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

[Lisa F]

Update....

I have booked a pontoon for Wishes on 11/26, our arrival night. We land at 3pm.
My DD wanted Wishes over Illuminations.

I have room for 5 more on the boat if that night works for any one. The boat leaves from the contemporary at 9:30....

you probably won't find that many people here with those dates, most of us are the next week. You could try the post thanksgiving group (isn't there one?). it does sound like fun, I might be in if it was a week later

 

[Lisa F]

We moved our flight to Saturday! We're still trying to decide if we'll stay near the airport or fork over the $$ to stay on property. Anxiously awaiting the release of the next round of discounts to hopefully help us decide.

it's two days early?
first night airport
second night property
compromise

 

[Iowamomof4]

it's two days early?
first night airport
second night property
compromise

Definitely on our list of possibilities!

 

[Lisa F]

Okay so yesterday was my fiance's birthday and I told him about our surprise trip as part of his gift (the other part is a PlayStation 4 that I split with his mother, because I know you were so curious). He is so excited! and I am so excited I can actually talk about it with him now!! Buuuut, he has opinions, you guys! Lots of them! And wants to change plans that I've had made for the past 3 months! I even showed him my spreadsheet. I suppose I should compromise with him a bit, you know, since it's his surprise trip and all.

He wants to do a day at Universal but I just don't think that makes sense financially for this short trip. We've been before, two years ago right after Diagon Alley opened, so as much as I would love to go back, I really think we should stick to WDW this time.

He also suggested we don't do AK at all and just do MK and EPCOT this trip (weren't planning on HS anyway). So maybe we'll do 2 MK days and 2 EP days, I would be fine with that.

Ahhhh, so much more to think of now that I have another's opinions to consider

I hate it when men have an opinion and it's the wrong one.

 

[Candycane83]

Okay so yesterday was my fiance's birthday and I told him about our surprise trip as part of his gift (the other part is a PlayStation 4 that I split with his mother, because I know you were so curious). He is so excited! and I am so excited I can actually talk about it with him now!! Buuuut, he has opinions, you guys! Lots of them! And wants to change plans that I've had made for the past 3 months! I even showed him my spreadsheet. I suppose I should compromise with him a bit, you know, since it's his surprise trip and all.

He wants to do a day at Universal but I just don't think that makes sense financially for this short trip. We've been before, two years ago right after Diagon Alley opened, so as much as I would love to go back, I really think we should stick to WDW this time.

He also suggested we don't do AK at all and just do MK and EPCOT this trip (weren't planning on HS anyway). So maybe we'll do 2 MK days and 2 EP days, I would be fine with that.

Ahhhh, so much more to think of now that I have another's opinions to consider

Happy birthday to your fiance!
LOL, it's nice to have someone else's opinion but it's also hard to have someone else's opinion especially after 3 months of planning done! For AK, my DH is one of those who feels it's a glorified zoo as well. I think you compromised on that so you don't need to compromise on Universal for one day

 

[Candycane83]

Did anyone see someone post about touring plans prediction on the jump in crowds?? I'm getting scared of how crowded it might be when we go...

 

[Lisa F]

Did anyone see someone post about touring plans prediction on the jump in crowds?? I'm getting scared of how crowded it might be when we go...

at this point it is what it is.

when i went in september of 2014 i was surprised at how crowded it was. not at all what I expected. Felt like people were EVERYWHERE. But with fastpasses and walk on we never spent more than 10-15 minutes waiting for a ride even though it felt so crowded. Also if crowds are projected then hours will extend I hope. Might work out alright

 

[BDFmom]

Did anyone see someone post about touring plans prediction on the jump in crowds?? I'm getting scared of how crowded it might be when we go...

MK crowd levels for 11/29 and 12/5 are both listed as 9....

 

[Candycane83]

I did!.... there is a long thread in a Facebook group I'm in with screen shots of the predicted crowd levels. Most days are 4-7 depending on the park... I think MK non

MK crowd levels for 11/29 and 12/5 are both listed as 9....

Wow a 9... I don't have MK for those days but still, that's really high considering it's supposed to be low season.

at this point it is what it is.

when i went in september of 2014 i was surprised at how crowded it was. not at all what I expected. Felt like people were EVERYWHERE. But with fastpasses and walk on we never spent more than 10-15 minutes waiting for a ride even though it felt so crowded. Also if crowds are projected then hours will extend I hope. Might work out alright

That's true. I'm especially looking forward to them extending AK and DHS hours! Still... I was expecting mid-level crowds (not low, not high)... Now maybe I need a reality check and expect wall to wall people... That MSEP package is looking better by the min now... (it's still not available though! garhhh!)

 

[serenitynow]

Update....

I have booked a pontoon for Wishes on 11/26, our arrival night. We land at 3pm.
My DD wanted Wishes over Illuminations.

I have room for 5 more on the boat if that night works for any one. The boat leaves from the contemporary at 9:30....

Any spots left? How much per person?

 

[Lisa F]

Wow a 9... I don't have MK for those days but still, that's really high considering it's supposed to be low season.



That's true. I'm especially looking forward to them extending AK and DHS hours! Still... I was expecting mid-level crowds (not low, not high)... Now maybe I need a reality check and expect wall to wall people... That MSEP package is looking better by the min now... (it's still not available though! garhhh!)

Are they saying it will be busy like a holiday? that doesn't make a lot of sense to me but what do I know?

 

[BDFmom]

Any spots left? How much per person?

Yes....... 5 still available. I'm holding 2 for someone but they have not gotten back to confirm. So maybe 7.
It's $371.69 for the Boat and adding Tip brings it up to $445 total. If we get 10 it's $45 per person.

I have reserved under my CC. They won't charge until departure and it has a 48 hr cancellation policy. I'll collect $$ 36hrs before.

