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

[Candycane83]

I didn't see the promotion on the regular Disney store (shop app is not available outside the US) but I checked out the magic bands available and the Dooney and Burke one is so nice (and expensive) lol! I'm wondering if I should splurge on that...

There are some that makes sounds right? I'm guessing those are not available in the website?

 

[Mintycake]

No, you don't get new MB you'll get the plastic cards that can be used at the kiosk to make the SDFP.

Gotham so you buy new mbs and set up new accounts on mde and register them when....Same day at the kiosk or can you do 30 days ahead like off site?

 

[Candycane83]

Gotham so you buy new mbs and set up new accounts on mde and register them when....Same day at the kiosk or can you do 30 days ahead like off site?

You can still use the plastic cards for SDFP I think, same day at the kiosk.

 

[Mintycake]

I didn't see the promotion on the regular Disney store (shop app is not available outside the US) but I checked out the magic bands available and the Dooney and Burke one is so nice (and expensive) lol! I'm wondering if I should splurge on that...

There are some that makes sounds right? I'm guessing those are not available in the website?

Not sure but @Candycane83 since we are both in Toronto maybe we could pool our order to get free shipping?

 

[Mintycake]

If anyone is interested in an additional magic band, the shop parks app is currently running a 15% off promotion! It has a large variety. I've also found magic bands are typically excluded from many promos if you read the fine print. I've only successfully used the AP 10% off and my friend has used 10% off for DVC. View attachment 188684

I don't think we can get this in Canada. I'm headed to the Disney store next week and will ask.

 

[BDFmom]

You can still use the plastic cards for SDFP I think, same day at the kiosk.

You can only use the plastic tickets if they are not linked to your reservation. Assuming they are unlinked then on all non party days they can be used at the kiosk for SDFP. From my understanding you'll only be able to make the 30 FP reservation for the party night. You can only make 30/60 day FP reservations that have a valid ticket attached.

I am by no means an expert and have never tried any of this before.... that's just what I understand from the SDFP thread.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/everything-sdfp-second-set-fp-long-faq.3520747/

 

[Talby]

You can only use the plastic tickets if they are not linked to your reservation. Assuming they are unlinked then on all non party days they can be used at the kiosk for SDFP. From my understanding you'll only be able to make the 30 FP reservation for the party night. You can only make 30/60 day FP reservations that have a valid ticket attached.

I am by no means an expert and have never tried any of this before.... that's just what I understand from the SDFP thread.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/everything-sdfp-second-set-fp-long-faq.3520747/

Oh my goodness, I have been looking for this thread! Thanks a bunch!

 

[Candycane83]

Not sure but @Candycane83 since we are both in Toronto maybe we could pool our order to get free shipping?

Unfortunately, we can't get free shipping in Canada. I tried this and it's a no go, shipping just gets more expensive after you spend 50... If I'm missing something and was doing this wrong, let me know, I'm open to any ways of reducing shipping costs!

 

[Talby]

So we've talked a lot about FP, ADRs, and touring styles. We're speculating and (sorta) patiently waiting for the release of December park times and nighttime activity schedules. We've even planned a Star Wars PAR-TAY (it will forever be that to me now thanks to @Lisa F! lol) Here's what I've been thinking about lately. There's a thread somewhere about the little must-dos you have at Disney, and it got me wondering if this great group has any? Those little things that are special to you or that are considered must-dos?

I think it was in that thread that I learned about Talking Mickey, so he's on our list to see. I want to have a silhouette made of my kids on Main Street. We definitely have some new-to-us snacks we want to try. I'm giddy about it snowing on Main Street during MVMCP. First MK ride must be Splash Mountain and the last must be Space Mountain. On our last trip, we had this family hug moment at the end of Wishes on our last night right before exiting MK and looking back at the castle that is a special memory and we will be we repeating that this trip.

What are some of your "little" things (often some of the best things!) or must-dos for you and your family/travel group?

 

[Talby]

@Mintycake and @Candycane83 Is it just shipping from Disney to Canada that makes it expensive? In other words, if Disney shipped to me and then I shipped to you, would that make any sort of difference in the cost? I'm in Michigan if you didn't know.

