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

[rasadkowski]

Hi everyone!! I love catching up in the afternoon with all of the new alerts!! (ahh! there's a new one as I type!) I love that this thread is so active so many great people. It's nice to see new members, toO! I am pretty new myself and have been annoying all of the others with thousands of questions. Everyone has been so responsive, and helpful!

THe shirts are so great! I have been wondering what we should do as well. It's always fun to do something different and even unexpected! Still thinking over here

I am so excited for MK EMM!!! @Maryemcd I saw that HS was available to book this morning too! Hoping MK becomes available tomorrow Will any of you be booking 12/4? I can't decide between 12/4 and 12/6.

My last ADR that I would love to get (very recently thanks to the lovely people on this board ) is the H&V!. I would love that for the evening that we do MK EMM in the morning. I'm hoping that won't be too late. If the show is at 7, I'll just grab the kids and get them off to bed. I'm wondering if they would do the show earlier because of the sun setting earlier? is it an outdoor show? Also, this is really a dumb question, but is the SW dessert party immediately after the F! party? Is that why everyone is hoping to go to both and to get to the SW dessert party in enough time?

so...last question...for today I know this is probably hard to answer, but, does anyone know what the likelihood would be of getting a H&V Fantasmic! dinner package on 12/4 at this point? I'm trying not to get excited about it, but I do wish I had known about it. Should have done more research!! oh..and....I know....
You can't do everything, but everything you can do will be fun!!! (i think that was the mantra....apologies to @LisaF if not!)

!!!EDITED!!!
As the great @Talby once said " you can't do everything, but everything you can do will be great!!!"

 

[Lisa F]

Hi everyone!! I love catching up in the afternoon with all of the new alerts!! (ahh! there's a new one as I type!) I love that this thread is so active so many great people. It's nice to see new members, toO! I am pretty new myself and have been annoying all of the others with thousands of questions. Everyone has been so responsive, and helpful!

THe shirts are so great! I have been wondering what we should do as well. It's always fun to do something different and even unexpected! Still thinking over here

I am so excited for MK EMM!!! @Maryemcd I saw that HS was available to book this morning too! Hoping MK becomes available tomorrow Will any of you be booking 12/4? I can't decide between 12/4 and 12/6.

My last ADR that I would love to get (very recently thanks to the lovely people on this board ) is the H&V!. I would love that for the evening that we do MK EMM in the morning. I'm hoping that won't be too late. If the show is at 7, I'll just grab the kids and get them off to bed. I'm wondering if they would do the show earlier because of the sun setting earlier? is it an outdoor show? Also, this is really a dumb question, but is the SW dessert party immediately after the F! party? Is that why everyone is hoping to go to both and to get to the SW dessert party in enough time?

so...last question...for today I know this is probably hard to answer, but, does anyone know what the likelihood would be of getting a H&V Fantasmic! dinner package on 12/4 at this point? I'm trying not to get excited about it, but I do wish I had known about it. Should have done more research!! oh..and....I know....
You can't do everything, but everything you can do will be fun!!! (i think that was the mantra....apologies to @LisaF if not!)

I think it's "great" but fun works too. It's @Talby though, I just need to remember it!

 

[pigletgirl]

I'm going to incorporate Christmas into all of my outfits (except for V&A)! I LOVE Christmas, so why not?! I will need to get some Christmas ears when I get down there!

 

[Talby]

Is this the most updated list @Talby !?

This is so thoughtful of you...thanks so much!! Looks like everyone on the list is aware. School starts here next week. We've been up at the kids' schools getting schedules and locker assignments and all that good stuff, school supply shopping, out to lunch and then to "Sky Zone" (trampoline place). Yesterday we were at South Haven for the day, a great little beach town on Lake Michigan. These last couple days were sort of our last little hurrah before school starts. Which is always bittersweet.

BUT...I work from home and am here SO much and wouldn't you know it today was the day for so many exciting announcements!! I also got an alert for a H&V Holiday Dine that I was able to get so I'm stoked about that! That has been the trickiest ADR for me to get, even over BOG/CRT!

@Candycane83 I need to go over MK's entertainment options in much greater depth, but the Move It Shake It party is definitely part of our plan. I need to figure out our plan for shows too. I know DD has her heart set on Beauty and the Beast.

Loving all the cute shirts! (@Lisa F that sparkly one really caught my eye!) I think matching is so fun for a party or special dinner.

@pigletgirl your plans look positively fabulous!

