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

[rasadkowski]

I am so frustrated! I have tried to coordinate 3 ADRs today that all were unsuccessful. All I can think is that the restaurants were overbooked. I have successfully done this over a dozen times. So discouraging and frustrating.

it's a horrible feeling im sorry about that it happened a few times to me as well, and then finally just had a successful trade. So strange.
the only thing I can suggest ( which I have not yet tried) is something I read on the boards:
Instead of just canceling the reservation to be traded, first, try to book a new restaurant for that same time period. Usually, when you do that, the system prompts you that you have to either keep the old one or cancel it to book the new one, right? Apparently, I have read that when you cancel the old reservation this way it does go back out immediately for someone to get......(again, so I've heard). But, I guess it's worth a shot!
....then again, last night I was prompted to cancel a conflicting time reservation and for some weird reason in the end it didn't actually cancel it. So now I still have both. Very odd

 

[Candycane83]

That is very cool! Good luck with your plan changes I've been on this thing waaaay too much today, but I had some major breakthroughs!! First, I took @Wood Nymph s advice about the show and nd I felt like I should watch Fantasmic on YouTube. I have hesitated to do that for anything on the trip because I want to be surprised with everything that is new to me, BUT I'm glad I did decide to watch this, because I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. I liked it! My girls are pretty open to seeing shows and lights and things, but I honestly just do not think they will like Fantasmic!!! I felt horrible !!!!

I spent a lot of time thinking about the party. @Candycane83 my husband reminded me that the girls first saw fireworks this July4th. They were talking about Going to see them for a week beforehand. They were so excited and stayed up until almost 10!! I think my little one had a late quick nap that day in the car now that I remember. So, I think we're going to try for the party and not h&v!

I'm excited now I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but does anyone know if 12/9 is likely the most crowded party of the week? i would love to go 12/8.. But we have an early breakfast that day too long of a day I thinK. Thanks all! Have a good night

Oh that's so great!! If they could have a relaxing day and rest in the afternoon and go to the party! I think 12/6 seems like the least busy party supposedly. I think @Talby is going 12/9

 

[Candycane83]

@Candycane83, check that thread on the hallowishes party. the reviews have gone from "meh" to downright terrible. I still can't quite let it go but I am 98% sure I will. Seems like once again disney has pushed the limits of something that was previously good by cheapening the food offerings, fewer and untrained staff and overcrowding. Too much time between parade and fireworks (even with desserts) which was one of our concerns when we were talking, and an overall unpleasant experience. Bleh.

I saw it and at this point I'm like you, at 98% sure I'm cancelling. All these people posting are with little ones too. So disappointing. I was ready for not getting a really good view but it seems it's downright crowded and you definitely don't have room for your kid to move around (my main reason for wanting to do this besides the parade spot). Oh well I think we have a good plan without it anyway!

 

[Lisa F]

I saw it and at this point I'm like you, at 98% sure I'm cancelling. All these people posting are with little ones too. So disappointing. I was ready for not getting a really good view but it seems it's downright crowded and you definitely don't have room for your kid to move around (my main reason for wanting to do this besides the parade spot). Oh well I think we have a good plan without it anyway!

yeah there is no way my child is not going to need to get up and move around. sitting at a table for an hour is not going to cut it at all, especially when they are so tight he can't get up and move around (in many restaurants he will get up when he is done eating and come stand by me and snuggle a bit, I think it's just the sensory input he is seeking). I didn't book San Angel inn or Le Cellier for that exact reason (tables very close together). Parents yelling at their kids because they are so stressed out by the disorganization and tight quarters is not good, I feel so sorry for those poor people (yes I am the type who will get snippy with my kid when I am stressed out myself so not judging, have been there done that). All that money and not only just a "meh" experience but downright miserable. I hope they complain to Disney too.

Also getting dirty looks from people at railing tables if you move up to the railings. What are people who can't see fireworks at all supposed to do? just pay $79 for koolaid and no fireworks? Just a mess IMO. Really hoping SWaGS dessert parties come out for saturday because although crowded that one still seems to have good food and decent organization. Not having seats seems to help with the crowds I think.

