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

[chasingthtdream08]

yeah, if the system is down no one else can book it either! the system being down is being reported on the DIS in other threads so I think it really is down.

Thanks for your words of wisdom Lisa! I noticed that MDE wasn't also letting me view my reservation, which would go along with why the system is down.

 

[iceprincesskcl]

I just found this thread and am super excited to have done so!!

We are booked 12/4 to 12/11 at ASSp, there are 8 of us doing a mother/daughter Christmas trip!

I'm super pumped and can't wait! We have sat down and planned what we want for ADR's, now we just have to wait until June 7th!

Anyone know when we might see park hours for the month?

I hope you all have amazing trips!!!

 

[chasingthtdream08]

Thanks for your words of wisdom Lisa! I noticed that MDE wasn't also letting me view my reservation, which would go along with why the system is down.

So I called back this evening and was able to apply my pin code. I ended up having to upgrade to Pool View and only saved $100 bucks, but oh well! If there is somehow a better deal that comes out I can apply that instead, correct?

 

[Candycane83]

lol I find buffets a lot less easier to NOT overeat because I am serving myself. when someone puts a preplated dish in front of me I feel the need to see it empty. Also I make multiple trips and take a tiny bit of this and a tiny bite of that and do not overload my plates at all... making sure things never touch. This is not an OCD thing, it is a dieting trick. When I am dieting I do ok at buffets, I load up on salads and lean proteins at first and then i take one plate with a bite each of all of the more rich stuff and a bite of dessert. The problem is EVERYTHING ON DISNEY BREAKFAST BUFFETS LOOKS GOOD ARGH.

Hah I didn't know that was a dieting trick. I usually do that but not because of anything but preference. I normally don't eat as much as well, usually never my money's worth. I eat much more at family style or regular order from the menu restaurants, which is why I normally avoid buffets. Disney breakfasts though, would be an exception!

 

[Lisa F]

So I called back this evening and was able to apply my pin code. I ended up having to upgrade to Pool View and only saved $100 bucks, but oh well! If there is somehow a better deal that comes out I can apply that instead, correct?

yup. hey upgrade plus savings is awesome, that will buy a meal! If another deal comes along you can switch if available yes.

 

[Tattylou]

Dec 1 park hours are listed.

yup. hey upgrade plus savings is awesome, that will buy a meal! If another deal comes along you can switch if available yes.

I got an email with a code too. I'm staying at AoA so probably can't apply it there, but maybe I'll explore bumping up to mod if price is close.

 

[Lisa F]

Dec 1 park hours are listed.



I got an email with a code too. I'm staying at AoA so probably can't apply it there, but maybe I'll explore bumping up to mod if price is close.

just dec 1? not the rest of the month? what is the point? lol

They are obviously not correct though. showing AK closing at 5pm, pretty sure the nighttime stuff will be going by then. might not close at 11pm but should at least be open til 7 or something.

Also I am not expecting fantasmic or anything to be posted right away and wondering if HS hours are in flux as well. 7 seems early to close with fantasmic and the new fireworks show?

 

[Mintycake]

I see Dec 1 has EMH in the AM for Epcot. What are the chances that this pattern will remain the same for Thursday Dec 8?

 

[Lisa F]

I see Dec 1 has EMH in the AM for Epcot. What are the chances that this pattern will remain the same for Thursday Dec 8?

probably pretty decent. anything can happen but they have no real reason to shift the pattern right then. I would expect any shift to happen around xmas time going into the super slow january season.

 

[Mintycake]

probably pretty decent. anything can happen but they have no real reason to shift the pattern right then. I would expect any shift to happen around xmas time going into the super slow january season.

OK. That's our last full day at WDW and so I think I'm going to switch it to an Epcot day and take advantage of EMH. I know that a lot of touring plans say not to visit a park on EMH day but it seems odd to me not to take advantage of this? We are going to have an early dinner that day and then pack in the evening (and hope to catch some fireworks from the resort) as we fly out the next morning.

On a side note, it says that for Mickey's magical express, for international flights we need to leave 4 hours before our departure time. That seems ridiculous to me. As Canadians, can't we just get lumped in with domestic? 3 hours seems like plenty of time to get to Orlando airport. Here in TO, the recommendation is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a flight to the US (and that includes going through US customs here in Canada). Does it really take that long to drive to Orlando airport?

 

[21stamps]

Just got an e-mail offer for 30% during my dates! I called to have them apply it to my current reservations but was told that their system is down "going through enhancements". I'm worried if I wait too long that the offer will be gone, anyone have any encouraging words so that I don't go crazy. They suggested I call back tomorrow morning. I only worry because the email said it was limited.

OMG you are SO LUCKY!!!! CONGRATS!!!! I check my email every day for it. I'm holding out hope!

 

[Lisa F]

OK. That's our last full day at WDW and so I think I'm going to switch it to an Epcot day and take advantage of EMH. I know that a lot of touring plans say not to visit a park on EMH day but it seems odd to me not to take advantage of this? We are going to have an early dinner that day and then pack in the evening (and hope to catch some fireworks from the resort) as we fly out the next morning.

On a side note, it says that for Mickey's magical express, for international flights we need to leave 4 hours before our departure time. That seems ridiculous to me. As Canadians, can't we just get lumped in with domestic? 3 hours seems like plenty of time to get to Orlando airport. Here in TO, the recommendation is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a flight to the US (and that includes going through US customs here in Canada). Does it really take that long to drive to Orlando airport?

They say not to go on EMH morning days because the park is just busier that day because people at the resorts prioritize it. EMH is great but then later in the day the park is much more crowded. But with EMH and fast passes and then stuff that has little to no wait, you should be able to do everything you want regardless of crowds.