*~*~*THIS IS THE BEST THREAD EVER!!*~*~*

 

[TiggerManiac]

So how does EMM affect those with PPO reservations? I have an 8:00 am ADR at BOG on 12/4, which is now an EMM date. As long as they don't cancel my reservation, I'm fine.

 

[Talby]

Welcome @HomeSweetDisney! (Great name! ) Super helpful and friendly group here--hope you enjoy it!

@rasadkowski Just a head's up that I'm still trying to help whenever I can with H&V! (and you too @areno79 and @TiggerManiac) I feel super hopeful that everyone here will end up with whatever is on their wishlist! There's lots of time yet! Yep, F! is an outdoor show. And it is my understanding that Star Wars fireworks and F! cannot be done in the same night (unfortunately!!) I know that was the case at one point...has anything changed on that front?

 

[1437disney]

Buzz and Woody are open during that time? i might have to add that in. The line was SUPER tough for kiddo last time. it was about 20 minutes (the cm "handler" there was really nice and gave me the inside tip on how to plan it around scheduled breaks to minimize his wait and she let me know when the next break was even though I think they are not supposed to) but it was STILL pretty rough for him. We had another family with a special needs (much more intense than his) little girl just behind us, that he played with but those lines are VERY boring and VERY slow moving and it was torturous for him.... and for the little girl as well, but her mom was saying how important it was to her so she did her best to get her though it. I think they really helped each other a lot and between the two of us we kind of staked out a largish waiting area that they could both move around in. I'm glad no one said anything about how much space in the queue we were occupying but this little girl had obvious special needs so maybe that helped (my kiddo looks completely average except when he hits his limit). Standing still in one place for minutes on end is very hard for him... queues that are in constant forward motion are a lot easier because I think the motion is more soothing from a sensory point of view than attempting to stand still in one crowded place which is what the character M&G lines are like since everyone spends a few minutes with the characters. this is why we are doing so many character meals... but no Buzz & Woody at meals. He did some characters with dad but I believe only when the line was less than 10 minutes. I think maybe 10 minutes is the limit that I can listen to him complaining about it before it starts to agitate me, and he can make it about 5-10 minutes without complaining, which is why I put my ride queue limit at about 20 minutes. He can't help it, it REALLY feels interminable to him but I'm sure to outside observers he just sounds like a whiny spoiled brat.

I hope you do not mind me asking, but do you or have you used the DAS with your son? I have been looking into it for my youngest daughter.

 

[Iowamomof4]

I would love to find some SW Christmas shirts for our family to wear to MVMCP! I hadn't even considered it until I started seeing some of these t-shirt pics.

 

[Lisa F]

I hope you do not mind me asking, but do you or have you used the DAS with your son? I have been looking into it for my youngest daughter.

I am thinking about doing it. He is very high functioning (I hate that phrase lol. to me he is my normal sweet little kid but some things are far more difficult for him than other kids). I am constantly torn between trying to keep his life as normal as possible and pushing him to be the best he can but not pushing him TOO far. To me vacation is a time to not push but to relax. So I am torn between using the accommodation when necessary and not wanting him to be identified as being disabled everywhere we go. we did just fine without it in 2014 with carefully planned FP+ and I think the SDFP thing will really help pick up the slack and I shouldn't need to, but I have read about it and am aware of what purpose it serves and how to get it so I am thinking of playing it by ear and not getting it unless I need to. A friend who has a profoundly autistic son suggested I just take a wait and see approach and then can just explain to it "look we tried without but he needs this accommodation because x,y,z." I am a worrier but really our trip in 2014 was awesome with no problems at all and I need to stop trying to protect him from every little thing and know that he can deal with quite a bit. It is just never a given what will be the thing that sends him over the edge and even a tantruming 6 year old is far less alarming and gets far fewer stares than an 8 year old who looks more like 10... but in reality I probably overstate what he actually NEEDS when I am anxious in an effort to protect him and his feelings (he is very self aware and very very embarrassed when he "loses control") and my own as well if I am being honest (having to push down the blood lust of people staring and making comments is not pleasant). He is really fine so much of the time and we did fine in 2014. I don't know why I am even worried about handling it except things have gotten a bit more difficult when he DOES melt down (which is not that often) given his age, size and self awareness about it all. I'm sure that doesn't help at all. but I have looked into it quite a bit and the info on the DIS is useful about it. I'm happy to chat more about it if you want to.

 

[Iowamomof4]

Does anyone here think Epcot gets noticeably busier after 4:00 on MVMCP days? I was thinking Epcot is the most logical place for people with hoppers to go when they aren't planning to do the Christmas party. Maybe just as many people spend the day at Epcot before hopping to MK for the party though, so perhaps it evens out.

