Un-Planning and Re-Planning: 'Us' in the world, no ash allowed. Update 12/06

[lostinwonderland]

So, here's the thing, right now, if everything would have gone to plan, I should've been writing a Trip Report, not a Pre-Trip..

That's right I shoud havme just got back from spending a lovely 10 days in the happiest place on earth. But, it didn't all go to plan. I planned, and I planned, and it was all looking perfect, the only thing I didn't plan on was the big cloud of darkness from the land of ice. So now I get to plan again, for a trip in June... As much as I love planning, I wasn't really planning (no pun intended) on doing it twice....

Anyway, before I get bitter again, and go into the ins and outs of my un-planning and re-planning, I shall introduce 'us'.

"US"

Awww, we're cute. DBF and I, are the stars of your show this evening. As you can see, we need to be in WDW as much as we tried to pretend it was just like Animal Kingdom; West Midlands Safari Park really wasn't cutting it.

Ok, a bit about 'us' the couple. We like to eat, we really enjoy food, we are very partial to a buffet, we always get starters and love variety, so far so good right?.. Well, now I'm going to disappoint all you food porn lovers, we are not pudding (dessert) people, sorry!... However, DBF does love a good Creme Brulee, and with so many on so many menus he has said, he may have to try a good few, so maybe he will save the day.

Speaking of food porn, last year, we were gonna do a trip report, however I forgot to take the essential food pics, I was branded 'rubbish' by DBF, and he is now in charge of all portraits of food for our trip.

So a bit more about us, we have been to WDW together once before, DBF
took me as my Birthday present for a week last May, unfortunately DBF got unwell during the trip, and it rained the whole time, so although we had an amazing time, we didn't do all we wanted to.

We are a 'we', as in we are very much a comfortable couple, if you know what I mean. We are not sold separately, and I like it like that.

Up Next: I'll introduce 'I' and 'Him' and explain the heartbreak of canceling 10 days worth of ADRs...

Contents
1. Introduction and 'Us' (This Post)
2. 'I' and 'Him'
3. The Tale of The Lost Trip
4. ADRs. Are we faced with two weeks of hot dogs and chips?
5. I've got a Special Diet.
6. I am 21!
7. Updates and The Plan
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[lostinwonderland]

So, here's the time and place to introduce the two parts that make up 'Us'.

"I"

Name: Anie (short for Angharad)
Age: 20 (but will be turning 21 on 12th May)
Favorite Character: Chip (& Dale), Aliens from Toy Story and Marie (Aristocats).. But for meet and greets, Pluto and Goofy are right up the top..
Favorite Princess: Belle & Snow White
Favorite Ride: Peter Pan, BTM and TOT
Food Issues: No Cows Milk for I, I swell up like a Puffer Fish.
Other Interesting Bits and Bobs: I grew up loving Disney, but never got to go to WDW as a child, however I did get to go on a fair few visits to DLRP. I am Assistant Station Manager of our Student Radio Station, I love radio. I also co-produce a show for our Student TV station and recently got a highly commended at the National Student Television Awards. I love sweets, I'm always craving a pick and mix, I also drink a lot of sugar free red bull. I am shy, it's odd, I can quite happily dance in the street and make a fool out of myself, but I'm really shy when I meet new people.


"HIM"

Name: James
Age: 24
Favorite Character: TIGGER , he loves loves loves Tigger (Proof).. He also has a softspot for Toulouse (Aristocats)
Favorite Princess: When I asked I got the response "You" that quickly changed to Cinderella, Cheers!
Favorite Ride: RNRC, TOT, Splash Mountain and BTM
Food Issues: No Peanuts for Him, or there'll be protein spills.
Other Interesting Bits and Bobs: James is currently a Sabbatical officer at our Student's Union, he works very hard and silly hours. James was a lucky boy when he was little and got to go to WDW a few times as a child, and went to DLRP with Uni mates. James drinks a lot of diet coke, in fact it's pretty much all he drinks. James can talk to anyone he meets, he's a real people person, I envy his confidence with people, lol.


Maybe, I'm feeling lazy, or maybe we're just very boring, I just can't think of much to say about 'I' and 'Him'...
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[lostinwonderland]

So we're here because we have a lost trip.

