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

[Lisa F]

I haven't participated in this thread in a long time. It really moves fast. Anyway, we were booked at the BC for Dec 3rd to 7th and our travel agent sent an email with an offer of a free upgrade to the Grand Floridian. It turns out they have overbooked the BC and need to move some people out. DH and I jumped at the chance to stay at the Grand at Christmas time for a really low price. Now we are once again excited about our December trip. We haven't stayed at the GF since it was first opened in 1988, so it is almost like a new resort for us.

wow awesome news for you!!!!!! I stayed at the grand on my honeymoon in 1998 (divorced now). In concierge even. I thought $500 a night was CRAZY for concierge with castle view, I can't imagine what it is now!!!

 

[Talby]

I haven't participated in this thread in a long time. It really moves fast. Anyway, we were booked at the BC for Dec 3rd to 7th and our travel agent sent an email with an offer of a free upgrade to the Grand Floridian. It turns out they have overbooked the BC and need to move some people out. DH and I jumped at the chance to stay at the Grand at Christmas time for a really low price. Now we are once again excited about our December trip. We haven't stayed at the GF since it was first opened in 1988, so it is almost like a new resort for us.

Oh wow, that's fantastic! GF is positively stunning at Christmas time! We plan on resort hopping a bit--sometimes for a meal and other times so we can see the beautiful Christmas decor.

 

[Winniebell10]

you haven't missed anything as far as news or anything being released. Just a lot of banter and me talking too much, lol.

I always rent a car because I can't deal with not being in charge of my own destiny... which is shorthand for I hate to wait and I hate buses. We are splitting the stay between BWV and Poly with Epcot/HS stuff while at BWV and MK at Poly so minimal bus but we are going to AK and to DS and to dinners at resorts other than ours so the car it is.

But if you are more patient than I am you should do just fine. It's free and convenient and run like a well oiled machine. You need to leave 3 hours before your flight at a minimum I think and it can take a while to get to your resort but if you're not in a super rush it's fine.

That's what I was wondering....the part about it taking a while. Do the buses take long to load? Or is it lots of stops to your resort? The bus service looks cool, but I'm really scared of feeling trapped. I'm fine with buses to Hollywood and AK from resort, just know we'll really be ready to go once we get to Orlando airport.

Back to the buses though, all of our ADR's are not requiring a car. Except Sanaa and thinking of just getting a cab to that if we end up flying. We've flown 2 other times and done a car service. Liked it a lot. Not very expensive either and they made a stop at a grocery really fast so we could get waters and a few things. May do that instead of buses.

Oh and @Lisa F, you never talk too much! I appreciate all the talking you do!! You're very helpful.

 

[etzmn123]

If your flights are booked on Southwest, remember to check to see if the price has gone down! I've been checking periodically when I think about it and today saved $70 by rebooking our flight to MCO. Price went down to $71 and it was the only day of the entire month that was under $100!
Anyway, I forget about checking that sometimes so just a reminder to check!

 

[Lisa F]

If your flights are booked on Southwest, remember to check to see if the price has gone down! I've been checking periodically when I think about it and today saved $70 by rebooking our flight to MCO. Price went down to $71 and it was the only day of the entire month that was under $100!
Anyway, I forget about checking that sometimes so just a reminder to check!

for me the price has nearly doubled not sure if it will drop again but doubtful it will drop THAT much!

 

[Lisa F]

@Candycane83 @Mintycake and anyone else considering the star wars fireworks dessert party. What are you thinking of some of the mixed reviews lately? I know they are working out the kinks. I'm wondering if people have too high expectations. Someone said they feel like something else besides dessert should be offered - like a perk - but I was thinking, isn't that what the fireworks viewing is? Also I think how many people you are buying for affects your sense of value. For me and the kiddo it is a bit over $100 but if it were like nearly $300 for my family of 4 because the kids are disney adults I might feel differently about the value of it. Also I will have a few drinks... I know many do not and still pay the $69 (particularly minors). also the reports are so mixed on the viewing, some say there is not a bad spot because you can step back a bit and others say you are blocked if you're not tall and in front.

what are your thoughts?

