Who wants to participate in a Holiday Resort Tour and Dinner during DIS-CON-II?

[RaySharpton]

Holiday Tour List

DIS Names

Barb
CDoobee
CrazyBoutDisney
Danny1649
DaveH
Debi
December99
disneycub
DixieDreamer
Jaypd
KarenNY
lowellsdad
Luvdsny
Mac-key Mouse
Nancy
NancyIL
?oldkicker
perfectmatch300
Pixie Power!
RaySharpton
Sandra B.
shrpgrl
Smee
Towncrier


=====================================

Last year at DIS-CON-I we had a great tour and dinner, one day before the official registration.

This is just a tenative idea or tenative suggestions subject to change many times, but I thought that I would start a list and suggestions.

Last year a lot of people wanted to see the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks at Magic Kingdom before the dinner and Holiday Tour.

I was thinking maybe that we could meet at the Grand Floridian Resort first to see the their huge lobby Christmas tree and ginger bread houses (time to be announced).

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/hol_res3.jpg>

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/hol_res8.jpg>

Then, we could all ride the monorail over to the Contemporary Resort and go up to the California Grille's observation deck and watch the sun go down over WDW and watch the MK Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. Did you know they piped in the syncronized music.

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/cgrill1.jpg>

<img src="http://www.wdwmagicmedia.com/fantasy/dcp01298.jpg">

And then on the monrail around to the MK and catch the boat to the Wilderness Lodge to see their large Christmas tree and have dinner at the Wilderness Lodge Whispering Cafe which is very open and fun to large groups.

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/h_wl4.jpg>

Afterwards, we could watch the Electric Water Pageant at the WL after dinner.

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/grand20.jpg>

And then we could stop or continue to the Board Walk Resort, Yacht and Beach Club Resort, and Dolphin Resort, and maybe to Jelly Rolls. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit out of the way, but it is a must see. Maybe a breakfast before going to a park could be arranged.

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/h_bw3.jpg>

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/hol_res1.jpg>

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/h_doltr.jpg>

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/bw11.jpg>

<img src=http://www.wdwig.com/akl_lobby30.jpg>

Any suggestions? And who would like to do this? The timing of the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks is important. And there will be a more direct route using the monorail and WL boat launch.

Also Priority Seating for Wilderness Lodge's Whispering Canyon must be made months in advance and as soon as possible after the official DIS-CON-II itinerary is posted because we may have to do what we did last year and have 3 or 4 DISers make consecutive Priority Seating. Some restaurants require a credit card to make a large reservation and many spaces will fill up fast after MK closes as this is a popular restaurant. But if several people make reservations for the same time, and far enough in advance, we probably won't have to worry about using a credit card or having enough seats. Whew!
Sincerely, RaySharpton :)

[shrpgrl]

Wow Ray, that sounds like an ambitious plan. I would like to do that. I loved seeing the decorations the last time. Can you say "Oooooh, Aaaaah".

[Barb]

It sounds wonderful, Ray! Put me down as a definite! The only thing is once we get done with the monorail resorts, we had trouble getting to the other ones. We disbanded at that point because we could find no good way to get over to the YC/BC resorts. It's early yet, and we can fine tune the tour as we go along. :D :D
Love the pictures, Ray. They bring back great memories. :D

[RaySharpton]

That's great shrpgrl and Barb.

Barb, the reason that we couldn't catch a boat launch from the Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary Resort or to Magic Kingdom was that they were mostly all coming from the Magic Kingdom after it closed and also dropping people off at the Wilderness Campground. I guess we could have fibbed and told the boat leaving the WL to the WCG that we were going to The WCG and just stayed on the boat for the return to MK.

That's why I chose leaving from Mk to WL, because the Boat Launch and Bus will deliver people to WL up to an hour or so afer the park closes for those staying at WL or those with dinner reservation.

We got out there on the WL dock pretty late and they wern't returning people back to the MK or CR since it was so late since MK closed.

Also, taking the bus to the Ticket Center, and then walking to the Poly Resort took a long time and the Poly really didn't have a decent tree or decorations.

Usually the Magic Kingdom closes around 6:00 P.M. during that season and the fireworks come right after.

