Living the dream and remembering the Bagman LIVE UPDATE 10/2 - Page 16 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Pre-trip report – part sixteen: I forgot about booking ADRs!
Saturday 26 March
It’s not often I say this, but I actually forgot about booking our ADRs for the Wednesday yesterday. My excuse is we are on holiday – as I write this, we’re in Bath, where we spent much of yesterday and last night, so it’s understandable. I went to book for Morimoto Asia for Barb and Bob this morning, but had to wait until after 7:00am our time, as the site was down for maintenance until then. Once it was up and running, I got an ADR for 7:00pm with no problem. Of course, it was going to be later, but that was when we were going to be going to La Nouba, and now that’s dark, we can go for dinner a little earlier, which is no bad thing.
I also got notification from Facebook about a new post in our Bagman Days group, and I think the easiest thing to do is just to share the whole thing here, as I think it’s such a wonderful idea.
Hello, friends. Can't believe we're officially less than 6 months to Bagman Days!
We've been brainstorming ways to include members of this group who can't join us in September but still want to participate in some way. We have a few ideas, but the one we keep coming back to is doing Random Acts of Kindness in Bill's memory -- and there are a couple ways we can make it work.
Option A: Decide on a specific RAK and send us the details and the money needed (if any) for your RAK idea. We'll get someone in the group to make it happen for you -- however you want it done!
Option B: Instead of planning out specific RAKs, we could simply collect money in a fund and come up with RAKs on the fly during Bagman Days.
Either way, we're thinking it might be nice to include a note that says something like "This random act of kindness is in memory of our friend, Deputy Bill Myers" and one of the buttons with his official OCSO photo -- but that's optional too. We can make it anonymous if you prefer.
If you want to send your RAK idea to someone specific and ask them to do it for you, that's absolutely fine. We do NOT mean to say that any RAKs have to be done "officially" through us. However, if you don't personally know anybody who is going and you want to send your ideas and money to one of us, we promise to make it happen however you want it to happen. Your RAK, your way!
And if you're going to be at Bagman Days and want to help with the fun of doing the RAKs, let us know!
Any thoughts/questions/concerns/better ideas? Please post here or message
Isn’t this just a lovely idea? I know I’ve said this before, but I so appreciate all the thought Sandy and Dyan have put into this event. They really are doing an amazing job on it.
When we got to our B&B for the evening, I did actually remember to make our ADRs for today, and just as well, given I was trying to snag a lunch for six of us at Spice Road Table. Thankfully, that wasn’t a tough call, and I easily got that, grabbing a table for midday.
Sunday 27 March
I woke up to a message this morning from Ann, confirming she’d been able to snag our lunch at the Boathouse for the Saturday. How she’s managing to book ahead using a DVC reservation, I do not know, I swear the system has something against me!
When we got to the B&B we were staying the night at, I was able to secure our lunch with my donkey boy at Crystal Palace, which Barb and Bob will be joining us for as well. I was relieved to get that one, as that was probably one of the tougher choices I needed to secure, but I had no problem, getting 11:35am, which was roughly what I was looking for.
I did check for the Skipper Canteen to see if it was taking ADRs yet, but sadly it’s not. I’ll just have to keep checking the boards for details as to when it starts offering advance ADRs.
Monday 28 March
Well, today I have nothing to book, as we already have the Boathouse ADRs, and the other meal I want for this day is Tiffin’s, which isn’t yet accepting ADRs, so at least I don’t have to remember to get on to the Walt Disney World website to book anything.
I did want to share this with, which Sue posted in the Facebook group, as I completely endorse the sentiments of what she’s saying:
Can I just say how excited I am for this gathering? Some old photos came up on my "On this Day" today, several of Bill, and also one of Lorie, and it made me realize just how precious life and time is. I can't wait to see everyone again.
This is just so, so true and so well said.
Ahead of the bookings I need to do tomorrow, I decided to try and find out when Symphony in the Stars might be during our stay. Good grief, what a nightmare! I can only find times for the next six weeks or so, but it seems to be on just before park closing and, at the time of year I’m looking at, the park closes at 9:30pm, and the fireworks are on at 9:15pm. As it’s closing at 7:30pm in September, I figure maybe 7:15pm? Ok, that gives me an idea of when to try and book dinner at Hollywood and Vine for.
