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

[Gracefulskinny]

I know all of you are with me on my reaction to the news that Soarin' will be closed January 4, 2016 through summer of 2016.

I know it threw a monkey wrench in your plans but in a way I was relieved. I had been trying to figure out how to add in an Epcot day so that Little Miss could ride it when we are down in March. With soarin not an option it makes it easier to pass on Epcot.

I know I can do it in person when I get to Pop or even when I'm upgrading to my AP. But I would rather not spend that extra park time when I can take care of it ahead of time.

Okay why are you upgrading to PHs just to upgrade those to an AP? Isn't that redundant?

 

[hokieinpa]

I know, bummer about Soarin' being closed. I'm sure that if they can open it early, they would, but you just can't count on it. I'll certainly miss it in the spring, but there is still lots I haven't seen yet, but good choice to get the boys on it while you can!

I'm glad we can squeeze in one more ride before we miss out in May! I am really happy that it's getting an overhaul and I think the new technology and movie will be amazing!

Sorry about Soarin' I know so many people are bummed, but at least you guys were able to squeeze in a ride this next trip. And then when you guys go back (and it's reopened) it'll be like a brand new ride!! So yay!!

This trip is really coming at the perfect time since we're catching the Osborne Lights before they go away and Soarin' before a long refurbishment. And I'm really excited to see the new movie next fall!

That's because anything Disney changes ANYTHING, the negative nellies come out of the woodwork. Especially on these boards. Some people just LOVE to complain.

Yesssss. There are certainly things that I wish were different but I understand that Disney is a business first and foremost. A magical, special place but still a business. I try to keep my positive spin on it and just skim over those negative comments. Nothing can slow my Disney roll!

You and me both, girl.

With my last dollar!

I'm actually pretty happy about it, since I have a trip scheduled before that window (Dec 2015) and the next one after it (Oct 2016). Sorry!

I'm really happy I get a chance to see it one more time and then it will (hopefully) be back up for next October!

This gif.

Cracks me up. Every single time.

I'm going to be attempting the same thing! Fingers crossed for both of us!

Here's to hoping for short waits!

Not loving those t-storms on 12/4... That's our MVMCP night!

I wouldn't worry quite yet. Last week it was rainy for most of my trip. I have faith things will clear up!

I told DH about this and he was like, let's plan a short trip! I thought he was joking, until he started looking at his work schedule Trying to not get too excited because it would be SUPER last minute and I don't even know if we could get DVC rooms. We shall see!

Do it!! I bet you could get a DVC room at OKW, SSR, or AKL at the very least! How could you pass up a chance to see the Osborne Lights? Don't you really owe it to yourself to see it?

Cause i'm so out of the loop, did it end up closing?!

One Man's Dream is still open...for now!

That Ariel bow is absolutely adorable!

That's my favorite! I think I'm going to need to order a few more before our next trip. Now I just need to narrow it down!

Where do you have to send them to? Can you not hot glue them on or do they need to be sewed on?

I ordered the bows from a site called Magical Ribbons. The girl makes the bows and she will also transform a set of Minnie ears so the bows fit on. She clips off the red sparkly bow, glues a loop on, and then you can clip your bows onto the ears. So you can have the original red bow or one of your new pretty bows!

Awesome that you got everything you wanted!

Yes! We were really luck in the ADR and FP+ department, even with all of the changes!

Adorable!!! We usually go with a Disney theme too, but this year we're straying...he's going to be Ace Ventura and i'm actually kind of excited about it!

That sounds hilarious! I love the fact that he even knows who Ace Ventura is!

These are so impressive!

Aren't they amazing? I would never have the patience to build anything like that but I do appreciate looking at them!

What are people calling it now? Are people starting to say DS now?? Cause it took me a second to figure out you weren't talking about your Disney Son.

DS sounds so strange, right? I saw it on another post and through they meant Disney Studios, as in Hollywood Studios. It will still be DTD in my mind for quite some time!

That is very helpful. Like his own FP system essentially?

From what I've read, you check in and get a pager. When your pager goes off, you have 10 minutes to report back and get in line for a short wait!

What?! What Cat?!!?

It's all new to me and I have no idea why it's there, but this little cat is hidden somewhere in the lights setup every year!

This is literally my favorite scene! And how Sheldon doesn't break his stern face when the paper stays on him is beyond me!!

One of my favorite shows! Sheldon is seriously amazing.

I also love the 45 day weather out look! Always checking it, like multiple times a day even if I know it doesn't change that often!

Bummer about Sorian, but the good news is you get to fit it in now!

Boys are too cute!

I'm glad I'm not the only one obsessed with the weather forecast!