 

[BDFmom]

When my kids were little a must-do was the wonderland tea at the GF. It's not a widely advertised event. The kids go solo and have tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter. While the kids enjoyed their tea I would go and get a massage.

Now... we don't have any in particular. I'm not sure I will even be able to ride small world this year. It was my Mom's favorite ride and have memories from all the way back to 1978.... She passed almost five years ago. I have to call Disney a few weeks ago while on hold they played the song. I broke down in tears....

 

[Candycane83]

@Mintycake and @Candycane83 Is it just shipping from Disney to Canada that makes it expensive? In other words, if Disney shipped to me and then I shipped to you, would that make any sort of difference in the cost? I'm in Michigan if you didn't know.

That's so nice! Thanks so much for the offer, I'm so touched. I'm actually not sure at all if it's because shipping to Canada is expensive in general or if it's because Disney considers it international shipping. The problem is after the purchase, there's still duties to pay on the purchase too depending on how much it is and it all adds up to too much money for me so I'll think I'll try being patient and wait until I get to Disney to buy another MB if ever...?

 

[Candycane83]

Hmm the little things I would like to include... I think I have a bit of that
The talking Mickey is on my list too! Riding the Main Street vehicle, move it shake it party, want to see a little of the entertainment at Disney springs, seeing some of the santas around Epcot, hoping to catch some of the regular shows at WS too. Generally for us everything will be new for us with DS2 so I'm looking forward to everything I just hope DS2 likes Disney as much as I do!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hmm the little things I would like to include... I think I have a bit of that
The talking Mickey is on my list too! Riding the Main Street vehicle, move it shake it party, want to see a little of the entertainment at Disney springs, seeing some of the santas around Epcot, hoping to catch some of the regular shows at WS too. Generally for us everything will be new for us with DS2 so I'm looking forward to everything I just hope DS2 likes Disney as much as I do!

We were at WDW in December of 2013 and there were so many Christmas things to see in Epcot that we never got to do them all. This time we plan to spend more time there. No other park had as many Christmas themed activities as Epcot. And the chocolate carousel in the Beach Club lobby is amazing. It smells good, too. This time we want to see the train set up in the Yacht Club lobby and the gingerbread thing at the BWI.

 

[Candycane83]

We were at WDW in December of 2013 and there were so many Christmas things to see in Epcot that we never got to do them all. This time we plan to spend more time there. No other park had as many Christmas themed activities as Epcot. And the chocolate carousel in the Beach Club lobby is amazing. It smells good, too. This time we want to see the train set up in the Yacht Club lobby and the gingerbread thing at the BWI.

Oh that's so great to hear! Is there anything in particular in Epcot you can recommend or liked more than others? visiting the different resorts is on our list too!

 

[Talby]

When my kids were little a must-do was the wonderland tea at the GF. It's not a widely advertised event. The kids go solo and have tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter. While the kids enjoyed their tea I would go and get a massage. Now... we don't have any in particular. I'm not sure I will even be able to ride small world this year. It was my Mom's favorite ride and have memories from all the way back to 1978.... She passed almost five years ago. I have to call Disney a few weeks ago while on hold they played the song. I broke down in tears....

Lovely must-do for your kids when they were little! A massage anytime is fabulous, but must have been out of this world to have one at Disney! I'm truly very sorry about your mom, BDFmom.

That's so nice! Thanks so much for the offer, I'm so touched. I'm actually not sure at all if it's because shipping to Canada is expensive in general or if it's because Disney considers it international shipping. The problem is after the purchase, there's still duties to pay on the purchase too depending on how much it is and it all adds up to too much money for me so I'll think I'll try being patient and wait until I get to Disney to buy another MB if ever...?

Oh man...there's that 'patience' word again! lol Good plan if you do decide to get the MBs. I love your list of little things. Seeing it all through DS2's eyes is going to be it's own kind of magic.

I keep reading about the Chinese acrobats in Epcot. @Wood Nymph (or anyone else too) have you seen them?

 

[Mintycake]

@Mintycake and @Candycane83 Is it just shipping from Disney to Canada that makes it expensive? In other words, if Disney shipped to me and then I shipped to you, would that make any sort of difference in the cost? I'm in Michigan if you didn't know.

