Trip Number Nine ~ It's Christmastime!

[JoBird]

Just checking to see if you lost power. Hopefully you'll keep it. Check in when you can.

I'm at the ortho with D.

Hope everyone is safe-- that is such a nasty storm!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

School just got cancelled for me tomorrow!! Ugh! 2 days already to make up in June.

Haven't heard about my kids' schools yet.
I work right on the coast. I live about 15-20 min away from the coast.

I hate make-up days!! Luckily we rarely cancel for anything. Did your kids' school get cancelled as well? We had a 2 hour delay, I was surprised we even had that.

Shelly, you're in the western part of the state, nowhere near the coast, right? I hope you just have the rain and some wind, but nothing damaging and no power loss! During Hurrican Gustav, we were without power for almost 2 weeks. Not fun. Very hot. The hurricane wasn't terribly bad where we are, but there were so many trees down that the power companies could only do so much. We just had to wait our turn.

I can't imagine what it feels like up there during a hurricane. Is it cold wind blowing? I think hurricane and think tropical and warm. Very bizarre to have one this far north and this late in the season.

Your crowd days sound very good, and I hope they hold true! Your week sounds like a good choice, in between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holdiay crowds. Hopefully, those incentives won't draw in too many people!

Jodi, that candy bar tidbit is definitely something that I had never heard before! I don't understand it, but if you say it's so, then it must be.

Yep - very far west, near Ohio. We haven't lost power yet. I hope the worst of it came through last night. The power company called and told us to bottle water, so we were expecting the worse. Plus they deployed a lot of our power workers to NYC and areas east. So if it goes out it is likely to stay out for awhile.

It is weird experiencing a hurricane up here!! The wind is definitely cold, not warm at all. So if it started out warm it got cold in a hurry when it hit the cold front up here! It's about 45 today though, so it is a bit warmer than yesterday. But honestly we see winds that high a couple of times every winter. The only difference is that it is usually blowing snow, not rain.


So anyway -- yes, hopefully WDW won't be overly crowded when we get there. But I'm a bit scared!!

Just checking to see if you lost power. Hopefully you'll keep it. Check in when you can.

I'm at the ortho with D.

Hope everyone is safe-- that is such a nasty storm!

I'm here and with power!! Wasn't sure that was going to be the case the way the wind was blowing ALL NIGHT. It was so loud. I don't think I ever got to sleep until about 4-5:00am. So I don't know when the wind stopped. When my alarm went off at 7:45 (we had a 2 hour delay, so we got to sleep in!!) all was quiet and still. Just started raining again now....


I feel so bad for the people on the coast. It looks just awful on the news. What a mess. Stay safe everyone!!

Lauren -- did you lose your power???

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Wow that is so weird how cold it is where you are. It has been unusually warm here- mid to upper 60s it is so freaky!!!

We never lost power but the wind was the worst really early this morning. Now it is sunny and beautiful!! I still can't believe they cancelled school especially since we never lost power. I do understand why my school where I work did. A lot of that city lost power and a lot of flooding b/c they're right on the water.
Hope everyone's safe this morning.

 

[JoBird]

So glad you still have power! I was worried how the night would be when you said the wind was bad. Sounds like you had a long night. ugh.


Hope you don't lose it at all. I just feel so bad for all of y'all.

Watching that storm is just terrible. We have sunshine and no wind here, which is crazy b/c it's ALWAYS windy here!


Bottle up some water.

And get to the store when it isn't raining for some proper snacks.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow that is so weird how cold it is where you are. It has been unusually warm here- mid to upper 60s it is so freaky!!!

We never lost power but the wind was the worst really early this morning. Now it is sunny and beautiful!! I still can't believe they cancelled school especially since we never lost power. I do understand why my school where I work did. A lot of that city lost power and a lot of flooding b/c they're right on the water.
Hope everyone's safe this morning.

Yep, still 45 here. Don't think it's going to get any warmer today.

Glad you didn't lose your power!

So glad you still have power! I was worried how the night would be when you said the wind was bad. Sounds like you had a long night. ugh.


Hope you don't lose it at all. I just feel so bad for all of y'all.

Watching that storm is just terrible. We have sunshine and no wind here, which is crazy b/c it's ALWAYS windy here!


Bottle up some water.

And get to the store when it isn't raining for some proper snacks.

It was a long noisy night. But I'm just happy that we didn't lose our power!! And we only had a 2 hour delay for school and we don't have to make those up!

