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

[Mintycake]

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.

She really said it was a different parade and fireworks show and there are special characters. She said the parade felt overcrowded and the lines for the characters were worse than during the day. She made it with her husband to midnight and said from about 11pm on the crowds were not bad for rides but once she had a kid she said there was no way she would do it - especially given the price that it is now (keep in mind the party has gone up in price substantially over the last few years - she went in 2011 and in the years before that as well since she lived in Orlando at the time).

 

[JamieOak]

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 am in the same boat with having no scheduled days off. We are doing 3 days at Universal and 6 days at WDW. I am counting the 3rd Universal day as only a half day at the park, with the rest of the day being checking into our WDW resort and exploring. It wasn't going to be a park day. But now I'm considering scheduling the MVMCP there because I love everything Christmas themed. I also don't know if we'll ever be back, so I want to get in as much as possible. I'm still waivering in my decision, but I feel like I have time to decide before I should buy tickets.

 

[Lisa F]

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.

you are doing a ton of stuff I am not doing. I am not doing anything on your list - no makeovers or pirates cruises or kids club or anything like that. I was most just responding because other people were asking and also because I have experience with what it feels like to go and not make it to midnight... not to try to convince you. In a week long trip SOMETHING has to give, you can't possibly do everything. I never even try to fit in that other stuff as there's just too much I want to do with the regular stuff. For me what will give will probably be AK at night, but I booked the trip this time of year specifically for the MVMCP and CP and the Holiday Dine with F! package (kiddo purposely did not go to F! with his dad in february because he was waiting to go with me) so those are my priority. The star wars dessert party looks so good it is a last minute wish. I am doing ok on budget because my trip is entirely paid for at this point with so long to go it is not a problem for me to save up another couple hundred $$ to add something. Also I am just one adult and one child vs. two. You don't sound bitter, you sound frazzled about prioritizing whatever you don't get to do, you won't miss.

I have two scheduled days off but we have evening activities planned. I could do even more if the parks were open later but going to CA Grill when they open at 5pm creates a problem for nighttime activites at either AK or HS because they both close so early. boo

 

[Karla07559]

So just wanted to chime in a bit with my new philosophy on how to approach all these must dos. I know that my must dos are so different from everyone else's. For example my gf loves stitch and has mad Stitch's great escape a must do lol.
I am also not going in to debt over a Christmas vacation. I am only going to do what makes sense for me and my partner. No matter how great something sounds I can't go on vacation and spend money I don't have. That will only make my vacation stressful and the more I spend the more likely I am to question the value of things. If I stay within my budget I can prevent myself from feeling like I spent too much and didn't get enough out of it.
Even if this ends up being my only trip ever to wdw I want to make it enjoyable, that means I have to keep my sanity and not declare bankruptcy afterwards lol. I am going to take it all in and anything I do I'm going to make sure I fully enjoy. That's only possible without the financial stress for me. For me even though it seems everyone else is doing otherwise it means staying at a value, it means only 3 or 4 ADRs, most likely no dessert parties. I think I'm lucky because I am not traveling with any kids that cuts the price a lot and also the temptation to do even more extras. I know that no matter what just the fact that I am going to make this dream of going a reality is already the best thing ever and magical enough for me.

 

[Lisa F]

So just wanted to chime in a bit with my new philosophy on how to approach all these must dos. I know that my must dos are so different from everyone else's. For example my gf loves stitch and has mad Stitch's great escape a must do lol.
I am also not going in to debt over a Christmas vacation. I am only going to do what makes sense for me and my partner. No matter how great something sounds I can't go on vacation and spend money I don't have. That will only make my vacation stressful and the more I spend the more likely I am to question the value of things. If I stay within my budget I can prevent myself from feeling like I spent too much and didn't get enough out of it.
Even if this ends up being my only trip ever to wdw I want to make it enjoyable, that means I have to keep my sanity and not declare bankruptcy afterwards lol. I am going to take it all in and anything I do I'm going to make sure I fully enjoy. That's only possible without the financial stress for me. For me even though it seems everyone else is doing otherwise it means staying at a value, it means only 3 or 4 ADRs, most likely no dessert parties. I think I'm lucky because I am not traveling with any kids that cuts the price a lot and also the temptation to do even more extras. I know that no matter what just the fact that I am going to make this dream of going a reality is already the best thing ever and magical enough for me.

