January 2013

[readytogotodisney]

Originally Posted by shannn

Just sent my FB request to the OP as well.

I made our ressies on Tuesday for a grand villa from January 1-6. I am so freaking excited I can hardly stand it!! We are DVC members but we decided not to go to the parks in 2012 & to take a Disney cruise instead. Over Christmas my DH said that he could tell that I was jonesing to be planning a disney trip so why didn't we plan one. We started talking about how much fun it would be to go with a big group of friends and the idea was born for a grand villa. When I got out the school calendar & realized that we don't go back until January 7 (I'm a teacher) the date was picked.

It's going to be my 4 person family, my MIL, & then some friends (2 or 3 of them Disers) for a total of 11-12 people.

Sounds like a blast! We're planning on going down the 18th of January and hopefully staying in grandvillas with a split stay at BLT/BWV. We're also DVC members so first we have to book our home resort and then 7 months out we'll see how it's looking for BLT and BWV. But either way it'll be nice to be able to say that we're booked for anywhere once the 18th of this month roles around.

[UndercoverMama]

Originally Posted by ImaDVCwannabe

Totally off topic but I'm so excited and had to share. I just found an avatar that combines my fav two characters. Jack and the Mad Hatter LOVE IT!!

That's a great picture, my sister would love it - they are her favorites too.

[letthewookiewin]

Originally Posted by Marshay

I've never been to FCH so can't comment on that.

We've been to Jiko and it gets wonderful reviews. However, we went within 2 months of it opening and thought it still needed to work out the kinks. Something was just "off" and neither DH nor I could identify.

We both greatly prefer Narcoosee or Cali Grill, of course the food is excellent but the entertainment options to watch fireworks and EWP just add to the whole ambiance!

Sorry I can't help you more!

I had forgotten about Cali Grill. That would be cool to be there during the fireworks. Hmmm I'm going to have to look at the CG menu.

Originally Posted by VintageDisneyLady

I was encouraged to join the Disboards and this thread by my BF ImaDVCwannabe. We are hoping to go to DW in Jan next year when she visits with her family.

Our dates will be the same as hers Jan 7-15
Staying at either Pop or POR

& added. It sounds like it would be a fun trip.

Originally Posted by ImaDVCwannabe

Totally off topic but I'm so excited and had to share. I just found an avatar that combines my fav two characters. Jack and the Mad Hatter LOVE IT!!

It is really cool!! I noticed that you had a new one, but didn't notice that it was Jack and the MH. The only thing I noticed was how pretty the green back ground was.

Well I'm off to bed. We had family date night and my eye is really bugging me.

[ImaDVCwannabe]

So this might be a stupid question but I have only ever made dining reservations once and it was just for my DH and I. Anyway, my DBF and her DH are thinking about joining us on our trip, fingers crossed. My question is, if they do, when making our ADR's can I just add two more adults to my reservation when I call or does she have to call and make her own?

[Marshay]

Originally Posted by ImaDVCwannabe

So this might be a stupid question but I have only ever made dining reservations once and it was just for my DH and I. Anyway, my DBF and her DH are thinking about joining us on our trip, fingers crossed. My question is, if they do, when making our ADR's can I just add two more adults to my reservation when I call or does she have to call and make her own?

You can also make your ADRs on-line. I find that easier to deal with than calling. It shows you the variety of times available.

However, yes, when your friends decide to join, you can call back and see if there are tables for 4 available. If there are not, you can have your friends call/on-line and have them get a table for 2 at the same time. Then when you get to the restaurant you can ask to be seated together or close by.

In most cases, it shouldn't matter if your party of 2 was going to be seated at a table for 4 anyway. But if the restaurant you are going to has the "2 seater" tables, than you'd obviously need another table.

but don't forget that Disney is now charging a $10 no show fee at certain restaurants (signatures and characters) so make sure you all show up or cancel in advance by a day or so.

[ImaDVCwannabe]

Originally Posted by Marshay

You can also make your ADRs on-line. I find that easier to deal with than calling. It shows you the variety of times available.

However, yes, when your friends decide to join, you can call back and see if there are tables for 4 available. If there are not, you can have your friends call/on-line and have them get a table for 2 at the same time. Then when you get to the restaurant you can ask to be seated together or close by.

In most cases, it shouldn't matter if your party of 2 was going to be seated at a table for 4 anyway. But if the restaurant you are going to has the "2 seater" tables, than you'd obviously need another table.

but don't forget that Disney is now charging a $10 no show fee at certain restaurants (signatures and characters) so make sure you all show up or cancel in advance by a day or so.

Thanks!

[readytogotodisney]

So I know it's over 11 months away, but last night I started on my planning spreadsheet for our trip. A rough idea of what's and where's and when's will be during our trip. It makes me feel happy to do it, even if it will change a dozen times between now and then.

I also starting thinking about all the things we can do next year that we missed this year because of refurbishments. Most of the new FL will be open , plus I'm hoping that Fantasmic and BTMRR will be open next year. I think the chances are pretty good for BTMRR since it's down for such a long refurbishment this year. And as crazy as it seems, for the 20 times that I've been to Disney, I've never seen Fantasmic! So I'm excited about the possibility of seeing that!

[Marshay]

DH and I decided last night to switch to POFQ. We had been there previously and loved it.

Coronado Springs will be our 2nd choice (also been there before, too).

The deciding factor for us was the queen bed vs double bed. As stated previously DH and I are really tall and a double bed just doesn't give us the room to turn sideways a bit. So upgrading from value to moderate!

[letthewookiewin]

Originally Posted by readytogotodisney

So I know it's over 11 months away, but last night I started on my planning spreadsheet for our trip. A rough idea of what's and where's and when's will be during our trip. It makes me feel happy to do it, even if it will change a dozen times between now and then.

