F&WF Fun with my Favorite Disney Partner - PTR - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Well, we’re in the double digits now, so I guess I can start this PTR. Of course, I thinks it’s mainly because I’m all done with reservations and I’m trying to make the time go faster, so talking about this trip may help!!!
This trip has been in the planning stages for about a year. I’ve only been to F&WF once, but I’ve always wanted to go back and try more food booths and possibly attend some seminars. So….the little wheels in my head started spinning and I started planning. I wanted to include my son, Travis, who loves to cook and who I thought would get the biggest kick out of this trip. So when I asked if he wanted to go, I got a very resounding YES!!! So, he was on board for this trip. I told him he would have to pay half of the trip, we would stay at a Deluxe Resort instead of Value, and we would fly instead of drive. His response, “No Problem. Just tell me what I need to pay.” All good, right? You would think so, but…..around April of this year, my dear child informed me he was taking his girlfriend to Disney since she has never been. I asked if he was going to pay for it all, because I still needed payment for our trip. He said she was paying some and he still could afford the trip with me. Can you see the outcome of this story?!? Long story short... he paid for everything, she wasn’t impressed with Disney, and they broke up. He’s always told me that the girl he dates and/or marries has to like going to Walt Disney World. Travis basically told me they fought half the time and they spent much of the week apart. But by him paying more than he said he was going to, it dwindle down his vacation account which meant that I’m having to spend more than my half for this trip. But being a Mom, you will do for your kids and of course I didn’t mind the extra costs because I know how much he loves Disney. (BTW…they are dating again! )
I wanted to include MNSSHP, but I was more concerned with F&WF, so we chose the first week of November, hoping the crowds would be manageable. However, with free dining and other incentives from Disney, I may be surprised. I’m not a huge fan of Disney Dining, but if you look at my ADR’s, it may have been better to go that route. Oh well…such as life!!
The last time Travis and I were together at WDW was in January 2012, right after he graduated the Police Academy. We had a blast, although it got very cold at night. We stayed at Pop Century and we drove over 14 hours straight through the night. Not this time!!!
Let’s begin with introductions:
Me, (Regina), 55 years old. I’m retired from the State of Texas, but employed by Lamar University as a Student Records Assistant, Sr. I like working with students and especially the time off at Christmas.
This was taken in 2012 at Epcot in Morocco.
DS, (Travis), 26 years old. He’s my only child and who has my heart. He graduated from the Police Academy, although currently working for Verizon, (Cellular Sales). Like his Mom, he enjoys talking with people. He says he got his “gift of gab” from me!! Travis is a Type I Diabetic, diagnosed when he was 19 years old. His Dad and I were hesitant to send him back to college after the diagnoses, but we trusted him to take care of himself. And he did. He is currently on a diabetic pump, which if you looked at him, you really couldn’t tell.
Our 2012 trip, in front of Mission: Space.
Now that you have the cast of characters, it’s time for the when, where and why.
When: Sunday, November 2 – Saturday, November 8. Where: Boardwalk Inn Why: Food and Wine Festival
This will be our first time staying at the Boardwalk Inn, so I’m super excited because Epcot is our favorite park with DHS a close second. We’ll always love MK, but with Travis being older, Epcot has become his favorite place to spend time. And with us both being night owls, the Boardwalk seems to be the perfect place to be after the parks close.
Next Up: ADR’s, FP+, Flight Reservations, oh my!! Plus a Special Wish Granted!!
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Sounds like a great trip. And yes, we do tend to give in when it's our kids . But, how fun that the two of you will get a week together (no girlfriend going, I assume?)
Very exciting, Regina! BW is the perfect location for F&WF and closing out the parks with Illuminations. You always say you have the best time at WDW when you're there with Travis and I'm sure this trip will be great. I was going to say something about the girlfriend situation, but since he's dating her again, I won't!
Sounds like a great trip. And yes, we do tend to give in when it's our kids . But, how fun that the two of you will get a week together (no girlfriend going, I assume?)
We always have fun together, especially at WDW.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Very exciting, Regina! BW is the perfect location for F&WF and closing out the parks with Illuminations. You always say you have the best time at WDW when you're there with Travis and I'm sure this trip will be great. I was going to say something about the girlfriend situation, but since he's dating her again, I won't!
Laurie, I think of you when I think BW!! I always claim Travis as my Disney Partner because we both can act like kids and nobody cares!! Actually she is a very sweet girl!
Quote:
Originally Posted by iwonathomas
Great Start! I can't wait to hear more and I am sorry how do you not love Disney???
I know right?? I kept asking her about this ride or that fireworks show and she said, and I quote..."It was nice, but not something I want to see again"! I was so amazed!!
__________________
Regina
Last edited by travismom; 11-12-2014 at 09:50 AM..
