Spring break - we're not in college anymore Toto - Feb 2018 TR

[londontime]

I know that...it wasn't for that reason I was debating putting it there...it was whether to post it at all...don't want to come across as the board whiner.

I always think of that board like the bar after work. You know you can vent, have a proper chat or just goof off and no-one will judge. We've even got a "norm".

 

[Steppesister]

Have read, but crunched for much time for replies with a long work week. But will this weekend.

 

[docsoliday1]

Have read, but crunched for much time for replies with a long work week. But will this weekend.

I know how busy you are...wasn't expecting to see you here at all. Focus on your trip...I'm fine.

 

[pkondz]

I haven't found a February board, but I did come across another PTR where they'll be there a day or two the same as us.

Can't find it. Don't remember where they are now. Dining board maybe?

 

[Terra Nova guy]

As I mentioned on the DDC thread, I am sorry to hear about your job turmoil. I hope you can find something new that makes you happier.

Now, time to get some over due guesses in for your contest! (added my response inside the below quotes)

Will we drive or fly? 10 points - Drive
If we fly, how many minutes early or late will we be? 15 points for closest, 10 for next closest, 5 for third closest. - 10 minutes late
If we drive, how many times will we stop for gas/food/potty? - three
If we fly, will we rent a car or take ME? - ME
If we drive, how long will it take us? 15 points for closest, 10 for next closest, 5 for third closest. - 5 hours
If we fly, how long will it take from the time we land until we get to our resort? - 56 minutes
How many total days will we be there? - 7 days
Where will we eat each day? 5 points x3 (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Via Napoli, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Be Our Guest, Tiffins, Rose & Crown, Yachtsman Steakhouse, 'Ohana
EDIT: Sorry, not expecting you to list exact day and place...just list of places.
Beaches & Cream doesn't count, because I've already mentioned that elsewhere, so wouldn't be fair.
Which day(s) will we go to the park? 5 points for each correct day. - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Which parks will we go to? 10 points for each correct - MK, Epcot, AK
How many resorts will we step foot into total? - three
How many of those will be new? - two
Which resorts? (everyone should get at least 10 points from this since I've already said 2 new ones) - BWV, BCV, Polynesian
Will we stay on or off property for last 1-2 days? - on property
If on property, which resort? 20 points - Polynesian
If off property, where? 20 points - private rental home
What will be my favorite new restaurant? - Tiffins
What will be my favorite new meal? - lamb
What will be DW's favorite new restaurant? - Rose & Crown
What will be DW's favorite new meal? - shepherds pie
What will be DD's favorite new restaurant? - Tiffins
What will be DD's favorite new meal? - steak
My brother, SIL and niece live near Disney. How many days will 1 or more of them join us? - 2 days
Which day(s) - 15 points for each correct. -10 for each wrong. -- Gotta keep you honest and not just guess every day! - Saturday
How many Dole whips will we get? - three
How many times will I eat bacon? - two
***** 4 Possible rides in each park *****
Will we ride space mountain? - Yes
Will we ride TMRR? - Yes
Will we ride 7DMT? - Yes
Will we ride splash mountain? - No
Will we ride TT? - Yes
Will we ride soarin'? - Yes
Will we ride FEA? - No
Will we ride SE? - Yes
Will we ride RNRC (or is it just RRC)? - No
Will we ride ToT? - No
Will we ride TSMM? - No
Will we ride Star tours? - No
Will we ride Everest? - Yes
Will we ride FOP? - Yes
Will we ride KRR? - No
Will we ride KS? - Yes
How many rides will be new for us? (keep in mind they might not be listed above) - two
Which night time show(s) will we see? - Happily Ever After, Rivers of Light, Iluminations

What tour have I already booked? - Keys to the Kingdom
What ADR was troublesome (surprisingly enough, it was not beaches & cream)? - 'Ohana
Bonus question (10 points for each): Which two tours am I debating about possibly adding? - Behind the Seeds, Wild Africa Trek

 

[afwdwfan]

That's a rough patch to go through, but I certainly admire your positive attitude about it. I'm sure something better and more fitting for your personality and desires will come along. I love the RV idea, but parking an RV at Disney World Campgrounds would probably burn through your savings pretty quickly!