 

[Candycane83]

If anyone is looking, looks like there are some room only discounts out for our dates now... Up to 20% only I think and not much availability for deluxe? Well I checked my dates only

 

[Candycane83]

@Lisa F I have seen the mixed reviews especially with folks who have children in their party. I think it is more crowded than we initially thought and although it would be covered as it is inside, I now think the outside set up is better. The problem is the setting of the entire show as yulilin3 said and i feel like I don't have a choice... It's either we watch the show through the dessert party or not at all. I don't think we can wait in a crowd for an hour nor can we go try for a last minute spot with a stroller. I would still strongly consider it as it looks like a really good show but as I will prepare myself not to expect as much from the party itself. (Basically paying not to wait for a spot and I hope there are washrooms at the launch bay!) I will also get out a little earlier to make sure we get a spot by the rope. It seems like this is very important for parents who have kids and or people who are shorter like me

 

[Lisa F]

@Lisa F I have seen the mixed reviews especially with folks who have children in their party. I think it is more crowded than we initially thought and although it would be covered as it is inside, I now think the outside set up is better. The problem is the setting of the entire show as yulilin3 said and i feel like I don't have a choice... It's either we watch the show through the dessert party or not at all. I don't think we can wait in a crowd for an hour nor can we go try for a last minute spot with a stroller. I would still strongly consider it as it looks like a really good show but as I will prepare myself not to expect as much from the party itself. (Basically paying not to wait for a spot and I hope there are washrooms at the launch bay!) I will also get out a little earlier to make sure we get a spot by the rope. It seems like this is very important for parents who have kids and or people who are shorter like me

she said they did cut back the number of people. it was 125 then 160 and now 140 I think. I will continue to read reviews and if we can find a nice, quiet spot to sit and have desserts and do some of the launch bay activities it should be fine. and yes early out to get a spot. but I hope everyone doesn't start doing that.

 

[Candycane83]

she said they did cut back the number of people. it was 125 then 160 and now 140 I think. I will continue to read reviews and if we can find a nice, quiet spot to sit and have desserts and do some of the launch bay activities it should be fine. and yes early out to get a spot. but I hope everyone doesn't start doing that.

Yup, that's the other problem, it seems like more and more people are doing this so I'm not entirely sure how early to get out now. Probably will know closer to our dates.

I think they will release a little more info soon enough. I'm hoping they would do it all in one shot, DHS, AK, evening shows and dining packages all at once! Lol being too optimistic of course.

 

[Lisa F]

Yup, that's the other problem, it seems like more and more people are doing this so I'm not entirely sure how early to get out now. Probably will know closer to our dates.

I think they will release a little more info soon enough. I'm hoping they would do it all in one shot, DHS, AK, evening shows and dining packages all at once! Lol being too optimistic of course.

I think though (if I understand correctly) that you can stand at the back of the roped off space and with that space between you and the crowd moving up you can get a better angle. but I'm not sure. it is too much to follow. Kiddo really wants to do it and as you said it seems like the only reasonable way to do this show so I think we will do it.

 

[Candycane83]

I think though (if I understand correctly) that you can stand at the back of the roped off space and with that space between you and the crowd moving up you can get a better angle. but I'm not sure. it is too much to follow. Kiddo really wants to do it and as you said it seems like the only reasonable way to do this show so I think we will do it.

M
I thought so too initially but it seems like you would still have a partially blocked view according to a review I saw? I'm not too sure but from the last reviews I read, seems important to get in front but there's still a possibility of being blocked despite...? Maybe I'm worrying too much. In any case, I'm sure you'll find a way to get the best experience out of it since you're decided already. I'm thinking the best way to approach this is to be as informed as possible.

 

[Iowamomof4]

@Lisa F We're ones who face the prospect of paying around $350 for the party (2 adults, 2 teens, 2 kids). My dh and I don't drink so we don't get that value for any of us. The mixed reviews do give me pause. If everyone starts heading out early to grab a spot, pretty soon no one will be eating anything and they'll either have to move the entire party back outside or... well, I don't know what they'll do. I'll be anxious to see what people think as we head into September and October.