This is the day I really need to work out, and tonight I think I did. I was thinking of going to see Ovo at the Amway Center. Google Maps tells me it’s half an hour’s drive each way, so to get there for a 1:30pm show, I think we’d need to leave Disney property by 12:15pm to allow us enough time for traffic or any other issues. It’s two and a half hours long, including the intermission, which means it will be done about 4:00pm. That means the earliest we’d be back on Disney property is 4:30pm, although in reality probably closer to 5:00pm, so that means we’d literally get back to the Studios for dinner and then the fireworks.
Hmmm…. Much as I love the idea of seeing another Cirque show, I just don’t think it’s going to fit into our itinerary. It’s no secret that the Studios is my least favourite park, but even so, I’d want to at least spend some time there, and at least if we had a break after the California Grill brunch, then we could head there early afternoon. After all, with the careful use of Fastpasses, that’s still do-able, especially as we don’t do a lot of the E-ticket rides there, like the Rock’n’Roller Coaster or the Tower of Terror.
Tuesday 29 March
Today was the first time I’d ever tried to make Disney dining reservations from my phone, as I remembered about them at work and had a spare five minutes, so I thought I’d give it a go. I will be honest, I expected it to be a complete and utter nightmare, but actually it was fine, probably just as simple as the traditional website, and if anything, it was quicker. I was very impressed, and it’s not often I say that about Disney online!
I snagged brunch at the California Grill for 10:00am, and I’m very excited to try this one out. I can’t wait to see what it’s like, and at least we get to dine at one of our favourite restaurants, even if it’s not the traditional dinner we usually enjoy there..
I also got dinner at Hollywood and Vine, so we can meet Minnie and her friends in their Halloween finery, at 5:15pm. I’m more interested in the character meets here, if I’m being completely honest, as the food didn’t wow us the last time we were there. Admittedly, that was many years ago, but from reviews I’ve read, the situation hasn’t necessarily improved that much.
Bearing those times in mind, it’s definitely the right call not to go and see Ovo. I just hope the show makes it over here at some point, as Cirque have actually pulled shows from touring before they’ve ever made it to Europe, which is a real shame.
I did also have a look on the Toronto Zoo website to see if the baby panda cubs are on show to the public yet, and they are now. However, they look amazingly cute now, but will they be that cute in six months’ time? I did some researching and found photos of a 10 month old baby panda cub, and while they are still cute, they’re probably not as cute as they are now. Hmmm… are we going to go and see them? At this stage, I’m honestly not sure. I think I’ll have to have another look at the itinerary, and whether it will fit in or not…
I understand your hesitation on the zoo and Panda cubs. Even if they are officially on display, you could go and not see them for various reasons. Think of how hard it was to catch the baby gorillas at AK. It was sort of hit and miss there. Your plans are really falling into place. I love the RAK idea in Bill's memory.
the RAK idea!
And I second what Priscilla mentioned about the panda cubs - they may not be visible for a variety of reasons. We have pandas here in DC, and sometimes they'll find a corner of their enclosure to take a nap, and they are totally out of view there. We've often come to the zoo and maybe saw one of our 4 pandas, and only a small glimpse. Not sure I'd plan a day around something so iffy. WHEN you visit China, it's a sure thing to see LOTS of pandas at the conservation center in Chengdu, simply because of the number of total pandas there. (Note the when, rather than if )
Great idea with the RAK! Nice going with the adrs!
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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 understand your hesitation on the zoo and Panda cubs. Even if they are officially on display, you could go and not see them for various reasons. Think of how hard it was to catch the baby gorillas at AK. It was sort of hit and miss there.
That is such a good point and I hadn't thought of that.
the RAK idea!
And I second what Priscilla mentioned about the panda cubs - they may not be visible for a variety of reasons. We have pandas here in DC, and sometimes they'll find a corner of their enclosure to take a nap, and they are totally out of view there. We've often come to the zoo and maybe saw one of our 4 pandas, and only a small glimpse. Not sure I'd plan a day around something so iffy. WHEN you visit China, it's a sure thing to see LOTS of pandas at the conservation center in Chengdu, simply because of the number of total pandas there. (Note the when, rather than if )
I did note that and I like your style! I would like to visit China in 2018, which will be here before we know it. And you are so right about that panda nursery - if you go there and don't see a cub, a) I'd be amazed and b) I'd be asking for my money back, as they have so many!