I thought about going inside MK, but then others might not have annual passes or may not want to waste a ticket.

Just thinking out loud.

Ray

[Pixie Power!]

Ray this sounds wonderful! Im not sure what date I will be arriving, but as soon as I do I will let you know. I really love the festive season and who does it better but Disney!

Emma

[Debi]

I'd love to do this, Ray! This sounds like a wonderful pre-DIS CON activity. Did you have a date in mind for this event?

[RaySharpton]

We probably can't do everything. And some people may drop out after dinner. Those staying at the EPCOT resorts may want to continue on.

I have no idea about the dates, but last year we did it the evening before the official DIS-CON-I registration.

[Mackey Mouse]

Oooooh Aaaaaah.. sounds good to me too.. Love the pics.. :)

[DixieDreamer]

Sounds like a blast Ray - count me in!

[Towncrier]

Last year, I made the mistake of cutting my DIScon vacation very close. I ended up adding a day so that I could attend MVMCP. I wanted to change my flights again so that I could arrive a day or two early, but that was out of the question.

So I won't make that error this time. I plan to spend a couple of extra days before and after DIScon so that I don't miss anything. Perhaps I'll even have time to meet up with some of the RADP folks this time.

So put me down as a definite maybe. :)

[oldkicker]

Depends on what kind of time I can shake loose, Ray.

Sure would like to! :)

[NancyIL]

Sounds great to me, Ray. Please add me to your list! :)

I hadn't planned on going to the dinner and resort tour last time because I was with my family. But as I sat waiting for a boat to Epcot, I had a sudden urge to take the bus to the MK, then boat to WL instead! I arrived halfway through dinner at Whispering Canyon, but was still able to be seated and even had something to eat. What a fun night that was!

[Sandra B.]

It sounds great Ray!!
Please put me on the list:)

[DaveH]

Ray that sounds great. Put me down and I would think my DW CrazyBoutDisney will want to go. Keep us posted. We arrive Dec 1 so anytime should work for us. BTW I did of posts of Christmas trees in Dec on the community board. Good luck finding it.

[luvdsny]

:) I wouldn't miss it for the world Ray! :) Count me IN! :bounce: Thanks. :)

[lowellsdad]

Me, too! Me, too!

Frank

[perfectmatch300]

Ray, this was so much fun last time. :D Put us on the list to do it again! :wave: I think your plan ssounds excellent, & will elliminate some of the problems we had last year with transportation issues. Now all I have to do is convince Barry that he wants to go to DIS-CON II so I can start making ressies! Shouldn't be too hard to do that! :D

[disneycub]

::clearing throat::

Memememememememememememe!

[KarenNY]

Count me in, Ray:wave:

[Buckleybunch]

Count me in.

[CDoobee]

YESYESYESYESYESYESYES!!!!!!!!!!

I want to do this again!! It was so much fun last year, and was such a good way to meet others!!

ooooooooooh!! aaaaaaaaaaaah!!

So, that's a definite YES for me, and a definite MAYBE for Kevin!!:bounce: :bounce:

[Patinmn]

Ray sign me up also


I hope Barb has that green glove ready :)


Is it possible to break it into a couple of groups this year, and then all meet up for dinner at a certain hour.


Trying to keep 30 people together is a lot of work.

[Barb]

You know I do, Pat! ;):D :D :D Wouldn't leave home without it!;) :cool:

[Nancy]

Since I'm about 90% sure that I'll be there add me to your list.

[Jaypd]

Is there going to be beer can I make it Drinks around the Resort???? :) :) Ok I will come anyway :) :)

[RaySharpton]

Thanks for everyone posting. I haven't been posting replies just to keep the thread shorter and easier to read by others without a lot of pages.

But, ideas, suggestions, changes, are always welcome. You all know how much it changed last year.

Patinmn(Patrick): Sure there can be more groups. I would love to hear other ideas. Mac-Key Mouse(Marsha) has already mentioned, maybe that she would like to eat at the Contemporary Resort's California Grille while we were there at the observation deck to watch the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. And others of us could go to WL-WC to eat and then meet up again.

Also, I would have loved to meet in MK to watch the fireworks, but many people may not want to waste their tickets for that day. That's why I chose the observation deck. But that's what groups are for so we can do both for touring and/or eating.

