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

[Lisa F]

I admire your concise priorities. That's definitely what I need to be focusing on (our priorities). Otherwise, I find I tend to be all the over the place with adding various things. There IS such a thing as too much, even for Disney, and I definitely don't want to to that! Sure wish the RoL info would become available soon!

I know, I had to let it go for my own sanity. There are so many big plans with the AK park and it was never my favorite to begin with that even if RoL opens and it is not buggy and it is gorgeous, I am ok with letting it go in favor of the things that I think my son would enjoy more. for an 8 year old boy I just think in prime star wars time that the star wars thing would be a big win over something that is more about light and atristry than excitement and fireworks. Illuminations is his favorite and we want to do it more than once, especially while staying at the boardwalk. If the AK and HS nighttime show things were later (like Illuminations was) I would drop one of the Illuminations days... but CA Grill is also on his list of "must do" also and with the earliest seating time at 5pm, that eliminates either AK or HS nighttime activities that night. It is quite the juggling act to fit everything in. He does not know about the star wars thing really... I mentioned it but it is very abstract to him at this point - his father took him to see the old star wars fireworks in february from outside the park and he was unimpressed... he said "it's just fireworks." He really loves the integrative shows with fireworks best, like his mom (Illuminations is my favorite as well) so I think with the special dessert party he would love star wars.

It is going to be hard for me if they release RoL info to just let it go. But I have to. if I had one more night or dropped HDDR I could do it all. I mean, I guess I could drop HDDR and add RoL dining package the last night with Tiffin. But I think he would really enjoy HDDR and we are staying at the Poly so it is pretty convenient. See now I am questioning again, lol. it is never ending!

 

[Lisa F]

It's our finale too! I hope it is as good as everyone says it is.

It is a fun time. I have not done it for years and years (maybe decades at this point lol, getting close at least) and I am not in the "we do it every year" camp but the show is fun and entertaining and the food is quite good (I love fried chicken, lol, almost booked it just for that ) and plentiful and the whole thing is very well paced.... not too long, not too short, not rushed during meal times or draggy during other itmes. I am doing it because I want to share it with my kiddo, I think it is unlike anything he's ever experienced (a live dinner show) but it would not necessarily be on my list for adults only. It is definitely worth doing without a doubt... but if I didn't have the kiddo with me I'd be making other nighttime choices, like Trader Sam's there is just so classic walt disney about the fort wilderness campground and the nature of the show. It's such a good and nostalgic time.

 

[Mintycake]

Yup, like everyone here, priorities are a big thing. I wish we could have stayed longer at Disney but my husband has limited vacation time and our deal on the resort was only good for 7 nights. I wish I had picked better flight times (like an early morning flight going in and a late departure on the last day) so we could have done more, but it was so frustrating to make the hotel booking (long story) that when we finally did and the flights popped up as an option to book, they were a pretty good deal so I booked them on the spot (and they're non refundable - boo - just saw WestJet now has a sale to Orlando so I'm a kinda kicking myself). I'm not about to pay $600 to change my flights to squeeze an extra day in at the park.

With us, because DD is a girly girl, our trip is very Princess focused. Our priorities are FEA, meeting all the princesses (Anna and Elsa #1 priority), and basically anything with princesses (So rides like Ariels in MK, Enchanted tales with Belle, and shows like the B&B and Frozen show at HS). She also is very excited about the mermaid makeover at pirates' league (we plan to visit Ariel at the Grotto after!) and some princess meals (Akershus, 1900 Park Fare). Meeting Joy and Sadness as well is a priority, and Mickey and Minnie (though we'll cover most of the characters through our character meals at Cape May, Ohanas). Seeing the Beasts Castle is something we all want to do, so we have our BOG reservations.

The Star Wars stuff is mainly for me and DH but my daughter waivers on if she likes it or not. She certainly likes Princess Leia and Padme (she has the prettiest dresses according to DD) from the movies (she hasn't had the patience to sit through Force awakens) but more again because they are Princesses. But she is excited to meet Chewbacca and trade with the Jawas.

