Is it December Yet?? Cancelled with a Heavy Heart!

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by smile4stamps

I love your OR tickers!! I'm sorry the IRS has made this so difficult and yes you should have a trip this year!! Also a couples only trip to WDW sounds good!! That way you and Mike can enjoy all the nice restaurants (you see how my mind goes right to the food?!?!)

It's been ridiculous.......I thought last year's 26 wks was bad......we're way past that now.......

That was the thing Mike was looking forward to the most, was walking & eating his way around Epcot.......so he would have gone right to the thought of food too!! I like the idea of a couples only trip......I just feel guilty when I don't include the family......but we could use a break!

[mnmrmustard]

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

I'd like to check out the parks at Halloween time, but Christmas is by far my favorite time of year to go. I think going for Halloween would work better if we didn't have the twins. I'm not sure how they would handle the villians. I know Addy & Anthony would love seeing them and the trick or treating at DL.

We had set up this WDW trip last December, even before Derek got accepted into the College Program down in Florida. We really wanted to go, thinking this might be the only chance we had at it. Once Derek went to work at WDW, we knew we needed to go.....we figured he wouldn't be coming home. (but he's since figured out he's not a fan of Florida) Now knowing there's not chance he'll stay down there......we don't feel we HAVE to go. I'd like to take the family, since we've never been there......but with that unfamiliarity, we also run into problems when it comes to the twins needs. So doing a couples only trip for our anniversary in a year & a half seems like a good option.

I'm curious to see how the twins will do on a short flight and at DL this year. If they do well and can handle the over stimulation, not sleeping at home and flying......we may be able to try a bigger trip like to WDW.

Yes, the villains would probably be a bit much for the twins. Christmastime is just a happier experience without and scary surprises. And now you know that Derek won’t make FL his home it takes pressure off for visiting WDW while he is in the program. A co-worker of mine’s daughter is in the program as a Photopass photographer at DHS and they are always so busy that it would make it hard for him to spend quality time with you anyways.

Yay for the concept of the couple’s trip, I hope you can work towards that and have a nice break from the daily family ups and downs.

How long is the flight down to LAX from Portland? Hopefully they will handle it okay along with the parks themselves. I can tell you that the flights back east aren’t easy since most of them involve at least one stopover, usually SLC or SFO. SLC is nicer since it gets you closer to Orlando instead of SFO. Still, the long leg to MCO can take a good 5 ½ to 6hrs. It is a long time to be stuck in a seat.

[Sherry E]

Laurie -

Even though you did the brief holiday trip to DLR last year, and even though you've never been able to experience Halloween Time, I'm definitely glad that it sounds like you'll be making another holiday visit to DLR before doing a Halloween Time trip.

If you had told me back in 2007-2008-2009 that you were planning a trip to specifically enjoy the Halloween festivities, I would have said go for it! Right now - until DLR adds some things back in to the Halloween mix - it's slim pickins! I think you'll get more bang for your buck with another holiday trip.

Hopefully by next year or by 2014, Halloween Time will be better.

One person just posted on the DLR forum that Halloween at DLR "is a bust" because he was expecting something more on par with the holiday season, and instead he said he can barely even tell what season it is at DLR right now, with the exception of some orange bunting on Main Street and the Carnival/Ranch area back in Frontierland.

Another person in my Halloween Superthread said that she won't go back - the actual party wasn't worth it for her and what few decorations she saw didn't leave enough of an impression.

I've read other reviews along these lines too - not to mention the fact that all of the Halloween parties (even the ones that were not on Friday nights) have been extra, extra crowded, by most accounts. There are only 3 party nights left (maybe now only 2 party nights) that are not sold out - and that is unheard of at this point in October. I think it's partially because of the Villains being made more exclusive to the party.

People don't like the crazy "you can only meet one Villain at a time in the tent" thing in the daytime either.

Whereas, with the holiday season, it's already pretty detailed and extensive, as you know, and this year should be even more so with the Cars Land & BVS decorations. Plus, you never got to see the gingerbread house in Storytellers Cafe or the fun window displays along Main Street last year! I can't even recall if you saw the teeny decorations on the Storybook Land ride - did you?

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by mnmrmustard

Yes, the villains would probably be a bit much for the twins. Christmastime is just a happier experience without and scary surprises. And now you know that Derek won’t make FL his home it takes pressure off for visiting WDW while he is in the program. A co-worker of mine’s daughter is in the program as a Photopass photographer at DHS and they are always so busy that it would make it hard for him to spend quality time with you anyways.

Yay for the concept of the couple’s trip, I hope you can work towards that and have a nice break from the daily family ups and downs.

How long is the flight down to LAX from Portland? Hopefully they will handle it okay along with the parks themselves. I can tell you that the flights back east aren’t easy since most of them involve at least one stopover, usually SLC or SFO. SLC is nicer since it gets you closer to Orlando instead of SFO. Still, the long leg to MCO can take a good 5 ½ to 6hrs. It is a long time to be stuck in a seat.