I am not very good at this planning thing, so please give a lot of suggestions.

And Jay...Jay...Jay...they have beer everywhere, but I won't have a ECV for you to ride...hahaha. I will try and plan the shortest distance to wlk from place to place and I'll Xerox the different times so that everyone will know where everyone one should be at different times.

Here's an idea, after the WL thing, maybe some may want to visit DDMP to see the decorations down there and some may want to shop or go to the Boardwalk Area as previously planned and have surrey races around the lake...hahaha.

Don't forget to post if you would like to host an unofficial DIS mini-meet or suggest a mini-meet. It's never to early to plan...O.K., so I'm a little bored...hahaha.

RaySharpton :)

[Buckleybunch]

I love to plan.. iF you need any help.. I would be glad to help plan this exciting event!!!!
I don't have anything else today.. ( yes, I'm a SAHM right now).


Now making the decision between eating at WL or California Grille is a tough one for me. I have always wanted to do both. :) I won't be able to eat alot during the whole trip... but I will enjoy what I can eat. :)

[December99]

add me as a possibility for this one. i am not sure yet what day i am arriving. i'll know more as the announcements are made but probably coming in the day before.

[danny1649]

Count DW and I, really sounds like fun.:D

[CarolA]

Ray count me in. I will make a dinner reservation once we get a plan if you need me to.

I would like to do a meal at the AKL, so maybe I will host a breakfast meet (I am getting brave!) I will hold off on this until we get an official schedule and figure out where it is going!

[Smee]

I missed this thread 'til now !!!

Ray,
I will definitely be there (as long as I've already arrived) !!!!!!
I aslo like to make people sing Christmas Carols *wink*

Corinne

[BelleMom]

Dear Ray, if it is not too late, I would love to be there!!!!!

[spiceycat]

Oh yes - put me down,too

thanks

I can help make reservations.

[Barb]

Ok, Ray, now that we have an official notice that we will be having DIS-CON II, you need to emal Marsha with that wonderful list of meets you already have started. :D :D Yippee!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[RaySharpton]

Well...look what I found...lol. Yes, I'm a little bored!

I would like about 100 ideas and suggestions please?

What would be your idea of an ideal Holiday Tour?

Where would you like to have dinner together?

Would you like to have the tour before or after dinner?

Would you like to split the tour to before and after dinner?

The largest christmas trees with large lobbies for seating are the Dolphin Resort (~30 feet), the Grand Floridian Resort (~50 feet), and the Wilderness Lodge Resort (~50 feet).

I can't remember about the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, although it has a large lobby, too.

Tbe Beach/Yacht Club Resort and the Boardwalk Resort have much smaller trees (~15 feet), but are beautiful resorts.

The Polynesian Resort has one-tree (about 5-feet)...really sad...but a beautiful resort.

Plus there is another place called Marketplace Disney, that is outdoors and open late with a lot of decorations, a large outdoor tree that would look best at night time, and many large Disney stores.

There is also the Electrical Light parade on the lake each night.

And then there needs to be back-up plans in case of something happens like rain (never...lol) or something.

O.K...don't be shy...somebody come up with some new ideas that I haven't thought of yet.

RaySharpton :)

[RaySharpton]

Just thinking out loud, here...lol.

Since several DIS-meets are already planned...

...like on the last day of DIS-CON-II, Sunday, December 8, 2002, after the closing official breakfast buffet. There is a Chef Mickey's DIS-meet dinner around 5:00 P.M., and followed by a MVMCP, 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M..

...On Monday, December 9, 2002, probably a CP package at EPCOT.

Before the official 2002 DIS-CON-II events of Wednesday, December 4, 2002 through Sunday morning, December 8, 2002...there will be two separate unofficial DIS-meets on Tuesday, December 3, 2002. One is figmentvi's Chef Mickeys dinner DIS-meet followed by MVMCP. And the other is Patinmn's and luvdsny's Hoop-Dee-Doo Muscial Review DIS-meet.

That leaves Tuesday morning and afternoon, December 3, 2002 open.

That leaves Monday, December 2, 2002 with DaveH's MGM commando day with a great DIS-meet at the Prime Time Cafe and possible Fantasmic and Osborne lights.

