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Kristen K. #NeverSayCancel - Day 1 Report In Progress (Arrival, Lunch, Bus, Disney Springs)

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Wed, 04/27/2016 - 01:10
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Kristen K. #NeverSayCancel - Day 1 Report In Progress (Arrival, Lunch, Bus, Disney Springs)

Disney Fans should #NeverSayCancel, and that is the theme for this trip. No matter what life throws at you, it's ok to have to rearrange your plans. There is always more time for Disney, and always new things going on down there to see.

Travelers: Mom Kristen (45) & Son Kirk (22) who decided that he should come along to keep an eye on me, or help me, whichever you believe. Plus Bonus! My BFF (Becks534) and her husband will be there at the same time.

*Updated* Accommodations: Standard Deluxe Studio at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A successful DVC waitlist swap from the original reservation at SSR.

Reason for Travel: This was originally supposed to be a work trip, to gather as much information and material as possible. However, after breaking my ankle, getting pneumonia, surgery on the ankle, and what is sure to be a summer full of physical therapy appointments. Seriously, I just need a vacation. I'll still be working in as much info gathering as possible, I'm going to be taking it easier and enjoying myself more.

Time Span: 3 Nights/4 Full Days in Late September with 2 Day Park-hoppers

Special Events: Food & Wine Festival, DVC Member Safari Spectacular

New For Me: Animal Kingdom at Nighttime, Frozen Ever After, Soarin' Around the World, New Shops and Bars at Disney Springs

*Updated* Day 1 Begins on Page 4

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Wed, 04/27/2016 - 09:30
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Sounds like you have a plan! awesome

Wed, 04/27/2016 - 10:00
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We'll miss you by 1 day. Glad to hear you'll have some company on this trip. mickey

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Thu, 04/28/2016 - 00:44
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Sounds like a well deserved trip.

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Thu, 04/28/2016 - 02:00
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Excited to see you making the best of it - and moving forward- towards more Disney! mickey

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Fri, 05/06/2016 - 14:09
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Good for you! Enjoy yourself and I can't wait to hear about it!

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Tue, 05/10/2016 - 22:19
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yay I'm so excited! I just booked dinner at STK Orlando for our first night!
I've been wanting to eat at an STK for years.

Wed, 05/11/2016 - 02:33
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Whoooooo HOOOOOOO ! That is awesome news to start off your "new" and improved upcoming trip!

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Wed, 05/11/2016 - 16:16
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WOW! That sounds awesome, Kristen!

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Sat, 05/14/2016 - 18:08
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I've been working on my September trip today, I think that it's looking good. I'm really excited about it even though I have no idea what my walking situation will be. I plan on renting an ECV anyhow so I'm not too worried. My son bought his airline ticket last week so he's official. I just need to get him listed on my room.

The one thing that I just can't decide on is if I'm doing the dining plan or not. I think it may come down to if STK Orlando takes the dining plan. If they do, buying deluxe will absolutely save me money, about $170. If not I think it could go either way. Luckily I don't have to make a final decision on that until MUCH closer to the trip. I was looking at STK prices at some of there other restaurants and can easily see the two of us spending $250 on dinner there.

Does anyone know if you can order the tea at the Gardenview Tea Room that comes with champagne on the DDP? Or do you have to order the ones that are dry?

Looks like Park hours need to be updated still for my trip to account for the two new night shows, that's OK though, I can guesstimate.

Here's what my planning table looks like at the moment!

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Sun, 05/15/2016 - 12:21
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Looks like an awesome plan!

I also plan outfits daily, so glad I am not the only one!!!

Your spreadsheet is awesome! I wish I could do this. I feel like an old woman sometimes, I like to WRITE things. I do make a list in Word but the written one is what goes with me.

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Sun, 05/15/2016 - 14:37
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JMed wrote:
Looks like an awesome plan!

I also plan outfits daily, so glad I am not the only one!!!

I do mine, and then I make sure the rest of the family is on the same page.
I noticed from your cruise pictures that everyone coordinated. It made me happy. muchlove
Honestly, vacation pictures turn out so much better when everyone coordinates.

JMed wrote:
Your spreadsheet is awesome! I wish I could do this. I feel like an old woman sometimes, I like to WRITE things. I do make a list in Word but the written one is what goes with me.

Thank you! It's really just a table in Word. I usually write it all out on a notepad first. I have trouble "working" on plans in an electronic format. That all gets done by hand. I'm a very visual person though, so after I think I've got the plan down-pat it goes into the word table and gets prettied up. Everyone in the family gets two printouts of it, one to stick into their suitcase, and one to carry on them. That way if we get separated they have a general idea of what the plan is and when/where we can meet-up.

For this trip (since there are specific things that I need to make sure I do so that I can write about them) I also made a list in Google docs of the specific things I want to write about. I can access that on my phone and check them off as they get done. I'm hoping to get at least 90 new articles from this vacation.

Sun, 05/15/2016 - 16:49
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I have reservations in June for Gardenview Tea Room and according to the web site, it is not included on DDP. sad Hopefully they will take Tables In Wonderland!