 

[21stamps]

So I called back this evening and was able to apply my pin code. I ended up having to upgrade to Pool View and only saved $100 bucks, but oh well! If there is somehow a better deal that comes out I can apply that instead, correct?

Oops, just read this. $100 on 30% off?? How much was the room upgrade? They must have reduced the percentage. Crazy. But- it's still "found" money


Meanwhile..I'm stalking the fall/winter DCL rates, and that's consuming my free time. So if people can provide updates to park hours on this thread it would be much appreciated!!! Somedays Disney just sucks too much life out of me, and I don't think that I like it much.

 

[Lisa F]

Oops, just read this. $100 on 30% off?? How much was the room upgrade? They must have reduced the percentage. Crazy. But- it's still "found" money


Meanwhile..I'm stalking the fall/winter DCL rates, and that's consuming my free time. So if people can provide updates to park hours on this thread it would be much appreciated!!! Somedays Disney just sucks too much life out of me, and I don't think that I like it much.

I have a 3 day hold on the 8 day bahamian out of NYC for 2017.

 

[jillyh]

I see Dec 1 has EMH in the AM for Epcot. What are the chances that this pattern will remain the same for Thursday Dec 8?

Actually if you look at last years Calendar - they did change the EMH pattern starting Dec 6th - which was the Sunday of the first full week of Christmas. And I don't think they keep parks open nearly as late as in Summer. I haven't looked to see what time sunset is 1st week of December, but I would think plenty dark enough for shows like Fantasmic by 7 or 7:30.

 

[21stamps]

I have a 3 day hold on the 8 day bahamian out of NYC for 2017.

So, I thought I had totally ruled out DCL after waiting months for their summer '17 pricing, and then watched in horror as I read the price for the itinerary I wanted for us- $13,200 for myself and my kid. I, surprisingly right?, decided to book another line for that itinerary, we're going on MSC for Iceland. I thought that we would be one and done after our upcoming Very Merrytime Cruise--but now that fall/winter rates are out, and the price on 2017 is LOWER than what I paid this year for that exact cruise!!

I want to try a Halloween themed next time, and am looking at a 7night Baja out of San Diego (long flight, but one of my closest friends lives there, so great excuse to visit!)...it's relatively reasonably priced!! And again, less expensive than our upcoming one!!!! My only hesitation is that it is on the Wonder. That ship looks pretty bland from what I've read, and not sure if my son would like it- although I've read a lot of good reviews...BUT, I have a slide obsessed child, and I'm scared it may be a let down after the Fantasy. I'd like to try the Magic, but the NY itineraries don't really work for me.

Edit- BOOKED! Omg I have too much planned for the next 18 months. I need to stop. Back to focusing on this trip now.

 

[Mintycake]

Actually if you look at last years Calendar - they did change the EMH pattern starting Dec 6th - which was the Sunday of the first full week of Christmas. And I don't think they keep parks open nearly as late as in Summer. I haven't looked to see what time sunset is 1st week of December, but I would think plenty dark enough for shows like Fantasmic by 7 or 7:30.

So what time would the fireworks be then at that time of year?

 

[jillyh]

Here's a link to last year's december calender put out for Travel Agents

http://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/ParkHours/WDWTravelAgent_DECEMBER.pdf

Looks like Illuminations 9:30 and Wishes 10pm

 

[21stamps]

Question regarding CP dinner packages-

I will be unavailable in late June and 1st few days of July.. If the packages are released at that time will they sell out?

I used a travel agent for this trip..will she be able to book for me worst case? (I'm way too much of a control freak for that, but may have no other choice)

 

[Lisa F]

So, I thought I had totally ruled out DCL after waiting months for their summer '17 pricing, and then watched in horror as I read the price for the itinerary I wanted for us- $13,200 for myself and my kid. I, surprisingly right?, decided to book another line for that itinerary, we're going on MSC for Iceland. I thought that we would be one and done after our upcoming Very Merrytime Cruise--but now that fall/winter rates are out, and the price on 2017 is LOWER than what I paid this year for that exact cruise!!

I want to try a Halloween themed next time, and am looking at a 7night Baja out of San Diego (long flight, but one of my closest friends lives there, so great excuse to visit!)...it's relatively reasonably priced!! And again, less expensive than our upcoming one!!!! My only hesitation is that it is on the Wonder. That ship looks pretty bland from what I've read, and not sure if my son would like it- although I've read a lot of good reviews...BUT, I have a slide obsessed child, and I'm scared it may be a let down after the Fantasy. I'd like to try the Magic, but the NY itineraries don't really work for me.

I am actually a castaway club gold member but all of my cruises were 2005 and before. I haven't cruised in 11 years! That's what happens when you have a child and then get a divorce I guess. I have never been on any of the newer ships (I keep wanting to call them boats, I live on an island and we live and die by the ferry and we always refer to that as a "boat" so it is hard shift for me to make).

The NY itinerary is appealing to me because it is mostly sea days and that is what i like about a cruise. Not sure I am so into all of the shore excursions with my kiddo. I have a hold on the 8 day cruise that includes the day at WDW (included in cost), CC and nassau. having been to the other caribbean locations they do not really interest me all that much as far as going with my kiddo. Europe is a different story but a $13k cruise is completely out of reach for me. I'm not sure I can swing this one and it is $3,600! (I definitely can but have been doing expensive disney trips every 2 years, not eveyr year)

But I think the options i'd look at would be a few days at WDW and then a few days on a cruise (so a 3 or 4 day) but the 8 day out of NY seems like a good alternative to that. only one day at disney instead of 3 but it really would be a more cruise focused vacation, which would be nice for a change. Whenever I cruised before my favorite days were the sea days, just so relaxing. But I don't need a $650 bill right now