I can't believe how calm it is out there now. It's still raining, but not hard and no wind at all. Weird. Glad you are having some decent weather!!

Don't worry, stalked up on water & snacks this weekend!!

 

[JoBird]

It was a long noisy night. But I'm just happy that we didn't lose our power!! And we only had a 2 hour delay for school and we don't have to make those up!

I can't believe how calm it is out there now. It's still raining, but not hard and no wind at all. Weird. Glad you are having some decent weather!!

Don't worry, stalked up on water & snacks this weekend!!

I saw what you did just there.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I saw what you did just there.

Wondered if you would get it..............

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So what is under a refurb, being built, and closed down when we are there?

Well, obviously Fantasyland in MK is still under construction, BUT a lot of it is set to open right before we get there!!

From the WDW website ~
Enchanted Forest Opening December 6, 2012!
Beginning in late 2012, you can meet some favorite Disney Characters in Enchanted Forest, where you'll be immersed in the popular Disney films The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Here, you can venture through lush landscapes, discovering roaring waterfalls and royal castles along the way.
Enchanted Forest attractions and experiences include:
Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid: Enter Prince Eric's castle, board a giant clamshell and rock out on this new musical attraction
Be Our Guest Restaurant: Feast in one of 3 incredible dining rooms in the middle of Beast's Castle
Enchanted Tales with Belle: Become part of a lively retelling of the "tale as old as time," hosted by Belle and Lumière
Ariel's Grotto: Take photos and get autographs with everyone's favorite undersea princess
Enjoy all thisand so much morebeginning December 6, 2012.
Storybook Circus Now Open
Step right up to the classic American circus! Inspired by the Disney animated feature Dumbo, Storybook Circus transports Guests to another eraa period in time when the colorful big-top tents attracted audiences from far and wide with astonishing stunts, majestic animals and spectacular entertainment.
Delight in the following Storybook Circus attractions:
The Barnstormer: Take to the sky with The Great Goofini on spiraling stunt plane adventure high above the Storybook Circus grounds.
Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Soar high above Storybook Circus with Dumbo on a ride that puts a new twist on an old favoriteand offers twice the fun!
Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station: Adjacent to the Fantasyland Train Station and area restrooms is the Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station, a circus-themed water play area where Guests can enjoy cooling refreshment.
Fantasyland Station: Delight in the newest addition to Walt Disney World Railroad!


Beyond that mess, there are no other closings at MK that I am aware of at this time. So excited to ride BTMRR since it was closed in May!!


As far as Epcot goes, all I am seeing on the WDW website is ~

Test Track
Closed For Refurbishment [Monday, October 01 - Wednesday, December 05]
Cutting it awful close, but I'll take it!!



Over at DHS I don't see too much going on in way of refurbishments. There are a few listed under the December calendar right now, but they are both in October and November. Looks like the Backlot Tour will be closed Oct 8 through November 16. Hope it opens on time!


And I see nothing listed at AK.


So all in all a good time to go with not too many things closed at the parks!


The resorts on the other hand.

Let's talk about our first resort, the Grand Floridian. Naturally we are picking the exact worst time to visit WDW's flagship resort. Lots going on over there. As you all know the GF DVC is going in and the GF surroundings will forever be changed. It looks like it is well underway and I am hopeful that they will be working on the inside of it by the time we get there!!

We will be in the Sugarloaf building the 2 nights we are there, so no worries about being too close to the DVC construction there. But of course as of right now there are still hideous construction walls up all over the GF beaches and the beach pool. Again, hopefully they will be working inside the DVC building by the time we get there and some of those walls will have come down!

And then there is all this:


In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of our offerings, the following amenities at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be closed for refurbishments:
Sandy Cove Merchandise: August 21 to November 17, 2012
Ivy Trellis Salon: October 20 to December 3, 2012
Gasparilla Grill & Games: September 13 to Mid December, 2012
Courtyard Pool: Mid September to Late December, 2012
The Spa: September 19, 2011 to 2013
These locations are being refreshed for your future enjoyment. In the meantime, you will have access to alternate options during your stay, so you can anticipate a truly grand vacation experience.
* Please note, refurbishment dates are subject to change.

*I highlighted the ones I am most concerned about.