 

[afwdwfan]

Will we drive or fly? 10 points - Drive
If we fly, how many minutes early or late will we be? 15 points for closest, 10 for next closest, 5 for third closest.
If we drive, how many times will we stop for gas/food/potty? - 4
If we fly, will we rent a car or take ME?
If we drive, how long will it take us? 15 points for closest, 10 for next closest, 5 for third closest. Including stops? I'll say 8.5 hours
If we fly, how long will it take from the time we land until we get to our resort?
How many total days will we be there? - 6
Where will we eat each day? 5 points x3 (breakfast, lunch, dinner)Boardwalk bakery, Patiesserie (sp... sorry) in France, Trattoria al Forno, Tangierine Cafe, Be Our Guest, Casey's Corner, Boma, Backlot Express, 50's Prime Time, Yachtsman, Skipper's Canteen, Tusker House, Yak & Yeti, Satul'i Canteen, Pecos Bills, Via Napoli
EDIT: Sorry, not expecting you to list exact day and place...just list of places.
Beaches & Cream doesn't count, because I've already mentioned that elsewhere, so wouldn't be fair.
Which day(s) will we go to the park? 5 points for each correct day.2/18 - Non park day - Stormalong Bay, 2/19, 2/20, 2/21, 2/23, 2/24
Which parks will we go to? 10 points for each correct - All of them. You don't go for that many days to completely skip a park.
How many resorts will we step foot into total? 6
How many of those will be new? 2
Which resorts? (everyone should get at least 10 points from this since I've already said 2 new ones) - Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club (I mean you're right there...), Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge
Will we stay on or off property for last 1-2 days? - on
If on property, which resort? 20 points - Wilderness Lodge
If off property, where? 20 points
What will be my favorite new restaurant? - Satul'i Canteen
What will be my favorite new meal? - The create a bowl thingy they have there.
What will be DW's favorite new restaurant? - See above
What will be DW's favorite new meal? - See above
What will be DD's favorite new restaurant? - See above
What will be DD's favorite new meal? - See above
My brother, SIL and niece live near Disney. How many days will 1 or more of them join us? - 1
Which day(s) - 15 points for each correct. -10 for each wrong. -- Gotta keep you honest and not just guess every day! The one they decide to go to the parks, obviously!
How many Dole whips will we get? - 1 each
How many times will I eat bacon? - lets see, 2/19 - 2/24 is 6 mornings. Add a couple of times through the week for a bacon cheeseburger and I'll go with 8
***** 4 Possible rides in each park *****
Will we ride space mountain? Yes
Will we ride TMRR? Yes
Will we ride 7DMT? Yes
Will we ride splash mountain? No
Will we ride TT? Yes
Will we ride soarin'? Yes
Will we ride FEA? I'm gonna guess no unless there is 1000% more Olaf by February
Will we ride SE? Yes
Will we ride RNRC (or is it just RRC)? YES!
Will we ride ToT? Yes
Will we ride TSMM? Yes
Will we ride Star tours? Yes
Will we ride Everest? Yes
Will we ride FOP? Yes
Will we ride KRR? No
Will we ride KS? Yes
How many rides will be new for us? (keep in mind they might not be listed above)
Which night time show(s) will we see?

4 new rides. You'll see Happily Ever After, and Rivers of Light

What tour have I already booked? - Behind the seeds
What ADR was troublesome (surprisingly enough, it was not beaches & cream)? - Via Napoli - only because I had trouble with it!
Bonus question (10 points for each): Which two tours am I debating about possibly adding?

- Keys to the Kingdom, I don't know my tours that well... the train one at MK.

 

[docsoliday1]

That's a rough patch to go through, but I certainly admire your positive attitude about it. I'm sure something better and more fitting for your personality and desires will come along. I love the RV idea, but parking an RV at Disney World Campgrounds would probably burn through your savings pretty quickly!