 

[Maryemcd]

oh my gosh!!! TouringPlans just bumped up crowd levels significantly for every day of the first week. From 1's, 2's, 3's to 4's, 5's, 6's. Magic Kingdom even goes to a 9 on Monday, December 5th!!! YIKES!

 

[Candycane83]

Are they saying it will be busy like a holiday? that doesn't make a lot of sense to me but what do I know?

I know... it doesn't make sense... Christmas will be a 12 out of 10 maybe... LOL

oh my gosh!!! TouringPlans just bumped up crowd levels significantly for every day of the first week. From 1's, 2's, 3's to 4's, 5's, 6's. Magic Kingdom even goes to a 9 on Monday, December 5th!!! YIKES!

Yes! Hmm, maybe with those predictions, people will steer clear of MK and it'll really be a 1 I did see someone else post that Saturdays in MK is wall to wall people because its a non party day.

 

[Candycane83]

Trying to figure out my move day for my split stay.... I plan to check out from AKL at 7:50am, ask them to take my luggage to CR. Then, we would take a cab at 8am to Poly for breakfast at Kona at 8:25am. After breakfast, we would take monorail loop to CR, check in and walk to MK after. Plan is basically to make 3 fastpasses and watch the FoF parade before heading back to CR to settle in the room. After settling down and resting and freshening up, we'd head to Disney Springs for dinner. What do you guys think? Too much?

 

[Lisa F]

I know... it doesn't make sense... Christmas will be a 12 out of 10 maybe... LOL



Yes! Hmm, maybe with those predictions, people will steer clear of MK and it'll really be a 1 I did see someone else post that Saturdays in MK is wall to wall people because its a non party day.

Saturday is a non party day and a weekend so I could have predicted that myself. It really is the most popular park and the nighttime stuff is popular too. I am planning wednesday for it but expect it to be packed. Maybe will find a MSEP spot NOT on main street this time.

oh my gosh!!! TouringPlans just bumped up crowd levels significantly for every day of the first week. From 1's, 2's, 3's to 4's, 5's, 6's. Magic Kingdom even goes to a 9 on Monday, December 5th!!! YIKES!

I think 1, 2 and 3 sounds too low to begin with. That is like January and February not around events like the marathon or east coast winter break/president's day times. I would expect 4-6 for in between holiday times with all of the holiday stuff going on and 8-10 for the holidays flanking it (tgiving and xmas). So that is not alarming to me at all. When I went in september it was probably in that range - I think that the Halloween parties draw families during what used to be an unpopular time... it was very very very manageable. As I said before it felt crowded with tons of people but with FP's we were able to ride everything with no more than a 15 minute wait. Some of the FP rides had 60-90+ minute standbys but those we fastpassed, the rest were very reasonable. Parades were a bit crowded so you will have to stake out a spot, especially at the curb on main street, early. But I think fronteirland viewing spots are easier to come by for all parades. I have never watched there and may try this time. I would not mind if you posted what they are (not sure if that is allowed). I haven't subscribed because I won't use most of the features but kind of curious (my plans are set in stone now anyway).

 

[Lisa F]

Trying to figure out my move day for my split stay.... I plan to check out from AKL at 7:50am, ask them to take my luggage to CR. Then, we would take a cab at 8am to Poly for breakfast at Kona at 8:25am. After breakfast, we would take monorail loop to CR, check in and walk to MK after. Plan is basically to make 3 fastpasses and watch the FoF parade before heading back to CR to settle in the room. After settling down and resting and freshening up, we'd head to Disney Springs for dinner. What do you guys think? Too much?

I would have them transfer your luggage, cab/uber to Poly and then go straight to MK. with online checkin there is absolutely no need for the extra stop - if your room is ready after the parade (and it should be) you should be able to just go straight to it with your magic bands and call for your luggage to be brought up. IMO it is unnecessary and a waste of time. Then just go to the CR at naptime.

My switchover day is going to be calling to have luggage taken, spend the day at epcot, around 3ish walk back to BWV and grab the car and drive over to the poly, get settled in the room and then go to Narcoossees for a 5pm dinner then take the boat froM GF for wednesday night non party MK.

 

[Candycane83]

I would have them transfer your luggage, cab/uber to Poly and then go straight to MK. with online checkin there is absolutely no need for the extra stop - if your room is ready after the parade (and it should be) you should be able to just go straight to it with your magic bands and call for your luggage to be brought up. IMO it is unnecessary and a waste of time. Then just go to the CR at naptime.

My switchover day is going to be calling to have luggage taken, spend the day at epcot, around 3ish walk back to BWV and grab the car and drive over to the poly, get settled in the room and then go to Narcoossees for a 5pm dinner then take the boat froM GF for wednesday night non party MK.

Yes, I know it's a huge time killer to pass by CR to check in but I need to if I want my DxDP to be activated. So while typing that, I'm thinking of breakfast at the Wave instead and save Kona for another day. Makes more sense that way and we can come back for a rest after FoF then head to DS after.

ETA: You do need to go to the front desk to activate the dining plan right?

 

[Lisa F]

Yes, I know it's a huge time killer to pass by CR to check in but I need to if I want my DxDP to be activated. So while typing that, I'm thinking of breakfast at the Wave instead and save Kona for another day. Makes more sense that way and we can come back for a rest after FoF then head to DS after.

ETA: You do need to go to the front desk to activate the dining plan right?

I didn't think so. I think the only thing is you need to make sure to check OUT of your old resort in order for your online checkin at your new resort to be active.

 

[Candycane83]

I didn't think so. I think the only thing is you need to make sure to check OUT of your old resort in order for your online checkin at your new resort to be active.

Hmm, if I don't need to go to the front desk to activate it, then I would probably just go to Kona and then MK that morning...