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

[Candycane83]

Pretty much. I figure I can't really tweak my ADRs anymore until I get FP+ and then figure it out. For example, I have 3 Akershus reservations on the same day (8:25am, 10:50am and 1:45pm) because I can't decide if I should keep the PPO and try to get in early (would the CMs even let me in before 8am if I have an 8:25am reservation?) and then go to FEA on standby (the downside is having to rush through the breakfast with the princesses), do I hit RD for FEA with the mob and then go back for brunch at Akershus, or RD and go back for lunch? I'm not concerned about the M&G anymore as it seems that it's pretty much 30 minutes max but the ride lines scare me. We are getting a FP+ for it on the first day but I feel like my DD will want to ride it again the next day and we want to use FP+ for soarin that day. Getting mixed reports with how the PPO Akershus strategy is working for people and combine that with the way that the ride is breaking down and well, you see why I'm anxious with a Frozen loving 6 year old!

LOL, it's hard to decide between the two especially when your daughter loves Frozen. I wonder it if it would be easier to RD Soarin and just do FEA for FPs? I think I saw somewhere that Soarin waits are not too bad in the evenings too? Not sure about that. I might do 1 FP for Soarin and do rider swap and 1FP for FEA and one of us can ride with DS2. Are you planning 2 full days at EPCOT?

 

[Maryemcd]

Hi all! Been lurking here for a couple of weeks and watching for ADR availability (frustrating!) while making plans. I am taking my 10-year-old nephew and leaving his parents (my sister and BIL) at home while we fly from PA to MCO. We're meeting my other sister who will also be flying in from her new home in Austin. We'll be in Orlando from December 2 through 7 and we're staying at Wyndham Cypress Palms (DS works for Wyndham). This is second trip for my nephew, but in November 2014 we only spent 2 days in WDW (all 4 parks, including MVMCP) because we spent the rest of the week at Legoland and Universal. We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast on that trip and then mostly snacks or food outside the park. Planning a few more character meals this time.

• Crystal Palace (currently have lunch and dinner booked, but will cancel one)
• Garden Grill (breakfast)
• Hollywood & Vine (dinner)
• Tusker House (early dinner)
• Akershus (dinner, might cancel)
• 1900 Park Fare (breakfast)

Planning on MVMCP *2 and have the Holiday Dessert Party booked for one of the nights.

Still waiting and watching for Early Morning Magic/Fantasyland, Star Wars Dessert Party, and Wild Africa Trek!!

Look forward to counting down with everyone! (149 days!)

~Mary

 

[Maryemcd]

And... I have to get to 10 postings before someone can PM me for any cancelled ADRs. I have a couple more to go.

 

[Wolfpack]

We didn't plan too much ADRs. We have Mama Melrose and Crystal Palace. We normal just snack our way around.

And yes I'm just waiting for fast passes too. At a planning stand still

 

[Candycane83]

Hi all! Been lurking here for a couple of weeks and watching for ADR availability (frustrating!) while making plans. I am taking my 10-year-old nephew and leaving his parents (my sister and BIL) at home while we fly from PA to MCO. We're meeting my other sister who will also be flying in from her new home in Austin. We'll be in Orlando from December 2 through 7 and we're staying at Wyndham Cypress Palms (DS works for Wyndham). This is second trip for my nephew, but in November 2014 we only spent 2 days in WDW (all 4 parks, including MVMCP) because we spent the rest of the week at Legoland and Universal. We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast on that trip and then mostly snacks or food outside the park. Planning a few more character meals this time.

• Crystal Palace (currently have lunch and dinner booked, but will cancel one)
• Garden Grill (breakfast)
• Hollywood & Vine (dinner)
• Tusker House (early dinner)
• Akershus (dinner, might cancel)
• 1900 Park Fare (breakfast)

Planning on MVMCP *2 and have the Holiday Dessert Party booked for one of the nights.