Pre-trip report – part seventeen: a photo to remember our Bagman by
Wednesday 30 March
I woke up to a private message from Maci (xewhisper) asking about ADRs for September, as she and her mom will be in WDW when we are, so I had a look through and gave her details of the ones that we’re not already in big groups for. Those are actually few and far between now – dinner at Boma, brunch at the California Grill, dinner at Hollywood and Vine, and the one I still need to book later today, breakfast at the Garden Grill, so we’ll see if any of those work for her. I hope we are able to tie up, as we loved meeting her on our last WDW trip.
Well, it has worked out – we’re all going to the Garden Grill for breakfast on our final morning. I booked it earlier in the day, but it was easy enough to swap it to four people. Maci’s thinking about brunch, as she’s planning on doing it as well, but was looking at a little later on, which I can understand. At least we know we’ll get to spend at least one meal with her!
Maci did mention Club Villain at the Studios, and this had sort of passed me by. I saw details of it in the All Ears newsletter: Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios has been extended yet again. It will now be offered Saturdays through the end of May. The event features performances, food, cocktails and encounters with some of the greatest Disney villains. The mysterious Dr. Facilier is host for the evening, welcoming guests and his friends from the "other side" to his parlor of mystical mishaps, with musical numbers and a wicked mix from his house DJ. Also stopping by to socialize are those divas of evil, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen. Reservations can be made in advance online or by calling 407-939-3463. Price is $129/person. A separate ticket for admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios is required.
Tempting as it is, I’m not sure how we can fit it in, and frankly, much as Mark loves his villains, I object to the price tags Disney are putting on things like these. It’s a lot of money, and I’m just not sure it’s worth it.
Thursday 31 March
Someone mentioned in their pre-trip report today about Rivers of Light, and I thought “well, surely Disney must have the hours up for it by now” They don’t… good grief! It’s listed on their website, and one section encourages you to look at the online park schedule. Oh please Disney, get your act together!
And how ironic is this? Someone posted on the boards tonight that Tiffin’s is due to open this summer according to the Disney parks blog. I was only looking the restaurant up earlier on this evening, and I knew the website was saying “spring 2016”, and sure enough, it still is. Nice to see everything’s being kept updated…
Vicky (stretch2864) posted in the Facebook group that her flights are now officially booked, so she’s in. I’m still bummed she’s off to Universal on the Tuesday, while we’re heading there on the Wednesday, but as she said, we’ll meet up later in the week.
Friday 1 April
Well, we now have some others confirmed in terms of flights – Terri (DrDolphin) and Sandy (whoSEZ if I remember right, she hasn’t been on the boards for some time now ) have posted that they’re booked as well.
There was a post this morning in the Facebook group about the Trail’s End breakfast meet on the Sunday morning, asking who was attending. We won’t be going, as the California Grill brunch wins out for me. Can you believe though we’ve still never once made it to Trail’s End? One day we will, as I keep hearing good things about it, and we have tried before, but it’s just never meant to be it seems. I don’t remember what happened, but I do remember booking, and then it not working out. I think we ended up booking somewhere else, perhaps a new restaurant?
On the boards this morning, there was a news update that tomorrow will be the last day of operation for Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, along with the Studio Catering Co. They’re all closing for construction on Star Wars Land and Pixar Place, which I get, but my goodness, that is a massive chunk of the park gone. I honestly wonder how much will be left when we get there in September. I’m glad we’re not planning on spending much time in that park, as I don’t think there’ll be much to see somehow.
There was also information about Rivers of Light, with some details about when the shows might be taking place. If that information’s right, that sounds good to me, as it allows you to get a dinner in first, and hopefully it does mean there will be dining packages offered. On that subject, Cam posted in her trip report that her husband Luke had read somewhere that Rivers of Light dining packages may be available today. She said she was skeptical about that, and I share her skepticism, but heck, this is Disney, and you just never know.
I noticed that the information about Rivers of Light and Animal Kingdom’s night time entertainment is now center stage on the Walt Disney World website. However, when you go through to the park hours, they’re still telling the same old story – nothing after sunset and no show times for Rivers of Light at all.
