Fall, Firsts, Food And The Final Frontier-WDW PTR - UPDATED 10/9 - Page 13 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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We go on to the joy and through the tears
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PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
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I hear you on the computer problems! I am planning to get a new laptop soon also.... mine works fine generally speaking.... but it is showing signs of being near the end- running slow and occasionally giving errors.
That is so crazy that your brand new one didn't work properly either! That actually happened to one of my boys one year. Got them a brand new- in the box HP and day one it had problems. They sent us another one but it was a headache.....
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Glad you were able to get everything sorted out with your new computer and are enjoying it! I'm impressed that your other one lasted SO LONG!!
Thanks and I love it so far! I always took good care of my old one, so that helped.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I hear you on the computer problems! I am planning to get a new laptop soon also.... mine works fine generally speaking.... but it is showing signs of being near the end- running slow and occasionally giving errors.
That is so crazy that your brand new one didn't work properly either! That actually happened to one of my boys one year. Got them a brand new- in the box HP and day one it had problems. They sent us another one but it was a headache.....
Glad you got it all sorted out!
All is good now and unfortunately you will get a lemon every so often like anything else! The older it gets, the slower it will be with technology and all the junk computers generate over time, which slows them down. This happens, even if you clean them out regularly, but not as much if you didn't.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Saturday, July 2nd While I was having my computer problems last week, I missed a pm from Cam who informed me that Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs is now accepting ADRs through Disney. The two of us have expressed interest in this new eatery in the past. This one is near the top of my list of all the new Disney eateries I want to try.
I saw Cam’s pm a couple of days later and today, I booked this for Saturday, October 15th at 8 pm. In the meantime, I cancelled my previous ADR for The Boathouse I had made on Open Table. The latter will have to wait for another trip as I was looking forward to trying this one as well.
Saturday, July 16th and Sunday, July 17th Over the last few days, I received an email from the Disney Food Blog that their Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-book was now available to download. I did this and looked a lot of it over and become familiar with it as this will be my first experience here.
Disney also announced during the week that reservations for the F&W Fest seminars, culinary demos, experiences, dinners and special events could be made beginning Tuesday, July 19th at 7 am for Disney Visa Credit Card holders and 9 am for Passholders, Tables in Wonderland members and DVC owners. For the rest of the general public bookings can be made on Thursday, July 21st. Having a Disney Visa Card made me happy as I get the first shot at these. For the Disney Visa presale, these can only be made by phone. I got an email from DFB, which had all the important info regarding this. I love the DFB and one of my favorite Disney websites!
Over the weekend, I looked over all the different seminars and so on that I may be interested in. I plan to be at the F&W Fest for two days and will probably do one of these on each day. Even with two experiences, I will still have plenty of time to experience the food booths in Epcot.
Not sure if I will do two full days for the festival or perhaps do a dinner one day elsewhere. It will depend on the Florida heat and how tired I may get. I think having at least one full day there will be good, so I can experience it at night and also catch Illuminations! I may cut out in late afternoon on one of two days and get a TS dinner to relax and get out of the heat!
Just considering the above as I'll only have two days at the Festival and not sure how tired I'll get. But in Cheryl's TR the heat really got to them and perhaps a restaurant on one day for dinner may be a good choice! What do you think? But, the heat may be a bit less in three weeks, but still a long day. I may have several, with my plans. We'll see! I'm just weighing my options at this point!
Some of the experiences were really expensive such as Party For The Senses and doesn’t seem worth the $349 price tag for the top tier of this event! There were a couple of the special meal experiences in Epcot that interested me, but there were conflicts with other things I will be doing on my trip. Perhaps, another time!
Tuesday, July 19th I regularly go into work at 8 am on Tuesdays, so it was definitely convenient for me to be on the phone at 7 am when bookings open for the F&W Fest. I called at 6:59 am and couldn’t connect the first couple of tries. Once the phone lines opened, I got through and was connected with CM Ruby at 7:01 am. She was very good and glad I had her, when I began making my bookings. Before, I was connected with Ruby I was on the phone with another CM, whom I told what reservations I was making and then I was connected with Ruby.
