Twas the Night Before ... Christmas 09?! - 12/30 New TR! Please come join me!

[jenjolt]

PLEASE! I am at a loss for where to begin, there is very little ADR wise, have to do lunch mostly, but maybe I will be able to get some last minute, last minute ADRs for dinner!! We'll see. I will go review your plans and Christine's (she figured it out earlier today) and go from there... I have signed on with TGM for my Dec trip, and I have access to the September schedule of days... so I am trying to use that as a guide given that it is F&WF opening weekend...
I guess I am excited, if I slap myself I will snap out of this state of shock...

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY DECEMBER TRIP PTR!!! I guess I will have to add my "miniTR" for Disney in September, to it

Of course you'll have to do a TR LOL!!!! And I'm still very much excited for December...because Christmas and Disney LOL...but I'm also very excited now for this surprise mini trip YAY!!

 

[winkers]

I can't believe you get to go this month too!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

OH MY GOSH! I'm sooooo excited for you and a little jealous.....

You are going to have soooo much fun! I can't wait to hear all of the details.

 

[SunnieRN]

Where in the bay area did you go to school? I lived in CA all my life until a few years ago and my Dad still lives 23 miles east of SF.

I will be in WDW from the 21st through the 29th and will be cancelling several reservations tomorrow. Pm me.

Oh, love your July trip report!! Black Friday rocks and Christmas is my biggest extravagance!

 

[cjackearl]

Are you kidding me?! That's awesome!! This is definitely your Year of Disney.

On the ADRs, we ended up taking a late lunch time for Sci Fi in June because that was all that was available, and we ended up really, really liking it. We had breakfast in the room and a late morning snack, we sat down in cool AC when we were really ready for a break, and we didn't have to worry about getting around and out for a dinner ADR when people didn't really feel like leaving the resort right away. Anyhow, just another perspective if you can't get the dinner ADRs you want. I'd plan late lunches some of the time now on purpose.

Looking forward to reading about your plans for BOTH trips, now!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so jealous!! I can't believe you are going back later this month AND in December! Annual passes are awesome!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yippee!! This is fantastic news! Your DH gets a big gold star as a DIS hubby!! I can't wait to meet you guys! I can only imagine how much your head is spinning. ADRs two weeks out! I wonder if we could expand any of ours... Or a meet at the lobster roll stand or the slushie stand is definitely in order. Maybe your kiddos can help me learn how to save the world with Kim Possible!

I'm so excited I'm giddy!

 

[Happydog]

Of course you'll have to do a TR LOL!!!! And I'm still very much excited for December...because Christmas and Disney LOL...but I'm also very excited now for this surprise mini trip YAY!!

OH I will -- probably just add it to this one!! Or maybe I will do a F&WF "special" we'll see! RE the Christmas trip -- don't even get me started, I have SOOOOOOOOOOO many plans floating around in my head right now for that trip -- this is just a whim I guess TWO weeks from now??!! Good grief.

I can't believe you get to go this month too!

I know!!!! Me either!!!! Totally unexpected. Completely.

OH MY GOSH! I'm sooooo excited for you and a little jealous.....

You are going to have soooo much fun! I can't wait to hear all of the details.

Dear goodness Wig'D you don't know the 1/2 of it.... I don't know any details b/c I am still trying to sort out the DECEMBER details!!

Where in the bay area did you go to school? I lived in CA all my life until a few years ago and my Dad still lives 23 miles east of SF.

I will be in WDW from the 21st through the 29th and will be cancelling several reservations tomorrow. Pm me.

Oh, love your July trip report!! Black Friday rocks and Christmas is my biggest extravagance!

Hello! Welcome! I went to Cal... we still vacation in the bay area, mostly Napa... love me a good bottle of Chardonnay! or Pinot! or anything really!!!! HA!

I WILL PM you, yes! thanks so much!!!! If you have any dinner ADRs you are deciding to cancel, that would be great to know!!! THANKS!

Thanks for the comment on the July TR and YES I LOVE Black Friday!!! Coffee and standing outside in line at 4am... nothing like it!