Unfortunately, in my line of work and the experience I have, they have to offer a good salary to get the talent. Along with that, the higher salaries are the first to be let go when money gets tight. It's kinda what has led me to be more dis-enchanted with IT. Many times they'd rather hire 2 people fresh out of college for less money than what they'd pay someone with my level of knowledge/experience. Problem is, they won't be able to do the same job I can. On paper, it looks like they're saving money, but in reality it ends up in more lost revenue.

Also, in my opinion/theory...happy to hear if someone has a different theory or counter-arguments...when a layoff is needed, it is almost always mis-management at a high level within the company. Sadly, IT is viewed as a cost center although a properly functioning IT department, while not generating revenue directly, is absolutely essential to the facets of the company that do generate revenue and without the IT department, they would need MUCH more staff and expensive (time consuming) processes to accomplish the work. Problem is when people only look at the numbers and don't think what benefits and efficiencies the numbers cannot show. A single example...paying your bills online vs. if you paid them manually. How much longer would it take you? Multiple that for a large company and that's just one area where an IT system will save time and money and errors.

With all of that said, I know personally of several high cost issues (WAY WAY more than my salary) that haven't been addressed and I've brought to the attention of management with a solution for them, but have been ignored. Hence my mis-management comment. It's pretty simple as with your own finances, but on a large scale...don't spend more money than you make and you won't be required to lay people off.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well said.

 

[Steppesister]

I found out last Friday that I'm being RIF'ed. Unlike all the others that were let go, they wanted me to stay on an additional 2 weeks for knowledge transfer. This is just about a month shy of my 3 year anniversary, so instead of 3 weeks of severance, I get 2.

Well, that sucks. But, with all of your thoughtful consideration, it sounds like it could very well be a very positive change.

I know who is my provider and where my help comes from.

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Fret naught!

I've given serious consideration to selling everything, buying an RV and moving down to central FL (maybe even WL campground).

Hmmm, might burn through that saving mighty quick-like, BUT, maybe being a bus driver would pay the bills enough. Hmmm.....

What tour have I already booked?

Seeds.

What ADR was troublesome (surprisingly enough, it was not beaches & cream)?

Bonus question (10 points for each): Which two tours am I debating about possibly adding?

Wanyama (because they have changed it to be open to everyone now) and the Trains.

 

[docsoliday1]

Well, a slight correction since both @pkondz and @Steppesister mentioned it...I was not suggesting staying at WL campground permanently...I'm not sure Warren Buffet has enough in savings for that. Well maybe, but just barely. I was thinking more like maybe a couple or 3 weeks out of the year. I have family in central FL, so I would have the option to visit them some, but more likely find a trailer/RV park (many in FL) that's reasonable and depending on what DW wants to do, travel the country a bit. The good thing about the RV option, is once the RV is paid for, only expenses would be insurance, fuel, repairs.

 

[docsoliday1]

Well, that sucks. But, with all of your thoughtful consideration, it sounds like it could very well be a very positive change.



He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Fret naught!

It might very well be a positive and I'm not fretting.

Seeds.


Wanyama (because they have changed it to be open to everyone now) and the Trains.

Think you missed the ADR that was trouble

 

[docsoliday1]

Well said.

Thank you sir. Coming from you, that means a lot.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, a slight correction since both @pkondz and @Steppesister mentioned it...I was not suggesting staying at WL campground permanently...I'm not sure Warren Buffet has enough in savings for that. Well maybe, but just barely. I was thinking more like maybe a couple or 3 weeks out of the year. I have family in central FL, so I would have the option to visit them some, but more likely find a trailer/RV park (many in FL) that's reasonable and depending on what DW wants to do, travel the country a bit. The good thing about the RV option, is once the RV is paid for, only expenses would be insurance, fuel, repairs.

Ah, okay, this makes a lot more sense. I know scads of folks who full time RV and love it!

 

[Steppesister]

It might very well be a positive and I'm not fretting.





Think you missed the ADR that was trouble

Well... would ya look at that. Seems I did.


Hmmm... okay, not B&C. BOG seems to be an issue for a lot. Let's go with that. CRT is too, but I don't think you'll go there.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just catching up here.