I'm so happy we're getting one more chance to ride it before it's closed for our next trip! And really excited to see the new movie next fall!

Thanks!!

 

[hokieinpa]

I know it threw a monkey wrench in your plans but in a way I was relieved. I had been trying to figure out how to add in an Epcot day so that Little Miss could ride it when we are down in March. With soarin not an option it makes it easier to pass on Epcot.

It does make Epcot planning a little easier since you don't have to decide on Test Track or Soarin'! I'm just worried that Test Track will be a mad house now!

Okay why are you upgrading to PHs just to upgrade those to an AP? Isn't that redundant?

I'm the only one upgrading to an AP. We have family trips in December (2 days) and May (6 days). Then I have a solo trip in October (6 days). It makes sense for me to upgrade since I'll be getting 12 park days out of it. That way, we can use my TIW card and my PhotoPass for the whole party!

 

[NJlauren]

I'm glad I'm not the only one obsessed with the weather forecast!

I'm so happy we're getting one more chance to ride it before it's closed for our next trip! And really excited to see the new movie next fall!

Obsessed! On the 45 day mark most people post about the trip being paid off, or the trip being locked in....

On my PTR I posted about that my arrival day was on the 45 day outlook!

 

[Dugette]

This still works out for me, since PhotoPass downloads are now included!

Glad it worked out well for you. I've heard negative rumbles, but have not gotten myself fully informed as I have no AP plans as of now. That's cool that it will give you Memory Maker for all your trips!

Of course, I can!

So now our Hollywood Studios day will be an Epcot/Studios combo day. It will be my first time park hopping!

Glad you could work it in!

It just also brings the added bonus of an unexpected visit to Epcot, a chance to sample some of our favorite yums, and a glimpse of a World Showcase Christmas!

I think the boys would enjoy the Storytellers around World Showcase. I think that will have started by then, at least? A nice extra holiday touch!

 

[missangelalexis]

Love the pictures of the boys!

Soarin is going to be down for such a long time, I can understand wanting to rearrange the trip to squeeze in a ride, especially since the boys are so excited about that particular ride! It doesn't sound like you had to change too much, so I'm glad it's working in your favor!

 

[hokieinpa]

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31 Days until Disney!

Secret Status -
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Daily Plans Update - Day 1

So we're finally 1 month out from our trip!



And that means it's time for the daily plan posts!



These posts make me really, really happy since I love going over my plans in detail. It's usually me running through them in my head at the gym or while driving. Occasionally, I can talk my mom's ear off about FP+ and ADRs. But my normal sounding boards...not an option this time! Nate LOVED hearing about all of the details of our trip last year. It's so hard not talking everything over with him this time around! So, you all get to hear all of my crazy ramblings!



One month from today, we'll be flying down to Orlando for Christmas at Disney!

But this trip will actually really begin the day before. We're hosting Thanksgiving for Jim's family this year. I'm not actually sure anyone besides his parents are coming (that's an entirely different, frustrating story...) but it works out well since we'll be at home and not have to worry about traveling right before our trip.

On Friday 11/27, we'll leave our house after lunch and drive the 2.5-3 hours to Pittsburgh. I have a room reserved at the Homewood Suites there.



It has great reviews on Trip Advisor and is only 10 minutes from the airport. And it also is very close to one of my very favorite restaurants of all time. Burgatory.



This is a Pittsburgh favorite. Seriously amazing burgers and shakes.



After we fill our bellies, we'll head back to the hotel and hopefully sneak in a quick swim.

Now at this point, the whole trip will still be a big secret. My plan is just to tell them that we're going to Pittsburgh and have a mini-vacation at a hotel. They are huge fans of staying in hotels so this alone will be exciting for them.

We'll all hopefully go to sleep easily and quickly that night. The next morning, we'll get up and enjoy a yummy continental breakfast. While Jim brings the boys upstairs slowly, I'll scurry ahead and set up the big reveal in the room!

My plan is to stow our big stuffed Mickey in my suitcase. I'm going to set him up somewhere in the hotel room and have him holding a letter reading something like this:

Dear Nate, Colin, and Jake,

Oh, boy! Me and the gang have sure missed you! I think it's just about time for another visit. How about today? Grab you bags because you're going to DISNEY WORLD!

Love,
Mickey


I'm going to download a Disney font and some kind of border.

Nate will be able to read the letter out loud and I just can't wait to see how they all react! I think it will take a few minutes for it to sink in. But then...we're off!

Our flight leaves Pittsburgh at 11:25 so we'll arrive shortly after 9:00.

We really liked this airport when we flew to Orlando this summer. The best part? The kids play area!