I made two bookings with Ruby and I was glad all went well with the process. I first booked one of the new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It” seminars. My reservation is for Wednesday, October 19th at 4 pm. It’s called the Taste Experience as you get to sample a number of different foods and flavors and experience what chefs go through in creating their culinary masterpieces. It sounds like a good one to me. It’s conducted by Tim Donnelly of Publix Supermarkets. The session lasts 75 minutes in the Festival Center and costs $49.
My next choice was a culinary demo for Monday, October 17th at 2 pm also at the Festival Center as most of these are. The demo will feature lamb and is being conducted by Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road and who also has his own cooking program on PBS, which I’ve seen on many occasions. Sounds like another good choice! The session lasts 45 minutes and you get to sample the final result along with a small beverage sample as well at the conclusion. The cost is only $15.
Once, I had made my bookings, I provided Ruby with my credit card information and as these are prepaid, I charged $64 to my Visa card. I was very pleased with how the process went as it could not have gone much better! I was a bit worried beforehand as to whether I could get through on the lines or not and how many other Visa card holders would be trying to do the same! Glad all worked out!
NEXT: Ch-Ch-Changes and A Wise Choice!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
So glad you got Frontera Cocina, but sad that you had to cancel The Boathouse. It really is getting harder and harder to select which restaurants make a trip as there are so many great choices now. Your F&WF seminars sound like fun. I know you will love the whole F&WF experience.
So glad you got Frontera Cocina, but sad that you had to cancel The Boathouse. It really is getting harder and harder to select which restaurants make a trip as there are so many great choices now. Your F&WF seminars sound like fun. I know you will love the whole F&WF experience.
I'm really looking forward to Frontera Cocina as I'm such a fan of Rick Bayless and love his programs on PBS! Tell me about the choices we have to make and is just so difficult! A couple of years ago, I never would have considered cancelling The Boathouse as with DS and in other locales, there is just so much to chose from, which I feel is a very good thing!
Perhaps, in a couple more trips after this, I will finally catch up for the most part and I hope you do too as well!
I'm quite happy with my seminar choices and should be a great experience! I just can't wait for the festival and experience it for the first time. Two days for me and contemplating whether it will be two full days or cutting it short on my second for a TS dinner!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 09-29-2016 at 09:41 PM..
I don't think you lose either way with that dining switch!! It is always wonderful to have something new to look forward to for next time!!. It sounds like you are going to have a blast at the F & WF as well!! More great plans!!
I don't think you lose either way with that dining switch!! It is always wonderful to have something new to look forward to for next time!!. It sounds like you are going to have a blast at the F & WF as well!! More great plans!!
Probably true, whether or not with a dining switch! I'm just thinking about it and as so many booths in Epcot for the F&W Fest and only two days there, I'm not sure whether, I want to give up the evening on my second day for this! What do you or anyone else here suggest I do as I'm in limbo with this The Festival is going to be a great time as so much to do and experience and I have great plans for it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Congrats on all the bookings!!
Much obliged!
Quote:
Originally Posted by B.M.
Great F&WF plans!! Hopefully the weather isn't too hot when you are down there....
I'm very happy with the plans! Hopefully the heat won;t be too bad, but I can deal with that as it's just the extreme humidity that bothers me! Should be better by mid October, but will check the long range forecast on Accu Weather!
EDIT: Just checked the long range weather forecast on AccuWeather for my dates of October 15-22 and weather looks generally good with temps in mid 80's. Chances of T-Storms on certain days. This is long range, so not accurate at any way until you get within a week IMHO!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 09-29-2016 at 10:12 PM..
Sounds like you will be going to some interesting food seminars which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Congrats on Frontera Cocina - I know you were looking forward to that one!
Sounds like you will be going to some interesting food seminars which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Congrats on Frontera Cocina - I know you were looking forward to that one!
The seminars look very good and I'm looking forward to them in a couple of weeks and definitely Frontera Cocina as well!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Saturday, July 30th A few days ago I found out that Flying Fish will be reopening August 3rd after an extensive refurbishment and complete redesign of their menu. I took a look at the menu on Allears and also saw some of the previews and it looks amazing. I plan to arrive early so I can check out the new AbracadaBar next door, whose theming is equally amazing!
I made an ADR for Flying Fish on Sunday, October 16th at 5:50 pm. A bit earlier than usual, but this is o I can see Illuminations. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my ADR for Trattoria al Forno, which I was looking forward to trying for the first time. It will just have to wait until my next WDW trip!