We were supposed to be flying to sunny Orlando April 16th for 9 nights, however I woke up on April 15th to news reports of Ash Clouds, Cancelled Flights and Closed airports.

DBF was away at a conference and not due back until that evening, so I called him and told him, I was worried, I just knew our trip wasn't going to be the escape we needed. He told me not to worry, as they were saying that flights were cancelled until 6PM, however later on that night, our flight for the following afternoon was cancelled.

Originally, we rearranged our flights to leave on the Sunday (18th) and come back on 2 days later. However Saturday came and our flights were again cancelled, and we could not push back our return any further.

I was, understandably upset, we needed the holiday, however, I was thankful that we were together and safe, and felt worse for those who were stuck away from home.

So off I went and cancelled all those precious ADRs, Coral Reef, Narccoosse's, Ohana the lot, it as gutting. But then DBF said we could go, but we would have to wait until June, after term was finished, and his work schedule becomes a lot less demanding... Then he sweetened the deal, we could go for 14 nights

So out comes the diary, excel spreadsheets, disboards, and off I go back to the planning board.

Though with only 2 months to plan... How did getting those all important ADRs go?

And with no relevant photos of grounded planes or Ash clouds, I guess I can only say..

Keep Reading!

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[SimmerBaggins]

Hi, Anie! I'm so sorry about your cancelled trip -- I knew we would probably hear some of those stories, and I'm glad you're sharing yours!! I just couldn't imagine having planned through school, work, friends & family, and then just not be able to fly away...

Can't wait to hear what magic you both have coming!!

 

[lostinwonderland]

Hi, Anie! I'm so sorry about your cancelled trip -- I knew we would probably hear some of those stories, and I'm glad you're sharing yours!! I just couldn't imagine having planned through school, work, friends & family, and then just not be able to fly away...

Can't wait to hear what magic you both have coming!!

Hi,

Thanks for reading,

It was pretty upsetting, especially with having looked forward to it so much, and got to the really exciting "I'm going on holiday" stage, it was so disappointing to not be able to go. We were both really gutted, but tried to keep positive by booking our new holiday straight away, and being thankful we hadn't lost too much money and were together and safe rather than stuck abroad in an airport.

It just means that our upcoming holiday has got be extra special. Though I'm a bit reluctant to get too excited about it, in case something goes bad again, sort of feel like I'd be tempting fate now,

 

[lostinwonderland]

"FOOD"

So with all those reservations cancelled, and having to re-plan our meals, I was in a bit of a panic, but I think we did ok with what what we got.

We're staying offsite (booo) so no Dining Plan for us. One day, I keep telling myself, one day I'll convince DBF to stay at an amazing onsite resort and we can have the Dining Plan (well if I really get my way deluxe )

Anyway so here's what we got:

Breakfasts
Tusker House (Donald's Safari Breakfast)
I like Donald, I like Animal Kingdom.
Crystal Palace
DBF loves Tigger, I love the idea of a not too busy main street, so nabbed an 8.15 am.

Yeeah, Breakfast ADRs are a little disappointing from us, we're not really breakfast people, but we thought we'd challenge ourselves.

Lunches
Sci-Fi
For some reason I wanted to eat here, I feel like I've got to try it once despite some not so great reviews, I think we'll enjoy it.
Crystal Palace
Again, DBF's love of Tigger comes into play, plus we did CP as a lunch last year and really enjoyed it, we definitely are buffet people.
Teppan Edo
DBF wanted to try it again this year as we had a bit of a disaster last year.
Tusker House
DBF wanted to try somewhere else in AK for a sit-down, and this is the other place, and it sounds good.
Le Cellier
We got lucky, really lucky. DBF really wanted to eat here after reading the menu and seeing the reviews. I told him it was very unlikely, but he made me check every few hours every day, until we got lucky and this lovely lunch slot (1.30 pm) on a day already scheduled for Epcot in my plan came up. Thank goodness!