I found out last Friday that I'm being RIF'ed.

Said it on the DIS Dads thread, but I'll say it again: That sucks.

Unlike all the others that were let go, they wanted me to stay on an additional 2 weeks for knowledge transfer. This is just about a month shy of my 3 year anniversary, so instead of 3 weeks of severance, I get 2.

I found a Star-Lord gif you can borrow for your response if you want. Just let me know.

I've got enough in savings and investments, I can manage easily for several months. Also, I've been unhappy in this job for a while now, so I'm almost relieved.

I'm very glad to hear all of this, naturally. Hope you figure out the employment side quickly.

I've also considered, I could drive a bus at Disney and make enough money to semi-retire. If I'm a Disney employee, I can use the employee perks to satisfy my Disney love.

You'd be living the dream for the rest of us!

What tour have I already booked?

Keys to the Kingdom

What ADR was troublesome (surprisingly enough, it was not beaches & cream)?

O'hana

Bonus question (10 points for each): Which two tours am I debating about possibly adding?

The behind the scenes safari at AK and the Trains one at MK. Just because those are the ones I'd pick.

Unfortunately, in my line of work and the experience I have, they have to offer a good salary to get the talent. Along with that, the higher salaries are the first to be let go when money gets tight. It's kinda what has led me to be more dis-enchanted with IT. Many times they'd rather hire 2 people fresh out of college for less money than what they'd pay someone with my level of knowledge/experience. Problem is, they won't be able to do the same job I can. On paper, it looks like they're saving money, but in reality it ends up in more lost revenue.

Also, in my opinion/theory...happy to hear if someone has a different theory or counter-arguments...when a layoff is needed, it is almost always mis-management at a high level within the company. Sadly, IT is viewed as a cost center although a properly functioning IT department, while not generating revenue directly, is absolutely essential to the facets of the company that do generate revenue and without the IT department, they would need MUCH more staff and expensive (time consuming) processes to accomplish the work. Problem is when people only look at the numbers and don't think what benefits and efficiencies the numbers cannot show. A single example...paying your bills online vs. if you paid them manually. How much longer would it take you? Multiple that for a large company and that's just one area where an IT system will save time and money and errors.

With all of that said, I know personally of several high cost issues (WAY WAY more than my salary) that haven't been addressed and I've brought to the attention of management with a solution for them, but have been ignored. Hence my mis-management comment. It's pretty simple as with your own finances, but on a large scale...don't spend more money than you make and you won't be required to lay people off.

Well said. Other people usually pay for the failures of leadership. Leadership gets golden parachutes.

 

[docsoliday1]

A is for ADRs

I said I'd wait about a week before revealing some of our plans and here are the current ADRs and planned park days. This should give you a good idea of where we're planning to be each day.


2/18 - Cape May Cafe Dinner
2/19 - Tusker House Lunch / ROL 1st show
2/19 - Rainforest cafe dinner
2/20 - Beaches & Cream - Lunch (late lunch)
2/20 - Il Mulino Dinner (also late due to late B&C lunch)
2/21 - Liberty tree tavern - lunch
2/21 - Crystal Palace
2/22 - Fresh Mediterranean market lunch
2/22 - Trail's End Restaurant Dinner
2/23 - 50's Prime time cafe lunch
2/24 - Hollywood & Vine dinner

So, obviously, I can't score the contest yet since these are just ADRs and might be cancelled or we may call an audible at some point.