Mon, 05/16/2016 - 02:18
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oHIo wrote:
I have reservations in June for Gardenview Tea Room and according to the web site, it is not included on DDP. sad Hopefully they will take Tables In Wonderland!

Well crap - I hadn't even considered that it might not be on the DDP at all! Shoot - guess I'm going to have to save a little extra money for it then. sad

Tue, 05/17/2016 - 00:43
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oHIo wrote:
I have reservations in June for Gardenview Tea Room and according to the web site, it is not included on DDP. sad Hopefully they will take Tables In Wonderland!

Let me know if they take Tables in Wonderland. Abby and I are going in October before the cruise.

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Tue, 05/17/2016 - 15:03
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Will do!

Sat, 05/21/2016 - 14:30
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yay Whooo hoo!

Scored on my Tiffins reservation, we'll be dining with Becks & Carlos that night for an even more fun DAK at night!
The only ADR I'm waiting for now is Frontera Cocina, and those aren't available yet. I think this is going to be one delicious vacation.

Sat, 05/21/2016 - 14:36
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Have you picked out your potential meal yet?

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Sat, 05/21/2016 - 14:47
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Magic Mirror wrote:
Have you picked out your potential meal yet?

I think I'm going to start with the Archaeologist salad, followed by the Chermoula-rubbed Chicken, and them probably the South American Chocolate Ganache. Since we'll have 4 people at the table and we're all close, I'm sure there will be lots of sharing and tasting everything.

Sat, 05/21/2016 - 15:41
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Kristen K. wrote:
yay Whooo hoo!

Scored on my Tiffins reservation, we'll be dining with Becks & Carlos that night for an even more fun DAK at night!
The only ADR I'm waiting for now is Frontera Cocina, and those aren't available yet. I think this is going to be one delicious vacation.

Nice! Where is Frontera Cocina? I don't think I have read about this one.

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Sat, 05/21/2016 - 19:06
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JoAnn C wrote:

Nice! Where is Frontera Cocina? I don't think I have read about this one.

I think it is in Disney Springs. I recall reading an Orlando sentinel article listing new openings at Disney Springs on the Disney parks blog. However, I don't know anything about it eg. type of cuisine or if it is TS or QS

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Sat, 05/21/2016 - 19:19
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Frontera Cocina is the newest Mexican restaurant by renown Chef Rick Bayless at Disney Springs(tm).

Opening this summer, Frontera Cocina will delight friends, family and food-lovers with exciting flavors and a contemporary Mexican experience. Warm colors, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere frame an inviting exploration of the many delights from the kitchen of winner of six James Beard Foundation awards, Chef Rick Bayless.

www.fronteracocina.com

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Sat, 05/21/2016 - 19:40
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As of yesterday, their Facebook page now has a full menu posted ! (no prices )

I'd love to try the Mushroom Torta!

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Sat, 05/21/2016 - 23:54
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Magic Mirror wrote:
Frontera Cocina is the newest Mexican restaurant by renown Chef Rick Bayless at Disney Springs(tm).

Opening this summer, Frontera Cocina will delight friends, family and food-lovers with exciting flavors and a contemporary Mexican experience. Warm colors, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere frame an inviting exploration of the many delights from the kitchen of winner of six James Beard Foundation awards, Chef Rick Bayless.

www.fronteracocina.com

Thanks. I do remember reading about a Rick Bayless restaurant. I'm not sure if I knew the name.

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Sun, 05/22/2016 - 02:32
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awesome awesome awesome

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Sun, 05/22/2016 - 12:28
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Here is my problem. I LOVE love love Mexican, Tex-Mex, etc but I'm one of those people who HATES cilantro. Just the smell sends waves of nausea thru me. I want to try this place so bad but I see a lot of it on the menu. Looks like I will be ordering without or picking it all out. laugh

I get it, it's part of the cuisine but sometimes I just wish it wasn't there, in every single thing. sad

But apart from that the menu looks amazing, 2 words caught my eye immediately. Bacon. Guacamole. Yes please.

I have no clue how I am going to fit so much of the new stuff in.

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"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

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Sun, 05/22/2016 - 22:29
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JMed wrote:

I have no clue how I am going to fit so much of the new stuff in.

Right!? I need to go for a month just to try all the new food Smile

Wed, 05/25/2016 - 08:14
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I'm so excited for your trip you will be well overdue a vacation by September hope your recovery is coming along well! you have a lot packed in but your plans look fantastic I'm having the same problem trying to fit all these new places in I think we should all be given time off work and money to go for months til we complete all food!

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Fri, 05/27/2016 - 15:12
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Your plan sounds fantastic! Can't wait to see all the fabulous food photos!!!! Lol! clapping

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Thu, 06/30/2016 - 21:41
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OH MY GODS!!!

My waitlist for the Grand Floridian just came through!!
yeah yeah yeah
pillowfight pillowfight pillowfight
banana banana banana

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 23:39
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Kristen K. wrote:
OH MY GODS!!!

My waitlist for the Grand Floridian just came through!!
yeah yeah yeah
pillowfight pillowfight pillowfight
banana banana banana

yay clapping yay clapping no more waiting awesome

 
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