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

[Iowamomof4]

My ds15 saw our plans last night on my computer and was NOT happy at first glance. Too much Epcot, he says, not enough MK, DHS, AK. He's also disappointed I'm planning a down day/Disney Springs day on our party day. <Sigh> He definitely doesn't have to be with us all the time and is more than welcome to go to a different park on one of our Epcot days. I didn't have enough time last night (it was late) to sit down and really show him that, even though we have park days planned, it doesn't mean there isn't flexibility to go somewhere else if desired. I think he's just worried we won't have enough time to get everything done (he's right, we won't) and he thinks if we took some Epcot time and made it MK time we'd be better off. I think MK is a great park, but it's full of "one-and-done" rides, imo. Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room, Mickey's Philharmagic, Jingle Cruise, PoTC, People mover, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, Speedway, etc... are all in that category for our family. If we split that list into 3 different days and then hit Space Mountain, 7dmt, and BTMRR one time each of those 3 days, I think we'll all be pretty happy. I just need to talk to him again and tell him that.

Seriously though, when he walked by my computer last night and saw my spreadsheet and reacted like that at first, I felt like a rapidly-deflating balloon. In the end, I'm just happy someone is finally expressing an INTEREST in what I'm working on day and night!

 

[Candycane83]

My ds15 saw our plans last night on my computer and was NOT happy at first glance. Too much Epcot, he says, not enough MK, DHS, AK. He's also disappointed I'm planning a down day/Disney Springs day on our party day. <Sigh> He definitely doesn't have to be with us all the time and is more than welcome to go to a different park on one of our Epcot days. I didn't have enough time last night (it was late) to sit down and really show him that, even though we have park days planned, it doesn't mean there isn't flexibility to go somewhere else if desired. I think he's just worried we won't have enough time to get everything done (he's right, we won't) and he thinks if we took some Epcot time and made it MK time we'd be better off. I think MK is a great park, but it's full of "one-and-done" rides, imo. Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room, Mickey's Philharmagic, Jingle Cruise, PoTC, People mover, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, Speedway, etc... are all in that category for our family. If we split that list into 3 different days and then hit Space Mountain, 7dmt, and BTMRR one time each of those 3 days, I think we'll all be pretty happy. I just need to talk to him again and tell him that.

Seriously though, when he walked by my computer last night and saw my spreadsheet and reacted like that at first, I felt like a rapidly-deflating balloon. In the end, I'm just happy someone is finally expressing an INTEREST in what I'm working on day and night!

It's great he is expressing interest and maybe you can explain to him later on. On your down days, you can split up and they can hit a park right? I think it'll be fine, just need some explaining. Worse case scenario is you might have to move a little around to compensate

 

[mexxican]

OK, so I wasn't planning a trip to Orlando until the spring but my in-laws are heading down 12/1-12/9 and we were able to join them for the first part of their trip (Universal) while squeezing in one night at Disney for our kids (12/4 MVMCP only). We are probably going to drop our bags at Pop Century on 12/4 and head straight to the park for 4 pm admission to fully enjoy the party, then go back to the hotel where it looks like we may not get much sleep (I didn't know it was Pop Warner week but hey, it was only $85 for the room). I'm hoping to score a breakfast ADR (Ohana, Kona etc.) for 12/5 but I guess I'll have to wait and see what cancellations pop up closer to the trip. We don't fly home until 10 pm so we were originally going to check our luggage at the ME counter and head back to Universal or SeaWorld for the day and go straight to the airport from there. I'm trying to convince my in-laws to join us for the party but am considering hitting one of the Disney parks on Monday instead (I think they have ADRs at HS). So how busy is it really going to be that Monday? My in-laws seem to think it's going to be dead that week and they'll have plenty of time for everything (hence they don't want to do MVMCP).

 

[CaleCakes]

I'm trying to decide what day to got to HS. We are arriving early on 12/4 so I figured lunch then head to Disney springs for alittle while so we can get to bed somewhat early. 12/5 I was thinking MK, 12/6 resort day for pool, maybe take the monorail and check out decorations at other resorts, then the party at 4. 12/7 I planned on Epcot, and 12/8 we move to AKL so I figured 12/8+12/9 at AK. 12/10 we want to go to universal the. 12/11 we come home. I don't see where HS fits in here. Too much time at AK? Skip DS and do HS the first day instead? I would like to do H&V (which of course I had in my cart but pressed cancel instead of next so I lost it).
It's me and my husband taking our 1 year old son if that helps.

 

[SilSprBea]

What is your last day? I might have a late 'Ohana (close to the time you already have) to drop on the 7th. We are looking for a different day.

Our last day is the Saturday the 10th. The one we have already is for Monday 12/5.

 

[Iowamomof4]

Ah the push/pull between family traditions and best touring practices!