Still waiting and watching for Early Morning Magic/Fantasyland, Star Wars Dessert Party, and Wild Africa Trek!!

Look forward to counting down with everyone! (149 days!)

~Mary

Great line up of character meals! I think Akershus might not be too interesting for your nephew though. Oh and I saw someone on another thread (I think the December 2016 thread) say they called and was able to book the Wild Africa Trek. Maybe try calling?

 

[rasadkowski]

Great line up of character meals! I think Akershus might not be too interesting for your nephew though. Oh and I saw someone on another thread (I think the December 2016 thread) say they called and was able to book the Wild Africa Trek. Maybe try calling?

Hi all! Been lurking here for a couple of weeks and watching for ADR availability (frustrating!) while making plans. I am taking my 10-year-old nephew and leaving his parents (my sister and BIL) at home while we fly from PA to MCO. We're meeting my other sister who will also be flying in from her new home in Austin. We'll be in Orlando from December 2 through 7 and we're staying at Wyndham Cypress Palms (DS works for Wyndham). This is second trip for my nephew, but in November 2014 we only spent 2 days in WDW (all 4 parks, including MVMCP) because we spent the rest of the week at Legoland and Universal. We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast on that trip and then mostly snacks or food outside the park. Planning a few more character meals this time.

• Crystal Palace (currently have lunch and dinner booked, but will cancel one)
• Garden Grill (breakfast)
• Hollywood & Vine (dinner)
• Tusker House (early dinner)
• Akershus (dinner, might cancel)
• 1900 Park Fare (breakfast)

Planning on MVMCP *2 and have the Holiday Dessert Party booked for one of the nights.

Still waiting and watching for Early Morning Magic/Fantasyland, Star Wars Dessert Party, and Wild Africa Trek!!

Look forward to counting down with everyone! (149 days!)

~Mary

I'm new around here too And I've just had to change our dates by one day, so I am also looking to rebook some of ADRs! And I'm also really excited about the new EMM option! I hope that they will continue offering it into December!!

 

[Maryemcd]

Great line up of character meals! I think Akershus might not be too interesting for your nephew though. Oh and I saw someone on another thread (I think the December 2016 thread) say they called and was able to book the Wild Africa Trek. Maybe try calling?

Candycane83 --> THANK YOU!!
I had not seen anyone post that. I called and got the reservation for 8:00am on the day that I needed.
(I'm a techie and prefer dealing with customer service on the internet... I never would have called. You saved me from checking hundreds of more times.)

 

[Candycane83]

Candycane83 --> THANK YOU!!
I had not seen anyone post that. I called and got the reservation for 8:00am on the day that I needed.
(I'm a techie and prefer dealing with customer service on the internet... I never would have called. You saved me from checking hundreds of more times.)

You're very welcome! I obviously stalk these boards too much but very glad this info helped you!

 

[Wolfpack]

You're very welcome! I obviously stalk these boards too much but very glad this info helped you!

You are not alone with the stalking

 

[Lisa F]

Pretty much. I figure I can't really tweak my ADRs anymore until I get FP+ and then figure it out. For example, I have 3 Akershus reservations on the same day (8:25am, 10:50am and 1:45pm) because I can't decide if I should keep the PPO and try to get in early (would the CMs even let me in before 8am if I have an 8:25am reservation?) and then go to FEA on standby (the downside is having to rush through the breakfast with the princesses), do I hit RD for FEA with the mob and then go back for brunch at Akershus, or RD and go back for lunch? I'm not concerned about the M&G anymore as it seems that it's pretty much 30 minutes max but the ride lines scare me. We are getting a FP+ for it on the first day but I feel like my DD will want to ride it again the next day and we want to use FP+ for soarin that day. Getting mixed reports with how the PPO Akershus strategy is working for people and combine that with the way that the ride is breaking down and well, you see why I'm anxious with a Frozen loving 6 year old!

