If we can keep this trip a secret, it will be a Disney miracle! *TR LINK ADDED 12/12!*

[BridgetR3]

Whew, okay so I read your entire PTR this dreary Sunday afternoon while dreaming of Disney!! I also have a surprise trip planned at the same time as yours and mine is still a secret as well!! You will love the lights!!

 

[Dugette]

Sorry that you had to skip Epcot, but plans for DHS sound good! I'm really interested to hear how that Minnie Holiday Dinner thing is.

 

[misssullyinc]

Sorry about skipping EPCOT, but DHS is an awesome backup! It's good you'll get to see the lights before they go!

 

[hokieinpa]

One month away! So excited for you! The plans for the reveal sound so great, I can't wait to hear out it plays out.

Ahh I'm sorry about the drama around the T-Rex dinner. I'm so glad it worked out and you were able to adjust your reservation!

Aw man, I'm sorry the plan to hit up Epcot isn't going to work out. But $300 is a lot and I think you're making the smart decision.

The HS plans sound great! I think an hour is definitely enough time to soak in the Osborne Lights, and hopefully you can see them again later in the night with DH!

The countdown is going SO FAST now! Almost too fast because I'm starting to feel a little panicked that I'll be packing like crazy the day before we leave!

I'm really happy the whole in law situation worked out well. That makes life so much easier!

I'll be doing another update in a few days but Epcot is back in the plans...just different than before!

I'm really excited for the Osborne Lights!

Yes, I think you are right in your call budget wise about skipping Epcot, unfortunately. But what you also save in money you will save in transportation and walking time as well. I'm glad the TRex plans were also able to be flexible. Sounds like a great dinner plan!

It's so hard being a grown up and making the right call! But park hoppers just weren't worth it after all. And I agree that the time getting between parks would have been a pain too!

I'm excited for our dinner and TRex and so happy we can avoid any family drama with the new plans!

LOVE your Day 2 plans! So much fun! How excited are you for Minnie's Holiday Dining? I can't wait!!!

My uncle and I both got our Landry's cards this month, since we both have December birthdays. Yay for free money to spend at our T-Rex ADR!

Ah, so excited for the Minnie dinner! I've already started listening to Christmas music ( ) because it is literally the best time of the entire year. So I'm excited to soak up all of the Christmas magic!

Ok, signing up for a Landry's card this week! I don't know if I'll get to use the birthday coupon since we're dining in November and my birthday is in December but front of the line seating will be nice!

Be sure to stop by Beach Club near Epcot as well as they have a chocolate horse carousel and it's AMAZING!!! The Boardwalk hotel also has a nice gingerbread display.

I hope we can sneak over there one day! I've heard the decorations are amazing!

OMG reading about your plans makes me so excited for you!! And so much fun that you get to do the reveal in a hotel room ...so fun!!

I'm loving going through each day. It really makes me think about the timing and flow of each day.

And I can't wait for the reveal!

Whew, okay so I read your entire PTR this dreary Sunday afternoon while dreaming of Disney!! I also have a surprise trip planned at the same time as yours and mine is still a secret as well!! You will love the lights!!

Thanks for following along!

And how crazy that we're both planning surprise trips for the same time!! I hope you have a great trip!

Sorry that you had to skip Epcot, but plans for DHS sound good! I'm really interested to hear how that Minnie Holiday Dinner thing is.

Another update is coming this week...but Epcot is back in the plans...just in a different way. Because I like torturing myself and changing my plans multiple times less than a month out!

Sorry about skipping EPCOT, but DHS is an awesome backup! It's good you'll get to see the lights before they go!

I'm so excited for the Osborne Lights and Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood Studios! But Epcot is back in the plans because I just can't seem to leave them alone!!

 

[hokieinpa]

***NEW PTR ALERT***
​

More daily updates are coming but I wanted to get a PTR started for our May trip...so here we go!
http://www.disboards.com/threads/7-nights-3-boys-1-wild-trip-akl-in-may-2016-new-11-3.3460718/
7 nights, 3 boys, 1 wild trip - AKL in May 2016

 

[hokieinpa]

****************************************
24 Days until Disney!

Secret Status -
****************************************

Daily Plans Update - Day 3, Part 1

So I fell off the updating wagon a little bit. Halloween weekend was busy here! But I'm back on track...or at least I'm trying!

In relevant trip news, MAGIC BANDS HAVE ARRIVED!!



How cute are those luggage tags??

In other news, I started my May 2016 PTR! My ADR date was earlier this week so I'll be updating with that info soon - 7 nights, 3 boys, 1 wild trip - AKL in May 2016


Now, on to the plans!

So if you've been following the semi-drama of this trip, you'll remember that I had decided to add a morning at Epcot and then changed my mind. Well...I changed my mind again.

After I began researching the Holidays Around the World, I decided we just had to see it! Since I know the park hoppers are not in the budget, the only solution was to switch one of our days to an all-Epcot day.