I'm on a strict budget as well. I am lucky enough to have bought into DVC with my now ex husband in 1999 and we decided to share it after the divorce so I pay $35 a month for my half of the maintenance fees and get to use it every other year. That is covering the room. I split a gold annual pass with my ex for my son because he took him in february and that was $285 and includes the photo package. My ticket, our plane tickets, dining plan for the first 5 days, christmas party, and hoop dee doo are all paid for at this point. I started saving for this trip right after our last one in 2014 and gave myself 2 years to save for it. The last trip I took I came home with a $2200 credit card bill (tickets, food, rental car, incidentals) and although I had the money to pay it off, ouch it really sucked having to do so I vowed to do it differently this time and have been paying off things as early as I can.

The truth is that just going to WDW there is so much you can do that is included with the base ticket. If you want to see the holiday wishes, you can see it from outside the park - it's not the same as inside the park but it is stunning in its own right. If you want to see parades, you can see the MSEP included with your regular admission. If you want to see characters, you can see them without meals - sometimes without waiting. And at the end of the trip, not seeing or doing any one or even 10 things is not going to ruin your trip, you are still going to have a great time. We all need to keep a little perspective when we go crazy about having to get everything we want. It also makes a lot nicer trip if you can go with the flow and take it easy when you feel you need to. We are all going to have a great time! and honestly you don't know what you're missing if you miss it. When it's all said and done your memories will be of what you did do, not worrying about what you didn't. you need at least 2 weeks to do it all anyway.

 

[Candycane83]

For now, I will stop obsessing over Disney too much (still do but a little less) by obsessing over Pokemon go. Anyone else playing? I think I walked over 15km in 2 days- roaming downtown Toronto during my lunch break and after work!

 

[dreaminginplaid]

For now, I will stop obsessing over Disney too much (still do but a little less) by obsessing over Pokemon go. Anyone else playing? I think I walked over 15km in 2 days- roaming downtown Toronto during my lunch break and after work!

All three of us play! My 3 year old is sometimes better at it than I am!! Also a lot of area businesses and attractions are giving discounts if you show your app - going to the zoo next week and did the botanical gardens this week!

 

[Candycane83]

All three of us play! My 3 year old is sometimes better at it than I am!! Also a lot of area businesses and attractions are giving discounts if you show your app - going to the zoo next week and did the botanical gardens this week!

Aww that's cute! Yup under discounts too! Museum and zoo for us this week and next too! It's great with the weather and very good practice for Disney! I saw another thread where they're talking about this being in the parks.

 

[Lisa F]

For now, I will stop obsessing over Disney too much (still do but a little less) by obsessing over Pokemon go. Anyone else playing? I think I walked over 15km in 2 days- roaming downtown Toronto during my lunch break and after work!

my kiddo is playing. We tried to go out yesterday but couldn't park anywhere near downtown and I am too tired to walk there. We will go out this weekend.

I did walk 7 miles (11.2k) over the weekend in NY though. I was one tired puppy. Time to take getting into shape seriously. Although that was a lot of fast concentrated walking from place to place and up and down the stairs in subways.

 

[BDFmom]

What does everyone do on their arrival day?

Our plane gets in at 3pm on 11/26... I figure by the time we get to CBR and checked-in it will be somewhere around 5:30.

That evening will be an OPP night for dinner as our package does not start until the 27th. We have a room only for the night.

I was thinking the QS at poly and Fireworks on the beach... or maybe Disney springs?
Any suggestions?

 

[Candycane83]

What does everyone do on their arrival day?

Our plane gets in at 3pm on 11/26... I figure by the time we get to CBR and checked-in it will be somewhere around 5:30.

That evening will be an OPP night for dinner as our package does not start until the 27th. We have a room only for the night.

I was thinking the QS at poly and Fireworks on the beach... or maybe Disney springs?
Any suggestions?

I can't really help you, the flight I'm planning to get lands at 11pm but I will say that 26th is a Saturday so Disney springs would be very busy. if you are not that tired, maybe you could go to poly or GF and explore the resort and have QS there?

 

[Candycane83]

my kiddo is playing. We tried to go out yesterday but couldn't park anywhere near downtown and I am too tired to walk there. We will go out this weekend.

I did walk 7 miles (11.2k) over the weekend in NY though. I was one tired puppy. Time to take getting into shape seriously. Although that was a lot of fast concentrated walking from place to place and up and down the stairs in subways.

I think walking a lot helps build you up to get in shape. I've always loved walking around and naturally like waking faster. Pokemon go is helping me walk more. I usually just work through my lunch break but I've been going out since I started playing. Unfortunately, I go out to buy ice cream!

 

[Lisa F]

What does everyone do on their arrival day?