I know I've said this before but I would FP+ Frozen both days and RD Joy and Sadness one day, RD Soarin' the next day. With the third theater at Soarin' wait times have dropped significantly and with most people doing RD at Frozen, it is probably a much better strategy to RD the older ride. I'd do Soarin', living with the land and basically finish that pavilion then come back to check in early for your 10:25 breakfast. You have said your DD is picky and the reviews for breakfast there are by far better than for lunch or dinner, which seems more hit and miss or at least is far more subject to tastes than standard breakfast foods. Of course that relies on getting FP+ but I would go for a 12-1pm window on the day you have the akerhsus breakfast and you can do either the M&G before or after depending on what your timing looks like.

 

[Lisa F]

Hi all! Been lurking here for a couple of weeks and watching for ADR availability (frustrating!) while making plans. I am taking my 10-year-old nephew and leaving his parents (my sister and BIL) at home while we fly from PA to MCO. We're meeting my other sister who will also be flying in from her new home in Austin. We'll be in Orlando from December 2 through 7 and we're staying at Wyndham Cypress Palms (DS works for Wyndham). This is second trip for my nephew, but in November 2014 we only spent 2 days in WDW (all 4 parks, including MVMCP) because we spent the rest of the week at Legoland and Universal. We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast on that trip and then mostly snacks or food outside the park. Planning a few more character meals this time.

• Crystal Palace (currently have lunch and dinner booked, but will cancel one)
• Garden Grill (breakfast)
• Hollywood & Vine (dinner)
• Tusker House (early dinner)
• Akershus (dinner, might cancel)
• 1900 Park Fare (breakfast)

Planning on MVMCP *2 and have the Holiday Dessert Party booked for one of the nights.

Still waiting and watching for Early Morning Magic/Fantasyland, Star Wars Dessert Party, and Wild Africa Trek!!

Look forward to counting down with everyone! (149 days!)

~Mary

this is very similar to my list, lol. Except take out akershus and park fare (kid refuses to do anything with princesses and is not a fan of face characters in general) and add in Ohana breakfast. Also doing all breakfasts except for H&V. You know with CP there is no longer "lunch" or "dinner" - dinner starts at 11:30am and goes to close. Same price, same menu. Keep whatever time works for you.

I'm eagerly awaiting the star wars dessert party too!

 

[Lisa F]

And... I have to get to 10 postings before someone can PM me for any cancelled ADRs. I have a couple more to go.

I'm replying to you. reply to me and you are there, lol!

 

[Lisa F]

@Mintycake just FYI checked wait times on my phone. On a July (much busier than first week of december) Thursday at Epcot that had morning EMH this morning at 11am wait times for Soarin' was 45 minutes, and for Frozen was 60 minutes. Now at noon wait times for Soarin' is 60 minutes and Frozen is 90 minutes. I really do think more people will be RDing Frozen than Soarin' and if you want to do it both days I'd FP it both days. At epcot nothing but tier 1 really matters a bit.

 

[Mintycake]

LOL, it's hard to decide between the two especially when your daughter loves Frozen. I wonder it if it would be easier to RD Soarin and just do FEA for FPs? I think I saw somewhere that Soarin waits are not too bad in the evenings too? Not sure about that. I might do 1 FP for Soarin and do rider swap and 1FP for FEA and one of us can ride with DS2. Are you planning 2 full days at EPCOT?

Yes - sort of. Were planning to RD both days but not sure how close to RD we'll get on the one day as we have a Cape May breakfast at 7:30am. I figure if we're the first group at the restaurant, and it is buffet, we can be done by 8:15am or so, have a bathroom break, and head to IG and be there for 8:45am. That won't nearly get us near the front of the RD line but still close enough to enjoy early morning attractions.