Yes, take a look at that last line - refurbishments are subject to change. And they have.
Many times. Originally the courtyard pool was to close in late August and open in early Dec. Well, you see the dates now.....And that pool is right outside the SL building. We could even have a view of it. We are really hoping that it and Gasparilla's will open early!!


And onto our second resort the Polynesian.....

Lots of rumors flying around about this one. I have read a couple of times that they will be closing their Volcano pool sometime in December to redo the pool deck and add a hot tub. But it is not confirmed and definitely not on the WDW website, yet. They were also to redo the longhouses one at a time starting this fall. Latest on that is that it has been moved to starting in January. Lots of other rumors about them tearing down the GCH and rebuilding it to have DVC rooms in it. But that would be in years to come and doesn't affect this trip.

My main concern is that:
a) the GF courtyard pool will still be closed and the Poly pools will be overrun with GF guests
and/or
b) they will get done with the GF courtyard pool and decide to close the Poly pool right away



And yes, I realize this is December and we may not even have swimming weather, but I am hopeful we will!! We had about 3-4 good swimming days on our January trip!



Up Next: Dining!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Glad to hear you made out OK with the storm. We got a lot of wind & rain and school was closed for two days. Luckily we never lost power, which is highly unusual for us. We always lose power and during the bigger storms, we have lost power for many days. Lots of small tree limbs to clean up but no damage. We were lucky.

You are visiting WDW during a great time! Lots of new things opening. You are going to love the new Fantasyland. We were sooo lucky to get to see it when I was there on my girls trip a few weeks ago. We got to ride Under the Sea twice, saw Enchanted Tales with Belle, toured Be Our Guest and enjoyed a LeFou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. I'd already seen the new Dumbo & Barnstormer but we got to see the indoor queue for Dumbo and got to see the Minnie, Mickey, Goofy & Donald in their circus costumes. Everything looks great! The only thing that wasn't open, of course, was the new Mine Train ride.

I can't wait to see the new Test Track in April!

 

[JoBird]

Oh yes, I got it. And that is REALLY saying something bc you know I catch on late to most everything.




Too funny.



Okay now, wait. What's this about a refurb at the GF going on when we are there?? You mean I am going to look at blue walls??

I kid. I kid.


I did read somewhere that the Courtyard pool is supposed to tentatively open on Dec 17! Yeah, dumb. And I know if they open it earlier -- during your trip-- it would be good b/c the guests wouldn't be at the Poly. But at the same time--- if they start the Poly refurb immediately. Ow. It makes my head hurt.
The whole thing-- the refurbs at the resorts, TT maybe being open but maybe not, the crowds... IDK. I'm skeered.
Oh well it is still gonna be great.

I can't believe, however, that your first experience at the Grand is going to be while it's torn to heck and back. I'm worried that I am going to be so disappointed in the feel of the resort now. You know how when someone says something is new and improved and it just stinks and isn't anything like it was before?? But you know my feelings so I won't rehash what I've hashed before.


Thanks for the list of what is going to be open and not open. I've been strangely absent on plans and junk.

That said.....
I'm out the door. I'm goin' shopping.







What???

I need, um, a few things. Yeah. Just a few. (And yes it's one of those I-don't-care days. You know what that means--- )


PS=======

Happy Halloween to all the WITCHES!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Glad to hear you made out OK with the storm. We got a lot of wind & rain and school was closed for two days. Luckily we never lost power, which is highly unusual for us. We always lose power and during the bigger storms, we have lost power for many days. Lots of small tree limbs to clean up but no damage. We were lucky.

You are visiting WDW during a great time! Lots of new things opening. You are going to love the new Fantasyland. We were sooo lucky to get to see it when I was there on my girls trip a few weeks ago. We got to ride Under the Sea twice, saw Enchanted Tales with Belle, toured Be Our Guest and enjoyed a LeFou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. I'd already seen the new Dumbo & Barnstormer but we got to see the indoor queue for Dumbo and got to see the Minnie, Mickey, Goofy & Donald in their circus costumes. Everything looks great! The only thing that wasn't open, of course, was the new Mine Train ride.

I can't wait to see the new Test Track in April!

Glad you survived the storm too! And yay for not losing power!!

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland and ride the new Under the Sea ride! I also want to tour Be Our Guest even though I really don't have too much desire to eat there. We got to do Dumbo & Barnstormer in May, but the new queue for Dumbo wasn't open yet.

Super excited for Test Track!!

Oh yes, I got it. And that is REALLY saying something bc you know I catch on late to most everything.