Sadly we have no time/funds for other cool stuff I would have liked to do (Disney Springs, HDH, Xmas party, 1900 Park Fare Breakfast) but I'm overall really happy with our plans. Now if I could just bump my 'Ohana breakfast and 1900 Park Fare dinner a little later it would be perfect. I've got the Touring Plans finder on but so far no luck.

 

[Lisa F]

Yup, like everyone here, priorities are a big thing. I wish we could have stayed longer at Disney but my husband has limited vacation time and our deal on the resort was only good for 7 nights. I wish I had picked better flight times (like an early morning flight going in and a late departure on the last day) so we could have done more, but it was so frustrating to make the hotel booking (long story) that when we finally did and the flights popped up as an option to book, they were a pretty good deal so I booked them on the spot (and they're non refundable - boo - just saw WestJet now has a sale to Orlando so I'm a kinda kicking myself). I'm not about to pay $600 to change my flights to squeeze an extra day in at the park.

With us, because DD is a girly girl, our trip is very Princess focused. Our priorities are FEA, meeting all the princesses (Anna and Elsa #1 priority), and basically anything with princesses (So rides like Ariels in MK, Enchanted tales with Belle, and shows like the B&B and Frozen show at HS). She also is very excited about the mermaid makeover at pirates' league (we plan to visit Ariel at the Grotto after!) and some princess meals (Akershus, 1900 Park Fare). Meeting Joy and Sadness as well is a priority, and Mickey and Minnie (though we'll cover most of the characters through our character meals at Cape May, Ohanas). Seeing the Beasts Castle is something we all want to do, so we have our BOG reservations.

The Star Wars stuff is mainly for me and DH but my daughter waivers on if she likes it or not. She certainly likes Princess Leia and Padme (she has the prettiest dresses according to DD) from the movies (she hasn't had the patience to sit through Force awakens) but more again because they are Princesses. But she is excited to meet Chewbacca and trade with the Jawas.

Sadly we have no time/funds for other cool stuff I would have liked to do (Disney Springs, HDH, Xmas party, 1900 Park Fare Breakfast) but I'm overall really happy with our plans. Now if I could just bump my 'Ohana breakfast and 1900 Park Fare dinner a little later it would be perfect. I've got the Touring Plans finder on but so far no luck.

You are doing a lot of cool stuff that most people don't even know exists, lol. I'm not sure I knew half of that stuff existed! my kid is not into pirates (pirate this week at camp and he is not very interested in what to dress up in on Friday lol) so none of that special stuff appeals. He is into star wars but not completely obsessed. Loved the jedi training and wants to do it again. At some point adding more time becomes stressful and I am ready to come home... kiddo too. A week is the perfect time. I did stretch mine out by a day and we are flying Friday to Saturday and it gives us a full 7 days in the parks and 2 complete travel days. Much more would be too much for me and the kiddo I think as he would not be happier with a more relaxed pace.

 

[Candycane83]

Yup, like everyone here, priorities are a big thing. I wish we could have stayed longer at Disney but my husband has limited vacation time and our deal on the resort was only good for 7 nights. I wish I had picked better flight times (like an early morning flight going in and a late departure on the last day) so we could have done more, but it was so frustrating to make the hotel booking (long story) that when we finally did and the flights popped up as an option to book, they were a pretty good deal so I booked them on the spot (and they're non refundable - boo - just saw WestJet now has a sale to Orlando so I'm a kinda kicking myself). I'm not about to pay $600 to change my flights to squeeze an extra day in at the park.

With us, because DD is a girly girl, our trip is very Princess focused. Our priorities are FEA, meeting all the princesses (Anna and Elsa #1 priority), and basically anything with princesses (So rides like Ariels in MK, Enchanted tales with Belle, and shows like the B&B and Frozen show at HS). She also is very excited about the mermaid makeover at pirates' league (we plan to visit Ariel at the Grotto after!) and some princess meals (Akershus, 1900 Park Fare). Meeting Joy and Sadness as well is a priority, and Mickey and Minnie (though we'll cover most of the characters through our character meals at Cape May, Ohanas). Seeing the Beasts Castle is something we all want to do, so we have our BOG reservations.