I know I've said this before but I would FP+ Frozen both days and RD Joy and Sadness one day, RD Soarin' the next day. With the third theater at Soarin' wait times have dropped significantly and with most people doing RD at Frozen, it is probably a much better strategy to RD the older ride. I'd do Soarin', living with the land and basically finish that pavilion then come back to check in early for your 10:25 breakfast. You have said your DD is picky and the reviews for breakfast there are by far better than for lunch or dinner, which seems more hit and miss or at least is far more subject to tastes than standard breakfast foods. Of course that relies on getting FP+ but I would go for a 12-1pm window on the day you have the akerhsus breakfast and you can do either the M&G before or after depending on what your timing looks like.

@Lisa F that's actually quite brilliant. Even if we don't make it first thing, I'd guess the Soarin crowds close to RD won't be too bad. That way we're guaranteed (sort of) FEA which is the priority for my family. I'd just like to do Soarin because it looks cool. That way we can have our Akershus brunch nice and unhurried (and head over to the M&G then as well) - this plan sounds so much more relaxed.

What are your picks for Tier 2 at Epcot? I'm thinking character spot and Mission Space?

 

[Candycane83]

Yes - sort of. Were planning to RD both days but not sure how close to RD we'll get on the one day as we have a Cape May breakfast at 7:30am. I figure if we're the first group at the restaurant, and it is buffet, we can be done by 8:15am or so, have a bathroom break, and head to IG and be there for 8:45am. That won't nearly get us near the front of the RD line but still close enough to enjoy early morning attractions.

@Lisa F that's actually quite brilliant. Even if we don't make it first thing, I'd guess the Soarin crowds close to RD won't be too bad. That way we're guaranteed (sort of) FEA which is the priority for my family. I'd just like to do Soarin because it looks cool. That way we can have our Akershus brunch nice and unhurried (and head over to the M&G then as well) - this plan sounds so much more relaxed.

What are your picks for Tier 2 at Epcot? I'm thinking character spot and Mission Space?

I think mine would be nemo and character spot or spaceship earth.. we're going for maybe 3 half days to Epcot (park hopping). I really need to think about my FPs but so far I just keep tweaking my dining!!

 

[shh]

Does anyone know if you can really hear CP from outside of the theater?

Yes, and the outside area of the QS at the American is a great place to listen.

I've listened from here a couple of times in past years and we really enjoyed it. The only potential negative we've run into: really LOUD groups laughing and talking at high volumes, either sitting at tables right next to us in the American pavilion area or strolling by. We missed hearing several passages and narrator comments because of that.

I don't understand how they don't see that many people seated were clearly listening to the show and maybe lower their voices a tiny bit. But sadly, many people don't feel the need to be courteous these days - it's all about them and their vacation. You can ask, but you can't really tell them to quiet down because where you're sitting is not technically in the theater or performance area - it's just an outdoors QS dining area that has nothing to do with the show.

So just giving you the head's up so you're prepared and not aggravated - you just may have to move a couple of times during the show and find another spot if that happens. Or you may get lucky and have nice people nearby.

 

[Mintycake]

I think mine would be nemo and character spot or spaceship earth.. we're going for maybe 3 half days to Epcot (park hopping). I really need to think about my FPs but so far I just keep tweaking my dining!!

we're planning our first day do get close to RD (the Cape May breakfast day) and we will go till about noon, take a break back at the hotel, and then return in the late afternoon for more rides, dinner and for illuminations (not sure if that's worth a FP+?) Day 2 we plan to RD again (this is the multiple Akershus reservation day) where I think I'll take @Lisa F 's advice and RD Soarin or Joy/Sadness (depending on who we RD the 1st day). We'll leave the park early at 3pm and likely not come back as that's the night DD is at Sandcastle club - so not sure if a "break" would work unless we did it early around 11am and then we came back for a couple of hours at 2pm (that only works if we do the Akershus PPO at 8:25am). We have to factor in the Akershus brunch that will likely take at least an hour (at 10:50am). So we may leave right after or she might want to do M&G again. Also depends on when we can FP FEA. She has to be at the club by 5:30pm at the latest as that's when they do the food order. We'll need to tweak dining but I think we might just go to Beaches and Cream for our date night and then head back to Epcot to see WS (which I'm not sure if DD will like or not, I have a feeling we may just head to Mexico and Norway with her).