Too funny.



Okay now, wait. What's this about a refurb at the GF going on when we are there?? You mean I am going to look at blue walls??

I kid. I kid.


I did read somewhere that the Courtyard pool is supposed to tentatively open on Dec 17! Yeah, dumb. And I know if they open it earlier -- during your trip-- it would be good b/c the guests wouldn't be at the Poly. But at the same time--- if they start the Poly refurb immediately. Ow. It makes my head hurt.
The whole thing-- the refurbs at the resorts, TT maybe being open but maybe not, the crowds... IDK. I'm skeered.
Oh well it is still gonna be great.

I can't believe, however, that your first experience at the Grand is going to be while it's torn to heck and back. I'm worried that I am going to be so disappointed in the feel of the resort now. You know how when someone says something is new and improved and it just stinks and isn't anything like it was before?? But you know my feelings so I won't rehash what I've hashed before.


Thanks for the list of what is going to be open and not open. I've been strangely absent on plans and junk.

That said.....
I'm out the door. I'm goin' shopping.







What???

I need, um, a few things. Yeah. Just a few. (And yes it's one of those I-don't-care days. You know what that means--- )


PS=======

Happy Halloween to all the WITCHES!!!!

Yeah, a refurb at the GF.....Who knew?



I did read that the latest date for the pool opening is Dec 17. Stupid!


Oh well, it is what it is I suppose. We'll try to make the best of it.

I am planning to soak in as much Poly as I can before they go and change everything there too.


So how was the shopping??



Happy Halloween to you too!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lala3291]

Sorry I have been gone from the DIS the past few days...it's been crazy here with the storm! We had no school again on Tuesday. And yesterday was busy with Halloween! Our town still had trick or treating. It actually turned out to be a nice night with the weather and DD11 had a great time with my older girls taking her trick or treating!

Great update to your PTR! I am so bummed...in November we will be missing out on the new Fantasyland, as well as Test Track! I am not sure what it is going to be like over New Year's with the crowds when we go back next, so I'm not sure how much of it we will get to see. But, I'm SO excited for you to get to see it. You will have to take lots of pictures and tell me all about it.

Also, I am curious about Poly and GF construction as well. I will try to find out as much as I can in a couple of weeks. We are looking to go back to WDW in March, and GF is at the top of our list for that trip. I'm wondering what it will be like in terms of construction then!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry I have been gone from the DIS the past few days...it's been crazy here with the storm! We had no school again on Tuesday. And yesterday was busy with Halloween! Our town still had trick or treating. It actually turned out to be a nice night with the weather and DD11 had a great time with my older girls taking her trick or treating!

Great update to your PTR! I am so bummed...in November we will be missing out on the new Fantasyland, as well as Test Track! I am not sure what it is going to be like over New Year's with the crowds when we go back next, so I'm not sure how much of it we will get to see. But, I'm SO excited for you to get to see it. You will have to take lots of pictures and tell me all about it.

Also, I am curious about Poly and GF construction as well. I will try to find out as much as I can in a couple of weeks. We are looking to go back to WDW in March, and GF is at the top of our list for that trip. I'm wondering what it will be like in terms of construction then!

Lauren!!! I have been so worried about you. So glad you made it through the storm okay. Did you ever lose your power? Glad your DD got to go trick-or-treating. I forget, what did she dress up as?

I bet you will get to see the Fantasyland stuff during a 'soft opening'. People are reporting it being open already!!

I'll be curious to see what you find out about the Poly and GF when you are there!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow it's QUIET in here!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! It's still pretty cold here, but the sun is finally shining, so it feels good.

 

[JoBird]

You've been working so we're all just conserving our energy for when you get back on here posting.


Oh and shopping. Lots of that.

 

[lala3291]

Lauren!!! I have been so worried about you. So glad you made it through the storm okay. Did you ever lose your power? Glad your DD got to go trick-or-treating. I forget, what did she dress up as?

I bet you will get to see the Fantasyland stuff during a 'soft opening'. People are reporting it being open already!!

I'll be curious to see what you find out about the Poly and GF when you are there!

We actually never lost power, which I can't believe! The wind and rain were crazy. We feel very fortunate...if the storm was about 200 miles to the north, it would have been much different. Where my town is right on the ocean, who knows what could have happened. My heart is breaking for those in NJ and NY.

Halloween was great! Halle dressed up as a cupcake...she was so cute! I just loved it. She had a great time trick-or-treating.