The Star Wars stuff is mainly for me and DH but my daughter waivers on if she likes it or not. She certainly likes Princess Leia and Padme (she has the prettiest dresses according to DD) from the movies (she hasn't had the patience to sit through Force awakens) but more again because they are Princesses. But she is excited to meet Chewbacca and trade with the Jawas.

Sadly we have no time/funds for other cool stuff I would have liked to do (Disney Springs, HDH, Xmas party, 1900 Park Fare Breakfast) but I'm overall really happy with our plans. Now if I could just bump my 'Ohana breakfast and 1900 Park Fare dinner a little later it would be perfect. I've got the Touring Plans finder on but so far no luck.

Are you 3 in your party? Not sure if you've tried but try looking for a party of 4 for the ones you are looking for randomly and see what opens up. I find it especially true for character meals that sometimes there is no availability for 3 but there is better times for a party of 4.

 

[Mintycake]

You are doing a lot of cool stuff that most people don't even know exists, lol. I'm not sure I knew half of that stuff existed! my kid is not into pirates (pirate this week at camp and he is not very interested in what to dress up in on Friday lol) so none of that special stuff appeals. He is into star wars but not completely obsessed. Loved the jedi training and wants to do it again. At some point adding more time becomes stressful and I am ready to come home... kiddo too. A week is the perfect time. I did stretch mine out by a day and we are flying Friday to Saturday and it gives us a full 7 days in the parks and 2 complete travel days. Much more would be too much for me and the kiddo I think as he would not be happier with a more relaxed pace.

I think an extra day would have been perfect for us (we also have 2 full travel days - and we come home on a Friday which gives us the weekend to recover). The extra day would have given us a pool/DS day with the possibility of adding the Christmas party, but to be honest, when I booked this, I had no idea the Christmas party existed. I only found this board after I booked hotel and flight. But on the positive side I would gather that most people going to Disney are NOT on this board and so not privy to what we know. I didn't know about Pirates League but the cheeky CM I spoke to when making the kids club reservations tried to sell me on Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, and when I told her my daughter had no patience to having her hair styled she told me about the mermaid makeover at PL. Of course I had her on speaker phone and DD heard it so I had to book it after she started freaking out about it. It's only an hour and indoor so I figure a respite from the heat (we're booked at noon), and in Fronteirland so we can grab lunch after and then get settled to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade.

So quick question - how long will it take us to get from MK to Grand Floridian? we have a 6:10pm reservation at 1900 Park Fare and just wondering when I need to leave the park.

 

[Mintycake]

Are you 3 in your party? Not sure if you've tried but try looking for a party of 4 for the ones you are looking for randomly and see what opens up. I find it especially true for character meals that sometimes there is no availability for 3 but there is better times for a party of 4.

Yes we're 3. So what happens then if only 3 people show up for the reservation? Do you get charged the $10 no show fee?

 

[Lisa F]

I think an extra day would have been perfect for us (we also have 2 full travel days - and we come home on a Friday which gives us the weekend to recover). The extra day would have given us a pool/DS day with the possibility of adding the Christmas party, but to be honest, when I booked this, I had no idea the Christmas party existed. I only found this board after I booked hotel and flight. But on the positive side I would gather that most people going to Disney are NOT on this board and so not privy to what we know. I didn't know about Pirates League but the cheeky CM I spoke to when making the kids club reservations tried to sell me on Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, and when I told her my daughter had no patience to having her hair styled she told me about the mermaid makeover at PL. Of course I had her on speaker phone and DD heard it so I had to book it after she started freaking out about it. It's only an hour and indoor so I figure a respite from the heat (we're booked at noon), and in Fronteirland so we can grab lunch after and then get settled to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade.

So quick question - how long will it take us to get from MK to Grand Floridian? we have a 6:10pm reservation at 1900 Park Fare and just wondering when I need to leave the park.

I would give it a half hour. That is kind of "worst case scenario monorails being pokey but not downright out of commission". I'd be at the monorail stop a half hour before. If the monorail is really stopped and not running at all I have read that they are sympathetic about that. But honestly, I'd probably take the boat and not the monorail. The monorails seem to be breaking down a lot lately.

