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Newbie with 36 Days Till WDW

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 16:19
Barko
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Newbie with 36 Days Till WDW

My wife and I just found this forum, and we are so glad there a place for adults w/o children. When we planned this vacation we found a wonderful T/A who has been to WDW, over 25 times. She helped us plan our week stay with restaurant suggestions, and activity suggestions each day. My wife has never been to WDW, and it has been 30 years for me. I can't even image all the changes to WDW, in 30 years, but most of all I'm looking forward to see my wife's impression, as a person who has never seen all the wonderment.

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 16:49
scrappy
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Posts: 1905

Welcome yay
There is nothing better than getting to experience someones first trip to Disney.

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 16:50
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Vettelover
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Hi Barko and welcome to WDWFG. Not only will your wife be in wonderment at WDW but beleive me after having been away for 30 years, you will be in wonderment at all the changes as well. Tell us about your plans and where you are staying and feel free to tell all about your dining plans as well, you will come to see that food is a large part of WDWFG.

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 16:58
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Kris1971
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welcome This place is awesome. You're going to love it here! Tell us about your plans!

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 17:12
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Mase
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Welcome to WDWfG!!!

awesome

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 17:14
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Kristen K.
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Welcome Barko!! Where will you be staying and eating! How exciting to get to go back after all this time. There is *so* much more to see and do since you've last been! What do you remember most from your first trip?

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 17:49
JeffC
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Hi Barko and welcome!! yay

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 17:53
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MrHub
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welcome Barko and glad you found us! Wow your gona both gona walk into the park and be " Shock " . Soooooo much has changed in 30 years! I'm sure you will still find a few things though that have not changed. Where are you staying?

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:00
Barko
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Posts: 13

We will be staying at the Port Orleans French Quarters. Below you will find a pretty detailed agenda from our T/A. There might be changes if we like.

Tuesday " May 8th " arrive 4:04pm
7pm Dinner " Boatwrights at Port Orleans Riverside (1) #413141923891
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=296

Evening at Downtown Disney (take boat from PO) it is open til 11pm " Most parks will close early.
Wednesday " May 9th
Spend day at Epcot
Breakfast "(2) " Counter Service at Port Orleans French Quarter
Note: There are not many places at Epcot to grab breakfast so I would definitely get something prior to leaving the hotel.

Noon" Lunch at Teppan Edo at Epcot (3) #413141932823
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=95

Note: You can either stay at Epcot for the day or start earlier and go back in the afternoon. Be sure to allow 60 minutes to get back to the park via bus. Plus add another 15-20 minutes for you to get back into Epcot and then walk to the restaurant. Gates to get in can get crowded in the evening with everyone coming back to see the fireworks at the end of the day.

8:15pm Dinner " La Hacienda de San Angel (4) #413141932823
Tell them you will wait for a table by the water.
Watch Illuminations from the restaurant.

Thursday " May 10th
Spend day at Animal Kingdom Park
(Have to allow travel time to get to Bomas as it is at another resort " catch first bus that comes to one of the parks " get off at park and then catch bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge ... or take a cab " my recommendation " take a cab " about $20). Once at the lodge, go in the lobby and look for the stairs that go down " far back by the big windows. You will find Boma's down the stairs.

9am Breakfast at BOMAs " at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (11) #420761957232
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=197

1:10pm Lunch at Tusker House at Animal Kingdom (12)
They have added characters to this lunch. Food is different and a good experience. You will get your photo taken with Donald when you check in. They will bring it to your table and you can purchase it. If you do purchase it either have it sent to your hotel for pickup. That way you don't have to carry it around. #420761953761
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=267

Go back to hotel " park closes at 5pm usually.... Get ready for dinner.

7pm Dinner at Downtown Disney " Raglund Pub " take boat down to downtown Disney. (Bring a sweater " if it is cooler out the ride back can be chilly). It will be very busy so allow about an hour to catch the boat and then walk over to the Pub. You should be waiting for the boat by 6:45pm. It will take you 10 minutes or so to walk to the restaurant from the boat (leisurely stroll).
Note: We didn't eat here but went by and took a look. It is a nice place. Be sure to bring your camera if you want a photo of the gal dancing. And, ask your waiter/waitress to take one of you at the pub.

7pm Raglan Irish Pub " Downtown Disney (13) #420761960243
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=379

Shop at Downtown Disney or walk over to Disney West Side and shop until 11pm.

Friday
Spend day at Epcot
Breakfast - Counter Service
Note: I would grab something at the hotel before going to Epcot. The food for breakfast is better at your hotel.

1pm Lunch
Morrocan " Restaurant Marrakesh (9) #413141925370
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=370
This restaurant is on the back side of the World Showcase. Be sure to allow time to walk to the restaurant.

7pm Dinner Coral Reef (Epcot) (10) #413141925819
Illuminations at 9:30pm at Epcot around the World Showcase. This is the same one you will see from the Mexican restaurant. If you are not seeing the show, recommend you head for the bus by 9pm. Once the show is over the bus transportation will get very crowded. This will allow you the chance to get transportation before it gets a little crazy.

Note: If you go back to the hotel in the afternoon be sure to allow enough time for transportation back to the hotel via the bus. This restaurant is located by the Living Seas and is in the front half of the park so it will not take you as long to walk to it from the main gate but still getting through the entrance, if busy, can take some time for bags to be searched and tickets scanned.