I am hoping we get to see the new Fantasyland stuff too. We are going to MVMCP, and I hear from the Fantasyland thread that it may be open then. I can't wait!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Wow it's QUIET in here!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! It's still pretty cold here, but the sun is finally shining, so it feels good.

It's been an ok weekend. I had to leave work on Thursday b/c I lost my voice. I had a cold but didn't feel that sick. I went to the walk in on my way home and called in sick for Friday. I still have laryngitis, on an antibiotic and some strong cough medicine.
DS11 had a hockey game in Cape Cod yesterday. I wasn't going to go but other than my voice- I felt fine. They lost 6-1

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

You've been working so we're all just conserving our energy for when you get back on here posting.


Oh and shopping. Lots of that.

One more week and then my long-term sub job at the MS is done! It's been a good run but I'm kind of glad it's coming to an end. Now things can get somewhat back to normal. Well, as normal as being on call can be.


Yeah, I hear you may have done a little shopping lately........

We actually never lost power, which I can't believe! The wind and rain were crazy. We feel very fortunate...if the storm was about 200 miles to the north, it would have been much different. Where my town is right on the ocean, who knows what could have happened. My heart is breaking for those in NJ and NY.

Halloween was great! Halle dressed up as a cupcake...she was so cute! I just loved it. She had a great time trick-or-treating.

I am hoping we get to see the new Fantasyland stuff too. We are going to MVMCP, and I hear from the Fantasyland thread that it may be open then. I can't wait!

You were so fortunate that you didn't lose your power. I know, I feel so bad for those in NY & NJ that got hit so hard. It looks just awful on the news.

I'm glad you and your DD had a fun Halloween!

That will be fun if the Fantasyland stuff is open for MVMCP!!

It's been an ok weekend. I had to leave work on Thursday b/c I lost my voice. I had a cold but didn't feel that sick. I went to the walk in on my way home and called in sick for Friday. I still have laryngitis, on an antibiotic and some strong cough medicine.
DS11 had a hockey game in Cape Cod yesterday. I wasn't going to go but other than my voice- I felt fine. They lost 6-1

I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Exciting day here yesterday!! Our Magical Express Booklet and luggage tags came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


5 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Who wants to talk WDW food???


Let's see, where to start..... How about at the beginning? Yep, we'll start at the beginning of our many many years of WDW dining and go right up to the present!

And keep in mind that this is only the TS restaurants!!

2005~
Rainforest Cafe dinner
Crystal Palace breakfast
Planet Hollywood dinner

Crystal Palace 2005 ~

2007~
Garden Grill lunch
Crystal Palace breakfast
Coral Reef dinner
Hollywood & Vine dinner
Donald's Restaurantosauras breakfast (no longer available)
Chef Mickey's dinner

Chef Mickey's 2007 ~

2008~
Mama Melrose dinner
LeCellier dinner
Ohana breakfast
Chef Mickey's dinner
Cape May breakfast
Crystal Palace dinner
Sci-Fi Dine-In lunch

Cape May Cafe 2008 ~

2009~(Jan)
Chef Mickey's dinner
1900 Park Fare dinner
Mama Melrose dinner
Tusker House breakfast
Plaza Restaurant dinner
Big River Grille dinner
LeCellier dinner

Tusker House 2009 ~

2009~(Nov)
Whispering Canyon Cafe dinner
Big River Grille dinner
Sci Fi Dine-In dinner
Kona Cafe breakfast
LeCellier dinner
Chef Mickey's breakfast
Olivia's dinner

Whispering Canyon Cafe 2009 ~

2010~
Big River Grille dinner
T-Rex dinner
Kona Cafe breakfast
Sci-Fi Dine In dinner
Kouzzina dinner
Cape May Cafe dinner
San Angel Inn lunch

Kona Cafe 2010 ~

2011~
Via Napoli dinner
Crystal Palace breakfast
Ohana dinner
Kona Cafe breakfast
Chef Mickey's dinner
Shutter's dinner
Sci-Fi Dine In

Ohana 2011 ~

2012~(May)
Tony's TownSquare dinner
Kona Cafe breakfast
Big River Grille dinner
Yachtsman's Steakhouse
Garden Grove dinner
Beaches & Cream dinner
T-Rex lunch
ESPN Club dinner

Garden Grove 2012 ~

Up Next: Where are we eating this time???