mine do?

Looking forward to reading more!

I love USO! I was really trying to figure out if I could sneak a day over there...but darn it I like my F&W way too much! LOL...plus this is mostly a business trip plus I really need to get a few things done Disneywise for a couple of friends who are traveling later in the month and this spring.

I like POP but it was never really on my list to go back too...and totally figured ASM would be a one visit too. I probably will still go over and check it out if I can pull myself away from F&W.

I am so bummed about not doing W&D Challenge this year. It is my favorite of all the runDisney races...see my links below for my TR from last year. I made a video for all the races. runDisney is killing me with opening more registrations this last week. I am going to the doctor in a couple of weeks so maybe I will finally get to walk again for exercise 9 months post. My ankle is handling no boot very well, most of the time...but this week will be a test as we are headed to Boston for a long weekend and I know I will be doing a lot of walking! I keep toying with the idea to walk the half...since I have a time that should get me mid corral.

I am so excited about the cruise...and to escape as a couple is a nice treat. My 2 oldest (dd is senior at Texas Tech and ds#1 senior in high school) don't seem to have much interest anymore in Disney...although DD is a runner and has been thinking of doing a runDisney trip with me. Our youngest dd#2 aka #monsterchild is not too happy with me...but I keep telling him that he will get to go lots as soon...will older brother and sister being nearly adults. I used to feel a lot of guilt, but slowly have reduced that level. When my 2 oldest where young I NEVER LEFT THEM...now I am being a little more selfish. DH has always had his hunting and fishing guy trips...

ashw100 said:
Joining in. Love the plans so far. You're Disney bucket list is like mine, I am slowly making my way there hence the ASM stay for me. I'm so jealous about the cruise portion of your trip. One day I will hopefully be able to do that as well. Looking forward to hearing more and possibly seeing you there.

I was really stunned that there was no availablity for ASM...but then again it is a runDisney weekend. The cruise just sort of happened...research and I had a really good bonus from my side job! Love your bucket list! You will love MVMCP...I did it for the first time last year and it was so much fun. I just stood in the middle of main street for what seemed like to my friends forever watching the snow fall...Disney is the only place I will allow Christmas before December 1!

buzzrelly · Jul 19, 2017

momabaarjo said:
I love USO!

I've only been once, and DH has never been. We are going to do some of the Halloween Horror Nights stuff before we go over to WDW and do something more MY speed…MNSSHP :love:

momabaarjo said:
My ankle is handling no boot very well, most of the time..

Sorry about your foot…that stinks! Hopefully you're feeling better soon!

momabaarjo said:
I keep toying with the idea to walk the half...since I have a time that should get me mid corral.

I will probably be walking a bunch of the half as well…I don't really care, as long as I finish!

momabaarjo · Jul 25, 2017

Just returned home from a mini vacation to the New England area. Our oldest son was doing the AIM program (Academy Introduction Mission) at the US Coast Guard Academy to see if he really wants to seek an appointment/acceptance next year...ultimate college visit/tour for a week long session. So proud of him for attending...there are over 2000 applicants for the program and only 600 are selected to attend.

Now it is time to get back to planning this "Working" vacation in November! I had a crazy dream last night that I signed up for the Wine&Dine Half and I forgot to pick up my bib! Waking up from this dream has me a little unsettled...what was even crazier was a former teacher in my building was there and Disney is so not her. I ran into her in one of the parks and she was showing me her bib. Not sure why W&D in on my mind so much lately...darn runDisney just had to go and release more bibs last week for the event. Really wondering why, because it was not sold out yet. Also, POT (Proof of Time) is rapidly approaching. We spent the majority of our time walking the last few days...2 of the days over 12 miles and I was wearing sandals (don't worry doctor approved style) and my ankle handled it really well (my calves and thighs, not so much...I am so out of shape). Make me almost want to consider trying my luck at walking the W&D. I have a couple more days till POT so who knows what will happen.

ashw100 · Jul 25, 2017

Wow that's awesome for your soon, good for him. Running is not my thing, sounds like you'll really be missing this year's W&D. I hope it all works out for you. Glad to hear your on the mend.

buzzrelly · Jul 26, 2017

momabaarjo said:
Just returned home from a mini vacation to the New England area. Our oldest son was doing the AIM program (Academy Introduction Mission) at the US Coast Guard Academy to see if he really wants to seek an appointment/acceptance next year...ultimate college visit/tour for a week long session. So proud of him for attending...there are over 2000 applicants for the program and only 600 are selected to attend.

How awesome for your son, good luck to him…whatever he decides to do.

Sounds like you were in my neck of the woods

momabaarjo said:
my ankle handled it really well

Good news!

momabaarjo said:
Make me almost want to consider trying my luck at walking the W&D.

Awesome! I'll see you there

momabaarjo · Jul 26, 2017

ashw100 said:
Wow that's awesome for your soon, good for him. Running is not my thing, sounds like you'll really be missing this year's W&D. I hope it all works out for you. Glad to hear your on the mend.

Thank you...we are very proud of him.
I hope I am on the mend...doctor appointment for 9 months post injury in a couple of weeks. I am crossing my fingers I will be cleared to run/walk again!

buzzrelly said:
How awesome for your son, good luck to him…whatever he decides to do.

Sounds like you were in my neck of the woods

Good news!

Awesome! I'll see you there

Thank you...we have a couple more college visits this fall and he is actually working on applications. Right now the Coast Guard, should he get accepted is #2 on his list.

Don't tempt me about being there...

momabaarjo · Jul 26, 2017

I told you about my favorite eats from last year's Food & Wine but what about My Top 5 Sips...

Twinings Pumpkin Chia Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka from Ireland (Bonus flavor- Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard from Ireland)
Caposaldo Peach Moscato Sweet Sparkling Wine from Italy
Frozen Spiked Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream
Frozen Brown Elephant from Africa Outpost
Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka from Poland (not sure that was a favorite but it was certainly interesting…like drinking literally an apple pie, chunks of apples and all)

ashw100 · Jul 27, 2017

momabaarjo said:
I told you about my favorite eats from last year's Food & Wine but what about My Top 5 Sips...

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Twinings Pumpkin Chia Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka from Ireland (Bonus flavor- Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard from Ireland)

Caposaldo Peach Moscato Sweet Sparkling Wine from Italy

Frozen Spiked Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream

Frozen Brown Elephant from Africa Outpost

Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka from Poland (not sure that was a favorite but it was certainly interesting…like drinking literally an apple pie, chunks of apples and all)

Those drinks looks sinful. Can't wait to do some drinking around the world.

momabaarjo · Jul 28, 2017

My last weekend of vacation from my very little summer...can't think of a better way to spend it than to be speed scrapbooking on another website devoted to Disney Scrapbooking in their annual speed scrap marathon. Here is my first layout...

momabaarjo · Jul 31, 2017

I can't believe that I missed my double-digit dance...

today my count-down calendar reads...

The days should fly by pretty fast considering my few short weeks of summer vacation end today...and it is back to work for me tomorrow. The beginning and ending of the school year is always the busiest for me...I have several new trainings to attend, plus a couple of staff development sessions to write and deliver.

Nov17: Shhh…Don’t Tell the Kids , Husband or Podiatrist

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

DIS Veteran

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

DIS Veteran

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

Rather Sail Away with Mickey than Run Now

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