Dinners
Chef Mickeys
Just thought it might be a nice way to start the trip, this is our first ADR.
Biergarten
I really wanted to eat here, just sounds good and fun!
Cinderella's Royal Table
Well you've got to eat in the castle once right? DBF wasn't (and still isn't) too sure it's going to be worth it. Do you think we'll enjoy?
Ohana
Well I can't ignore all the Ohana worshipping; we must go!
Garden Grill
I love Chip (& Dale), that is all.
Narcoossee's
Fancied something a bit nice.
Tony's Town Square
I don't know why.
TRex Cafe
DBF was keen to go here, he's seen pictures of very large portions of Ribs and waffle fries, we must go! We both enjoy Rainforest Cafe, so though we'd quite like to give this one a try.
Kona
After again, reading reviews and menus, we decided we'd quite like to try this. This is our last Dinner of the holiday.

So yeah, that's what we've got, we've also got a few Counter Services we must eat at.

Basically, a bit from most of the world showcase destinations.
Pecos, Casey's and Flame Tree Barbeque.

We're also looking for some offsite restaurants to dine at. Suggestions welcome.

Also any suggestions, for things that must be ordered, stops we must make in the world showcase, drinks we must consume, are all very welcome.

*Insert Tasty Food Porn Pic Here*

Well, I'm hungry, catch you later for more ramblings of my Un-Planning and Re-Planning.
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[lostinwonderland]

"SPECIAL DIETS"

As described somewhere above, "I" and "HIM" have food issues. It's not fun, when you love food, and can't find anything on the menu to eat.

Often when we go for a meal, I'm all like, that but not cooked in that, no sauce, no cheese, swap those fun looking potatoes for some fries and those lovely veggies for a salad... No dressing.. So often end up with a very bland meal at the end.

Even when it's a formal event, and they've been let known ages in advance, I still end up with a bowl of fruit for starter and desert, and the chicken with no sauce.

So, lets say, after reading everyones good experiences with allergies at Disney World, I'm sort of excited!

Anywhoo, I emailed the nice "Special Diets" people, and told them of our upcoming trip, about our food issues, and what not. And they replied within about 12 hours (I was impressed, I was expecting 24-48 hours deal).

They provided me with all sorts of interesting information;

MY DBF can't have peanuts, so they told me the only places that they don't use peanut oil, with the exception of Yak & Yeti, Nine Dragons at China, and Chefs de France. They use canola oil (100%), though some dishes may have peanut in them or peanut sauce (such as satay). They also made us aware that at Animal Kingdom some CMs will carry nuts in their pockets for the birds, so they may have nut oil and remnants on their clothes and hands.
DBF's nut issue is, thankfully, not so serious that we need to consider this, but is very useful for those who do have serious nut allergies.

They also say that all their chefs and restaurant (TS and QS) staff are trained to deal with allergies, so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and make them aware.

Also attached was a letter saying the same sorts of things, and also a list of QS foods that contained different allergens and alternatives there were and where they were available, very helpful!

There was also a form, where you fill in the needs of your dietary requirements and reservations and send it back and then they let the restaurants know to expect you.

So all in all, very helpful, and makes me feel a lot better about knowing I will be eating (I often panic before going for meals in places I don't know about them not having anything and being angry with me for expecting to be able to dine there, LOL).

So, I guess I'll find our how well it works the other side when I get there ​

 

[lostinwonderland]

I'm 21! What to drink?

So I suppose this is another good thing about the trip in April being cancelled... I turned 21 on Wednesday (12th May), which means, as my boyfriend put it "FROZEN MARGHERITAS, STATE SIDE! BOOM!".

Now don't get me wrong, we're not big drinkers, well we were on wednesday, but usually, we're a massive disappointment to student kind. We don't often go out clubbing, and I'm really not keen on getting too drunk. But we do like to have a glass of wine with an evening meal when on holiday and we like to sample special cocktails.

But being as I was 20 last time we went, and I was going to be 20 again, had the trip not been cancelled, I'm not really aware of what they've got. Well I do know I must try a Lapu Lapu and a frozen margherita.

But is there anything else?

Birthday Day

Sooo my 21st.. Just thought I'd share what we did.

Basically, DBF had the magazine deadline, meaning that the morning could not be celebrated in anyway. So, as she was in need of help, I went and worked for my mum for the morning. Then I went into DBFs work at half 1, he promised we would leave by 2. Well I waited and waited, it was 4pm, by the time we left. I was on a bit of a downer..

Anyway so we got in the car and I had no idea where we were going. A couple of hours later we arrived at The Lowry Hotel, Manchester.