 

[Mintycake]

yeah there is no way my child is not going to need to get up and move around. sitting at a table for an hour is not going to cut it at all, especially when they are so tight he can't get up and move around (in many restaurants he will get up when he is done eating and come stand by me and snuggle a bit, I think it's just the sensory input he is seeking). I didn't book San Angel inn or Le Cellier for that exact reason (tables very close together). Parents yelling at their kids because they are so stressed out by the disorganization and tight quarters is not good, I feel so sorry for those poor people (yes I am the type who will get snippy with my kid when I am stressed out myself so not judging, have been there done that). All that money and not only just a "meh" experience but downright miserable. I hope they complain to Disney too.

Also getting dirty looks from people at railing tables if you move up to the railings. What are people who can't see fireworks at all supposed to do? just pay $79 for koolaid and no fireworks? Just a mess IMO. Really hoping SWaGS dessert parties come out for saturday because although crowded that one still seems to have good food and decent organization. Not having seats seems to help with the crowds I think.

Also for star wars party we will be a force ourselves!!!

 

[Lisa F]

Also for star wars party we will be a force ourselves!!!

yeah I just dare anyone to give us a dirty look! lol. I am pretty sensitive to that having a child with special needs, it would really tick me off. He looks perfectly fine most of the time and no one would know but dirty looks makes an already stressful situation worse when he is having a hard time.

 

[Lisa F]

omg look at what I just found on etsy:

there will be a custom tshirt for the star wars party too. maybe not matching like the xmas party (there is only so much cutesie I can do lol) but isn't this adorable? what do you think? for the kiddo maybe though he has tons of star wars tshirts, I'd just need one for me. One tie dye is plenty for me lol.

 

[Mintycake]

yeah I just dare anyone to give us a dirty look! lol. I am pretty sensitive to that having a child with special needs, it would really tick me off. He looks perfectly fine most of the time and no one would know but dirty looks makes an already stressful situation worse when he is having a hard time.

Solidarity, sister! My dd is sensitive too and prone to meltdowns and I have gotten the looks and heard people say how spoiled she is. She just gets overwhelmed sometimes. It would be great if she could spend time with your son too because she likes other kids.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

@rasadkowski Have you thought about changing their bedtime little by little, like 15 minutes to start and then another 15 or so minutes and so on? What about on weekends? Don't you ever stay up late to hang out with friends/family or watch movies or whatever? I can't imagine you want to wake at 4 something every day. If you change the nightly routine starting with dinner time and bath and so on by just 15 minutes to start, it can help change the wake up and shouldn't cause major meltdowns at night. The reason I say this is that you have a little over 2 months and I know you would love to experience nighttime shows and whatnot and at this time of yr, the parks close at a pretty early timeframe. Per your original question, I would choose MVMCP if only choosing one night. It's engaging and colorful and should keep them enthralled!

 

[rasadkowski]

Solidarity, sister! My dd is sensitive too and prone to meltdowns and I have gotten the looks and heard people say how spoiled she is. She just gets overwhelmed sometimes. It would be great if she could spend time with your son too because she likes other kids.

It hits me hard when I get dirty looks. I do have good girls, but they are little and have meltdowns. Once I was way in the back of a store and calmly walked her our when I couldn't calm her down. I got two nasty looks from 2 different older women. I was furious. I stopped and calmly asked both of them if they themselves have any had any kids. They looked at me astonished; they both answered "well, no".... i kinda just went "hmmh" and just walked away. I felt better he he

 

[rasadkowski]

@rasadkowski Have you thought about changing their bedtime little by little, like 15 minutes to start and then another 15 or so minutes and so on? What about on weekends? Don't you ever stay up late to hang out with friends/family or watch movies or whatever? I can't imagine you want to wake at 4 something every day. If you change the nightly routine starting with dinner time and bath and so on by just 15 minutes to start, it can help change the wake up and shouldn't cause major meltdowns at night. The reason I say this is that you have a little over 2 months and I know you would love to experience nighttime shows and whatnot and at this time of yr, the parks close at a pretty early timeframe. Per your original question, I would choose MVMCP if only choosing one night. It's engaging and colorful and should keep them enthralled!