Are you kidding me?! That's awesome!! This is definitely your Year of Disney.

On the ADRs, we ended up taking a late lunch time for Sci Fi in June because that was all that was available, and we ended up really, really liking it. We had breakfast in the room and a late morning snack, we sat down in cool AC when we were really ready for a break, and we didn't have to worry about getting around and out for a dinner ADR when people didn't really feel like leaving the resort right away. Anyhow, just another perspective if you can't get the dinner ADRs you want. I'd plan late lunches some of the time now on purpose.

Looking forward to reading about your plans for BOTH trips, now!

Hey!!! Thanks for the tip!! I gotta get back over to your TR, I have been a little preoccupied as you can tell! It is totally crazy that we are going back after just being there at the end of June. My DH said well we gotta see all seasons.... crazy!

Wow!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so jealous!! I can't believe you are going back later this month AND in December! Annual passes are awesome!!

I know I know! It feels hugely indulgent, but DH is the one who suggested it, I am not going to complain, he said he couldn't argue with $125.00 flights for four. THAT cinched the deal... apparently!

And I am due for a trip over to your TR, I am a little behind with all this new news! But I'll be over!

 

[Happydog]

Yippee!! This is fantastic news! Your DH gets a big gold star as a DIS hubby!! I can't wait to meet you guys! I can only imagine how much your head is spinning. ADRs two weeks out! I wonder if we could expand any of ours... Or a meet at the lobster roll stand or the slushie stand is definitely in order. Maybe your kiddos can help me learn how to save the world with Kim Possible!

I'm so excited I'm giddy!

Yeah, I guess he is just a wild card sometimes -- I really really don't get his logic, but I am a good wife and I am not going to question it. Re the trip, let me check out your plans, and yes, we can probably rendezvous somewhere in the World Showcase for certain! Kim Possible is definitely on our list of "to do's" b/c we didn't do it in June/July -- just too hot outside to tromp around). "We'll twalk!"

Yeah, the ADRs..... We'll see what I can find!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I KNOW I KNOW!!!!! I really really was thinking this the whole time I was trying to work this out today!!! Just too hard taking more than two days off, that is the problem, unfortunately

Oh, I understand -- I love being a teacher, but taking off days during the school year can be difficult.

We'll have to come up with something... I can take a picture of myself for you ...

OH, I can also return the "mail" favor from this summer, btw... at CHRISTMAS, to your two...

That would be super sweet!

I know though, my head is SPINNING.

You don't have much time to pull a plan together! Don't forget that Mexico has that new tequila bar that just opened.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Soooo jealous! I love the logic of going for all the seasons!

 

[jenjolt]

Oh trust me I understand the whole trying to figure time off and leaving your kids during the school year...I keep telling myself I left them last year for 4 days what's 5 of course that was January I had a whole semester to train them how to behave or not to behave...but it will be okay...I will NOT worry about them on this trip I WILL NOT LOL!!!! Everything will be fine they will survive...but like Jackie said...I get it...I really do!

 

[wsushocker]

Oh trust me I understand the whole trying to figure time off and leaving your kids during the school year...I keep telling myself I left them last year for 4 days what's 5 of course that was January I had a whole semester to train them how to behave or not to behave...but it will be okay...I will NOT worry about them on this trip I WILL NOT LOL!!!! Everything will be fine they will survive...but like Jackie said...I get it...I really do!

Your principal documented what was done the last time you were gone......

You really prepared them to deal with your extended absence!

 

[Happydog]

Your principal documented what was done the last time you were gone......

You really prepared them to deal with your extended absence!

WHERE DO YOU FIND THESE PICTURES??!!!!

 

[shordiebecka]

So excited that you are going so soon! Hope you have an awesome time what good news!

 

[eandesmom]

December 19th
Leave on the AMTRAK Car train ...
(yes we are taking this again -- I told you, we are sold!) We DID toy with the idea of adding an additional day, I did, anyway BUT DH would rather ease into the vacation vs. rush around to get on a plane Saturday, and so there it is. Actually, it helps me with PACKING... I can bring a tree ... and cookie stuff.... and some small gifts (stockings) .... BUT the PACKING will be another post!!! Plenty to say about that and my christmas plans at the resort!!!

