Christmas all year long!

[annmarieda]

I don't think they do alot at the values, maybe someone else can answer that. I would suggest the All-Star Movies if you have time. The decorations for the different buildings is really neat. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it, but I liked it when we stayed there in 2007.

cool

I went on a Fantasmic night,. and a Saturday, so it was wall to wall people, and I hated that part, but from other peoples reports, it wasn't crowded on other nights.

See..that might be our problem. We will likely only go to DHS once and it would likely be on a Fantasmic night. Steve would hate wall to wall people.

Each country has designated times when the storytellers will be there. We got to see Paris, Japan, and Italy, but didnt' get to see the others.

I will definitely have to research this then...sounds like a bit more low key so Steve would likely be more comfortable with it.

From what I have read a package is the way to go. I didn't think my kids would be into it, so I didn't do it.

I think I will have to do this. I will like it and even if I have to go alone.. I will. (and knowing my crazy family I just might have to). I wonder if that would make it easier for me to get a good seat.

I haven't seen it other than at Christmas time, so this might be something for others to answer.
You do get to see the characters in Camp Minnie Mickey in winter clothes.

Oh...I am so jealous of how many characters you got to see...I think the camp Minnie Mickey will be a MUST for me. (again...it may be me alone and maybe Zoe...yes, Zoe will like that)

We did the MVMCP, and the night I went it was packed. Even after the second parade where I swear I watched 5,178,642,278,346,842 people walk towards the exit, it was still packed. I could be off on that number though.

could your number be off? I hope so!!! Yup...just count that as one more thing I might have to do alone.

 

[KatMark]

I love your list of "hopes to". I so want to do a Photo Shoot...but I want to do mine at the Poly.

I remember those "Chuck E Cheese" days. Can't say that I miss them at all, but they were fun when the boys were little. I hope more people show up for Zoe.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

We were also there the last couple days of Pop Warner, so I don't know if that added to the crowd levels that night.

MVMCP was fun, but a bit overwhelming. Lot's to do, and not enough time to do it all in. My number may have been a bit high, but I could swear it looked like the place was closing with wall to wall people going down main street to leave. I also didn't understand why people were waiting in line for Peter Pans Magic Flight. Judging by the size of the line, some of them were probably waiting over an hour for a ride you can get FP's to during the day. Of course, that meant they weren't holding me up for what I wanted to do.

My kids loved the storytellers. Makes me wish I had spent more time at EPCOT so we could see them all.

If you do Camp Mickey Minnie, I suggest doing it when it first opens at 10 a.m., same goes for Toon Town. You should be able to get in and out pretty quickly as opposed to going in the afternoon.

 

[shocky5]

Joining in! Just found your PTR and you have inspired me to consider one as well. We are going Dec. 16-23, almost same dates, staying at the Poly and it's a surprise for the kiddos! I really think this will help me enjoy the year, keep working on planning our trip, but not 'wish the year away.' Ready to get back to Disney!

But definitely need ideas/help/tips for a Christmas trip. So do you mind if I tag along??

Great report!! Hope Zoe had a wonderful birthday. My older DS will turn 10 next week and my DD will be 13 a couple of weeks later. BIG year for us... I hit *40* in August!!!

Amy

 

[annmarieda]

Joining in! Just found your PTR and you have inspired me to consider one as well. We are going Dec. 16-23, almost same dates, staying at the Poly and it's a surprise for the kiddos! I really think this will help me enjoy the year, keep working on planning our trip, but not 'wish the year away.' Ready to get back to Disney!

But definitely need ideas/help/tips for a Christmas trip. So do you mind if I tag along??

Great report!! Hope Zoe had a wonderful birthday. My older DS will turn 10 next week and my DD will be 13 a couple of weeks later. BIG year for us... I hit *40* in August!!!

Amy

I would love it if you tagged along!!! So cool that are dates are almost the same. I think it is gonna be a fun year planning, but I hear ya on not wanting to "wish the year away".

 

[tinacaplan]

Just saying hi! I don't have enough to say to add to what everyone else has always said except that I find the people watching at World Showcase to be exceptionally entertaining. Feels more adult than MK and there's just so much going on. : Hope you have a great weekend.

 

[onescgirl]

I'm here! I didn't realize that you had another trip planned or a PTR planned. I'm glad I finally noticed while I could still catch up pretty quickly.

How exciting to be going in Dec AND staying at WL!!!!!!!
I am so jealous of you right now!

I'm with you on the covered bus-stops being a HUGE plus.
That was one of the best changes for me when we stayed at a Mod resort. It is so nice not having to start your day standing out in the heat. Having benches to sit on while you wait is so worth it too. I know, I'm lazy when it comes to standing in the heat waiting.

I think having a photo session at WL would be so nice.