Thank you!! It's a good idea, and I think we'll try that as we inch closer. We've tried everything to get them to adjust their sleeping habits. No matter how later we would get, they would still be up at the same time. We thought there were noises waking them up, but we moved twice now and it still happens!! They're just early risers.. I was too! But yes, we are going to do mvmcp in our last night I'm excited now and I'm going to psyche them up for it like we did for July 4th fireworks. Other than that, I, really not telling them about anything we'll see on the trip

 

[Talby]

That is very cool! Good luck with your plan changes I've been on this thing waaaay too much today, but I had some major breakthroughs!! First, I took @Wood Nymph s advice about the show and nd I felt like I should watch Fantasmic on YouTube. I have hesitated to do that for anything on the trip because I want to be surprised with everything that is new to me, BUT I'm glad I did decide to watch this, because I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. I liked it! My girls are pretty open to seeing shows and lights and things, but I honestly just do not think they will like Fantasmic!!! I felt horrible !!!!

I spent a lot of time thinking about the party. @Candycane83 my husband reminded me that the girls first saw fireworks this July4th. They were talking about Going to see them for a week beforehand. They were so excited and stayed up until almost 10!! I think my little one had a late quick nap that day in the car now that I remember. So, I think we're going to try for the party and not h&v!

I'm excited now I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but does anyone know if 12/9 is likely the most crowded party of the week? i would love to go 12/8. we have an early breakfast that day too long of a day I thinK. Thanks all! Have a good night

Congrats on your breakthroughs! It feels really good to make a decision after you've been weighing options (been there a time or 20 with my planning! lol). Great news and I'm excited for you!! Yippee!!

 

[JamieOak]

Did you guys know YOU CAN CHANGE THE DATE OF YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY? I called twice to verify it (my 2 CM thing! lol) and both times I was told it is not a problem and that it happens all the time. Now, if only it were that simple and it was the only change! But I'm doing some serious mulling it over for 12/8 because there hasn't been enough juggling involved in my planning yet!

I was seriously considering this earlier this week. But I know the tickets say non-transferrable and are only for that date. I might have to try calling!

This is my first time wanting to rearrange a lot of my plans, since I was pretty late to get started planning. But with the reviews of EMM coming in, I'm tempted. But I have to change a lot to do it.

 

[Candycane83]

It hits me hard when I get dirty looks. I do have good girls, but they are little and have meltdowns. Once I was way in the back of a store and calmly walked her our when I couldn't calm her down. I got two nasty looks from 2 different older women. I was furious. I stopped and calmly asked both of them if they themselves have any had any kids. They looked at me astonished; they both answered "well, no".... i kinda just went "hmmh" and just walked away. I felt better he he

Love this

 

[Candycane83]

After the morning I had with my little one melting down,I'm so happy that I'm not alone! He didn't want me to leave today

@rasadkowski im so happy you decided on the Christmas party! It's going to be one great magicalnight! It's hard when kids have a set schedule but if you can make it work, I'm betting they will love it!

@Lisa F i completely agree with you, just so messed up they had to leave in the middle of the show! I can't believe they set it up so badly. I'm going to continue holding on for now until the first Xmas party dessert party reviews come up (just because I have a hard time letting go) but I am going to cancel...

@BDFmom woohoo for ROL!! I really hope they have it open!! (I hope I got the right person posting this, lol)

 

[Talby]

I was seriously considering this earlier this week. But I know the tickets say non-transferrable and are only for that date. I might have to try calling!

This is my first time wanting to rearrange a lot of my plans, since I was pretty late to get started planning. But with the reviews of EMM coming in, I'm tempted. But I have to change a lot to do it.