 

[Lisa F]

we're planning our first day do get close to RD (the Cape May breakfast day) and we will go till about noon, take a break back at the hotel, and then return in the late afternoon for more rides, dinner and for illuminations (not sure if that's worth a FP+?) Day 2 we plan to RD again (this is the multiple Akershus reservation day) where I think I'll take @Lisa F 's advice and RD Soarin or Joy/Sadness (depending on who we RD the 1st day). We'll leave the park early at 3pm and likely not come back as that's the night DD is at Sandcastle club - so not sure if a "break" would work unless we did it early around 11am and then we came back for a couple of hours at 2pm (that only works if we do the Akershus PPO at 8:25am). We have to factor in the Akershus brunch that will likely take at least an hour (at 10:50am). So we may leave right after or she might want to do M&G again. Also depends on when we can FP FEA. She has to be at the club by 5:30pm at the latest as that's when they do the food order. We'll need to tweak dining but I think we might just go to Beaches and Cream for our date night and then head back to Epcot to see WS (which I'm not sure if DD will like or not, I have a feeling we may just head to Mexico and Norway with her).

YMMV but I planned breaks and my kiddo was NOT interested in taking them at all. I forced it one day and we laid in the dark trying to get him to nap and he was quivering with excitement the whole time and I gave it up after that. So if you're leaving at 3pm I definitely would not want to try to work a break in there, it's not a super long day to begin with.

Yes - sort of. Were planning to RD both days but not sure how close to RD we'll get on the one day as we have a Cape May breakfast at 7:30am. I figure if we're the first group at the restaurant, and it is buffet, we can be done by 8:15am or so, have a bathroom break, and head to IG and be there for 8:45am. That won't nearly get us near the front of the RD line but still close enough to enjoy early morning attractions.

@Lisa F that's actually quite brilliant. Even if we don't make it first thing, I'd guess the Soarin crowds close to RD won't be too bad. That way we're guaranteed (sort of) FEA which is the priority for my family. I'd just like to do Soarin because it looks cool. That way we can have our Akershus brunch nice and unhurried (and head over to the M&G then as well) - this plan sounds so much more relaxed.

What are your picks for Tier 2 at Epcot? I'm thinking character spot and Mission Space?

This is where I excel, lol. Seriously, not to toot my own horn or anything but I think our trip last time was so amazing because I just had a really good flow to the trip. everything felt natural, not a whole lot of waiting etc. And I was REALLY rusty with trip planning and unaccustomed to the new FP+ system at the time so I actually ended up making a lot of changes on the fly as I got my groove on. I strive for a plan with some must dos but enough flexibility with the other stuff kind of close by to fill in. it really does make a difference in how relaxed the trip feels to do that. My head is not really there yet though but offhand (since I have 2 epcot days) I would say for one I will be booking Soarin' and RD TT and for the other I will be booking Frozen and RD Soarin' (on this day we have a 10am GG so will rope drop soarin' and living with the land if there is time or just show up early for breakfast if not). Soarin' is my kid's favorite attraction.