 

[1437disney]

I am thinking about doing it. He is very high functioning (I hate that phrase lol. to me he is my normal sweet little kid but some things are far more difficult for him than other kids). I am constantly torn between trying to keep his life as normal as possible and pushing him to be the best he can but not pushing him TOO far. To me vacation is a time to not push but to relax. So I am torn between using the accommodation when necessary and not wanting him to be identified as being disabled everywhere we go. we did just fine without it in 2014 with carefully planned FP+ and I think the SDFP thing will really help pick up the slack and I shouldn't need to, but I have read about it and am aware of what purpose it serves and how to get it so I am thinking of playing it by ear and not getting it unless I need to. A friend who has a profoundly autistic son suggested I just take a wait and see approach and then can just explain to it "look we tried without but he needs this accommodation because x,y,z." I am a worrier but really our trip in 2014 was awesome with no problems at all and I need to stop trying to protect him from every little thing and know that he can deal with quite a bit. It is just never a given what will be the thing that sends him over the edge and even a tantruming 6 year old is far less alarming and gets far fewer stares than an 8 year old who looks more like 10... but in reality I probably overstate what he actually NEEDS when I am anxious in an effort to protect him and his feelings (he is very self aware and very very embarrassed when he "loses control") and my own as well if I am being honest (having to push down the blood lust of people staring and making comments is not pleasant). He is really fine so much of the time and we did fine in 2014. I don't know why I am even worried about handling it except things have gotten a bit more difficult when he DOES melt down (which is not that often) given his age, size and self awareness about it all. I'm sure that doesn't help at all. but I have looked into it quite a bit and the info on the DIS is useful about it. I'm happy to chat more about it if you want to.

Thank you! I am going over the debate with my daughter. She is 5, so I feel like I should be able to control her, but I honestly can not. We are a big group and want to stay together. I am not sure they would approve us all to be together. I know I will definitely get the stroller as a wheelchair tag (she has low muscle tone and still has navigating issues). She has a rare genetic disorder that should have been detected at birth, it was not confirmed until last year. I am super sensitive to people with her and interacting with her. (I know I have to get it over this). I just don't know how to handle Disney, I don't want to be the crazy crying mother! Sorry to share all this, just looking for advice. I know the Disability thread is there, but some people who have no experience with different issues reply in not so nice ways and I am not ready to fight that battle.

 

[rasadkowski]

Welcome @HomeSweetDisney! (Great name! ) Super helpful and friendly group here--hope you enjoy it!

@rasadkowski Just a head's up that I'm still trying to help whenever I can with H&V! (and you too @areno79 and @TiggerManiac) I feel super hopeful that everyone here will end up with whatever is on their wishlist! There's lots of time yet! Yep, F! is an outdoor show. And it is my understanding that Star Wars fireworks and F! cannot be done in the same night (unfortunately!!) I know that was the case at one point...has anything changed on that front?

Oh Thank you @Talby ! That isn't necessary at all! But, if you do happen to catch it at a perfect time, I'll take it! I've been checking the site many times a day, too Thanks to you all for showing me how to navigate it

 

[Maryemcd]

@rasadkowski. I'm definitely doing EMM on Sunday, the 4th. (Oops, had the 6th) That will be our all day MK day closing out with dessert party during MVMCP. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Love the cute shirts... sparking, tie dyes... I texted my sis to see if she wanted matching outfits. I could feel her eye roll from Texas (I'm in PA). I'm not really a t-shirt person, but maybe I need to look for something " holiday"

Welcome to everyone! I've only been posting about a month. Learned a lot and it's a great group.

~mary

 

[Candycane83]

I've been reading the thread on and off today but haven't gotten a chance to respond as much since it was a crazy day at work.
@Iowamomof4 I think you're right and Epcot will be busier. If the hours for DHS and AK are not extended or extended for just a little bit, I think Epcot is going to be crazy, just because there's nowhere else people can go.
@Talby are you going to enchanted tales with belle? I'm sure your daughter would love it there are so many little shows when I went to see what's available. It'll be fun to catch but somehow scheduling everything seems so hard! Of course I have to add your tag line, you can't do everything but everything you do will be great can't help it!
@1437disney and @Lisa F f I can't give any good advice but to take it one moment at a time. I've seen my parents have difficult moments with my sister but I think the magical moments are great. I think people are generally more understanding and open in Disney. On our last trip as a family more than 10 years ago, we even rode space mountain as a family. My sister (She was in her early 20s then and she has slight mobility issues) could not get out of her seat and my father who then had cancer had difficulties as well. The CMs were all great with them and helped my mom out with getting my sister up, joked with me sister and made sure we all got out ok.
@Maryemcd im thinking about the 6th but not sure if EMM works on our move day! We move from AKL to CR on that day and I'm afraid we'll be tired but left without a room! Oh and I think holiday mouse ears would be great instead of a t shirt!