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Plane Reservations…ADRs…FP+…A Special Wish Granted
Plane Reservations I always like to fly early and get to my destination as soon as I can, especially when going to Disney! !So with that in mind:
Leave Houston Hobby at 6:00am Arrive Orlando MCO at 9:15am
I also like to spend as much time at Disney before I leave, so…
Leave Orlando MCO at 2:40pm Arrive Houston Hobby at 4:15pm
ADRs When making ADRs, I keep in mind what we all like and which restaurants are our favorites. But this trip, I made a list of restaurants that I’ve always wanted to try and gave the list to Travis to select the ones he wanted and add the ones he was interested in trying. We must have the same likes, because he liked the ones I picked out!! All the restaurants selected were new to us except 2. Ragland Road, Travis’ favorite, and Hollywood Brown Derby. I’ve eaten at HBD on my solo trip, but Travis has never been. So then it was on to planning which restaurant when and what time. I work really well with spreadsheets, so I started plugging in places and times. And the final result is this:
Tuesday, Nov. 4 Breakfast: O’hana (Polynesian) * Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern (MK) * (we’re still going to keep trying for Be Our Guest!! Keep your fingers crossed someone cancels!!)
Wednesday, Nov. 5 Breakfast: Cape May Café (BC) * Dinner: Hollywood Brown Derby (DHS) This day we have a culinary demo at Epcot around lunch time. Trevor Horn, 50′s Prime Time& Hollywood and Vine, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Salmon
Thursday, Nov. 6 Breakfast: Boma (AK Lodge) * Dinner: Open This day we have a Special Event - Mexican Tequila Lunch. (Only because we both Love Tequila!!)
Next it was time for FP+. Travis and I quickly went over what times he wanted, which park we would be at on that certain day and our ADR times. He wanted late times, (not really sure why), so that’s what I looked for. Whew...! This was hard, but after all was discussed, the following FP+ ride times were selected:
Monday: 10:45am – Mission: SPACE 11:45am – Test Track
Tuesday: 9:30am – Splash Mountain 2:45pm – Space Mountain 6:15pm – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (the ONLY time available that day!!)
Wednesday: 9:15am – Tower of Terror (Travis will probably go to Rock-n-Roller Coaster, single rider line. He HATES ToT!!) 10:15am – Toy Story Mania 12:45pm - Star Tours
Thursday: 2:20pm – Big Thunder Mountain 4:05pm – Seven Dwarfs
Friday: 6:25pm – Mission: SPACE 7:30pm – Test Track
On Friday, well….this is the Special Wish Day.
Travis is an avid golfer. He played in high school, went to state and now plays for leisure when he can. He told me a long time ago he’s always wanted to play on a pro golf course, which Disney does have. So, with a little Mom magic and Pixie Dust, I called and got him a tee time on Friday after our breakfast at Wilderness Lodge! He’ll be playing at the Magnolia Golf Course. He is sooo excited. While he’s playing golf, I’m going to use that time as last minute shopping and maybe some pool time!! Besides, by then we’ll probably need to be apart for a while!! After his round of golf and my leisure day, we’ll meet back up at the resort, get cleaned up, and then we head to the Contemporary’s California Grill, which we are both really excited about trying!! We’ll end the week on our final night at where else….Epcot!!!
Well, that’s our plans for this trip. Not sure if it all will come together and everything will go as planned, but we’ll be at Disney, so it’s all good!!
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.
Good for you putting so many restaurants that are new to you into your plans - I'm sure there will be lots of them that will become favourites for future trips!
Sounds like a great start so far! I am like you and love to get to Disney early and leave later for our flights! Get as much magic in as possilbe. Your ADRs look yummy and you have a variety! Can't wait to hear more!
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So, he was on board for this trip. I told him he would have to pay half of the trip, we would stay at a Deluxe Resort instead of Value, and we would fly instead of drive. His response, “No Problem. Just tell me what I need to pay.” All good, right? 
You would think so, but…..around April of this year, my dear child informed me he was taking his girlfriend to Disney since she has never been. I asked if he was going to pay for it all, because I still needed payment for our trip. He said she was paying some and he still could afford the trip with me. Can you see the outcome of this story?!? Long story short... he paid for everything, she wasn’t impressed with Disney, and they broke up. 
He’s always told me that the girl he dates and/or marries has to like going to Walt Disney World. Travis basically told me they fought half the time and they spent much of the week apart. But by him paying more than he said he was going to, it dwindle down his vacation account which meant that I’m having to spend more than my half for this trip. But being a Mom, you will do for your kids and of course I didn’t mind the extra costs because I know how much he loves Disney. (BTW…they are dating again! ) 
Travis is a Type I Diabetic, diagnosed when he was 19 years old. His Dad and I were hesitant to send him back to college after the diagnoses, but we trusted him to take care of himself. And he did. 
He is currently on a diabetic pump, which if you looked at him, you really couldn’t tell. 
We’ll always love MK, but with Travis being older, Epcot has become his favorite place to spend time. And with us both being night owls, the Boardwalk seems to be the perfect place to be after the parks close. 
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. But, how fun that the two of you will get a week together (no girlfriend going, I assume?)
I was so amazed!!
This was hard, but after all was discussed, the following FP+ ride times were selected:
He’ll be playing at the Magnolia Golf Course. He is sooo excited. 
I hope Travis has a great time on his golf day.
Regina! Just checking in. This trip sounds like so much fun! I agree with Laurie on the girlfriend front. Can't wait to read about your adventures!
~ Jenn 
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