So I haven't given it much thought or research but these are my first pass FP+ without giving thought to time and order of preference, not chronological order. This is also for my "first choice" plan, I'm hoping to not have to go to the backup (have ADRs for it but haven't thought it all the way through)

12/3 AK
9:45am TH breakfast
FP+:
Kiliminjaro Safari
Dinosaur
Primeval Whirl
Standby:
Festival of the Lion King
Wonders of Flight
Finding Nemo
3:00pm Y&Y
HOPING for Star Wars fireworks & Dessert party

12/4 DHS
RD: Jedi Training Academy, Great Movie Ride
11:15am Sci Fi Dine in
FP+
Toy Story Mania
ToT (my kid does not want to go on this again either but I may try to talk him into it as I love it)
Star Tours
Standby/4th FP+:
Indiana jones Stunt Spectacular
Muppets 3D
5:00pm CA Grill Dinner
Illuminations from International Gateway Bridge


12/5 Epcot
RD: Test Track
11:35am Coral Reef w/CP package
FP+
Soarin'
Spaceship Earth
Mission: space
Standby/4th FP+:
rest of future world
baymax, J&S etc
5pm CP
6:45 La Hacienda Dinner
mexico
stake out spot for Illuminations
Illuminations near mexico

12/6 down day, HS for dinner and F!,won't be at the parks before 4pm or so
FP+
Illuminations for later
4:30 H&V w/F!
Fantasmic!
Illuminations FP+ viewing area

12/7 Epcot/ switch to poly / MK
RD:Soarin', Living with the Land
10:00am Garden Grill
FP+
Frozen
Spaceship Earth **
Journey Into Imagination **
** these two will be in play for being changed on the fly depending on standby times and where we are
leave Epcot around 2:30-3pm, drive to Poly, get room, freshen up for dinner
5:05pm Narcoossees
4th FP+ at MK, whatever I can get that is on our list to do, hopefully space mountain
MK for MSEP, Wishes and extra magic hours til midnight

12/8 down day/ MVMCP
9:35AM Boma Breakfast
MAYBE go to AK if there is anything we missed and feel like we need to do but UNLIKELY
Pool day (Lava Pool at Poly)
3:30PM Ohana
FP+

12/9 MK
9:50am Crystal palace
FP+ list (for previous two days as well - 1 wednesday and 2 thursday):
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain (back to back with BTMRR)
Big Thunder Mountain RR (back to back with Splash Mountain)
7DMT
Peter Pan's flight
Pirates of the Caribbean

4th FP+: maybe parade viewing on last day, we'll see how i feel about it and what is available, or any rides we missed or want to do again... if there are none and we are really just winding down we'll FP the parade
6:15pm HDDR
Wishes from the room hopefully

This is my total first pass at this, I'm sure there will be major tweaking once I actually look at actual times and flow. Also my child does NOT like to wait for characters and the only ones we waited for on our last trip were buzz and woody. Everyone else we just skipped or saw at character meals (we had three - CP, Ohana, TH - we are adding H&V and GG). We may do some star wars characters, we may do baymax, we may do others if there are no long waits. In February he did all of these with his dad and there were no waits really. We are doing a lot more character meals so I suspect maybe just baymax and star wars peeps.

Yes we are seeing Illuminations 3x. it is our favorite show and we are staying at BWV all of those nights. with the other parks except MK closing so early it makes it a good time to catch it more than once.

 

[Mintycake]

Quick question, when you do your resort switch, how early are you going to have to do that since you're RD on 12/7? How are you going to check in? or is it automatic since you're DVC? Just curious.

 

[Lisa F]

Quick question, when you do your resort switch, how early are you going to have to do that since you're RD on 12/7? How are you going to check in? or is it automatic since you're DVC? Just curious.

We are right there at BWV, so we're going to drop bags at bell services, grab a snack from boardwalk bakery (last day on DDP) and be at the international gateway by 8:45, leave around 2:30-3ish probably and walk back out the international gateway and get our car and drive to the Poly. I want to check in at the Grand Ceremonial House in person so we can get our lei's and I can try to get a 3rd floor room if we are not assigned it already (maybe if I have a great room I might skip that step - I do have lake view guaranteed!) and get luggage delivered, wash faces and brush hair before going to narcoossees. Since we are going to the park after there may or may not be a clothing change, but probably not assuming my child has not messed up his clothing with other meals.

You can do automatic check in through the website and I should be texted with my room number when it is ready.