The staff were so polite and welcoming, and we were soon in our 'river view' room, it was pretty fit.

Rowers Outside:

Bit more View:

Amused Us:

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door, and we had been sent some complimentary champagne, due to it being my birthday. Woo!

After calming down from all the excitement, we decided to have a wonder around the hotel, just to be nosey.
There was a lovely bar and restaurant, and some really nice and interesting art along the way.
We went to look at the spa, and the lovely lady there just told us to have a look around.

DBF in the Sunrise Room:

We then went back to our room to get ready, and decided to order some drinks up. I had a Bellini and I can't remember what DBF had, but it was another champagne cocktail.

Before we went out, DBF wanted to take some cheesey shots, but you can sort of see a bit of what's left of my Bellini..

For tea we went to Gaucho.. DBF had heard good things about it, and we both like steak so it was a good choice.

It was really easy to find, and about a 3 minute walk from the hotel using the foot bridge.

Now here is where I, predictably, fail. I didn't take any pictures of the food.

Our sever was very good, and was brilliant with my allergy.

But we got, Chorizo and Pepper with Balsamic Glaze and a Pan Fried Squid thing, for appetizers. Both very good.

For main, we both had Churrasco Fillet, which had been marinated in various herbs and stuff, very yum! These came with skin on fries and we got a side of Spinach, yum yum!

We shared a bottle of Rose...

For pudding DBF had Pavlova, I think, it came with Red Wine Sorbet, which is what I had for pudding, it was complimentary along with a glass of Champagne for myself. It was amazing! Not bitter like you'd expect pretty sweet and fruity, but you could taste the undertones of red wine.

Gaucho Pics:

Any who, then we left, but it wasn't as easy to get back as it was to get there, we got a bit lost, but I was having so much fun laughing and joking with DBF it didn't matter.

When we eventually got back we popped up to the room before deciding to go back down to the bar and have a cocktail. On the way out we ran into the bath butler, he was like is this yours '629?' and I was just like, "Noooo it's not ours, we're 629, but we didn't order that'... And off I carried on to the lift..

I can't remember what cocktails we got, but here is half of what they looked like:

After a bit, we decided to take them back up to our room, and I got given my presents; I got a lot of stuffs.

Anywhoo, I went into the bathroom and turns out the bath butler was for us, James had ordered it before we left the restaurant, with half a bottle of champagne... Well I did feel rather glam hopping into the bath with a glass of bubbly. (Basically the bath butler comes and runs you a special bath, lol).

Then it was sleep time.

In the morning we had breakfast served in our room. (We had hot breakfast too, but I only took pictures of the cold stuff for some reason).

Then we left The Lowry, it really was such a lovely stay. It was a beautiful hotel, filled with lots of pleasant staff who made the stay really enjoyable.

After leaving the luxury of our room, it was shopping time. We shopped and ate and shopped some more, and then it was time to get back to reality and go home.

The Trafford Centre (Shopping Centre)

When we got back we went straight to the Office and worked until 3am

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That was my birthday, DBF really does treat me like a princess and likes to plan little surprises for me. So I want to plan a couple of treats for him on our trip. But time is ticking fast, not sure what to do...
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[SimmerBaggins]

What an absolutely AWESOME B-Day surprise!! Your pictures were marvelous, thanks for sharing! And, having never heard of a "bath butler" (which sounds a little intimate for me!), I think I would enjoy that kind of thing, too! Champagne and a bubble bath -- how can you go wrong?? (I chuckled at your description of your appetizer: a pan-fried squid thing (wondering what THAT looks like!))

We ate at CRT once with my DD -- she was a bit "over" the princess thing, but we still enjoyed the atmosphere and the entertainment. The food was good, but I wouldn't say "over the top" excellent, even with the higher-quality type of serving items that they have.

I've heard if you do the Sci-Fi, get the burger and shake -- I think we're going to try this, too!

I never have done Tony's Town Square, but we enjoy Columbia Harbour House -- great fish & chips! They recently added shrimp to the menu, which my DD & I usually get. (looked for a picture, but unfortunately didn't get any of the food before we ate it!)

Be sure to drop by the Guest Relations desk in one of the parks to get a button to say you are celebrating your birthday...and anything else.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[lostinwonderland]

Updates and the Plan

Hey, it's been a while, I've been ultra busy, I am now Station Manager of our Radio Station and have been organising events, and the next year since.
Since this post is going to be low on pictures, here is a photo of me accepting an award at our Media Awards Night.