The current plans:
2/18 After church with family, checkin at BCV and do stormalong bay until dinner
2/18 Dinner at CMC - DW loves crabs and all you can eat. ADR is at 7:15, so I figure we'll be done about 9:30. Not that she's a glutton or anything, but when all you can eat crab is on the line, that's all she eats and it's a loooong process. So, after dinner, planning on catching some boardwalk entertainment and/or visiting some of the other resorts in the area (I mean they're all withing walking distance, so why not). For those of you who guessed low numbers for resorts visited, ruh roh George.
2/19 - AK park day. Going to try and do like Andy did and get a FP for FOP (so we don't have to fight the rope drop crowd) and doing Everest rope drop. DD and I have done Everest before, but DW hasn't...she happened to be sick the time we went to AK and didn't get to ride it
May end up cancelling the rainforest cafe dinner. Since we're doing ROL lunch package, may want the ability to grab something at QS/snack and take with us.
2/20 - Resort/relax day. I've mentioned this to a few people...we prefer to alternate park and relax days. The first year we went, I had ADRs and character meals and a different park every day. By the time the end of the 2nd day rolled around we were all (kids and parents) exhausted and so I learned for us, it's better to have the park day, relax day cycle. Since our home resort is SSR, the resort days are also the opportunity for DW to do the spa.
2/21 - MK park day with EMH
This will be a long day. I've booked the Behind the magic of the trains tour (7:30am). I've always liked trains (although diesel more than steam). Model railroading was (I say was because most of my stuff has been sitting in boxes for years and it's unlikely I'll get the chance to do anything with this hobby especially if we go the RV route). The ADR that was the most difficult was Crystal Palace. Reservation is for 7:45. I've heard it's a good place to watch HEA sad: farewell wishes). Problem is twofold. Will we have seating where we CAN see it and is 7:45 too late for actually being able to watch at 8pm? I contemplated doing the dessert thing on the tomorrowland terrace, but then I saw the one we could get was standing vs. sitting. After a long day at the park and EMH ahead, not sure I want to be standing for this. This may be one of the days family members join us, so reserving 6 for this was cost prohibitive also.
2/22 - Resort/relax day
2/23 - HS park day. ToT is one of DW's favorite (if not favorite) rides. RnRC is fav of mine and DD, so those two are a must. I'm a big star wars fan (well, episodes IV - VI [and 3.5 - rogue 1]). The first 3 were okay (except Jar Jar) and the last one (episode VII) I didn't like at all. So, star tours is on my must do list, but possibly DW and DD will split and do something else at that point...we'll see. We've seen Fantasmic several times, so we may skip in lieu of ADR at H&V. We may also call an audible and skip the ADR and see both Fantasmic and SW fireworks.
2/24 - Unknown at this point. If we fly, we may hang out at resort or visit with family and fly home Sunday. If we drive, this may be the head home day.

The sad part for me is we won't be going to EPCOT, so no BierGarten for me (my favorite), but the good part is we're trying all new restaurants...none of the ADRs are ones we've been to before!!!

Next update - Scoring thus far. Much will not be able to be scored until this becomes a TR, but a few things can be scored.

 

[pkondz]

This should give you a good idea of where we're planning to be each day.

I'm gonna guess...... Disney!

That should be good for some more points.

2/20 - Beaches & Cream - Lunch (late lunch)

Hmmm.... While I have heard (and seen, but never tasted) that the burgers are good there (they don't use frozen hockey pucks. They basically take a meatball (a big meatball!) and squish it down to a patty shape right on the grill),
do not miss out on their specialty ice cream.
If you're sharing, then the kitchen sink is fun, but.... I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the No Way Jose is amazingly good.
And... if you don't have much room after your meal (why? why eat anything there but ice cream?) I have heard (but not witnessed) that you can get half orders of the ice cream.
They are big concoctions.

2/23 - 50's Prime time cafe lunch

Do not come here again if you don't try:
1. PB&J shake.
2. Fried chicken (possibly the best on property. Probably.)
3. Onion rings.

The sad part for me is we won't be going to EPCOT

Oh, man. That's a tough one. I could gladly skip AK and DHS if I could only go to two parks.

 

[docsoliday1]

I'm gonna guess...... Disney!

That should be good for some more points.

Okay @pkondz just earned (-[-0.0]x5000)-(4x5/5-4) points.

Hmmm.... While I have heard (and seen, but never tasted) that the burgers are good there (they don't use frozen hockey pucks. They basically take a meatball (a big meatball!) and squish it down to a patty shape right on the grill),
do not miss out on their specialty ice cream.
If you're sharing, then the kitchen sink is fun, but.... I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the No Way Jose is amazingly good.
And... if you don't have much room after your meal (why? why eat anything there but ice cream?) I have heard (but not witnessed) that you can get half orders of the ice cream.
They are big concoctions.