Our first ever trip to wdw was last year and our first ever park was Epcot. I have such fond memories of riding Soarin' together (our 2nd ever ride at Disney!). What an incredible ride it was! I had never been on anything like it before and it was the moment I felt like "This is Disney!!"

Fast forward to our planning for this trip. I keep feeling this pull to put Epcot down as our first park again, but in reality it would be better for us to visit Animal Kingdom on Sunday instead of Epcot. It would fit our overall plans much better and generally would just make things flow much better. But... Soarin'! Still, if we've only ever done wdw once, it's not really a "tradition" yet, so it's probably dumb of me to think of it like that. I don't know... such a tough decision to make.

 

[Mintycake]

It's great he is expressing interest and maybe you can explain to him later on. On your down days, you can split up and they can hit a park right? I think it'll be fine, just need some explaining. Worse case scenario is you might have to move a little around to compensate

I think it's great he has an interest! Apart from the occasional "Do you think DD would like this?" and "Do you think this is worth the money" i haven't involved DH in planning. I've quizzed DD on preferences too. looks like the Stitch ride is out which is sad since we love Stitch. but that's okay! There's lots to do at MK.

 

[Candycane83]

I think it's great he has an interest! Apart from the occasional "Do you think DD would like this?" and "Do you think this is worth the money" i haven't involved DH in planning. I've quizzed DD on preferences too. looks like the Stitch ride is out which is sad since we love Stitch. but that's okay! There's lots to do at MK.

I know what you mean... I normally would come to this board first before asking DH since he rolls his eyes a lot at me whenever he hears me say anything disney related. I asked him about switching hotels last night and he said it's nice but you're changing your mind again... no help at all!

 

[Lisa F]

My ds15 saw our plans last night on my computer and was NOT happy at first glance. Too much Epcot, he says, not enough MK, DHS, AK. He's also disappointed I'm planning a down day/Disney Springs day on our party day. <Sigh> He definitely doesn't have to be with us all the time and is more than welcome to go to a different park on one of our Epcot days. I didn't have enough time last night (it was late) to sit down and really show him that, even though we have park days planned, it doesn't mean there isn't flexibility to go somewhere else if desired. I think he's just worried we won't have enough time to get everything done (he's right, we won't) and he thinks if we took some Epcot time and made it MK time we'd be better off. I think MK is a great park, but it's full of "one-and-done" rides, imo. Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room, Mickey's Philharmagic, Jingle Cruise, PoTC, People mover, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, Speedway, etc... are all in that category for our family. If we split that list into 3 different days and then hit Space Mountain, 7dmt, and BTMRR one time each of those 3 days, I think we'll all be pretty happy. I just need to talk to him again and tell him that.

Seriously though, when he walked by my computer last night and saw my spreadsheet and reacted like that at first, I felt like a rapidly-deflating balloon. In the end, I'm just happy someone is finally expressing an INTEREST in what I'm working on day and night!

it must be super tough to plan for SO MANY people, and I believe you have a pretty wide spread on your kids' ages as well which makes it tough. I think you sort of HAVE to plan for the littles and if he wants to do something different he can - they don't have that option and they are probably not up to the same gogogo pace that a 15 year old boy in his prime would be up to. There is a ton of holiday stuff at Epcot so I am with you there - maybe adding in the MK day before the party would be just right, if he doesn't need the break send him off with some food money and his ticket and meet up with him later in the day.

For me it is easy. it is all about the kiddo and then fitting in what I want to do around that It is hard to please everyone in something like this so I think freedom is the answer for him. Children are basically sociopathic narcissists anyway. They can't think beyond themselves. they eventually learn to but the teen hormonal stuff definitely is a regression in the empathy department.

 

[Lisa F]

Ah the push/pull between family traditions and best touring practices!

Our first ever trip to wdw was last year and our first ever park was Epcot. I have such fond memories of riding Soarin' together (our 2nd ever ride at Disney!). What an incredible ride it was! I had never been on anything like it before and it was the moment I felt like "This is Disney!!"

Fast forward to our planning for this trip. I keep feeling this pull to put Epcot down as our first park again, but in reality it would be better for us to visit Animal Kingdom on Sunday instead of Epcot. It would fit our overall plans much better and generally would just make things flow much better. But... Soarin'! Still, if we've only ever done wdw once, it's not really a "tradition" yet, so it's probably dumb of me to think of it like that. I don't know... such a tough decision to make.

TOTALLY get it. because of my split stay situation I am not going to the MK until wednesday night of my trip. REALLY I AM GOING TO BE THERE FOR 5 DAYS BEFORE EVER SETTING FOOT INTO THE MK. it felt so wrong. but the flow is good. I think flow is more important than that. so my advice is "get over it." not in a mean or snarky way, I think ultimately it won't negatively impact your vacation if that makes sense. I kind of had to just get over it too and realize the order I do stuff is not as important as how orderly my days are, not wasting too much time with transitions and doing the things I most wanted to do with little stress.