Then, I arrive sometime early Sunday afternoon, December 1, 2002 after I get off work.

On Sunday, Monday, and Tueday there is the possibility of going to Universal Studios, or Universal Islands of Adventure, or swimming at Blizzard Beach or a day at the park at MK, MGM, EPCOT, or AK.

So many things to do.

So do you DISers still want to do a WDW Holiday Resort Tour?

Since we are having a dinner and DIS-meets (Chef Mickey, MVMCP, and Hoop-Dee-Doo on the night before the official registration, which is what Barb had planned last year the night before the official registration at the Wilderness Lodge Whipering Cafe dinner DIS-meet get together...

...Should we still do the Whispering Cafe thing again?

Or just do a holiday tour?

And should we just do a tour that doesn't involve park admission, like watching the FitS fireworks on MK Mainstreet then take a boat launch directly to Wilderness Lodge for dinner.

Or visa/versa...have lunch at Wilderness Lodge Whispering Cafe and see their huge 4 to 5 story christmas tree, walk by the lake(top of the hour the Guyzer shoots up) and take a boat launch to MK and see the FitS fireworks on Mainstreet(or if you didn't want to use park passes go to the Polynesian beach and watch the FitS fireworks.)

Then catch the Resort monorail or walk to see the outdoor Contemporary Resort Christmas tree, then catch the monorail for a longer visit to the Grand Floridian Resort with it's huge 4 to 5-story christmas tree, and ginger bread houses. And if we're are lucky...hear a school bell concert in the lobby. If you wanted to stop here, we could stay and watch the electrical light lake parade from the GF lake restaurant, shore or beach.

Or if you wanted to skip the electrical light lake parade and take the monorail around to the EPCOT monorail and walk straight thru to see EOCOT's wonderful holiday arch and christmas tree and stake out a spot to watch Illuminations.

Then, if you feel up to it, exit EPCOT at the International gateway and walk or take the boat launch to the Boardwalk and see their tree and enjoy what the Boardwalk on the lake has to offer(which is very beautiful at night).

And/or take a boat launch to the Beach Club Resort and have a ice cream social at their Beaches and Cream Shop.

And/or those staying at the Dolphin/Swan Resort could walk or take a boat launch to see the huge, 2 to 3 story Poinsetta christmas tree.

So...what are your ideas?

Do you DISers want to try and do part of this or all of this and what day?

Should we keep this a non-park entrance so that many DISers will not have to use their park passes, which was a great idea by Barb last year?

Lunch or Dinner could be separate from the actual holiday tour to help save money for families.

The very best and largest christmas trees with huge 4 to 6 story lobbies are the Grand Floridian Resort(with musical groups and gingerbread houses, followed by the Wilderness Lodge Resort, and the Dolphin Resort.

I was trying to add some extra things to go along with the tour, to reduce long walks, and with boat or monorail transportation without using a bus...lol.

Two of them could be timing our travels to watch the Magic Kingdom's Fantasy in the Sky and the Electrical Light parade from the beach of the Polynesian Resort(which is supposed to be a classical picture) or the Grand Floridian beach or Narcoosse's lake side restaurant with a wrap-a-round, on-the-lake porch with chairs and tables if you want to rest and grab something to drink, relax, and talk, but this could fill up at the last minute.)

If we go to the other resorts, we will need to use buses, cars, or taxis, like we did last year.

I could really use some other ideas from you guys.

Especially, if and when you would like to do this.

Thank in advance.

A very bored and hungry DISer...lol.

RaySharpton

[NancyIL]

You have so many great ideas, Ray! :D I'm not sure what night you were thinking of doing the resort tour. Personally - I'd like to do it on Sunday the first, because I don't plan to go to a park that day. (Remember that there will NOT be regular MK fireworks on Dec, 1, 3, 5, or 6 because the park closes early for MVMCP.) I definitely want to see the Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian. (IMHO - the Polynesian and Contemporary are skippable). Then finish at the Epcot resorts - since the majority of us will be staying in that area. Perhaps we could end the evening with a late-night gathering somewhere on the Boardwalk (ESPN, Big River Grille) - followed by JELLYROLLS!