 

[Lisa F]

@Lisa F We're ones who face the prospect of paying around $350 for the party (2 adults, 2 teens, 2 kids). My dh and I don't drink so we don't get that value for any of us. The mixed reviews do give me pause. If everyone starts heading out early to grab a spot, pretty soon no one will be eating anything and they'll either have to move the entire party back outside or... well, I don't know what they'll do. I'll be anxious to see what people think as we head into September and October.

I think you will need to book it quickly once it does come out and then cancel if you decide not to go. It is a lot of money to lay out though. What is it, $69/39? so for the kid and me it is $108 which is not a huge splurge (enough of those and it would add up). But if I were paying more than 3x that... not sure. I will have a couple of drinks but I have a lot tolerance and I am not looking to get plotzed while out with my kid at a disney park if you know what I mean. So even two expensive drinks (which these would not be) it would be $30 or so for the drinks at most, but probably closer to $20. To me it is more about the VIP experience and the kid's love of star wars.

 

[Iowamomof4]

I think you will need to book it quickly once it does come out and then cancel if you decide not to go. It is a lot of money to lay out though. What is it, $69/39? so for the kid and me it is $108 which is not a huge splurge (enough of those and it would add up). But if I were paying more than 3x that... not sure. I will have a couple of drinks but I have a lot tolerance and I am not looking to get plotzed while out with my kid at a disney park if you know what I mean. So even two expensive drinks (which these would not be) it would be $30 or so for the drinks at most, but probably closer to $20. To me it is more about the VIP experience and the kid's love of star wars.

Yep, we probably will have to book now (well, whenever it comes out) and decide later. It'll be interesting to see if they keep the same setup going. We are all Star Wars fans, but it's just a big chunk of money to put out for some of the headaches people have been complaining about. If it were just two of us, it would be a no-brainer! I bet the two of you will enjoy it a lot!

 

[Lisa F]

Yep, we probably will have to book now (well, whenever it comes out) and decide later. It'll be interesting to see if they keep the same setup going. We are all Star Wars fans, but it's just a big chunk of money to put out for some of the headaches people have been complaining about. If it were just two of us, it would be a no-brainer! I bet the two of you will enjoy it a lot!

I am a single mother so everything seems so pricey but at the same time I forget how much pricier it is for bigger families. yes the DxDDP is expensive but $577 for 4 nights does not seem that awful given I am getting 10 meals out of it for both of us (many signatures). but have it for 4 adults and 2 kids and you are in thousands. it does skew my perspective about what is worth it and what isn't.

 

[nicynot]

If anyone is looking, looks like there are some room only discounts out for our dates now... Up to 20% only I think and not much availability for deluxe? Well I checked my dates only

tried adjusting my stay at POFQ to POR today (Canadian discount) and the lady I spoke with said it seemed like it didn't load in the system correctly, that nothing comes up being able to book, and to check back in a day or so to see if I can apply/change it. I also checked on the website, just to play around, and I cannot find a room available in any delxues or mods, with or without a discount.. so their system is messed up a bit

 

[Candycane83]

tried adjusting my stay at POFQ to POR today (Canadian discount) and the lady I spoke with said it seemed like it didn't load in the system correctly, that nothing comes up being able to book, and to check back in a day or so to see if I can apply/change it. I also checked on the website, just to play around, and I cannot find a room available in any delxues or mods, with or without a discount.. so their system is messed up a bit

Ah that explains the very little availability I saw... I did see some with Canadian discounts and it disappears when I click on it. Not sure if it's because they had my address as Canada so that automatically pops up... But it wasn't the holiday 20% thing I clicked on and that confused me.

 

[Iowamomof4]

tried adjusting my stay at POFQ to POR today (Canadian discount) and the lady I spoke with said it seemed like it didn't load in the system correctly, that nothing comes up being able to book, and to check back in a day or so to see if I can apply/change it. I also checked on the website, just to play around, and I cannot find a room available in any delxues or mods, with or without a discount.. so their system is messed up a bit

Sure hope this is right. This discount stinks!

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

Well, the only day I don't get on the computer early and they have RO discounts. Of course, WL wasn't available this afternoon--a few tears have happened since I messed up. M gets home and I tell him and he tells me it's not a big deal and let's just book elsewhere for a much better deal (but it's not WL boohoo. Now staying at Coronado Springs for a $1500 difference (more shopping money!!!). That will help me get over it.