SOOOOOO, here we go!

HO HO HO!

December 20th

NOW, for this day I have TWO OPTIONS... Remember it is a "half" day, but practically a full day, because we should be showing up at the BCV's by 11am or earlier -- if the train trip last time was any indication. And 11am is a healthy estimate, so it shouldn't be later (especially since we won't have to make an unexpected stop at the Babies R Us store for a stroller !!) If you didn't get that joke, read my July TR!!!

OR
Arrive at the Train Station and head to WDW and the BEACH CLUB!
Check in – hopefully our room will be ready!!
Drop off luggage
Walk to DHS for FPs (TSM!)
TS lunch = Sci Fi or Prime Time (OOP)
Maybe catch a show or another attraction and another FP set
Head back to BCV
Unpack, settle in, etc.
TS Dinner = Kouzzina (DDP)
Back to DHS to use FPs
See Osbourne Lights
Back to BCV and BED!

I vote for option two! Hands down

I want to see how you fit a tree (and the stroller!) in your car!!!

Honestly do you ever wonder who you married? I know (well, if you are married) we have all had that happen every so often. Well. It happened to me last night.

My DH says to me, as I am busy with my planning for my DECEMBER TRIP, so would you want to go to Disney, oh, I dunno, at the end of September?

WHAT?

yup. That was my reaction, too.

My family and I are going to WDW September 26 - September 30.
We have air fare for the whole family at 125.80 a flight (RT) 8:30 am departure and a 6:20 departure on the 30th. The total airfare is 500.00 and change. The resort, well we are doing it cheap, so we were able to get AP rates for CBR and CSR for 89.00 a night, so 100.13 with tax... so that is 400.52... IF we do the DDP, still not sure about that, it will be 410.00 (we nixed the CSDDP, so this is regular). No car, no tickets, ONE bag. $25.00.

Air booked, rooms reserved. Mickey Christmas party on the 29th -- the BIG expense... 1/2 a hotel stay! BUT DH says he will sit it out and work on his writing while I take the boys... SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Lets just say finding ADRs two weeks before a trip the first weekend of the F&WF is not ......easy...

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!

Who needs ADR's, just stroll around F&W! Did you do CBR or CSR?

I am so jealous!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Soooo jealous! I love the logic of going for all the seasons!

I know!!! He did that a long time ago when we got season passes to Williamsburg VA, we went every season...not the same place, mind you, but you get an idea about how he thinks....

Oh trust me I understand the whole trying to figure time off and leaving your kids during the school year...I keep telling myself I left them last year for 4 days what's 5 of course that was January I had a whole semester to train them how to behave or not to behave...but it will be okay...I will NOT worry about them on this trip I WILL NOT LOL!!!! Everything will be fine they will survive...but like Jackie said...I get it...I really do!

HA -- no you can't worry about it.. I don't teach any longer, and things always run smoothly thanks to my assistants, but there is always a pile of email and something crazy happens... BUT Jackie is right, they'll miss you and be angels when you get back...

So excited that you are going so soon! Hope you have an awesome time what good news!

Tell me about it! awesome news, and now I am completely torn! I still have to plan for December and this weekend I have been completely distracted about this trip in TWO weeks!

I vote for option two! Hands down

I want to see how you fit a tree (and the stroller!) in your car!!!

Oh they will fit, don't you worry!! I may have to get a new "fake" tree to take -- I don't have one big enough... I can get a small 5 ft one... They are always on sale at Target or Michael's on BLACK friday!!

AND the stroller, yes, will make room for that -- we have an SUV, so it will be filled, thank goodness there isn't a "weight" limit for cars like there is for luggage Yup, I am going with option #2 as well... I think the plan makes the most sense and will be fun. Working on day 2 now...

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!

Who needs ADR's, just stroll around F&W! Did you do CBR or CSR?

I am so jealous!!!!!