So, I decided to sacrifice our full MK day for a full Epcot day. Now we have 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot, and 1 party at MK. I'm sad that we'll miss out on some of MK due to the time crunch. But we'll be back in 6 months and we get to see Epcot all decked out for the holidays...and ride Soarin!

And now, here is our Epcot day!



We'll have a quick breakfast in the room and do our best to arrive at Epcot around 8:30. Right after Rope Drop at 9, we'll head over to Test Track. We'll need to do a rider swap for Jake. Colin and Nate will be very excited about this ride! Anything fast is good!

There should be a little break before our FP+ at Spaceship Earth. My plan is to use this time for bathroom breaks and then grabbing some Photpass shots!



Our FP+ time for SSE is 10:20. My mom requested to spend some time in the dump area so we'll hang out there and let the boys play.

After this, we'll head into The Land Pavilion and check out Living with the Land. We all enjoyed this last trip!



Hopefully, it will be time for our 11:25 Soarin' FP+! It will be another rider swap for Jake, so a pair of adults will take Nate and Colin through the queue.

I think a snack will be in order and Sunshine Seasons just happens to be right there. Strawberry Shortcake and Carrot Cake, anyone?

We'll head over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends next with a quick tour of the aquariums after.





Before leaving Future World, we'll use a 1:40 FP+ at the Character Spot



and then take our first ever ride on Figment! I know it's controversial but I think the boys will really enjoy it!

After this, we'll start our tour of the World Showcase in Mexico! Holidays Around the World, yummy lunch, and maybe even a few seconds of NPH!

More updates about our Epcot day coming soon...

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[scrpbookr]

I think your EPCOT decision is a good one. Especially since you have another trip coming up soon.

 

[missangelalexis]

More plan changes! But I like them! I'm sure it's tough sacrificing MK time, but it's good that you'll get to experience Christmas at Epcot AND Soarin...2 things you wouldn't be able to during May!

 

[tabrizia]

Yay EPCOT. I would probably make the same decision if I knew I was coming back soon. The only reason I am not more disappointed about Soarin' being down for our trip is because I know it should be up in Disneyland when we go later next year.

 

[NJlauren]

I think this is a good choice! MK for the party Hollywood studios for the lights and Epcot for Soarin and holidays around the world!!!!

 

[hokieinpa]

You know, I think that's a really good compromise. You'll still enjoy the magic at MK and get to see Christmas around the world, which is very impressive and lots for everyone to see and do, and give you time to enjoy things without being rushed or park hopping. Plus Soarin', of course!

I'm sad to miss out on so much MK time but it really works out best for this quick trip! We get to see all of Disney at Christmas this way!

I think your EPCOT decision is a good one. Especially since you have another trip coming up soon.

It's really nice knowing that we'll be back in 5 months. It makes missing so much time in MK easier!

More plan changes! But I like them! I'm sure it's tough sacrificing MK time, but it's good that you'll get to experience Christmas at Epcot AND Soarin...2 things you wouldn't be able to during May!

Hopefully this was the last change to our plans! And I'm really happy with my choice - and you're right about getting to see things in Epcot that will be closed in May. That's a nice perk!

Yay EPCOT. I would probably make the same decision if I knew I was coming back soon. The only reason I am not more disappointed about Soarin' being down for our trip is because I know it should be up in Disneyland when we go later next year.

I'm excited about Epcot! I was really sad about missing it on this trip. But now we can experience Holidays Around the World and Soarin'! And that's really exciting that you'll get to check out Disneyland next year!

I think this is a good choice! MK for the party Hollywood studios for the lights and Epcot for Soarin and holidays around the world!!!!

I think we will get the best of all of Disney at Christmas! The more I read about Holidays Around the World, the more excited I am! Plus...Soarin'!!

 

[Dugette]

Sounds like a good change in plans. Since you have another trip on the horizon, I think it makes the shorter MK time do-able. The way you have it now allows you to really hit all the holiday-related highlights on property, I'd say. Sounds wonderful!

 

[hokieinpa]

Sounds like a good change in plans. Since you have another trip on the horizon, I think it makes the shorter MK time do-able. The way you have it now allows you to really hit all the holiday-related highlights on property, I'd say. Sounds wonderful!

Exactly! I'm sad that we'll have to trim a few things off of our MK to-do list but since we'll be back in May with 2 full MK days it makes it easier to handle. And I'm really excited about Epcot at Christmas!

 

[hokieinpa]

****************************************
20 Days until Disney!

Secret Status -
****************************************

Daily Plans Update - Day 3, Part 2

After we've completed our Future World to-do list, we'll head over to the World Showcase.

I think we'll start in Mexico and most likely ride the Gran Fiesta Tour. It's quick but it's a fun ride! And it's one that Jake can ride, which is nice since he'll miss out on Soarin' and Test Track in the morning.

It will be a quick tour through Mexico, Norway, and China so we can make it to our ADR at...



Biergarten!

This was a last minute ADR add. I'm not 100% we'll keep it, but I've always wanted to try Biergarten. And it seems like they have some nice Christmas decorations and a fun holiday show!