We fly Portland to John Wayne/Orange County......a nice, close and smaller airport. I no way would fly into LAX.....I'd be freaked out by the size of it!!! The flight is about 2 hrs 15 mins. Not to bad really.......so I think it would be much better to try them out on that length vs the 5-6hr at one time (and plane changes) flights..... The other nice thing about flying into Orange County is it's about a 20 min taxi ride to Disneyland!!

Originally Posted by Sherry E

Laurie -

Even though you did the brief holiday trip to DLR last year, and even though you've never been able to experience Halloween Time, I'm definitely glad that it sounds like you'll be making another holiday visit to DLR before doing a Halloween Time trip.

If you had told me back in 2007-2008-2009 that you were planning a trip to specifically enjoy the Halloween festivities, I would have said go for it! Right now - until DLR adds some things back in to the Halloween mix - it's slim pickins! I think you'll get more bang for your buck with another holiday trip.

Hopefully by next year or by 2014, Halloween Time will be better.

One person just posted on the DLR forum that Halloween at DLR "is a bust" because he was expecting something more on par with the holiday season, and instead he said he can barely even tell what season it is at DLR right now, with the exception of some orange bunting on Main Street and the Carnival/Ranch area back in Frontierland.

Another person in my Halloween Superthread said that she won't go back - the actual party wasn't worth it for her and what few decorations she saw didn't leave enough of an impression.

I've read other reviews along these lines too - not to mention the fact that all of the Halloween parties (even the ones that were not on Friday nights) have been extra, extra crowded, by most accounts. There are only 3 party nights left (maybe now only 2 party nights) that are not sold out - and that is unheard of at this point in October. I think it's partially because of the Villains being made more exclusive to the party.

People don't like the crazy "you can only meet one Villain at a time in the tent" thing in the daytime either.

Whereas, with the holiday season, it's already pretty detailed and extensive, as you know, and this year should be even more so with the Cars Land & BVS decorations. Plus, you never got to see the gingerbread house in Storytellers Cafe or the fun window displays along Main Street last year! I can't even recall if you saw the teeny decorations on the Storybook Land ride - did you?

That's too bad that Halloween time has gone down hill this year! Could you imagine being so excited about going because it's your favorite time of year (like Christmas is to me) and getting there to see a very scaled back version! I read where you wrote that all but 3 parties are sold out!! Holy Cow....that's crazy!!! I'm actually worried about them going to a Christmas party......if they had that this year and our plans being so up in the air....we might miss out on getting tickets. Which would mean we would miss out on a lot of special things.

I did get on the Storybook ride to see the miniatures.....SO CUTE!! I'm actually getting excited at the thought of going back there this year so I can share it with my family!! (and WE have the HMH.....ha ha!)

[mnmrmustard]

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

We fly Portland to John Wayne/Orange County......a nice, close and smaller airport. I no way would fly into LAX.....I'd be freaked out by the size of it!!! The flight is about 2 hrs 15 mins. Not to bad really.......so I think it would be much better to try them out on that length vs the 5-6hr at one time (and plane changes) flights..... The other nice thing about flying into Orange County is it's about a 20 min taxi ride to Disneyland!!

I've heard great things about flying into John Wayne but haven't been able to swing it yet. But I'm used to airports so no biggie there. Very nice that it is such a short taxi ride to DLR.

Hopefully the twins will do well with the flight down there and it will help acclimatize them to the concept of flying

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by mnmrmustard

I've heard great things about flying into John Wayne but haven't been able to swing it yet. But I'm used to airports so no biggie there. Very nice that it is such a short taxi ride to DLR.

Hopefully the twins will do well with the flight down there and it will help acclimatize them to the concept of flying

Hopefully we get to take them on a plane flight.......lol still waiting

[mnmrmustard]

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

Hopefully we get to take them on a plane flight.......lol still waiting

Evil IRS!!!

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by mnmrmustard

Evil IRS!!!

[Trentmom]

I am glad you have a backup plan just in case DW falls through.

DL will still be fun as you guys I am sure really need a trip this year

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by Trentmom

I am glad you have a backup plan just in case DW falls through.

DL will still be fun as you guys I am sure really need a trip this year

We love Disneyland......it's like going home and you're right.....we really need it!!

[Sherry E]

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

We love Disneyland......it's like going home and you're right.....we really need it!!

And...and...and...even though it looks like the reindeer will not be at the Round-Up/Holly Jolly Jamboree this year (most likely, but not confirmed yet), now there will be a Pixie-themed ice skating rink and a small Christmas "village" (with different chalets featuring seasonal goodies and trinkets) in Downtown Disney, between ESPN Zone and the AMC Theaters, according the the Disney Parks Blog!!

There used to be an ice rink in the DLH years ago (along with Candy Cane Lane), and they removed it when they put in DTD and the GCH. There even used to be little tents with treats and merchandise. It sounds like this set-up in DTD is going to be reminiscent of those days!!