 

[Maryemcd]

@Candycane83
Oops, said Sunday, the 6th, but meant Sunday, the 4th for MK EMM
;-)

Planning overload.

 

[Candycane83]

@Candycane83
Oops, said Sunday, the 6th, but meant Sunday, the 4th for MK EMM
;-)

Planning overload.

Lol! It gets confusing after a while for all of us!

 

[Iowamomof4]

I also have to say, I'm in two different threads since our trip is 11-12 days long now (Holy Moley, how did that happen?!?!) so we are straddling both the week after Thanksgiving and the early part of the following week. Anyway, I'm starting to worry I'll get mixed up and start talking about something in this thread and continue the thought in the other! lol

 

[Lisa F]

Thank you! I am going over the debate with my daughter. She is 5, so I feel like I should be able to control her, but I honestly can not. We are a big group and want to stay together. I am not sure they would approve us all to be together. I know I will definitely get the stroller as a wheelchair tag (she has low muscle tone and still has navigating issues). She has a rare genetic disorder that should have been detected at birth, it was not confirmed until last year. I am super sensitive to people with her and interacting with her. (I know I have to get it over this). I just don't know how to handle Disney, I don't want to be the crazy crying mother! Sorry to share all this, just looking for advice. I know the Disability thread is there, but some people who have no experience with different issues reply in not so nice ways and I am not ready to fight that battle.

I am going to be perfectly blunt. Even if disney issues the DAS for a large group, people (other guests) may comment about it. Yes DISNEY is great about stuff but other guests can be jerks. If she can stay in her stroller in the queues then honestly I'd just stick with FP and have her walk and standby for things with short enough waits and let her ride if she needs to. A lot of people in this world are overly concerned thinking that someone may be getting something that they're not and it seems like having to deal with a nasty comment might put a bigger dent in your vacation than waiting a little longer will. I hope that makes sense. A big group will make people question why you are getting "special treatment." Sometimes in an even smaller group people question it. A good friend has a son who is profoundly autistic but who loves disney and she has special accommodations. Last time she was there someone made a nasty comment to her about why she didn't have to wait like everyone else. She told the women "hey I will trade with you. You have an autistic child and I will wait on line for 45 minutes on vacation. do you want to trade?" shut her right up but it was unpleasant. But she has an extremely thick skin and has been dealing with this for a long time and there is no other way for her son to enjoy the park so she deals with it. People can be jerks but not everyone is... but one can really ruin your day and if you are sensitive I would really be trying to shield myself from that. BTW If I overheard that I would be knocking someone's block off. I will generally not stand up for myself but if someone else is being picked on, watch out!

but regardless, BIG HUGS. Yeah there is a lot I have to get over too, and I'm not over it all. so sue me. We all love our kids and want the best lives possible for them and it is heartbreaking to us as parents when they struggle more than we feel they should. But also that struggle tends to lead to extraordinary grownups, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Disney is great and I need to remember that too... I was terrified of taking him in 2014 but it was great, everything was great, everyone treated us so well and with respect and went above and beyond to be nice and helpful, even when he put down a full cup of milk on the corner of a round table (that turned out to be air) and his milk went POOM in Kona cafe. All I did that trip was get my 3 FPs and plan the rest of the stuff around it. it worked out great. And it will be great this time too.

 

[Lisa F]

I also have to say, I'm in two different threads since our trip is 11-12 days long now (Holy Moley, how did that happen?!?!) so we are straddling both the week after Thanksgiving and the early part of the following week. Anyway, I'm starting to worry I'll get mixed up and start talking about something in this thread and continue the thought in the other! lol

so stick with us, lol. we are the best!

 

[Lisa F]

So how does EMM affect those with PPO reservations? I have an 8:00 am ADR at BOG on 12/4, which is now an EMM date. As long as they don't cancel my reservation, I'm fine.

it doesn't affect you at all. You will not be allowed to go on the EMM rides until regular RD though but other than that no. Go and enjoy your PPO reservation!