Plus, Jim is a big fan of German food so this will be perfect for him!

According to Josh, a late lunch is a good bargain here. Our ADR is at 3:05 and lunch service ends at 3:30. So it looks like we'll get to pull our favorite buffet move - book the last seating for a meal and then get to sample both menus!



After stuffing ourselves, we'll waddle our way through the World Showcase. I want to check out some of the storytellers if the timing works out. But I know that around 6:45, we'll make our way to the American Adventure to try and catch a few minutes of the Candlelight Processional. Because NPH is narrating!! I want to listen from the outside for a few minutes!



And I think the boys can be bribed with one of these cookies that I've heard they have at the Sugar and Space Bakery in the American Adventure.



At this point, we'll make our way through the rest of the World Showcase. The only other thing I want to try that night is Hot Applejack Cider in the UK pavilion. Yum!



It sounds like the prefect drink to enjoy as we watch Illuminations!



Just like last time, we'll slowly wander to the front of the park after Illuminations. A stop at MouseGear, maybe?

Whatever it is, it's better then waiting in line at the bus stop!

Bed ASAP...but in the morning, we sleep in a little because it's breakfast at Ohana and MVMCP!

 

[Dugette]

Sounds like a lovely evening at Epcot.

I remember that some of the storytellers are known for being better than others, so you might want to look up the top recommendations if you won't have a lot of time for them. I think that Germany was a pretty good one, and you'll be right there, so that might be an option.

I think Biergarten is a good pick. The show will keep the kids amused and the food is good and plentiful. I'd like to get back there someday.

Wow, so NPH is narrating that night, huh? I bet it will be packed! Not sure it will help if there are crowds, but there are some tables in the outdoor seating for the American pavilion that you can see/hear the shows from - ones near the edge, closest to the theater. Unless you get there early, they'll probably be taken, but something to keep in mind in case they're not and you want to stop and watch/listen.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great evening! The Biergarten sounds like a nice addition (if you end up keeping it). I hope you get to see a little of NPH, I bet that would be a treat!!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Plans look AMAZING!!

I haven't ever considered Christmas in WDW; I don't like the crowds. But this PTR is quickly changing my mind!!

I can't wa to hear about Minnie's Holiday Dine.

And I think a whole Epcot day looks awesome; we skipped Epcot this past trip and I miss it.

 

[Elevationist]

Secret Status -

I can't recall if you've said and I missed it, but do you have a plan for the big reveal?

I think we'll start in Mexico and most likely ride the Gran Fiesta Tour. It's quick but it's a fun ride! And it's one that Jake can ride, which is nice since he'll miss out on Soarin' and Test Track in the morning.

I'm gonna have my aunt and uncle ride this with me just because (1) it's something she can ride, and (2) I think they'll get a kick out of how hilariously corny it is.

Biergarten!

This was a last minute ADR add. I'm not 100% we'll keep it, but I've always wanted to try Biergarten. And it seems like they have some nice Christmas decorations and a fun holiday show!



Plus, Jim is a big fan of German food so this will be perfect for him!

Yay! My uncle is a big fan of German food, so I chose this for dinner on our last night for him. I'm really looking forward to it now, too!

According to Josh, a late lunch is a good bargain here. Our ADR is at 3:05 and lunch service ends at 3:30. So it looks like we'll get to pull our favorite buffet move - book the last seating for a meal and then get to sample both menus!

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure at Biergarten the only change between lunch and dinner is the cost.

After stuffing ourselves, we'll waddle our way through the World Showcase. I want to check out some of the storytellers if the timing works out. But I know that around 6:45, we'll make our way to the American Adventure to try and catch a few minutes of the Candlelight Processional. Because NPH is narrating!! I want to listen from the outside for a few minutes!

I'm a peanut butter and jealous sandwich!

And I think the boys can be bribed with one of these cookies that I've heard they have at the Sugar and Space Bakery in the American Adventure.

Cookies and good bribery tools for me, too. And cupcakes. Mmmm.

The only other thing I want to try that night is Hot Applejack Cider in the UK pavilion. Yum!

What what what! Tell me more about this!

A stop at MouseGear, maybe?

Totally necessary!!

 

[squeegee]

I can't recall if you've said and I missed it, but do you have a plan for the big reveal?

I'm gonna have my aunt and uncle ride this with me just because (1) it's something she can ride, and (2) I think they'll get a kick out of how hilariously corny it is.

Yay! My uncle is a big fan of German food, so I chose this for dinner on our last night for him. I'm really looking forward to it now, too!

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure at Biergarten the only change between lunch and dinner is the cost.

I'm a peanut butter and jealous sandwich!

Cookies and good bribery tools for me, too. And cupcakes. Mmmm.

What what what! Tell me more about this!

Totally necessary!!

I think I heard the rouladen is only on the dinner buffet, but I'm not 100% on that. I love *my* totally-not-authentic rouladen, though. Am not sure it would be worth changing to diner just to try it.