I also starting thinking about all the things we can do next year that we missed this year because of refurbishments. Most of the new FL will be open , plus I'm hoping that Fantasmic and BTMRR will be open next year. I think the chances are pretty good for BTMRR since it's down for such a long refurbishment this year. And as crazy as it seems, for the 20 times that I've been to Disney, I've never seen Fantasmic! So I'm excited about the possibility of seeing that!

I started my first one on Friday, but got stuck and didn't finish the ADR part of it.

We saw Fantasmic for the first time last year. If I did see it again, I would let some of the crowd clear out before I left. I'm not sure if we'll see any fireworks this year. Well except for the ones that I hope to see while eating my Bday dinner at California Grill. If TP is correct, then Wishes should start at 9:00 PM. Can anyone suggest what time I should set that ADR for? I don't care what part of dinner we are eating, I just want to be seated at our table for the fireworks. Hopefully, we can get a table near the windows.

Originally Posted by Marshay

DH and I decided last night to switch to POFQ. We had been there previously and loved it.

Coronado Springs will be our 2nd choice (also been there before, too).

The deciding factor for us was the queen bed vs double bed. As stated previously DH and I are really tall and a double bed just doesn't give us the room to turn sideways a bit. So upgrading from value to moderate!

Changed your resort choices.

After reading your post I checked out Coronado Springs. We would not only get a queen bed vs a double at the cabins, but it's cheaper. Coronado Springs is about $615 cheaper than the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. I'll have to talk to the DH about it. Luckily, we have a little time to figure it out.

[UndercoverMama]

Originally Posted by readytogotodisney

So I know it's over 11 months away, but last night I started on my planning spreadsheet for our trip. A rough idea of what's and where's and when's will be during our trip. It makes me feel happy to do it, even if it will change a dozen times between now and then.

I also starting thinking about all the things we can do next year that we missed this year because of refurbishments. Most of the new FL will be open , plus I'm hoping that Fantasmic and BTMRR will be open next year. I think the chances are pretty good for BTMRR since it's down for such a long refurbishment this year. And as crazy as it seems, for the 20 times that I've been to Disney, I've never seen Fantasmic! So I'm excited about the possibility of seeing that!

You are in good company

We went to go to Fantasmic when we went in 06, not realizing it was something you had to wait so long for.. we got there, looked for a seat, got yelled at my everyone we walked by looking for a seat and decided to just leave. Now we know you need to get there super early and so we just skip it. I have a hard time wasting valuable park time sitting on a bench waiting. Maybe when the kids are older...

I am getting very excited for this trip I can only imagine how crazy I will be when it gets closer

[SandiKB]

Originally Posted by letthewookiewin

Arriving the week of January 27 - 31
ButterflyJen AoA, Bday - DD 6th
dmoore718 1/27 - 2/4 AoA or POR
Smile&Nod 1/27, 7-nights BWV
DsnyMama 1/28 - 2/5 AoA
SandiKB 1/29 - 2/2 AoA

There's quite a few of us going at the same time!

[Marshay]

Originally Posted by letthewookiewin

Changed your resort choices.

After reading your post I checked out Coronado Springs. We would not only get a queen bed vs a double at the cabins, but it's cheaper. Coronado Springs is about $615 cheaper than the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. I'll have to talk to the DH about it. Luckily, we have a little time to figure it out.

yeah, we did like CSR. The only downside was it is so spread out if you don't have a car and really hate taking buses like I do! However it has a great pool and playground, beautiful water, palm trees, quiet pools, etc. If you can save $615 I would definitely consider it.

Originally Posted by UndercoverMama

You are in good company

We went to go to Fantasmic when we went in 06, not realizing it was something you had to wait so long for.. we got there, looked for a seat, got yelled at my everyone we walked by looking for a seat and decided to just leave. Now we know you need to get there super early and so we just skip it. I have a hard time wasting valuable park time sitting on a bench waiting. Maybe when the kids are older...

I am getting very excited for this trip I can only imagine how crazy I will be when it gets closer

My advice for Fantasmic if you don't want to book one of those dinner packages is to get food "to go" at Fairfax Fair or one of those other places across the street and then stand in line. Once they let you in, you can find a seat and eat your meal (or eat in line, depending what you are getting). Also bring little coloring books or other quiet toy for the kids (or play on your phone).

Fantasmic was closed this past January when I went so we are definitely going to see it next time!

[ImaDVCwannabe]

Hey ladies a couple quick questions. When and if free dining is offered for Jan 2013 it should more than likely be announced in July/August correct? Once announced will it come in e-mail form? Is there anything special you have to do in order to get this e-mail?

[readytogotodisney]

Originally Posted by ImaDVCwannabe

Hey ladies a couple quick questions. When and if free dining is offered for Jan 2013 it should more than likely be announced in July/August correct? Once announced will it come in e-mail form? Is there anything special you have to do in order to get this e-mail?

This past year the free dining offer was introduced mid August, but I think since then, Disney has slowed down the lead time on those types of announcements, so it maybe later this year.

As for how you hear about it, some people will start to get PIN codes for the offer before it's offered to the general public. How you get those PIN's is anyone's guess. Some believe that if you go onto the website and build/save different trips that will help, same with ordering planning DVD and maps. But once it's offered to the public you can find it listed here.

[ImaDVCwannabe]

Originally Posted by readytogotodisney

This past year the free dining offer was introduced mid August, but I think since then, Disney has slowed down the lead time on those types of announcements, so it maybe later this year.

As for how you hear about it, some people will start to get PIN codes for the offer before it's offered to the general public. How you get those PIN's is anyone's guess. Some believe that if you go onto the website and build/save different trips that will help, same with ordering planning DVD and maps. But once it's offered to the public you can find it listed here.

Okay great thanks!!