I am being kept very busy in my wait to get to Disney, which is sort of good because time passes without me realising how long it's been. The station just celebrated it's 40th Birthday, we have a massive 3 day continous outside broadcast on Wednesday-Friday. I've got the last episode of the TV show I produce to do on Wednesday (sad times ), an OB at Community Fun Day tomorrow another Awards ceremony on Monday (more free wine and food), my mums birthday on Tuesday, another Awards ceremony on Saturday, and then probably a massive last minute pack on Sunday. So soon enough we'll be off to Disney...

Anyway on with the show, we've SD Dancing all day (well until the football, but let's not bring that up), in fact when either of us mentiones Disney we must do a little dance, it's a rule.

So updates in the plan department, well there's not really. Well, that's a lie. Basically, DBF has seen a Cirque Du Soleil before and kept saying how good it was and how I'd really enjoy it, which I probably would, so finally bit the bullet yesterday and purchased a couple of tickets for one of our last nights, exciting stuff!

So here's the current plan:

Monday 21st June
Our flight arrives into Sanford just after 2PM, so the plan is to get the car and the find the hotel. Then probably wonder over to Downtown Disney before heading over to the Contemporary for our 8.30PM reservation at Chef Mickey's. Then to bed.

Tuesday 22nd June
Today we're off to Hollywood Studios, hopefully early enough for Rope Drop (allthough we didn't manage it once last year) as we both want to get on Toy Story Mania (never managed last year). We have a 1.30 lunch at Sci-Fi. We'll probably leave the park mid-afternoon and have a chilled little shop. No idea where to go for Dinner or what to do in the evening, anybody got any suggestions?

Wednesday 23rd June
Magic Kingdom today, for the whole day. We'll probably try and ride PoC first, it's a firm favourite. We have a 1.45 lunch at Crystal Palace, we really enjoyed it last year, and it makes sure that DBF sees Tigger. So after lunching with Tigtig (yes DBF has nicknamed him), we'll porbably do some rides, I think we'll be aiming for Spash and BTM. We'll catch Dinner at some Counter Service such as Caseys/Pecos/Cosmic Ray's. Will try and catch the night time entertainments.

Thursday 24th June

Water Park Day. We're heading for Typhoon Lagoon. After this we'll have a shopping trip. Not got any plans for the evening, Dinner or Lunch... Suggestions?

Friday 25th June

Epcot. I love Epcot. Not really sure how we'll start the day, but we have a 12.40 lunch at Teppan Edo. Probably wonder around the world from there, see who we can meet along the way and hope to get lots of photopass pictures. Then got a 8.50 Biergarten slot.

Saturday 26th June

Starting with Hollywood Studios with counter service meals. Then moving on to a Magic Kingdom evening with 9.30PM reservation at Cinderella's Table.

Sunday 27th June

Today is Animal Kingdom. 1.35PM Tusker House Lunch. We will have some sort of plan of attack. Then on to Ohana's at 9.30 PM.

Monday 28th June

Epcot. Plan for lunch is to wonder around sharing excellent varieties in food from the showcase. We'll hopefully see a lot in this day, lol. 7.25 PM Dinner at Garden Grill.

Tuesday 29th June

SeaWorld today. 9.00PM Narcossee's.

Wednesday 30th June

8.15 Breakfast at Crystal Palace. Staying at Magic Kingdom all day. 7.35 PM Tony's.

Thursday 1st July

This day is sort of free. Very late 10PM dinner at TRex.

Friday 2nd July

Epcot, lunch at Le Cellier at 1.35PM no plans for Dinner.

Saturday 3rd July

Disney Studios. Cirque Du Soleil at 9.00PM.. No plans for any meals.

Sunday 4th July

Animal Kingdom. 8.30AM Tusker House. Not really planning on being able to do much today. Maybe head over Hollywood Studios. Got a 9.50PM reservation at Kona, so will go to Poly nice and early to watch the fireworks from there.

Monday 5th July

Time to go home. Will spend the Morning/Early Afternoon at Magic Kingdom.


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That's the plan so far, but yeah, any evening suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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