 

[Lisa F]

Yes we're 3. So what happens then if only 3 people show up for the reservation? Do you get charged the $10 no show fee?

nope, they seat 3 at a 4 top. It is only an issue if you book for 3 and show up with 4 as there are SOME that do have 3-top tables and they may not be able to accommodate. As long as someone shows you don't get the fee even if you reduce the party size on the spot.

 

[BDFmom]

I have a huge dilemma.... my DD really wanted a BOG dinner. I've been searching and searching and managed to get one at 6:20 on 12/2. But apparently that is a MVMCP night and we were not planning to attend.

There was no indication when I made the reservation or in the reservation itself that I needed a ticket for that reservation time. Unlike the CRT that I booked on 12/1 for 7:15 pm which clearly indicated that a party tickets were needed for the dinner.

I wrote an email in hopes of getting written clarification from Disney dinning.

Hoping for the best a second night at MVMCP is not in my budget.

 

[Candycane83]

I have a huge dilemma.... my DD really wanted a BOG dinner. I've been searching and searching and managed to get one at 6:20 on 12/2. But apparently that is a MVMCP night and we were not planning to attend.

There was no indication when I made the reservation or in the reservation itself that I needed a ticket for that reservation time. Unlike the CRT that I booked on 12/1 for 7:15 pm which clearly indicated that a party tickets were needed for the dinner.

I wrote an email in hopes of getting written clarification from Disney dinning.

Hoping for the best a second night at MVMCP is not in my budget.

I think just keep the reservation for now (if it does not indicate it in the email reservation that you need a ticket then they should honor your reservation). But keep on looking for something earlier! I'm sure something will pop up. I have seen a reservation for Dec 8 and Dec 10 pop up for 4:30 recently but I was too slow to pick it up.

 

[Candycane83]

I would give it a half hour. That is kind of "worst case scenario monorails being pokey but not downright out of commission". I'd be at the monorail stop a half hour before. If the monorail is really stopped and not running at all I have read that they are sympathetic about that. But honestly, I'd probably take the boat and not the monorail. The monorails seem to be breaking down a lot lately.

I agree with the boat suggestion. The monorail also takes a full loop, GF is the last stop before MK so it's almost the whole round. I think GF is the boat's first stop.

 

[Lisa F]

I have a huge dilemma.... my DD really wanted a BOG dinner. I've been searching and searching and managed to get one at 6:20 on 12/2. But apparently that is a MVMCP night and we were not planning to attend.

There was no indication when I made the reservation or in the reservation itself that I needed a ticket for that reservation time. Unlike the CRT that I booked on 12/1 for 7:15 pm which clearly indicated that a party tickets were needed for the dinner.

I wrote an email in hopes of getting written clarification from Disney dinning.

Hoping for the best a second night at MVMCP is not in my budget.

you are RIGHT on the border. I wonder if they would turn you away if you show up at like 6pm for your 6:20 ADR.

 

[Mintycake]

you are RIGHT on the border. I wonder if they would turn you away if you show up at like 6pm for your 6:20 ADR.

Given this information, I would call them to confirm. I thought they don't actually boot you out of the park until 7pm for the Christmas party.

 

[CynBeth]

do you know how far in advance you have to pay to get the extra 10% off?

There should always be a discount if you are an insider and another if you book online. I don't know if it is 10% exactly or not. We have booked with them far in advance if we saw a good price for midsize and other times it has been closer to the trip.

 

[Talby]

I know, I had to let it go for my own sanity. There are so many big plans with the AK park and it was never my favorite to begin with that even if RoL opens and it is not buggy and it is gorgeous, I am ok with letting it go in favor of the things that I think my son would enjoy more. for an 8 year old boy I just think in prime star wars time that the star wars thing would be a big win over something that is more about light and atristry than excitement and fireworks. Illuminations is his favorite and we want to do it more than once, especially while staying at the boardwalk. If the AK and HS nighttime show things were later (like Illuminations was) I would drop one of the Illuminations days... but CA Grill is also on his list of "must do" also and with the earliest seating time at 5pm, that eliminates either AK or HS nighttime activities that night. It is quite the juggling act to fit everything in. He does not know about the star wars thing really... I mentioned it but it is very abstract to him at this point - his father took him to see the old star wars fireworks in february from outside the park and he was unimpressed... he said "it's just fireworks." He really loves the integrative shows with fireworks best, like his mom (Illuminations is my favorite as well) so I think with the special dessert party he would love star wars.