After the boys burn off some energy, we'll head over to our gate. We'll take advantage of Southwest's Family Boarding and get settled. I'm packing our usual array of snacks, puzzle books, small toys, and electronics to entertain the boys.

Our flight scheduled to land at MCO at 1:45. We'll head right down to the Magical Express and be inside the Disney bubble!



I'm guessing Pop will be our second stop after AOA. My plans have us arriving at Pop around 3:00.



I did online check in so hopefully the wait at the front desk will be short! And since we're arriving late in the afternoon, chances are good that our rooms will be ready!

Either way, we'll drop our carry ons off and freshen up before heading to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs!


Our first stop will be to check out the line to meet Santa. From what I've read, you can check in and are given a pager. So instead of waiting in line, you can shop around DTD. When your pager goes off, you report back to line within 10 minutes for your chance to meet the big guy!



I'm hoping for a nice, normal picture this year. We don't have great luck in the Santa picture department. Someone is usually crying or looking like they are about to cry. It's not pretty and I would really love one perfect Santa picture! Is there any better place for that than Disney?

So, before/after the boys meet Santa we'll try and hit our favorites. The Lego Store, Once Upon a Toy, Disney Days of Christmas.

This will all take place before our first ADR at TRex Cafe!



So this is where our story gets interesting.

Our travel party of 7 had a reservation at 5:45. I wasn't able to get an ADR on MDE but I called TRex directly and had no problem getting a reservation. In my mind, plans were set.

But do you remember that my SIL lives in Cocoa, 30 minutes from Orlando? So LAST NIGHT, she decides that she wants to meet up with us while we're in Florida. This will be the only day we're not in the parks so it's the one time we can meet up.

She thinks meeting in Downtown Disney will be fun! And do we mind if she joins us for dinner? I say "Sure, no problem!" thinking bumping a party of 7 up to 8 is really no big deal. We'll probably be seated at a table for 8 anyway, right?

But then she goes on to add that her husband will be joining her. Party of 9. Oh, and her cousin is visiting and she can't leave her behind. Can she come too? Party of 10.

And them, we add in Jim's grandparents. They live in Tampa and SIL will be celebrating Thanksgiving with them. She thinks they would love to drive over and join us too!

So...our party of 7 had now become a party of 12.



Jim thinks we can just show up and our table will magically grow to fit 5 more people. I (rightly) believe differently and give TRex a call this afternoon.

I talked to Gabriel, who was amazing and so helpful. He changed our reservation to 6:00 and was able to work in a party of 12!



So as much as I wanted to throw a temper tantrum and say "No, you can't decide that you want to join us and add 5 people and throw off my plans " it all worked out. In law drama avoided.



So after our wild dinner, we'll part ways with Jim's family and head back to Pop for our first sleep in Disney!



In non-daily plan news, we got some Disney mail this week!




And since I feel like every update needs a picture of the boys, here is one from last night. We went Trick or Treating at Wegmans. Lots of yummy Halloween cookies and candy!






More daily plans coming tomorrow!

 

[hokieinpa]

Obsessed! On the 45 day mark most people post about the trip being paid off, or the trip being locked in....

On my PTR I posted about that my arrival day was on the 45 day outlook!

I check multiple times a day...

Glad it worked out well for you. I've heard negative rumbles, but have not gotten myself fully informed as I have no AP plans as of now. That's cool that it will give you Memory Maker for all your trips!

I'm really excited about the Memory Maker aspect! I think lots of people are upset if they buy multiple APs for their family. The price went up by about $50, which is ok with 1 Memory Maker. It seems pointless to have it included at a higher price for every member of a family.

Glad you could work it in!

Plans change, more coming tomorrow.

I think the boys would enjoy the Storytellers around World Showcase. I think that will have started by then, at least? A nice extra holiday touch!

I was just reading about these! But again...plans change.

Love the pictures of the boys!

Soarin is going to be down for such a long time, I can understand wanting to rearrange the trip to squeeze in a ride, especially since the boys are so excited about that particular ride! It doesn't sound like you had to change too much, so I'm glad it's working in your favor!

Thanks!

It did sound like a great plan...but they have changed AGAIN! More tomorrow!

 

[tabrizia]

Yay travel day!

I love the surprise plans. I am still debating doing a surprise trip at some point, won't be this year since they already know about the Disney World and Disneyland trips. Maybe when we go back in 2018 or so (that seems so far away and we haven't even gotten to our trip yet).