[DizNee Luver]

Originally Posted by Sherry E

And...and...and...even though it looks like the reindeer will not be at the Round-Up/Holly Jolly Jamboree this year (most likely, but not confirmed yet), now there will be a Pixie-themed ice skating rink and a small Christmas "village" (with different chalets featuring seasonal goodies and trinkets) in Downtown Disney, between ESPN Zone and the AMC Theaters, according the the Disney Parks Blog!!

There used to be an ice rink in the DLH years ago (along with Candy Cane Lane), and they removed it when they put in DTD and the GCH. There even used to be little tents with treats and merchandise. It sounds like this set-up in DTD is going to be reminiscent of those days!!

WHAT??????? NO REINDEER????????

I hadn't heard that.....I'm kinda depressed....I know the kids would have LOVED to seen them!!

I've been seeing the news about the ice rink......lets see, when's the last time I ice skated........ my honeymoon!! (almost 29yrs ago........) I don't see me getting on that anytime soon (especially with my fibromyalgia......one drop on the ice and OUCHIE for weeks!!!) Will still be nice to see, especially if they put some "real" skaters out there!!!

[Sherry E]

Originally Posted by DizNee Luver

WHAT??????? NO REINDEER????????

I hadn't heard that.....I'm kinda depressed....I know the kids would have LOVED to seen them!!

I've been seeing the news about the ice rink......lets see, when's the last time I ice skated........ my honeymoon!! (almost 29yrs ago........) I don't see me getting on that anytime soon (especially with my fibromyalgia......one drop on the ice and OUCHIE for weeks!!!) Will still be nice to see, especially if they put some "real" skaters out there!!!

Don't get depressed just yet. There hasn't been a confirmation from any official Disney source about the lack of reindeer this year so far, so there is still hope. Then again, they don't do blogs and news pieces to tell us about the things that they won't be bringing back, of course. They only tell us the things they are adding in. It's always interesting to observe what they do mention in their news items and what they don't mention. They are very sneaky, those Disney people!

There are a couple of reasons why I think the reindeer will not be around this year.

First of all, the former "Reindeer Round-Up" is now going to be called Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree. The "Reindeer" part of the title was removed from it altogether. Santa will still be there in the cabin, I'm sure. If they set up the Jamboree in any way similar to what they're doing for Halloween Time, there should be extra characters in that area, as well as Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. Maybe, logistically, it won't work to have the reindeer.

Second, in a recent Disney Parks Blog that mentioned the Holly Jolly Jamboree, one of the people asked about the reindeer in the Comments section. The person who wrote the Blog - Erin - did not reply.

Third, MouseInfo (not an official Disney source) also mentioned that they "have been hearing" that the reindeer would be at the North Pole this year and not at the Round-Up.



So I am putting 2+2 together and assuming that we will eventually find out that the reindeer are gone from DL. I hope that is not the case, but I have a sinking feeling. What's funny is that reindeer theme was so much a part of the decorations around the Round-Up - there were reindeer ornaments and reindeer knick-knacks everywhere. If they don't have any actual reindeer there anymore, I wonder if DLR will have to get rid of half of those decorations too!


I won't be skating either! With my bad back and all of the associated problems, I will not be putting on any ice skates.

However, I like the idea of the chalets (which I'm sure are just makeshift tents or kiosks) set up as a "village." It reminds me of those wonderful, charming Christmas markets that are so popular in certain European countries. We don't have any fun Christmas markets in SoCal - it seems to strictly be a European thing - so anything even sort of resembling that would be fun.

Basically, anything Disney can do to add to the Christmasy atmosphere is a good thing! As long as they keep adding and don't take too, too much away, I think it will be great.

[DizNee Luver]

Why did they kick Billy Hill & the Hillbillies out of the Golden Horseshoe anyways?? Is there anything going on inside there now? It is kinda a bummer that the reindeer probably won't be there but hopefully the "changes" will make up for it??

I'm looking forward to seeing the ice rink and the stuff around it......will be nice to see them do a bigger Christmas thing in DTD and that area really would make a perfect spot.

[DizNee Luver]

Well we're 54 days out from what was supposed to be the most *+*+*Magical*+*+* trip ever.....until life and reality set in and of course the drama with the IRS. At this point, we need to make a decision........ Its time......... so with a very sad, disappointed heart........we are cancelling our WDW trip.

Now it's not all sad......at least at this point~~we are switching to Disneyland and that's like going home for us.

I can't thank all of you enough for your help in planning, answering questions, giving opinions on the planning portion of my PTR but also for the emotional support as I lost 2 parents and a ex SIL in the writing of this. You were also there for support when Michayla had her open heart surgery. You won't know how much that meant to me. It was a very hard year and was looking forward to this trip.....in a ways, planning for this trip saved me.

We still know nothing when it comes to the IRS and them processing our adoption credit.......we're really hoping it shows up soon so I can take advantage of the low flights right now to California. Really need that Pixie Dust

I will start a PTR on the Disneyland side of the boards and once I have it set up, I will provide a link and hopefully you'll join me over there!!

Again, THANK YOU!!