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

[areno79]

@Lisa F Anything in here pique your/your son's interest?

http://www.magicyourband.com/index.php/magicband-skins/christmas-holidays-magicband-skins.html



And this very well could be my issue. I might try that; put it on the back burner for a little bit then revisit it with a rested brain! I love the planning so, so much but admittedly there are times I get overwhelmed by it.

I think this is my problem too, @Talby ; my mind just gets so overwhelmed with the details that I'm making it harder to comprehend. I pretty much get the gist of the SDFP; it's the MB's that are throwing me off. DH isn't keen on me buying more MB's either, but he doesn't do any of the planning so ultimately it's not up to him.
We already picked out our skins on the MYB site

 

[areno79]

Oh, and as for our must do's/nostalgia moments...we always go to Chef Mickey's for dinner; every trip. People say the food is awful, but for us it's a ritual. (And pretty sure those potatoes have crack in them...I could just eat those!)
I will cry at Wishes; I do every time; even watching Youtube videos of it makes me cry.
I will go on IASW and will cry, even though the music drives DH crazy and he thinks it's corny. When I was a kid my Nana took me to DL and she loved that ride so we rode it a bunch of times in a row. Every trip to WDW I took since I was grownup I'd call her before the ride to tell her I was going on it; it was one of "our things." This will be our first trip since she passed away of cancer in 2013, so I'm pretty sure the first time (and every time) I ride it I'll bawl like a baby.
We also love to ride the train around MK and people watch in the afternoon, as well.
This will be our first trip at Christmas, so we're both really excited to see the decorations, and just soak in the Christmas spirit.

 

[Candycane83]

Lisa, those pictures of your son are adorable.

We saw two of the storytellers last time, but I would like to see them all if possible. I also completely forgot to check out the different Christmas trees that are supposed to be in each country. I want to take the time to see them this trip. We enjoyed the singing group that sang in front of that big fountain near the Electric Umbrella. And we like to listen to the Candlelight Processional while sitting in front of the American Pavilion, watching people go by. We would never have the patience to stand in line to get into the sitting area, so standing outside has to be good enough for us. If the Candlelight Processional dinner package guaranteed you a seat without waiting in line, then I might consider it. But to sell the package without guaranteeing you a seat is just wrong.

We've never stopped to watch them, only kind of looked at them if they were performing as we walked by. We really need to stop one day. I've slowly been able to get my husband to stop and watch more of the shows. He tends to want to just walk around.

I'm one step closer to booking my ADR's for this trip. I just made an ADR for Tony's for lunch on our arrival day. When we stay at an Epcot resort we like to go into Epcot and get Yorkshire Fish and Chips. When we stay in the MK area we usually go into the MK. And we haven't eaten at Tony's in years but it sounded like a good option.

I didn't know they have a tree at every country! Thank you for the info!! love the idea of visiting each country, seeing the Santa and taking a picture!

I like the idea of listening to the candlelight processional outside too. Can't pay for the package since I don't think my son would sit still for that or wait in line for it.

 

[Lisa F]

I think this is sideways... I'm on my phone... but this just happened. was dying to try this and also figured $8.99 for a 4 pint pack was less investment than $9.50 + tax and tip at Biergarten. omg YUM. I love successful scientific endeavors!

 

[Lisa F]

Ok.....took me a while to read the SDFP thread, and when done I ordered 2 mb from disneystore.com. @Lisa F I want to thank you for posting about this originally, and am sorry anyone would make you feel guilty about this in the least!

Lisa F - also if you have a disney purse addiction - just want to let you know on main street there is a store that sells vera bradley disney purses that aren't available anywhere except disney. My husband bought me one on our last trip and I use it all the time and get so many comments on it! I'm hoping he buys me another this trip (I'll drop some hints!

As far as the little Must Do's - there are soooo many! going to tom sawyers island (even without kids in tow), PP and IASW are very nostalgic for me. This trip we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. My husband proposed to me with a disney coin (6 months after the trip to DL). On that first trip together we danced near the hub there they had a dance floor. It was very romantic. I wish I could find someplace like that at disneyworld. We are staying at the boardwalk and I know there is a dance place there, but have heard it is pretty dead. We are going to MVMCP and I think there may be a dance party? maybe it's really for kids? anyone know anything about this?

I just wanted you to know I didn't feel guilty. I just didn't like being called names (he sent me much worse in pm). sorry but this is my happy place, I don't want it spoiled with drama! I'm good, I was just annoyed. use it, don't use it, I don't care! no worries on your part though, please!

and happy anniversary! i have too many purses to admit to. I also love the Harvey's seatbelt bags. I will probably bring one to the parks. will post a pic later when I have my laptop. can't figure it out on phone.