Saturday " May 12th
Spend day at Magic Kingdom

9:35am Breakfast (5) " The Wave " Contemporary Hotel #420761949856
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=550
Note: Take bus to Magic Kingdom and then monorail to the Contemporary. You should allow an hour to do this. From your bus " walk to the resort monorail. Contemporary will be your first stop.

Lunch (6) " Counter Service at Magic Kingdom
Suggestions: Cosmic Rays (between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland). It has several bays with chicken, salads, sandwiches, burgers, etc. A lot of variety. You purchase your food and then find a table. Be sure to check out the condiment bar. Harbour House (by Haunted Mansion) also has a bit more "upscale" type of fast food. Pecos Bills by Adventureland has good burgers.

5:50pm Dinner Crystal Palace(7) #420761950815 (recommend you arrive at 5:30 and check in for your reservation. They may be able to seat you a bit earlier.)
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=25
Fireworks are at 10pm. Dessert starts at 9pm. So by doing a 6pm dinner then you will get in about 6:30 and be done about 7:30-7:45 which gives you some time to digest dinner and get ready for dessert.

9pm Magic Kingdom " Fireworks Desert " Tomorrowland Terrace (Magic Kingdom). #420761951270 (cost for 2 adults $51.10 " 24 hour cancellation policy. Card has been charged.)

Sunday
Spend day at Hollywood Studios
Breakfast " Counter Service " Port Orleans French Quarter (14)
Note: There are not a lot of counter places to eat at Hollywood Studios. They have a bakery at the front area which is yummy but not filling.

11:30 - Lunch " Prime Time Cafe (15) #413141926860
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=113

Go back to hotel and freshen up for dinner.

Note: This is a bit dressier restaurant. You will see people in formal attire and also dressy casual. You may want to take a cab over to the Contemporary instead depending on whether you want to do Disney transportation. It is hassle free that way. If you want to take a cab. You simply go to the bellmen and they will call you one.

Fireworks typically at 9pm so would make dinner reservations about 7:45-8pm

7:45pm Dinner " California Grill (2 credits)" Contemporary Hotel " Signature Restaurant (17)
#413141925821
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=105
We would schedule this late to coincide with the fireworks at Magic Kingdom but am not exactly sure of the timeframe yet. If fireworks are at 8pm we would do a 7pm or if at 9pm would do a 8pm reservation, etc.
Monday " May 14th
Spend day at Magic Kingdom

9:30 or 10am Bfast at Kona Cafe " Polynesian (18) #413141917854
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=188
Note: Allow an hour to get there. Take bus to Magic Kingdom. Walk to resort monorail. Polynesian will be the stop right after the Ticket and Transportation Center. Get off the monorail, walk through the lobby doors (on same level) and go to the left. Kona will be on the left.

1:15pm Lunch Plaza Restaurant (19) #413141933783
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=150

Late afternoon back to hotel " freshen up " catch bus to MK and then boat to WL or there is a bus that goes there, also. Leave hotel by 6pm (or can catch a cab and leave later)
7:30pm Dinner Artist Pointe (2 credits) at Wilderness Lodge " Signature Restaurant (21)
#413141929288
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=15

If having ... can catch electric water parade " in bay at WL after dinner

Tuesday
Breakfast " on your own
Lunch " on your own

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:18
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Brad
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I like your food pics, did you research them yourself?

Oh and welcome

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:21
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Kris1971
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Posts: 2350

Wow you've got a full agenda and some great restaurants on your list. Some of my favorites are the California Grill (if you like sushi, definitely try the spicy kazan roll), the Kona Cafe, Restaurant Marrakesh, and the Coral Reef. Can't wait to hear how you like them!

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:28
Barko
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Posts: 13

What are T/A did was ask what kinds of food we liked. We also looked at different sites for others reviews. We gave her the restaurants we wanted, and then she added some more, and put that agenda together for us. Always keeping us updated of any changes

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 19:30
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Bella
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Posts: 3886

Welcome welcome!! You have some great ADR's made..they make me drool. Kona is amazing and I have heard great things about Plaza Restaurant.

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mickey Bella


Mon, 04/02/2012 - 19:40
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Molitva
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Posts: 127

It looks like you have some awesome plans ahead of you!! Be sure to report back on those resturants!

I'm planning a first trip for my BF. He's requested to remain in the dark so that everything will be new to him. I can't wait to see his face for the fireworks and fantasmic! It's probably one of the things I'm looking forward to most!

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Mon, 04/02/2012 - 22:09
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Brad
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Barko wrote:
What are T/A did was ask what kinds of food we liked. We also looked at different sites for others reviews. We gave her the restaurants we wanted, and then she added some more, and put that agenda together for us. Always keeping us updated of any changes

I was curious because I think you & your T/A did a great job for someone who hasn't been in 30 years. So many restaurants can be daunting, but you hit lots of my favorites.

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 23:57
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JoAnn C
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Posts: 6757

Awesome plans. I had breakfast at Tusker House last year. The photographer also took a picture of me with Donald using my camera. I didn't need to buy the picture from them. It was around $20 if I remember correctly. I didn't feel pressured to buy it. Lunch is good there too.

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Tue, 04/03/2012 - 03:05
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Jess
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Posts: 3280

Welcome to the best Disney board around. Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned Smile

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Tue, 04/03/2012 - 03:23
Ollie
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Posts: 1039

welcome You're gonna love it here! Best board on the 'net!

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