I tried searching for Rivers of Light dining packages on the site and nothing. It was the same story on the Disney Food Blog, so I’m taking a punt that they’re not coming out today…
I did however find this nugget of information from the boards:
Originally Posted by HiddenMickey Yes, there are expected to be FPs. But, there is also going to be Advanced Seating by making Dining Reservations like you can do for Fantasmic! Since the stands only hold 5000 people, both will likely be highly sought after.
I so want one of those dining packages more than ever now! Maybe if they release them, and Tiffins isn’t included, I’ll go with a place that is – presumably Tusker House or Yak and Yeti?
Saturday 2 April
Jennifer (jennifermg0) asked when we’re going to Disney in September, so I’ve given her my dates, but given she’s said previously she’s now making ADRs, I have a feeling we’re just going to miss her. She was the one who asked the question about whether there’d be Fastpass+ for Rivers of Light, so for asking that, and getting me some really useful information! Feonag (and I don’t know his or her real name) asked about our plans for 25 September, as that’s when they fly in, so I explained we’ll be in the Studios that day.
I’ve been looking for a good photo of Bill for some time, and it’s been quite the challenge, as usually he was the one behind the lens and he was very good at ducking out of sight if he saw you pointing a camera his way or pulling a silly face. I did find some from our 2007 Disney trip not long after his death, but I knew I had a nicer one, it was just a question of finding it. Unfortunately, I don’t have any trip reports on my computer before 2007 and that’s when my photos on Photobucket start from as well. After a lot of digging and researching, I finally found out the year that we went to the California Grill for dinner with him and Jan. We remember it well, as Jan and I must’ve tasted about the equivalent of a bottle of wine between us before we finally made a decision on the one we liked the best.
Anyway, I shared it in the Facebook group and I want to share it here with you guys…
In other news, I went on to the Virgin Atlantic website and ensured all our details were correct, which frankly they weren’t. They didn’t have our Flying Club details, a correct phone number or email address, so I had to sort all of that out. All I went on there for was to enter our passport details, as I knew they wouldn’t have them, because I couldn’t fill them in until we got Mark’s new passport back, so I went ahead and did those. Hopefully that’s the last set of passport details I have to provide. And don’t ask why we have to give them to the airline we’re flying with, as well as through the ESTA scheme. That one is still a bit of a mystery to me. I’d have thought it made more sense to just enter your ESTA number, then the airline checks it with the database to ensure it’s genuine and that would be that. Oh well, maybe it will come one day…
I agree about all the extra events Disney is adding with the hefty price tags! Getting into the park in the first place is not cheap, then to add on for early magic, evening magic, Villain parties, etc...
I agree about all the extra events Disney is adding with the hefty price tags! Getting into the park in the first place is not cheap, then to add on for early magic, evening magic, Villain parties, etc...
Nice that so many of your meals will also be meets!
I love combining the two - and you and I will be doing that almost this time next week! I just looked at the time and realised it's 12:30pm over here, so just over a week now...
finally caught up after my week away at the conference! Your plans are coming together quite nicely. Sorry about all the issues with your ESTA. That seems to be excessive. Though I have to fill out a 28 page re-investigation form for my job every 5 year...listing everything that ever happened in my life going back. I can't just 'update' it, I have to re-do it...yes, we have quite the bureaucratic nightmare on this side of the pond.
Can't wait to meet you and Mark finally!
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My excuse is we are on holiday – as I write this, we’re in Bath, where we spent much of yesterday and last night, so it’s understandable. I went to book for Morimoto Asia for Barb and Bob this morning, but had to wait until after 7:00am our time, as the site was down for maintenance until then. 
Once it was up and running, I got an ADR for 7:00pm with no problem. Of course, it was going to be later, but that was when we were going to be going to La Nouba, and now that’s dark, we can go for dinner a little earlier, which is no bad thing. 
I was relieved to get that one, as that was probably one of the tougher choices I needed to secure, but I had no problem, getting 11:35am, which was roughly what I was looking for. 
I did some researching and found photos of a 10 month old baby panda cub, and while they are still cute, they’re probably not as cute as they are now. Hmmm… are we going to go and see them? At this stage, I’m honestly not sure. I think I’ll have to have another look at the itinerary, and whether it will fit in or not… 
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the RAK idea! 
for asking that, and getting me some really useful information! Feonag (and I don’t know his or her real name) asked about our plans for 25 September, as that’s when they fly in, so I explained we’ll be in the Studios that day. 
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