Yes, the F & W is a definite of course, but not every night, so we want to have a few TS meals... I want to make sure the DDP is worth it this trip, if I can't get TS ADR's we may just use the TIW card... We are at CBR for the first two nights and at CSR OR AKL... depending on who you talk to... for the final two nights... It is $ almost a $100.00 more for AKL... not sure if I should try to justify that with DH, but it was available... so we'll see... I think the pool would be so much nicer, with zero entry... They have that at CBR, where I do want to stay, but not at CSR.... I have to see what he says!

More coming tonight!

 

[DisneyMom14]

OMG!!!
You lucky dog! I'm excited for you and sooo jealous!

 

[Happydog]

So I think the past 24 hours has been some of the most intensive planning I have ever done in respect to my Disney vacations... And remember I haven't been doing this very long! YES, I have mapped out most of my September mini-trip... I still have some unknowns and variables, but overall, I am pretty happy with it...

Here is what we have to look forward to in 20 days...

Saturday 9/26
Flight out of National @ 8:20am
Arrive in Orlando 10:30am
ME to CBR
Check in
Head to the AK
QS lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ
AK closes at 5pm
TS Dinner @ Sanaa 5:45pm
Hop the bus to MK for Spectro (the only time it is scheduled during our trip)
Return to CBR
BED!

Sunday 9/27
MK day rope drop
TS Lunch @ WCC 12:50pm
Return to MK and use FPs
Back to CBR for R & R
Epcot evening
TS Dinner @ Tokyo Dining 7:30pm
OR
QS Dinner @ Tangerine Cafe
enjoy the Epcot F & W!!
Illuminations
Return to CBR
BED!

Monday 9/28
DHS day rope drop (TSM stampede)
QS lunch in DTD @ WPE
Back to CBR or CSR (?) for R & R
MK evening
QS dinner @ TBA (Casey's for the boys!)
OR
TS Dinner @ The Wave 8:00pm
See Wishes
Return to CBR or CSR
BED!
Tuesday 9/29
Epcot day rope drop
Enjoy the F & W Festival!!
Return to CBR or CSR for R & R
MK Evening and MNSSHP!!
QS dinner @ TBA
TS Dinner @ TBA
MNSSHP

Wednesday 9/30
Checkout for CBR or CSR
Epcot day
Enjoy the F & W Festival
QS lunch @ San Angel's Cantina
Return to CBR or CSR
ME to Airport
Flight out at 6:30pm

I am still working on the ADRs... I wasn't too thrilled with repeating all of the restaurants from the last trip, but I can't get anything else!!! I managed to get Boma breakfasts, but I don't see wanting to take a leisure breakfast at a resort restaurant this time, when we are not going back to AK this trip after our Sat arrival day. I also got Tutto's and San Angel for LUNCH ADR's on the 29th, which is a possibility, but I was really expecting to eat at the F & W as "lunch"... I prefer QS options at Epcot since there are soo many great choices! So while I didn't add these to my list above, I am still sorting it out. I also don't like the time for The Wave... and I chose the Tokyo Dining time slot b/c I thought it would time out for Illuminations in the window! From a window table, which I could request -- though from that restaurant pretty much any table would give a view...

Today, I went to Borders and bought the new UG 2010, and the MouseJunkies book that I have heard so much about! I also found a great Tshirt idea on Natalie's thread over on the DisSigner's page, SO I will definitely make shirts for my kids and me (for the party) I don't envision wearing full fledged costumes at MNSSHP... I think the T shirt and maybe a hat (they can pick something out) will be enough. I also just discovered that a NEW Disney store is opening in a large mall here locally, which means I can hopefully go get a couple of those nifty holiday bags!

Well, I am excited to read my books, and curl up in bed watching the rain fall (something happened to the weather today -- Poof! Summer disappeared!)

I'll be back to post again soon.. Check out my new ticker!!! Dual OP!
Don't forget, I have not revealed DAY TWO of my 8 Days of Christmas

Bye for now!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your plans look great! I think whatever you end up doing will be fabulous. You'll be in Disney!!

You are going to love Mousejunkies!!