Thursday, August 11th I’ve been waiting for a Tiffin’s dinner package for Rivers of Light, but no news at all from Disney on when it will open! Still nothing as I write this, so another thing that will have to wait for my next trip.
One thing I want to do is experience Animal Kingdom at night. While, I do have an ADR for Sanaa, I very much want to try Tiffin’s! I cancelled my ADR for Sanaa and replaced it with Tiffin’s for Friday, October 21st at 6:10 pm. I also don’t have to get transportation from AK’s Kidani Village to the Animal Kingdom park, so this makes it easier. I also plan to try the Nomad Lounge before dinner as well.
Saturday, August 13th Over the past few days, while reading Chezp’s PTR on her Bagman adventure, she said she had got tickets in NYC for one of the Cirque du Soleil shows. This inspired me and that it may be time to see the La Nouba show in Disney again as it’s been since 2004 and I remember how much I enjoyed it. Thanks Cheryl once again for helping me spend more money!
I went on the Passporter Boards and looked for threads on La Nouba, so I could find out what the best seats were and not in the top price range. I found some good info on this, so I now knew what seats I would try to get and hope they were available. I also signed up for Cirque Club and was hoping for a discount, but they weren’t being offered for the date I wanted. I’m hoping for Saturday, October 15th and the 6 pm performance and have dinner after the show. This is a wise choice!
I first went through the WDW website and checked the seating charts for category 2. There was nothing available in the seating sections I was looking for. This did not sound promising!
Next, I called Disney reservations to see if they can have better luck. After a few minutes of hold time on the phone, I reached a CM. I gave her my info and the category and sections I desired for the performance. She did find section 101 and row AA, but I felt that was too close to the stage and a wider view of the show, I think is better. This would be great for a concert or most sporting events, but not this show!
After this she connected me directly to a CM at the box office as they may be able to help me out on this. I spoke with CM Arlin and after a bit of searching he hooked me up with tickets for the show!!! They are category 2 seats in section 204, row HH and seat 3. They are a bit higher up, but it is category 2 and will give me a nice view of the show.
I was quite happy with the results and always good to see CMs going out of their way for their guests and provide some Disney magic on them! My tickets are $85 and will be mailed to me. Arlin told me if I don’t receive the tickets in a couple of weeks to call the box office to find out if they were mailed. Even, if I don’t receive them, I can always go to the box office and pick them up.
Once this was done, I went on the WDW website and changed my ADR at Frontera Cocina from 8 pm to 8:30 pm to give me a bit more time. I’m glad I didn’t have a problem changing this. The La Nouba show is ninety minutes long and this will give me more time to explore Disney Springs a bit and possibly visit Jock Lindsay’s bar before dinner.
NEXT:How Could I Forget This?
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 10-02-2016 at 05:35 PM..
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I always took good care of my old one, so that helped.
The older it gets, the slower it will be with technology and all the junk computers generate over time, which slows them down. This happens, even if you clean them out regularly, but not as much if you didn't.
The two of us have expressed interest in this new eatery in the past. This one is near the top of my list of all the new Disney eateries I want to try. 
In the meantime, I cancelled my previous ADR for The Boathouse I had made on Open Table. The latter will have to wait for another trip as I was looking forward to trying this one as well. 
It will depend on the Florida heat and how tired I may get.
But, the heat may be a bit less in three weeks, but still a long day. I may have several, with my plans. We'll see! 
I'm just weighing my options at this point! 
There were a couple of the special meal experiences in Epcot that interested me, but there were conflicts with other things I will be doing on my trip. Perhaps, another time! 
Once the phone lines opened, I got through and was connected with CM Ruby at 7:01 am. She was very good and glad I had her, when I began making my bookings. 
Sounds like another good choice! The session lasts 45 minutes and you get to sample the final result along with a small beverage sample as well at the conclusion. The cost is only $15.
It is always wonderful to have something new to look forward to for next time!!
I'm just thinking about it and as so many booths in Epcot for the F&W Fest and only two days there, I'm not sure whether, I want to give up the evening on my second day for this! 
I plan to arrive early so I can check out the new AbracadaBar next door, whose theming is equally amazing! 
My tickets are $85 and will be mailed to me. Arlin told me if I don’t receive the tickets in a couple of weeks to call the box office to find out if they were mailed. Even, if I don’t receive them, I can always go to the box office and pick them up.
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