I can't wait to read more (all year) about your planning!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm here! I didn't realize that you had another trip planned or a PTR planned. I'm glad I finally noticed while I could still catch up pretty quickly.

How exciting to be going in Dec AND staying at WL!!!!!!!
I am so jealous of you right now!

I'm with you on the covered bus-stops being a HUGE plus.
That was one of the best changes for me when we stayed at a Mod resort. It is so nice not having to start your day standing out in the heat. Having benches to sit on while you wait is so worth it too. I know, I'm lazy when it comes to standing in the heat waiting.

I think having a photo session at WL would be so nice.

I can't wait to read more (all year) about your planning!

I am so glad you are here! I thought about not starting a PTR...but then why not? I figure it would give me something to do..plus this year will be a doozy and I figure it would help me to have an outlet for all of that as well.

Yes, december and WL will be great...and the bus stops. I am very excited. Planning a year in advance with a pin code is what has made that possible.

 

[KELLY]

I'm joining in all caught up. We loved Wl last time we stayed there. Dh would stay there again in a heartbeat.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm joining in all caught up. We loved Wl last time we stayed there. Dh would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Glad you could join. I hope that we love WL. To be honest I worry about a couple things.

1. Will it be busy with all the guests from WCC?

2. Will it seem too much like "home" since we live in the PNW.

I must say it looks the most festive..so in that regard it has to be a good pick. That being said..there is a part of me wondering if POR wouldn't be just as nice.

 

[annmarieda]

Zach has drill once a month. This last weekend was "the weekend" They did combat water training. I was a bit worried. Happy to say my son did not drown. Blind folded...in full gear with gun in hand he was pushed in water. Just the thought is upsetting to me. Like I said though, he survived.

On another positive note though, he FINALLY got his uniform.

Isn't he handsome?

 

[annmarieda]

I thought I was being so good and getting on top of arranging Zoe's birthday party. Turns out, I picked a bad day. Now, in my defense I don't follow such things. However, did you know that Superbowl Sunday is on 2/6? I guess having a birthday party on that day pretty much means no one can come. Since I couldn't do that to Zoe again...I had to reschedule. Got it worked out, but I feel like such a dork.

 

[annmarieda]

I have a bunch of updates...so bear with me.

First I thought I would share what I have recently received in the mail...

This may not be the most exciting mail that will come...but it is a start. It is our confirmation of our reservations.

Then for being the first...x..something to sign up...I was awarded a free Disney Calendar. I used our pics from the trip the girls, my mom and I took in September to make a 2011 calendar. Super fun and easy!

 

[annmarieda]

With it being Christmas time and even the possibility of changing our dates to be there ON Christmas, I thought maybe decorating our room, door or window might be fun. Doing reading on it though it seems as though it might not be something that people do often at deluxe resorts but rather something mainly done at the values. I still think it sounded fun so I have purchased some items.

Since all the Christmas Decorations have been on clearance here are some of my finds...

A "wreath for the door"

A window cling that is a countdown. I am not sure if I don't want to use this as a "25 days until our trip" countdown

The one and only ornament I found. Course, with no tree...not sure what I plan on doing with it. I just thought it was cute and was next to nothing in cost...so why not, eh?

Another window cling. Maybe for the mirror?

This is just a mishmash of stuff. The garland is the same colors as the wreath and I can't help but think I see Mickey heads on them. (even though there are not.) Then there is the music... not a decoration, but thought it would be fun to listen to after thanksgiving. Last there is the command hooks. I forgot the nice one I used at Pop. It was very helpful to have an extra hook...but the one I got and forgot was not at all on sale and was a heavy duty one...so not cheap. (not expensive..but...) So these being "festive" colors meant they were clearanced. I paid less than a buck for the pack.

 

[annmarieda]

I have not had great luck finding any that I liked. The one I got for Alex, I like. I suits him well. The one I got for me... I think it might be "too young" for me...and implying something? Innuendos tend to fly right over my head. Then again, maybe I am just reading into it.

So for Alex..

And possibly for me.. and please be kind...maybe let me know if I should NOT wear this

 

[annmarieda]

While this trip will be the big gift this year, we of course are gonna need some little items.

For Zoe I found some puzzles and coloring books. I think I got them 75% off..so not bad at all. I always get things for the plane ride, so these are likely for them.

Also found this "dry erase board"

There is a Disney Clearance Outlet store that comes through a near by mall several times a year. I was able to pick up a couple cute bracelets for Kira and I. Originally I got one for each of the girls, but there is no way this would fit Zoe...so for me it is .

Last, I got a glass and plate (in case we needed cookies for Santa) I also found some plain bracelets that Zoe and Alex can have.