 

[Lisa F]

Oh, and as for our must do's/nostalgia moments...we always go to Chef Mickey's for dinner; every trip. People say the food is awful, but for us it's a ritual. (And pretty sure those potatoes have crack in them...I could just eat those!)
I will cry at Wishes; I do every time; even watching Youtube videos of it makes me cry.
I will go on IASW and will cry, even though the music drives DH crazy and he thinks it's corny. When I was a kid my Nana took me to DL and she loved that ride so we rode it a bunch of times in a row. Every trip to WDW I took since I was grownup I'd call her before the ride to tell her I was going on it; it was one of "our things." This will be our first trip since she passed away of cancer in 2013, so I'm pretty sure the first time (and every time) I ride it I'll bawl like a baby.
We also love to ride the train around MK and people watch in the afternoon, as well.
This will be our first trip at Christmas, so we're both really excited to see the decorations, and just soak in the Christmas spirit.

omg I cry at illuminations. it's bad! sometimes wishes but ALWAYS illuminations. as heartbreaking as losing msep is, I'd be inconsolable without illuminations!

 

[CynBeth]

Oh, and as for our must do's/nostalgia moments...we always go to Chef Mickey's for dinner; every trip. People say the food is awful, but for us it's a ritual. (And pretty sure those potatoes have crack in them...I could just eat those!)
I will cry at Wishes; I do every time; even watching Youtube videos of it makes me cry.
I will go on IASW and will cry, even though the music drives DH crazy and he thinks it's corny. When I was a kid my Nana took me to DL and she loved that ride so we rode it a bunch of times in a row. Every trip to WDW I took since I was grownup I'd call her before the ride to tell her I was going on it; it was one of "our things." This will be our first trip since she passed away of cancer in 2013, so I'm pretty sure the first time (and every time) I ride it I'll bawl like a baby.
We also love to ride the train around MK and people watch in the afternoon, as well.
This will be our first trip at Christmas, so we're both really excited to see the decorations, and just soak in the Christmas spirit.

We have some favorite TS restaurants we usually do every trip that get mixed reviews and there are places that people rave about which we don't care for. I cry at so many things when at Disney. We love riding the train for the full circuit.

 

[Mintycake]

I think this is sideways... I'm on my phone... but this just happened. was dying to try this and also figured $8.99 for a 4 pint pack was less investment than $9.50 + tax and tip at Biergarten. omg YUM. I love successful scientific endeavors!

Heh I still can't get over how cheap alcohol is in the USA. LOL...sorry off topic!

 

[areno79]

Heh I still can't get over how cheap alcohol is in the USA. LOL...sorry off topic!

We just got back from vacay at Niagara Falls last week, and couldn't believe how expensive liquor is!! Luckily we were too tired to drink much!!

 

[Candycane83]

Heh I still can't get over how cheap alcohol is in the USA. LOL...sorry off topic!

This would make us used to Disney prices a little more. If you are interested in that beer, they do sell it at LCBO, can't remember the price though

 

[Candycane83]

I think this is sideways... I'm on my phone... but this just happened. was dying to try this and also figured $8.99 for a 4 pint pack was less investment than $9.50 + tax and tip at Biergarten. omg YUM. I love successful scientific endeavors!

R u sure you're not going to order that at Biergarten? Lol

 

[Lisa F]

R u sure you're not going to order that at Biergarten? Lol

oh I'm definitely going to! it is yummy. but I love grapefruit too.

 

[Mintycake]

oh I'm definitely going to! it is yummy. but I love grapefruit too.

I love grapefruit beer too. Our local brewery, Left Field, does a good one.
Yes that's true @Candycane83 although there is some sticker shock with food prices at Disney I imagine being from Toronto makes it a little more bearable!
FYI I am headed to the Disney store this week and will ask about magic bands.

 

[BDFmom]

I was going through some old pictures and found these. The first one is the Wonderland Tea Party.
My son was 4 at the time and enamored with Snow White. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and would not wash it off until it faded.

 

[Mintycake]

View attachment 189003 View attachment 189004 View attachment 189005

I was going through some old pictures and found these. The first one is the Wonderland Tea Party.
My son was 4 at the time and enamored with Snow White. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and would not wash it off until it faded.

So cute! I was thinking of booking this but not sure if we have the time.

 

[Mintycake]

OK going back to plans, here are mine (with FP+ included). Not counting arrival and departure day since we get in late and leave early. Staying at BC.
Dec 3 - Hollywood studios
8:05 Hollywood and Vine breakfast (for Jedi sign up)
12:25pm Mama Melrose F! package (will cancel if SWDP opens up)
4:15pm 50s Prime time diner
FP+ Tier 1: Rock and Roller coaster
FP+Tier 2: ? not sure. Star tours and Tower of Terror I think.
Early morning: hit Toy Story, Great movie ride.
I'm going to have to study a map to figure out the best touring plan this day. I would ideally like to leave the park at noon and go for a break at our hotel and then come back for 50s prime time and Star Wars Dessert Party. Not sure if a break will work. We want to see the princess shows. I think she might be too old for Disney JR and no interest in Muppets or Indiana Jones. Do we have time for a break?