Aw thanks so much for the offer @Talby ! I think if I do employ this strategy (I just read the thread on SDFP and I am a little overwhelmed) I may just buy the magic bands at the resort since I can't use them before same day anyway. Honestly it seems like a complex operation and I'm not sure it's totally worth it given the time of year we're going. I'm looking at minimum $40 US (about $55 canadian) to do this strategy with plain bands - I'm really not sure if it is worth adding another stressor. I mean, once you use up your FP for the day on your normal bands, you have the option to add more. It seems at MK this is pretty easy to do? Not sure about the other parks so much?

 

[Iowamomof4]

Aw thanks so much for the offer @Talby ! I think if I do employ this strategy (I just read the thread on SDFP and I am a little overwhelmed) I may just buy the magic bands at the resort since I can't use them before same day anyway. Honestly it seems like a complex operation and I'm not sure it's totally worth it given the time of year we're going. I'm looking at minimum $40 US (about $55 canadian) to do this strategy with plain bands - I'm really not sure if it is worth adding another stressor. I mean, once you use up your FP for the day on your normal bands, you have the option to add more. It seems at MK this is pretty easy to do? Not sure about the other parks so much?

I've read through some of the SDFP thread and it just doesn't feel worth it to me. I do happen to have one magic band that isn't tied to anyone, so I could conceivably create a new profile for that one and just try it out. We'll see.

 

[Mintycake]

So we've talked a lot about FP, ADRs, and touring styles. We're speculating and (sorta) patiently waiting for the release of December park times and nighttime activity schedules. We've even planned a Star Wars PAR-TAY (it will forever be that to me now thanks to @Lisa F! lol) Here's what I've been thinking about lately. There's a thread somewhere about the little must-dos you have at Disney, and it got me wondering if this great group has any? Those little things that are special to you or that are considered must-dos?

I think it was in that thread that I learned about Talking Mickey, so he's on our list to see. I want to have a silhouette made of my kids on Main Street. We definitely have some new-to-us snacks we want to try. I'm giddy about it snowing on Main Street during MVMCP. First MK ride must be Splash Mountain and the last must be Space Mountain. On our last trip, we had this family hug moment at the end of Wishes on our last night right before exiting MK and looking back at the castle that is a special memory and we will be we repeating that this trip.

What are some of your "little" things (often some of the best things!) or must-dos for you and your family/travel group?

Ah I love this!
Well, some of my favorite memories from my last long ago trip to Disney are now gone (Mr. Toads, original Snow White Ride, 20,000 leagues under the sea, Maelstrom)....so for nostalgia I want to see the Enchanted Tiki Room (I just love this so much, I don't know why), Small World, and The Land at Epcot. I think the Figment ride has changed from the original (correct me if I'm wrong?) I guess the cool thing is so much will be new for me it will be almost like a first time trip!

Little/special things...Mickey mouse ears hat for my daughter - I had one when I went long ago so I want to get her one. How do you get them to stay on their heads though I wonder? bobby pins? Dole whip - because I've never had one and I love pineapple. Fireworks - because my parents never wanted to stay for them so I've never seen them.

My dd meeting the princesses (she is a smart kid so not sure if she'll buy into that they're "real" - she has already asked me why they don't seem to age e.g. the Snow White movie came out a long time ago so why is Snow White still young? I just said "Disney Magic"). Letting DD buy something special for herself at the parks - she's been saving money since January doing chores, selling old toys and clothes to consignment, saving birthday and tooth fairy money - she puts it all in a Disney jar and is super proud she can get something herself. I know she wants an "Anger" doll from Inside Out so I hope they will have it at the park (we don't have time for a trip to Disney Springs). Ice cream on the Boardwalk. So many things!

 

[Talby]

Personally, SDFP isn't something we're going to utilize. Not a judgement by any means! I mean, I'm the mom who is taking my HS senior and 8th grader out of school for 6 days for this 10-day vacation. This, according to some, means my parenting is questionable because I don't value my children's education. Live and let live, I say. It's mostly about not wanting to think very hard!