What? No DDP? Pre Trip Report Sept 2018

[sha9]

Originally Posted by collybird

I’ve only just noticed this!

I’m really interested to see how you get on without dining plan. I feel like the UK system aligning with the US system will mean the end of free dining so I am already trying to plan for life without it. Like you we aren’t dessert people I like the idea of being able to have an appetiser instead.

I think I prefer your nickname for the Swalphin than mine ‘The Eyesores’. I really want to eat at Shula’s sometime.

I’ll definitely be trying the sweet potato pancakes at The Wave too.

You’ve been quite restrained with ADRs actually. I am quite impressed.

Great idea about picking up some breakfast things at Walmart. I’ll definitely get a box of those Danishes, we have breakfast booked for most days but Nik takes forever to get ready in the morning so I can have something to nibble on whilst I’m waiting. Now I’m wishing we were staying in a Deluxe as I love the idea of sitting on the balcony to start the day.

The strawberry tart from France looks divine.

Nine Dragons is especially good value for lunch.

Have you guys done Big River Grille before? We enjoyed it.

We're going to give Satu'li Canteen a go, although it has been really difficult not to book Tiffins instead. I'm not sure it's to my tastes but I do like to try new places. I am going to get the blueberry dessert just because it's photogenic haha.

I really, really need to get the strawberry shortcake from Sunshine Seasons this year. I've been lusting after it since our first trip and I keep passing it by, I just know they are going to take it away before I get around to trying it so I must do it this year.

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There’s a little voice in my head keeps saying we should just get DDP, or even QSDP then a louder one shouts NO!

We haven’t done Big River Grille and as nice as the menu looks the lack of chips on it may be an issue!

You really need to get the strawberry shortcake!

[sha9]

Still waiting for word on this years Orlando Magical Dining Month. Last year there were several Disney restaurants on the list so I’m hoping for the same this year. Once I can see the menus I can decide if we’re eating at any of them and make some more ADRs!

[hornetgirl]

No dining plan looks like the way ahead for us since we became DVC members so I'll be following with interest. We ate at Picabu a couple of trips back following a recommendation on the Dibb and thought it was excellent value. It will be good to hear more about some other Swan and Dolphin restaurants as we plan to try more of them too.
Satu'li Canteen - we absolutely loved the food we had here and can't wait to go back. There are lots of different choices to make as you build your bowl. We did it via the app so that we could take our time and didn't feel rushed into choosing.
Also good to see The Wave on your list. This is probably our favourite non signature restaurant, a definite hidden gem.

[sha9]

Originally Posted by hornetgirl

No dining plan looks like the way ahead for us since we became DVC members so I'll be following with interest. We ate at Picabu a couple of trips back following a recommendation on the Dibb and thought it was excellent value. It will be good to hear more about some other Swan and Dolphin restaurants as we plan to try more of them too.
Satu'li Canteen - we absolutely loved the food we had here and can't wait to go back. There are lots of different choices to make as you build your bowl. We did it via the app so that we could take our time and didn't feel rushed into choosing.
Also good to see The Wave on your list. This is probably our favourite non signature restaurant, a definite hidden gem.

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We’ve been trying to do The Wave for a few years so hopefully it’ll be worth it!

We’ve never eaten in either the Swan or Dolphin because of DDP so I feel we should make the most of being DDP free.

[sha9]

Well the Orlando Magical Dining Month restaurants have been announced and there isn’t really anything we’d eat in the Disney area. Last year Olivia’s, Turf Club and Jiko were all included but are missing this year. So looks like that’s a no go.

We also rethought the kettle. There was a battle between saving money and saving suitcase space and the suitcase space one. We’re so close to the Boardwalk Bakery I think we’ll probably just buy a refillable mug and use that plus the room coffee maker.

And I booked The Plaza again! I found a good lunch time slot for our last MK day so just booked it.

[caitlinsmummy]

Only just seen this, I read all your previous reports so I'm really looking forward to this one! Subscribed! X

[sha9]

Well so much for hardly any ADRs! Thanks to only being able to get a late afternoon FP for FoP on our first AK day we discussed just keeping it and trying out the family style dining at Pizzafari. We probably don’t need to make an ADR for this but I just can’t help myself!

[collybird]

We've booked it too, I actually think it looks really nice!

I don't think any of our park days match up though so no chance of running in to each other now you're living it up at the Boardwalk and we're slumming it on a building site

EDIT: I've just double checked our plans, is it the 25th you're going to The Wave? Our ADR there is 7.30.

[sha9]

Originally Posted by collybird

We've booked it too, I actually think it looks really nice!

I don't think any of our park days match up though so no chance of running in to each other now you're living it up at the Boardwalk and we're slumming it on a building site

EDIT: I've just double checked our plans, is it the 25th you're going to The Wave? Our ADR there is 7.30.

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Does it sound odd that I felt bad when we moved to AKL after us being CBR buddies?

Yes! The 25th for us but 8.15 am because 7.30am is waayyy too early! Although I did think I’d booked 8am so off now to check availability 🙄. Don’t eat all the sweet potato pancakes before I get there 😜.

[caitlinsmummy]

I made an ADR there also, then cancelled as I wasn't sure if it was a TS, realized it wasn't and rebooked looking forward to seeing what you think of it xx