I'm actually thinking about getting the burger and splitting with DD to leave plenty of room for ice cream. DW will either grab something light or simply just have ice cream (either is okay)

Do not come here again if you don't try:
1. PB&J shake.
2. Fried chicken (possibly the best on property. Probably.)
3. Onion rings.

So, essentially you're telling me if I see something on the menu that looks better and order it, I can't return to my own TR? This is gonna suck...general announcement on another thread and have someone post a link to a new (non-pkondz sanctioned) thread.
I have full intentions of trying the PB&J shake (heard a lot good about it), but for fried chicken, I have to be in the mood and I may or may not be that day. Onion rings might be another split with DD option. DW doesn't like onion rings and I typically can't do a whole order myself. It may very well be the fried chicken...need to look at their menu to see if anything else piques my interest.

Oh, man. That's a tough one. I could gladly skip AK and DHS if I could only go to two parks.

Actually, I'm gonna get to ride Everest (one of my favorite rides in Disney), possible FOP and Na'vi river, the safari and get dole whips at AK. I'm gonna get to ride RnRC, ToT, Star Tours and have a cinnamon bun the size of my head (just have to recall where @ariane37 said it was [maybe that was AK also?]) and have fun in the diner with my real family and my Disney family...fully intending to give as good as I get! Given the tier system for rides at EPCOT and how often TT breaks down, I think it's a good trade off to miss BierGarten. I may take a side trip one of the days to EPCOT so I can try the Beverly (never have) and/or purchase gifts for the contest.

 

[pkondz]

Okay @pkondz just earned (-[-0.0]x5000)-(4x5/5-4) points.

Woot!!!!


Wait.... <does the math>


Hey!!!!!!

I'm actually thinking about getting the burger and splitting with DD to leave plenty of room for ice cream. DW will either grab something light or simply just have ice cream (either is okay)

Good idea. Very curious to see how that burger comes out on the yum scale.

So, essentially you're telling me if I see something on the menu that looks better and order it, I can't return to my own TR?

Correct. Sorry. Just the way it is.

This is gonna suck...general announcement on another thread and have someone post a link to a new (non-pkondz sanctioned) thread.

Loopholes. Always loopholes.

I have full intentions of trying the PB&J shake (heard a lot good about it), but for fried chicken, I have to be in the mood and I may or may not be that day. Onion rings might be another split with DD option. DW doesn't like onion rings and I typically can't do a whole order myself. It may very well be the fried chicken...need to look at their menu to see if anything else piques my interest.

I'm kidding of course.
I know that I really liked everything I mentioned, but am fully aware that tastes differ.
I've also tried the pot roast and found it to be pretty good. Not nearly as good as mine, but not bad.

I might suggest:
A Sampling of Mom's Favorite Recipes - golden-fried chicken, fork tender pot roast, and traditional meatloaf with all the fixings.

I've also heard good things about:
Dad's Stuffed Pork Chop - Gouda cheese, apples and herbs with roasted Potatoes and carrots and demi-glace drizzle

Actually, I'm gonna get to ride Everest (one of my favorite rides in Disney), possible FOP and Na'vi river, the safari and get dole whips at AK. I'm gonna get to ride RnRC, ToT, Star Tours and have a cinnamon bun the size of my head (just have to recall where @ariane37 said it was [maybe that was AK also?]) and have fun in the diner with my real family and my Disney family...fully intending to give as good as I get! Given the tier system for rides at EPCOT and how often TT breaks down, I think it's a good trade off to miss BierGarten. I may take a side trip one of the days to EPCOT so I can try the Beverly (never have) and/or purchase gifts for the contest.

Okay. Now that makes sense. Since I've (for me) been fairly recently, there are some sacrifices I'd be willing to make. And... since I haven't been yet, I forgot all about Pandora. Yeah, not skipping that.
But I would skip DHS for Epcot. But would be a sad about missing TOT and RNRC.

The only cinnamon bun as big as your head that I know of is at Gaston's Tavern. That's not to say there aren't other places though.