Yay on getting the ADRs to work for T-Rex. I'm glad they were able to change your reservation. I was going to suggest the Landry card if they hadn't been able to, from what I can tell it gets you front of the line privileges at T-Rex and Rainforest, which is a nice benefit.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[scrpbookr]

It will be an AMAZING first day! I think it is kind to let the boys know before you head to the airport. When I surprised my just turning 8 years old son this summer he knew we were off on a surprise trip when we headed for the airport but it took him awhile during the airport and flight to realize he was going to Orlando and Disney. He was getting a little frustrated not knowing. It was fun but maybe a wee bit much for him.

 

[hokieinpa]

Yay travel day!

I love the surprise plans. I am still debating doing a surprise trip at some point, won't be this year since they already know about the Disney World and Disneyland trips. Maybe when we go back in 2018 or so (that seems so far away and we haven't even gotten to our trip yet).


Yay on getting the ADRs to work for T-Rex. I'm glad they were able to change your reservation. I was going to suggest the Landry card if they hadn't been able to, from what I can tell it gets you front of the line privileges at T-Rex and Rainforest, which is a nice benefit.

I'm so excited for the big reveal! This trip was fairly "surprise" for me since we planned it at about 6 months out. That seems like plenty of time but I felt squeezed since I'm used to planning for over a year! That's the reason I decided to keep it a secret!

I've heard of the Landry's card! I wonder if it's too late to apply for one? And I'm so happy they could fit us in!

Well, those plans sounded very organized and smooth. And now I'm in suspense for the updated update, lol! I'm glad the suprise status is still holding. I love hearing your plans, it also helps me not to talk with DH about our trip!

I hope the plans go as well as they sound! Updating plans here keeps me sane!

An update is coming very soon!

It will be an AMAZING first day! I think it is kind to let the boys know before you head to the airport. When I surprised my just turning 8 years old son this summer he knew we were off on a surprise trip when we headed for the airport but it took him awhile during the airport and flight to realize he was going to Orlando and Disney. He was getting a little frustrated not knowing. It was fun but maybe a wee bit much for him.

Thanks! I'm excited for our first day. And even more excited for the big reveal! My husband wanted to wait until we were on the airplane or had landed in Orlando, but I vetoed him! It's nice to hear about your experience with a surprise trip!

 

[Dugette]

Nate will be able to read the letter out loud and I just can't wait to see how they all react! I think it will take a few minutes for it to sink in. But then...we're off!

That's awesome! I can't wait to hear how it all goes!

I did online check in so hopefully the wait at the front desk will be short! And since we're arriving late in the afternoon, chances are good that our rooms will be ready!

Unless it's not at all the resorts, I think you can skip the front desk, as you should get a text telling you when your room is ready and which one you have.

So...our party of 7 had now become a party of 12.

I talked to Gabriel, who was amazing and so helpful. He changed our reservation to 6:00 and was able to work in a party of 12!

So glad it all worked out!

And since I feel like every update needs a picture of the boys, here is one from last night. We went Trick or Treating at Wegmans. Lots of yummy Halloween cookies and candy!

Fun! We did a trick or treat at a grocery store here the other day too. Love seeing your boys!

I've heard of the Landry's card! I wonder if it's too late to apply for one?

Not too late - you sign up online and you can use it right away. We did this right before our May trip (T-Rex dinner). You pay $25 and get $25 off your bill, so it's a wash there. You also get another $25 off for your birthday, so I'm guessing you could use that then too. Additionally, the card should get your party front-of-the-line access when you check in (I forgot about that when we went). Should be worthwhile for you.

 

[hokieinpa]

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30 Days until Disney!

Secret Status -
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Daily Plans Update - Day 2


Our second day, November 29th, has us heading to Hollywood Studios.

*Side Note - You may have read earlier that I had changed our plans around to include a morning at Epcot in order to catch Soarin' before it closes for 6 months. However, I calculated the cost of upgrading everyone to park hoppers incorrectly. For the 5 other ticket holders (I'll be upgrading to an AP so any extra cost would just be rolled into that and Jake is 2 so he doesn't need a ticket) would be a little over $300. This is just too much for me to justify half a day worth of park hopping. If it was a longer trip, it would be worth it without a doubt. But with such a short trip, it really is just too much for the time we would spend in Epcot.

So, back to Plan A - Hollywood Studios!

Hollywood Studios opens at 9:00 and has PM EMH from 8:00-10:00.



We'll wake up and eat a quick breakfast in the room or on the way to the bus stop. My plan has us to the bus stop no later than 7:45 so we can hopefully be fairly close to the front of the line.

At rope drop, we'll do the Toy Story dash. I'm hoping on a wait of no more than 20 minutes. We only rode using FP+ last trip so I'm excited to see the queue!

After our ride, we'll head across the street to check out the wait to meet Buzz and Woody. If it's 20-30 minutes or shorter, we'll hop in line.