 

[sharkyandbones]

We'll be there Dec 5-9 for a "short" trip...that's what our travel hockey schedule would allow this year! Staying at OKW for the first time in a 2BR with the grandmas. Might be our last trip for a while...thinking of doing US next year...

 

[Lisa F]

We'll be there Dec 5-9 for a "short" trip...that's what our travel hockey schedule would allow this year! Staying at OKW for the first time in a 2BR with the grandmas. Might be our last trip for a while...thinking of doing US next year...

fellow DVC member here, have owned at BWV since 1999. Doing a split stay between BWV and Poly villas. can't wait. oh one night added onto the beginning at kidani too, I keep forgetting that (decided to fly out a day earlier rather than stay at the airport!)

 

[Mintycake]

Okay everyone.

We'll be there Dec 5-9 for a "short" trip...that's what our travel hockey schedule would allow this year! Staying at OKW for the first time in a 2BR with the grandmas. Might be our last trip for a while...thinking of doing US next year...

Yup! We're planning to visit US eventually once DD has actually seen some Harry Potter (either read the book or seen the movie). Right now she has zero interest, although she loves Minions. But I figure for her first trip, this time Disney is enough to keep her busy.

 

[sharkyandbones]

Okay everyone.

Yup! We're planning to visit US eventually once DD has actually seen some Harry Potter (either read the book or seen the movie). Right now she has zero interest, although she loves Minions. But I figure for her first trip, this time Disney is enough to keep her busy.

That is probably our mission over the next year...get the kids (and parents) familiar with HP

fellow DVC member here, have owned at BWV since 1999. Doing a split stay between BWV and Poly villas. can't wait. oh one night added onto the beginning at kidani too, I keep forgetting that (decided to fly out a day earlier rather than stay at the airport!)

Thanks! We love BWV but have never stayed (yet). An extra day at WDW always beats a day in the airport!

 

[Lisa F]

That is probably our mission over the next year...get the kids (and parents) familiar with HP


Thanks! We love BWV but have never stayed (yet). An extra day at WDW always beats a day in the airport!

LOL i have owned at BWV for nearly two decades now but I haven't stayed there in years. my last trip in 2014 was at BLT and my trip before that in 2010 was also BLT. I love all of the choices they have

 

[BDFmom]

I love traditions!

@Iowamomof4 That is wonderful that you son is interested in the planning. My DD has been actively involved. DS had 3 requests Starwars Dessert party, Tokyo dinning and the see Snow White.

I predict that I will get tired long before my teens run out of steam. I plan on finding a nice bench in which ever park we are in and sending them off to explore/ride together. Mom can rest her feet and maybe have a cocktail while they continue to do the park commando style.

 

[Lisa F]

I love traditions!

@Iowamomof4 That is wonderful that you son is interested in the planning. My DD has been actively involved. DS had 3 requests Starwars Dessert party, Tokyo dinning and the see Snow White.

I predict that I will get tired long before my teens run out of steam. I plan on finding a nice bench in which ever park we are in and sending them off to explore/ride together. Mom can rest her feet and maybe have a cocktail while they continue to do the park commando style.

also holding a great spot for a parade or fireworks is a nice rest too!

 

[TiggerManiac]

I love traditions!

@Iowamomof4 That is wonderful that you son is interested in the planning. My DD has been actively involved. DS had 3 requests Starwars Dessert party, Tokyo dinning and the see Snow White.

I predict that I will get tired long before my teens run out of steam. I plan on finding a nice bench in which ever park we are in and sending them off to explore/ride together. Mom can rest her feet and maybe have a cocktail while they continue to do the park commando style.

When we were there with our 2 teens (3 years apart in age), we felt totally comfortable letting them do whatever they wanted, as long as they stayed together. They actually didn't annoy each other as much when they went off on their own to do stuff we didn't want to do. They were allowed to go to a different park or back to the hotel, too. We were on the dining plan, so they could eat whatever QS meal and snack they wanted. They loved the freedom, and used it in the afternoons and evenings after dinner. Staying on-site gave us all so much more freedom.

 

[Mintycake]

and speaking of flow and out of control ADRs....I make my FP on Oct 3! less than a month! I feel like I really need to nail down the flow thing. and to throw another wrench into things, now DD said she wants to meet Beast at BOG. I told her he's only there for dinner so she's like 'can we have dinner there?" ARGH. So what do you think? DD (6), DH, Me. Staying at BC. This is just ADRs and parks....no fp yet.