That nonrefundable/nontransferable thing had my hopes not very high about switching. I was so surprised when the first CM said it could be done that I called a second time to see if I would get the same answer! lol I do actually have a couple of reasons for wanting to switch the date aside from the fabulous people who will be there on 12/8. I know what you mean about having to change a lot to do it--not exactly a simple process! Are you doing EMM? Or are you considering changing party dates because you want to do EMM?

 

[Mal6586]

Having Holiday Spiced Tea this morning because I would much rather already be on this trip than at work today!

 

[Lisa F]

It hits me hard when I get dirty looks. I do have good girls, but they are little and have meltdowns. Once I was way in the back of a store and calmly walked her our when I couldn't calm her down. I got two nasty looks from 2 different older women. I was furious. I stopped and calmly asked both of them if they themselves have any had any kids. They looked at me astonished; they both answered "well, no".... i kinda just went "hmmh" and just walked away. I felt better he he

it is hard when a perfect stranger sees you or your kids at their worst and judges. I'm sure I did judge before having my own but now I never do. I did once in Hobby Lobby tell some kind who was in full out bratty demanding yelling and screaming that Santa was buying decorations a few aisles over and did he want Santa to hear him? OMG he stopped dead in his tracks and looked at me with big saucer eyes and mom looked so relieved. I'm glad she didn't get mad at me but I wasn't judging, I'm just the kind of person who WILL parent another person's kid if I am in charge of them lol. but sometimes I am more sensitive than others to criticism or perceived criticism. it's true that some kids are spoiled rotten and overindulged by their parents but you have no way of knowing that from a single episode you see so if you're not going to be supportive MYOB! I am pretty shy but I also find myself sometimes commenting to moms in the middle of it something to let them know they are not alone and I get it. It could just as easily be mine!

 

[JamieOak]

That nonrefundable/nontransferable thing had my hopes not very high about switching. I was so surprised when the first CM said it could be done that I called a second time to see if I would get the same answer! lol I do actually have a couple of reasons for wanting to switch the date aside from the fabulous people who will be there on 12/8. I know what you mean about having to change a lot to do it--not exactly a simple process! Are you doing EMM? Or are you considering changing party dates because you want to do EMM?

I'm considering doing EMM at MK right now, but it's only offered on the day I booked the Wild Africa Trek at 8am. The trek is able to be cancelled though, so I wasn't worried about that so much.

I was thinking of changing my party night because right now I have it scheduled for 11/27 and we are spending our last morning at Universal and then moving over to WDW. It just seems like a very long and busy day. We'd basically drop luggage at BWV (assuming room isn't ready) and get over to MK. It will probably feel rushed. Instead I think it would be better to leave Sunday evening open to exploring the Epcot area resorts, Disney Springs, and resting a bit since we will have already done 2.5 days at Universal at that point and WDW is going to be so new to us in general. Currently our departure day is a "go explore Disney springs and stuff" day, but that seems out of order and also a waste because we have a really late flight home. So really we could make that a park day and be in the parks until at least 4 or 5pm.

I'm also not sure if I like the idea that our first time in MK is a party night. There will be so much "oh look at that!" going on with me and my husband and we might screw up the touring with that. I think I'd rather it be nearer to the end of our trip, after we've been in MK already for a day and got the lay of the land.

Does any of that make sense?? Cause I feel a little like this guy...

 

[Lisa F]

That nonrefundable/nontransferable thing had my hopes not very high about switching. I was so surprised when the first CM said it could be done that I called a second time to see if I would get the same answer! lol I do actually have a couple of reasons for wanting to switch the date aside from the fabulous people who will be there on 12/8. I know what you mean about having to change a lot to do it--not exactly a simple process! Are you doing EMM? Or are you considering changing party dates because you want to do EMM?

I don't even know what non transferrable MEANS because you can transfer your ticket easily on MDE. Maybe it is a CYA thing that give them the right to not make changes but right now their policy is that they do. Or maybe it is to prevent people from waking up on say 12/6 and seeing the weather is iffy and saying "eh I'd rather go on 12/8". If half the people in the party did that it would be a logicstical nightmare. I'm guessing this far in advance they are more lenient.