***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[1437disney]

For my trip back in May, I was going back and forth over whether or not I wanted CRT and I booked my resort at 120 days out. Nothing was open, but with persistence, I got a PPO CRT for 8:10am probably around 85/90 days out. It was just persistence. Seems like people drop ADRs all the time.

Thanks for the hope!!

 

[Lisa F]

I've had the same experience. I love the feature, but it's also very frustrating. You have to be so fast! But, there were two instances in just the past week and a half or so where I missed something, and another "good alternative" came up. These were fore 1900 park fare and BOG. I know CRT is a big one, but I think these others were still hard to get. I still haven't had a few come back up yet. But, there is still a lot of time I keep telling myself. I know I am waiting for EMM days to be announced (hopefully for December) which will affect the days I go to MK. I'll be canceling ADRS if dates change. I also decided I need earlier dinners, so I'm trying to find a lot of earlier times, and I will then be canceling all of my later (540 or so) times. I think people are always making changes. Best of luck!

people make changes all the time. I think a lot of changes end up getting made at 60 days and again at 30 days when FP+ windows open up. Just keep at it, we are still so far out - if something has already popped up something else will!

 

[Mintycake]

What is this about a Pirate Camp instead of the Pirate Cruise? I had not heard anything about it yet.

There was a rumour on a thread that due to the alligator incident that anything with kids and the water had to be modified. Someone at CBR had Disney call them a week before the pirate cruise and tell them it was now a camp. I know for sure my DD will not want to do pirate camp, she was interested in the cruise and treasure hunt. But I haven't been able to confirm partly because I am cheap and don't want to spend the long distance to call Disney.

Thanks, I will reset the finder!

Yup that's what you do! I was able to get an Akershus brunch that way, as well as a PPO Akershus (which I will likely drop, depending on if I can get FP+ for FEA). I agree with @Lisa F that we will start to see more ADRs at the 60 and 30 day marks. I've also been a victim of the "now you see me, now you don't" ADR from Touring plans. I'm still trying to move my 'Ohana 7:30am breakfast to a 10am so we can sleep in a bit and move 1900 Park Fare dinner to about 7:30pm (so we can stay in MK a little later before we get kicked out due to the MVCP).

Speaking of Touring plans, has anyone ever used the app (like for actual touring plans in the park?) I'm wondering if it's worth it. I have a pretty general idea of touring plans mostly from looking at maps and trying to minimize zigzags through each park but wondering if it would save me time.

 

[Lisa F]

Boy everyone has been super quiet. waiting to hear the deal on the SW fireworks no doubt.

 

[Candycane83]

Boy everyone has been super quiet. waiting to hear the deal on the SW fireworks no doubt.

Lol yes! We might get FPs before that!

 

[Maryemcd]

Boy everyone has been super quiet. waiting to hear the deal on the SW fireworks no doubt.

YES!! and also EMM!

 

[Mintycake]

Oy! So if EMM is offered during your trip, are you going to go for it? And which parks? I'm kinda half tempted to do the MK one because reports have been so positive (and hey, you have to eat anyway, right?)
Yeah waiting for SWW, FP window, EMM. Have decided not to do Christmas party after talking to my friend who used to be an AP holder. And I need to figure out if the pirate cruises are still happening.
Also did you guys read about the Ellens Energy ride being redone. I wasn't planning to do it with DD as she doesn't like dinos but still a bit sad and nostalgic over that one...I sure liked it when I went as a teen.

 

[Lisa F]

Oy! So if EMM is offered during your trip, are you going to go for it? And which parks? I'm kinda half tempted to do the MK one because reports have been so positive (and hey, you have to eat anyway, right?)
Yeah waiting for SWW, FP window, EMM. Have decided not to do Christmas party after talking to my friend who used to be an AP holder. And I need to figure out if the pirate cruises are still happening.
Also did you guys read about the Ellens Energy ride being redone. I wasn't planning to do it with DD as she doesn't like dinos but still a bit sad and nostalgic over that one...I sure liked it when I went as a teen.

i read that but hoping they will keep it open through the end of the year. it is huge capacity and would make bad crowds worse at epcot if they take it offline for the holidays. January makes a lot more sense. I love it, very few agree with me but I have always really enjoyed it!

 

[Iowamomof4]

Oy! So if EMM is offered during your trip, are you going to go for it? And which parks? I'm kinda half tempted to do the MK one because reports have been so positive (and hey, you have to eat anyway, right?)
Yeah waiting for SWW, FP window, EMM. Have decided not to do Christmas party after talking to my friend who used to be an AP holder. And I need to figure out if the pirate cruises are still happening.
Also did you guys read about the Ellens Energy ride being redone. I wasn't planning to do it with DD as she doesn't like dinos but still a bit sad and nostalgic over that one...I sure liked it when I went as a teen.

May I ask what your friend said that dissuaded you from the Christmas party?

 

[Mintycake]

May I ask what your friend said that dissuaded you from the Christmas party?