12/2 - late arrival - Boardwalk QS dinner with Ample Hills for dessert

12/3 - HS day. 8:05 ppo breakfast H&V, lunch: either Mama Melrose 12:25 Fantasmic lunch OR 12:40pm 50s Prime Time. I'm hoping for SW dessert party but the Fantasmic lunch is my back up plan. If that is what happens, I have a 50s prime time dinner at 4:15pm also reserved. Then hopefully SW dessert party or Fantasmic.

12/4 - MK day. 8:05 ppo BOG. This is also EMM day too but I hear it won't impact PPO people. Don't flame me but we're doing cupcake and coffee and then will likely grab a snack later with an early lunch. we plan to stay in Fantasyland this day - maybe make it to Tomorrowland as well. QS lunch at Cosmic Rays and then leave by 4pm to go to the Poly (Take the boat?). Drop off DD at Lilo's playhouse so DH and I can go for dinner at 5:45pm Kona cafe and drinks either at Tambu or Trader Sams. Pick up DD at 9:30pm and uber back to BC.

12/5 - Epcot day. 7:30am Cape May - should be easy as it's at our resort. Finish by 8:30am (I think reasonable since we'll be one of the first there) and walk to International Gateway Epcot. RD at international gateway by 9am to hit Futureworld for Joy/Sadness and Soarin. DH will to Test Track single rider while we wait for Joy/Sadness. Then we all go on Soarin, Living with the Land, Behind the Seeds tour, Imagination. (grab a quick snack if needed at Sunshine Seasons). We may skip living seas as I hate aquariums and DD does not care for them either. She also doesn't want to see Ellens Energy and I think we wont' enjoy Mission space. So that leaves Spaceship earth and meeting Mickey. Then to Norway for FEA (hoping to FP) and lunch in France at the bakery (or snack around WS). Hope to have this all done by 1:30pmish and then back to BC for pool/nap break. Back to Epcot at 5:30pm to do anything else we want to do. I have a few ADRs - Teppan Edo at 4:15pm and Tokyo Dining at 7:10pm (with the idea we will watch Illuminations from there). But then I think DD might enjoy Teppan Edo more - I don't know, so I'd have to move that. I just want a good spot to watch the fireworks. Then after Illuminations, to bed.

12/6 - Epcot day 2. Here's where I'm confused....then we have a 8:25am, 10:25am, and 1:25pm Akershus reservation since I can't decide. We could RD again but we'll be done with Future world and nothing in WS is open except Norway and Mexico. And I don't want to rush Akershus for the sake of FEA since we'll hopefully be able to FP. So I'm leaning towards the 10:25am and we could have a sleep in/later morning. Then head over to IG, do Akershus brunch, go to Mexico, and finish World Showcase. We can always meet A&E again if DD is dying to do it and then of course FEA. Probably stay with late start until about 2:30pm (lunch around WS again) and then back to resort for pool/nap/break. We have DD at the Sandcastle club so will drop her off at 4:30pm and then DH and I will likely go back to Epcot to explore WS and maybe hit some rides like Ellens Energy. I'm actually thinking with skipping Mission Space, Living Seas, there really isn't a heck of a lot to do at Epcot. So romantic stroll in WS it is. Pick up DD around 9:30pm again and bed.

12/7 - MK day. Two plans of attack:

Late start: I have a 10:55 Ohana so we sleep in and then go directly to Poly, then to MK. No breaks!
RD: Drop Ohana 10:55 (I have multiple Ohanas) and RD Mk. Since this is a non party night it will likely be busy so I thought I'd take advantage of RD and low crowds. We have a 1:45pm BOG lunch which Id drop if we keep Ohana. Would leave MK after this for a break and come back for night time shows around 6pm. Either way I would finish Fantasyland this day and maybe try for Haunted Mansion. I also have a Skppers Canteen dinner which I'm going to drop. I also have Narcoosees at 9:05pm which is late so we could watch fireworks from there.

12/8 - MK day. Two options:
RD: Ohana 7:30am breakfast (crazy) then head to MK.
Late start: Ohana 10:30am breakfast, then head to MK. But with this I'll need to change our Pirate's league reservation at noon. I'm thinking I could hopefully move it to the previous day. The focus this day will be Fronteirland and we plan to catch the Festival of Fantasy parade from there. Because it's a late night previously, I'm leaning towards this...but also hoping I can move Ohana to 9 or 9:30am which means I won't have to move Pirates League and then hopefully Ohana won't be as backed up.
Either way we have a 6:35pm dinner at 1900 Park Fare...hoping to move to 7pm so we can spend a little more time before we're kicked out of MK due to party night. But I'm okay as is too. Then from GF we'll uber back to BC and pack.

12/9 - early departure.

Thoughts?

 

[Mintycake]

and no dinner at BOG. DD won't eat a thing on that menu. LOL.