 

[tinacaplan]

I know you mentioned something about WL being a lot like home because you live in the PNW (which is why it doesn't appeal to me, exactly...I mean, Washington or Oregon in Florida....what???), but I have thought it would be among the nicest to be at Christmas time, what with the pine trees and all!

But I have the same home thoughts about the YC/BC, too. New England..um, yeah, I'm from there. Then again, I saw Cynthia's pics of her room at the YC and well, if we ever stay other there...maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Zach has drill once a month. This last weekend was "the weekend" They did combat water training. I was a bit worried. Happy to say my son did not drown. Blind folded...in full gear with gun in hand he was pushed in water. Just the thought is upsetting to me. Like I said though, he survived.

On another positive note though, he FINALLY got his uniform.

Isn't he handsome?

]

Yes, he is...and brave, too. Please thank him for me.

I thought I was being so good and getting on top of arranging Zoe's birthday party. Turns out, I picked a bad day. Now, in my defense I don't follow such things. However, did you know that Superbowl Sunday is on 2/6? I guess having a birthday party on that day pretty much means no one can come. Since I couldn't do that to Zoe again...I had to reschedule. Got it worked out, but I feel like such a dork.

Sounds like something I'd do.... neither my husband nor I are football fans, so I would be likely to totally miss that!

I have a bunch of updates...so bear with me.

First I thought I would share what I have recently received in the mail...

This may not be the most exciting mail that will come...but it is a start. It is our confirmation of our reservations.



Then for being the first...x..something to sign up...I was awarded a free Disney Calendar. I used our pics from the trip the girls, my mom and I took in September to make a 2011 calendar. Super fun and easy!

Any sort of Mickey mail is welcome and exciting as far as I'm concerned. And the calendar looks great.

And score on the awesome Christmas stuff! And I don't see why you WOULDN'T wear that Tinkerbell shirt!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I thought I was being so good and getting on top of arranging Zoe's birthday party. Turns out, I picked a bad day. Now, in my defense I don't follow such things. However, did you know that Superbowl Sunday is on 2/6? I guess having a birthday party on that day pretty much means no one can come. Since I couldn't do that to Zoe again...I had to reschedule. Got it worked out, but I feel like such a dork.

Wow, who doesn't know when the Super Bowl is? If the party was early in the day it wouldn't be too bad.

The one and only ornament I found. Course, with no tree...not sure what I plan on doing with it. I just thought it was cute and was next to nothing in cost...so why not, eh?

You can have the Disney Florist deliver a tree. Found this on MouseSavers.com

If you want to have flowers, gift baskets or even a decorated Christmas tree sent to your Disney resort room or to your stateroom on the cruise ship, the "official" florist is Walt Disney World Florist. They can do special romance baskets, sprinkle your bed with rose petals -- you name it! Their quality is excellent but the prices are high. (For instance, the 2009 Disney World Christmas trees, delivered directly to your resort room, were $295-$395 for a decorated 3 1/2 to 4-foot tree!) Visit their web site or call (407) 827-3505 for more information.

 

[annmarieda]

But I have the same home thoughts about the YC/BC, too. New England..um, yeah, I'm from there. Then again, I saw Cynthia's pics of her room at the YC and well, if we ever stay other there...maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Funny, for me...the YC/BC are wonderful options...they seem so lovely. But...that is so far from normal around here that is why.

Yes, he is...and brave, too. Please thank him for me.

thank you... I am proud of him.

Sounds like something I'd do.... neither my husband nor I are football fans, so I would be likely to totally miss that!

Thanks..that makes me feel a bit better...

Any sort of Mickey mail is welcome and exciting as far as I'm concerned. And the calendar looks great.

I thought it was

And score on the awesome Christmas stuff! And I don't see why you WOULDN'T wear that Tinkerbell shirt!

Good...I wasn't sure. I can be a bit...dense at times.

Wow, who doesn't know when the Super Bowl is? If the party was early in the day it wouldn't be too bad.

Now, now...are you being mean to me? I did mention that I am dense at times..

You can have the Disney Florist deliver a tree. Found this on MouseSavers.com

Thanks for the info...at that price though..I would be better off shipping a fake one in a box to the resort. Which...I might do. I have seen a couple clearanced... but..then again, I don't know if I really want to go THAT far with it all.

 

[annmarieda]

Due to not feeling well, I have spent way too much time on this today. Oh well, in the next week I won't have much time to spend on here so it will even out.

Anyway... I had to share my frustration... I went online to pay on both my reservation and on Kira's. I got as far as Kiras and I got a confirmation on the reservation...but no payment confirmation. I now have to wait to see if the payment went through. Then when I tried to make a payment on mine it gave me a message saying that my card could not be accessed. ???? I had not even entered the card number... Who knows...now I wait.

Actually, I am gonna have to just call and speak to a cm. I hate doing that though since the wait can be horrible.

Thanks for letting me share my frustration.