I'd like to do either the Candlelight Processional or Fantasmic/Osborne Lights on Monday, 12/2.

It seems people are doing either MVMCP or Hoop-Dee-Doo on Tuesday, 12/3.

[dalepool]

Ok----Count me in for EVERYTHING-----. As long as DH can get to and from all the resorts we are a GO. Dale uses an EVC ---unable to walk with out walker or EVC. I wouldn't want to hold others up just because we are at times a little slow. Exsample walking in the sand would be out of the question. I'd love to see all the resorts in full Christmas beauty. Sort of like a "Caravan of Homes---But with resorts instead of homes. Thanks PattyN

[Nancy]

I won't be coming in until the 3rd. probably early afternoon from the looks of things. I'm in for the Hoop-de-Doo on the 3rd, so i won't be able to do anything else that involves the evening hours.

[bashful64]

Sounds like fun...count me in Ray.

[luvdsny]

The night of the first would work for me. Should we do dinner at WL again? :D I've got night plans for the 2nd and 3rd already.

[luvdsny]

UNLESS Roy Disney is narrating CP that night, then I'll be there. Sorry. :o But I would LOVE to hear Roy tell the story. :D

[spiceycat]

yes I want to do it - but it is better at night - I have plans for the 2nd and the 3rd and I am arriving on the 1st - but who cares lets do it!!!

If we watch the Electric Water Pagen from WL - you can get close with the evc - Dale - so that shouldn't be a problem.

oh wait Ray say the GF or the Poly - the Polyn has a marina but the best site is the beach - I don't know about the GF

Dinner would be nice but it might made it rather long - and are you only counting the deluxe resorts - how about the moderates there decorations last year were kind of cute (my opinion)

[December99]

I really want to do this also but I'm not arriving until the 3rd and leave the afternoon of the 9th. I'm pretty sure I'm doing Hoop-Dee-Doo on the 3rd and I'm the dinner organizer for the MVMCP on the 8th. I say we need to wait until the official word comes out and see if we can squeeze it in on a night that everyone will be here....but if that doesn't work...I can always do this another year...

[NancyIL]

You are right, Chris. It's hard to plan anything until Pete gives us more info. Right now I'm speculating on the following:

Dec. 3 - MVMCP/Hoop-Dee-Doo
Dec. 4 - opening reception
Dec. 5 - open (some may do MVMCP that night)
Dec. 6 - Drink Around the World (right, SSB?)
Dec. 7 - Illuminations party
Dec. 8 - closing

Last year we did the resort tour the night before the convention started. This year most people are doing either MVMCP or Hoop-Dee-Doo that night. A number of people will have already arrived by Sunday, Dec. 1st - so that's why that night is being discussed for the resort tour.

[RaySharpton]

Well, you know...I never thought of that. I always just assumed that this would have to be done before the official registration.

I never thought that we might be able to do it during the convention.

Well that might make things easier.

Thank you for the input.

Anyone else with ideas of what you would like to see or do on this tour, and/or meal DIS-meet?

Thank you in advance.

RaySharpton

[bashful64]

I believe Roy Disney is scheduled or tentatively scheduled to do CP on the 1st. Maybe we should do CP on the 1st instead of the 9th and then we could do the resort tour on the 9th.

[December99]

Okay...I'm not complaining but I could just kick myself now....dh tells me a few nights ago we would have had enough points for me to stay until the 10th..............I'VE ALREADY BOUGHT MY AIRPLANE TICKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would have made this so much easier for me to say - okay, let's do the resort tour on the 9th!!!!! ROFL

I'm just talking out loud...that's all......back to your regularly scheduled DISing.....

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by bashful64
I believe Roy Disney is scheduled or tentatively scheduled to do CP on the 1st. Maybe we should do CP on the 1st instead of the 9th and then we could do the resort tour on the 9th.

WOW! I thought Tia was kidding when she mentioned Roy Disney might be a CP narrator! I suppose I'd break down and use a park hopper day for the 1st if that's the case. :)

[bashful64]

Chris you could always change your plane ticket ;) :)

Dan had a link in one of his posts one day and it had a list of CP narrators...I'm pretty sure that Roy was listed for the 1st.
I will see if I can find the link.