Next, we'll try and scoot back and meet Lightning and Mater. Colin LOVES Lightning McQueen so he will flip out! I'm not sure how that meet works. Does a CM just monitor the line and everyone gets a few minutes to pose for pictures? Is there a photographer?

At this point, I need to head to Guest Services to 1. upgrade my ticket to an AP! and 2. purchase my TIW card

I'm not sure what everyone else will do at this point. Maybe they will catch the Disney Junior Live show?



Or more likely, just take the boys for a potty and snack break. For some reason, no one is at all confident going on attractions without me. Like I'm the all knowing one who can magically navigate attractions with my super powers...which just might be true?



When we're all done with our respective tasks, I think we should have enough time for the Great Movie Ride. Nate was not a big fan of this last time. The gangster scene made him nervous. But we've talked about it since then and I hope he's ok with it this time around!

After that, it's time for our first ever time dining at the Sci-Fi Dine In!



Next up, we'll head across the park for our 1:55 FP+ at Tower of Terror!



Nate and Colin are tall enough to ride but Jake needs to grow a couple more inches. We'll grab a rider swap pass and find something fun for Jake to do. He'll be happy having a snack (even if we just finished lunch, the boy is always ready for a snack) and wandering around.

I'm having a hard time figuring out if Characterpalooza is still going on? I need to go ahead and buy Kenny the Pirate's Character Locator to check on this. If it is, we'll be in the perfect spot! I would love another chance to meet some of our favorites! Especially if we can repeat something like this!



Our next FP+ for Toy Story Midway Mania at 3:25. We'll all take a spin and then head over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.



The boys had a blast here last time!



Once our FP+ window opens up for Star Tours at 4:25, we'll all head over there so we can get a rider swap pass. Jake will head back to play some more while the big boys defend the galaxy.

Then it will be time to get a spot for the Osborne Lights!



I hope we can see them turn on and spend about an hour just exploring and taking in all the Christmas magic!

We'll keep the Christmas spirit flowing and head over to Hollywood & Vine for our 7:05 ADR at Minnie's Holiday Dine!



I'm guessing we'll be done with dinner around 8:30. I think the plan is for my parents to take the boys back to Pop to get to sleep. Jim and I are most likely to hang around for a little while longer during EMH.

My only real goals for this time are to ride RnRC and TOT. After that, I may want to head over and see the Osborne Lights one more time before heading back to Pop. We'll need our rest because the next day will start early and run late!


I'm leaving you with another Halloween picture to round out this update. I know some of you may have seen this on Facebook or Instagram already.



My little Mickey!

Day 3 updates coming tomorrow!

 

[hokieinpa]

That's awesome! I can't wait to hear how it all goes!

I'm so excited to see their reaction! I'm not sure Nate will understand right away but once he gets it he will be super excited. Colin and Jake always parrot whatever Nate does so they will be just as excited!

Unless it's not at all the resorts, I think you can skip the front desk, as you should get a text telling you when your room is ready and which one you have.

That would be great! And I really hope our rooms are ready when we get there! That just makes life so much easier!

I know, right??

So glad it all worked out!

Yes, in law drama avoided. I wasn't looking forward to dealing with the whole issue if we couldn't get a reservation for the whole party!

Fun! We did a trick or treat at a grocery store here the other day too. Love seeing your boys!

Thank you! It was our first year trick or treating here but it was fun! And the best part was that there is a cafe in the store so I didn't even have to make dinner! Win win!

Not too late - you sign up online and you can use it right away. We did this right before our May trip (T-Rex dinner). You pay $25 and get $25 off your bill, so it's a wash there. You also get another $25 off for your birthday, so I'm guessing you could use that then too. Additionally, the card should get your party front-of-the-line access when you check in (I forgot about that when we went). Should be worthwhile for you.

I'll sign up before the trip then! The birthday coupon and front of the line access make it worth it!

 

[missangelalexis]

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!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Elevationist]

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!

 

[BridgetR3]

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4. Monorail Resort Decorations

On the morning of MVMCP, we'll head to our breakfast at Ohana at 10:00 and then hop on the resort monorail for a tour of the Contemporary and Grand Floridian gingerbread displays and trees! I'm really excited to see the theme for the gingerbread house at the Contemporary this year. And I've heard the lobby just smells like Christmas!

Our tour will be fairly quick since we want to get back to Pop for a nap before the party. But I know we'll be able to admire the decor for as long as the boys' attention spans will allow and then move on! I'm excited to get a peak inside the monorail resorts since my chances of staying in one are fairly slim!

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.

 

[KathyM2]

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!!