It is going to be hard for me if they release RoL info to just let it go. But I have to. if I had one more night or dropped HDDR I could do it all. I mean, I guess I could drop HDDR and add RoL dining package the last night with Tiffin. But I think he would really enjoy HDDR and we are staying at the Poly so it is pretty convenient. See now I am questioning again, lol. it is never ending!

We need a name for this never-ending quest for our ideal (no such thing as pefect!) Disney trip---all the stalking of ADRs and second-guessing, lists and charts, and great idea after great ideal. How about Planomania? Disney Delirium? Lol...it's really fun planning but the second-guessing isn't as entertaining! I think the Star Wars Fireworks/dessert party sounds right up your and your son's alley!! And to have HDDR as your finale sounds amazing. You cannot go wrong with those! And, of course, your dining sounds equally incredible. I think you're good to go, girl! If RoL happens to fit in there somehow, great. But you have one fantastic-sounding vacation even if that doesn't come into the mix. I know exactly how it feels to want to get it "just right" though.

AK is a big part of our priorities; thus 2 AK days, Africa Trek and Boma breakfast at AKL. We all decided we NEED built-in relaxation time at the resort. We hit a huge wall--really hard!--on our 3rd day in 2013, so we've got that scheduled. My son really wanted Coral Reef, my daughter really wanted Teppan Edo, I really wanted CRT, and we all really wanted BOG and Cirque. IllumiNations x2 is a must for us (have never seen it!) and Wishes a couple of times as well. Of course, there are the favored FP's that we each want, as well as favorite characters to see. I figure, we've got the MUST HAVES covered, anything else is a bonus! You were so spot on when you mentioned that there is just too much to do in a week. I need to STOP the "planomania"!

 

[BDFmom]

you are RIGHT on the border. I wonder if they would turn you away if you show up at like 6pm for your 6:20 ADR.

My TA talked to Disney dinning.... they told her it should not be a problem and to arrive 15 minutes before the reservation time. Have our dinner and then we'll be escorted out of the park. YAY!

 

[Candycane83]

@Talby i agree with the planomania! I have to stop too. Right now I'm planning for MVMCP and Star Wars dessert party. Then hoping to see FoF, MSEP, illuminations and fantasmic (w/ dining package booked) at least once! Waiting for ROL too. Then, I have the holiday sleigh ride booked too for our non park day. We're there for 9 nights like you and hoping DS can cope... He normally sleeps at 9 so it's a little stretch from his normal sleep time so much plans so little time, not to mention it's hard to balance rest, taking everything in stride and maximizing what you can do.

 

[BDFmom]

Please someone stop me.... help me! Disney Planomania has me in it's grips! (Love that phrase @Talby )

I have just discovered specially cruises for Wishes or Illuminations... a private pontoon boat for 8 or 10ppl for ~$370. They include refreshments and light snacks. The cruise is booked for 1.5 hours.

The descriptions sounds amazing and incredible views of the Fireworks .


Now... I need to find a cruise to share...

Had anyone done this or be interested on nights between 11/26 to 12/5 (except 11/29 and 12/1)?

This is actually a better budget alternative to the SW dessert party.

 

[Lisa F]

Please someone stop me.... help me! Disney Planomania has me in it's grips! (Love that phrase @Talby )

I have just discovered specially cruises for Wishes or Illuminations... a private pontoon boat for 8 or 10ppl for ~$370. They include refreshments and light snacks. The cruise is booked for 1.5 hours.

The descriptions sounds amazing and incredible views of the Fireworks .


Now... I need to find a cruise to share...

Had anyone done this or be interested on nights between 11/26 to 12/5 (except 11/29 and 12/1)?

This is actually a better budget alternative to the SW dessert party.

I thought about posting something similar. I might be interested for 12/4 (sunday) but I only have two (one adult/one kid). POSSIBLY the 5th as well if the SW dessert party is available on 12/3.

I did it in 1998. So 18 years ago. I LOVE the international gateway bridge view, it is one of my favorites. No way I can justify that much for just the two of us though.