She said it was really crowded and the only big difference were the rare characters (which often had huge lines) and the special parade and fireworks. she also said if you aren't planning to stay until the end even the rides were busy. And there's no way our family will make it to midnight. I think it just isn't going to work for our dynamic. I'd rather spend the money on the SW fireworks and POSSIBLY the Wishes dessert party on a non party night (just to avoid crowds).

 

[Lisa F]

She said it was really crowded and the only big difference were the rare characters (which often had huge lines) and the special parade and fireworks. she also said if you aren't planning to stay until the end even the rides were busy. And there's no way our family will make it to midnight. I think it just isn't going to work for our dynamic. I'd rather spend the money on the SW fireworks and POSSIBLY the Wishes dessert party on a non party night (just to avoid crowds).

I used to be an AP holder and have been to a few parties, though my most recent was the halloween party in 2014. My kiddo was 6 at the time and we went at 4pm. I found the park to be pretty quiet around that time and into the party (especially from after about 5:30pm when people start taking off for dinner). The parade and fireworks were busy but both the parade and the fireworks are VERY enjoyable IMO. the 360 fireworks at the MK are truly awesome to behold and I am a big fan of the holiday parades. We did park very early for a good spot on the curb on main street for the party but honestly even though I travel alone with him, every night when we had to stake out a spot we found people to talk to and the time flew... often people with kids who liked playing with my kid while they waited and people were super nice about holding our spots for us when my kid did the "I have to pee" announcement 10 minutes before parade time. We left after fireworks and that was it, my kiddo was DONE. This time I hope we can stay the entire time as he has a lot more experience staying up til midnight for special events (including those at WDW when he went with his dad in february). We never saw any characters, he won't wait in line for them under ideal circumstances. Just did some rides, got his face painted (he was a cyborg jedi lol). it was one of the highlights of our trip. I didn't feel like we didn't get our money's worth by not staying til midnight but part of that is probably because I got there at 4 and did not burn a park day going to the MK - 4pm - 10pm did not feel like I was missing out on anything.

 

[BDFmom]

Wow! So glad I found this thread it seems perfect for me.

Our plans: 11/26 to 12/6 at CBR. I'll be traveling with DD17 and DS14. We have not been to Disney since 2007.

This trip is an IOU payment from Santa that my DD received in 2009. The IOU had an expiration date of her 17th Birthday. So Santa just made it under the wire. The paper IOU has been hanging in her room all these years.



Yes.... we want both EMM for MK and SW dessert party. Fingers crossed that they will be added!

 

[Candycane83]

I agree with @Lisa F that the parade and fireworks are well worth it. We attended the Halloween party and Christmas party for DH's first trip in 2012 and this was a highlight of our trip as well. I personally really loved the 360 fireworks. I'm hoping DS2 would love it too... Fingers crossed.

 

[Maryemcd]

Oy! So if EMM is offered during your trip, are you going to go for it? And which parks? I'm kinda half tempted to do the MK one because reports have been so positive (and hey, you have to eat anyway, right?)
Yeah waiting for SWW, FP window, EMM. Have decided not to do Christmas party after talking to my friend who used to be an AP holder. And I need to figure out if the pirate cruises are still happening.
Also did you guys read about the Ellens Energy ride being redone. I wasn't planning to do it with DD as she doesn't like dinos but still a bit sad and nostalgic over that one...I sure liked it when I went as a teen.

Was planning on both MK and HS EMM And even EP if it becomes available.
I know I'm probably going overboard, but this is only my 4th time going to WDW and my total number of days is only 6 days from the combined trips (3 days on honeymoon/after a cruise and I had terrible bronchitis, 2 days in November 2014 with nephew/sisters/BIL, 1 day to Epcot in January for 15th anniversary). So, I haven't even scratched the surface at any of the WDW parks. With my sister and I taking our nephew for what will be 5 days, I really want to get a lot done. I know we'll have to prioritize, but having the extra hour will give us the time for things we have never done and the use FPs for other attractions. From the EMM, we have never done PP, 7dMT, WtPooh, TSMM, or Buzz M&G... wow, only thing on the list that we have done is Star Tours!!

I know we'll be there at a slower time, but then everyone on the boards keeps talking about no time being a slow time, etc, etc.

Never been on the Ellen's Energy ride either.... (to show you how much we haven't done!)

 

[Maryemcd]

Wow! So glad I found this thread it seems perfect for me.

Our plans: 11/26 to 12/6 at CBR. I'll be traveling with DD17 and DS14. We have not been to Disney since 2007.

This trip is an IOU payment from Santa that my DD received in 2009. The IOU had an expiration date of her 17th Birthday. So Santa just made it under the wire. The paper IOU has been hanging in her room all these years.



Yes.... we want both EMM for MK and SW dessert party. Fingers crossed that they will be added!

BDFmom - cute story!!
My sister and I are taking our 10-year old nephew (leaving his parents at home) as a surprise Christmas/Birthday gift. Haven't told him yet, but we're making plans to tell him around Halloween.