Our plane gets in at 3pm on 11/26... I figure by the time we get to CBR and checked-in it will be somewhere around 5:30.

That evening will be an OPP night for dinner as our package does not start until the 27th. We have a room only for the night.

I was thinking the QS at poly and Fireworks on the beach... or maybe Disney springs?
Any suggestions?

QS at the poly and fireworks on the beach sounds lovely. Disney Springs is not really my thing, we are going one morning to do a little shopping in the marketplace but it always seems packed with people wall to wall there.

 

[Iowamomof4]

A bit of good news this morning! Yulilin3 reports they've increased the SW dessert party tickets back up to 140 from 125. Still down from 200, but at least there should be a bit more availability.

 

[Lisa F]

A bit of good news this morning! Yulilin3 reports they've increased the SW dessert party tickets back up to 140 from 125. Still down from 200, but at least there should be a bit more availability.

early december is still a pretty low crowd time. I would expect that if you don't get it right at 6am you still have a good chance. Lots of people are not either on to or in to the premium experiences.

 

[Mintycake]

Hey everyone I'm posting sporadically because i have a work contract right now that is KILLING me with hours (on the plus side, $ for SW dessert party!)

We arrive late (7pm) at Orlando airport and I figure it will be close to 9pm by the time we check into our room (using ME). We're planning to walk to boardwalk, grab some food there, and poke around our hotel a bit, and then early to bed because we have an early morning at HS the next day.

@Lisa F you're right - I'm frazzled, trying to make the vacation perfect for everyone, staying in budget, making sure my DD's must do's are done, making hassle minimal for DH, and throw in some Disney nostalgia from my last trip in 1993!

Good news about SW dessert party...just wish they would put it up for sale! They've only relased up to Sept, right?

Off to work guys.

 

[Lisa F]

Hey everyone I'm posting sporadically because i have a work contract right now that is KILLING me with hours (on the plus side, $ for SW dessert party!)

We arrive late (7pm) at Orlando airport and I figure it will be close to 9pm by the time we check into our room (using ME). We're planning to walk to boardwalk, grab some food there, and poke around our hotel a bit, and then early to bed because we have an early morning at HS the next day.

@Lisa F you're right - I'm frazzled, trying to make the vacation perfect for everyone, staying in budget, making sure my DD's must do's are done, making hassle minimal for DH, and throw in some Disney nostalgia from my last trip in 1993!

Good news about SW dessert party...just wish they would put it up for sale! They've only relased up to Sept, right?

Off to work guys.

even if it's not "perfect for everyone" it will be amazing They don't even know what it is supposed to be so whatever it is will be amazing. Hope that makes sense. It will be minimal hassle for DH no matter what you plan, just so long as it is well planned. Sounds like you have plenty of princess action for the kiddo. Sounds like you have a few character meals. IMO you're pretty much there, I think you just need to get a handle on all of it and be able to envision how the flow of your trip will go and you will feel a lot less frazzled. Like I said, missing any one thing is completely not going to ruin your trip - there is so much fun to be had that can't be had anywhere else

 

[Karla07559]

What does everyone do on their arrival day?

Our plane gets in at 3pm on 11/26... I figure by the time we get to CBR and checked-in it will be somewhere around 5:30.

That evening will be an OPP night for dinner as our package does not start until the 27th. We have a room only for the night.

I was thinking the QS at poly and Fireworks on the beach... or maybe Disney springs?
Any suggestions?

I have Disney springs planned for our arrival date even without the stellar reviews I'm dying to see it and by December they probably have a lot more open and finished by then

 

[Lisa F]

I have Disney springs planned for our arrival date even without the stellar reviews I'm dying to see it and by December they probably have a lot more open and finished by then

It's definitely worth seeing. Though last time I was there it was downtown disney. I like the disney themed shops on the marketplace side and we tend to do most of our souvenir shopping there. WoD, the christmas shop (we get a personalized ornament and have it shipped home), the gallery, basin etc. I am not so much of a fan of the high end stores that you can find anywhere high end... but the disney themed stuff I like. Love ghirardelli's ice cream, Wolfgang Puck Express is awesome too. There are so many new dining offerings I can't keep track but some sound amazeballs. Just with my kiddo it is not something we'd have fun spending a long time at. I'd rather be immersed in a resort. By myself - different story.

 

[Maryemcd]

Haven't booked flights yet but probably working on Friday and taking a flight in the early afternoon so wouldn't do anything on arrival day but get settled at the resort and get to sleep early.