 

[Mintycake]

I agree with @Lisa F that the parade and fireworks are well worth it. We attended the Halloween party and Christmas party for DH's first trip in 2012 and this was a highlight of our trip as well. I personally really loved the 360 fireworks. I'm hoping DS2 would love it too... Fingers crossed.

I think maybe if we didn't have passes for every day we're there (i.e. we are not taking a break day) I would consider it. We are cramming so very much into 6 days already I find (almost too much that I'm thinking of seriously paring things down) that to me it's starting to feel like it's not vacation anymore. My friend knows my family well and so I trust her judgement on this one. We are already spending way more money than we should for this trip (beyond our budget) and I keep justifying it by saying "well we likely won't ever go back, this is a one time deal for us". At this point I'm having to pick and choose what we do because of time and budget constraints.

As much as I would like to do all the things, it's not realistic for us. I'm sorry if I sound bitter. Our family has had a really rough ride financially over the last 2 years and so I am trying to make everyone happy without blowing our budget. If I did the Xmas party, something else would need to be dropped, like a couple of character meals, the mermaid makeover, and the kids club...all things my DD has her heart set on.

 

[Candycane83]

I think maybe if we didn't have passes for every day we're there (i.e. we are not taking a break day) I would consider it. We are cramming so very much into 6 days already I find (almost too much that I'm thinking of seriously paring things down) that to me it's starting to feel like it's not vacation anymore. My friend knows my family well and so I trust her judgement on this one. We are already spending way more money than we should for this trip (beyond our budget) and I keep justifying it by saying "well we likely won't ever go back, this is a one time deal for us". At this point I'm having to pick and choose what we do because of time and budget constraints.

As much as I would like to do all the things, it's not realistic for us. I'm sorry if I sound bitter. Our family has had a really rough ride financially over the last 2 years and so I am trying to make everyone happy without blowing our budget. If I did the Xmas party, something else would need to be dropped, like a couple of character meals, the mermaid makeover, and the kids club...all things my DD has her heart set on.

I totally understand and think that you should just go for what's best for your family. If your DD is already set on those things then you know that would be your priority. I know it's hard to pick and choose especially when you just want to do everything in the short amount of time you're there. We're there for 9 nights already and I'm still having a hard time picking, choosing and balancing rest in between. Don't be bitter, we totally understand
ETA: I meant to apologize too. Didn't mean to try and sound like you needed to do it and add to your frustration.

 

[Maryemcd]

I think maybe if we didn't have passes for every day we're there (i.e. we are not taking a break day) I would consider it. We are cramming so very much into 6 days already I find (almost too much that I'm thinking of seriously paring things down) that to me it's starting to feel like it's not vacation anymore. My friend knows my family well and so I trust her judgement on this one. We are already spending way more money than we should for this trip (beyond our budget) and I keep justifying it by saying "well we likely won't ever go back, this is a one time deal for us". At this point I'm having to pick and choose what we do because of time and budget constraints.

As much as I would like to do all the things, it's not realistic for us. I'm sorry if I sound bitter. Our family has had a really rough ride financially over the last 2 years and so I am trying to make everyone happy without blowing our budget. If I did the Xmas party, something else would need to be dropped, like a couple of character meals, the mermaid makeover, and the kids club...all things my DD has her heart set on.

Mintycake - you don't sound bitter. I'm frustrated with a lot of posts that say "you must do this", "you can't miss that". You're right, there are a thousand different options. You have to pick and choose for your family and your budget. We enjoyed the Christmas party in 2014, but it's just another parade, fireworks, and the meet and greets. If you put it into perspective, you can see all of those things as part of your regular ticket and no one will even remember that they didn't see the "christmas" version!! You'll still have an awesome time.

~mary

 

[Iowamomof4]

I think maybe if we didn't have passes for every day we're there (i.e. we are not taking a break day) I would consider it. We are cramming so very much into 6 days already I find (almost too much that I'm thinking of seriously paring things down) that to me it's starting to feel like it's not vacation anymore. My friend knows my family well and so I trust her judgement on this one. We are already spending way more money than we should for this trip (beyond our budget) and I keep justifying it by saying "well we likely won't ever go back, this is a one time deal for us". At this point I'm having to pick and choose what we do because of time and budget constraints.

As much as I would like to do all the things, it's not realistic for us. I'm sorry if I sound bitter. Our family has had a really rough ride financially over the last 2 years and so I am trying to make everyone happy without blowing our budget. If I did the Xmas party, something else would need to be dropped, like a couple of character meals, the mermaid makeover, and the kids club...all things my DD has her heart set on.

Right there with you on the budget concerns! That's part of why I wanted to know what your friend said. I do think the party will be a good fit for my family, though I'm concerned about the crowding for the fireworks and I'm not sure we'll even bother seeing the parade. We won't be purchasing tickets until MUCH closer though, so if it sells out - oh well.

 

[Mintycake]

Thanks all. This group is THE BEST