Dec 4 - MK day
8:10 BoG breakfast
QS Lunch
4:30 - 5:30pm drop off DD at Lilo's playhouse at the Poly
5:45pm dinner at Kona Cafe (may drop this to just eat snacks at Tambu lounge)
FP+ = 7DMT, ? what else is critical? We plan to stay in Fantasyland mostly. Maybe talking Mickey.
Early morning: PP, meet Merrida, Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland stuff
No plans for going back to BC this day for a break...

Dec 5 - Epcot
7:30am Cape May Cafe
QS lunch (Sunshine Seasons)
4:10pm Teppan Edo (will cancel and probably have QS at Katsura instead)
FP+ Tier 1 FEA, Tier 2, Mission Space, Meet Disney Pals at Character spot
Early morning: Meet Joy and Sadness (DH to Test Track), Soarin, Living with the Land.
May build in a break this day as we plan to watch Illuminations tonight.

Dec 6 - Epcot
Breakfast: QS or in our room
Akershus 10:50am (Brunch)
Dinner: Date night? Have Beaches and Cream booked, Teppan Edo, and Il Mulino. May scrap all of these...
FP+ Tier 1: FEA, Tier 2, not sure?
Meet Anna and Elsa day...focus on International showcase, re-ride anything else we feel like riding. No big rush to rope drop this day.
This day is a bit up in the air as we may potentially do MVMCP. If so, we will likely leave Epcot after lunch if we get an early start or we will just go to Epcot for Brunch and start the day there, and then go on the Monorail to MK for party. We don't have party tickets yet so not sure. Originally we were going to do a date night and drop my daughter at the Sandcastle club but she's already got a night at Lilo's playhouse so I'm waffling about the Christmas party obviously.

Dec 7 - MK
I originally had pirate cruise booked this day but tomorrow we're headed out to the one in Toronto (no aligators here!) so I will likely cancel this. I have this booked
11:20am 'Ohana (brunch) - nice and late so we can have a restful morning after the Christmas party
QS lunch
5:25pm Skippers Canteen dinner (will cancel) - probably do QS or maybe Tony's or The Plaza for dinner instead.
So this day depends really on what we do the day before. I think I'd like to move the Ohana to 10:30am ideally so we can still get a good day in at MK. No breaks planned. Would like to do the Mad Hatter party at GF if it's still offered.

Dec 8 - MK
7:30am Ohana breakfast (will likely cancel if I keep Dec 7 as an after party day)
12noon - Pirates League for DD
Festival of Fantasy parade
6:30pm 1900 park fare dinner
back to BC to pack for departure

I'm at a loss for FP ideas for my MK days really. I think I can cover the "big ones" that you need FP for within the three MK days I have planned.
Does this seem to flow? Obviously I'm torn about the Christmas party (I would like to go, just once but it's so pricey. Justifying though by cancelling a kids club night and the pirate cruise, and having less TS meals.).

 

[etzmn123]

Whew! Just caught up! We were out of town for 8 days but it felt like so much longer for some reason. Had a wedding and other family time, now it's back to work tomorrow and no days off until our Disney trip!

I've been planning on doing SDFP for awhile now, I'm going to order our MVMCP tickets separate and use those cards.
A few things we do each trip and are looking forward to: Splash Mtn each time we are at MK, Dole Whip, make your own Rice Krispy treat at DS, buy a Christmas ornament (or a few of them), and of course the main reason we are coming- all the Christmas stuff!!
I just booked our add-on night since we decided to come in a day earlier than I had planned when I rented our DVC studio. We're staying at POP on 11/30. Don't get in until 8:30 but we might still go over to DS for a late dinner that night.

I realized last week that one of my little cousins (she's 6) is so super obsessed with everything Disney. She knows all the stories and characters, even the minor ones. I really wish we could afford to take her with us on our trip because I just know her mind would be totally blown. She asked to look at my pictures from our last trip nearly every day and was so amazed. I know her parents will never take her though and I don't think it's financially or logistically possible for us to take her with us. She's at the perfect age right now! Maybe I'll win the lottery between now and December...

 

[TiggerManiac]

Five more pages to read before I'm caught up with this thread. But I'm going to take a break from reading and share my plans so far.

Sat, Nov 26: 6:00 am: Leave home and drive to Orlando; stay off-site first night; check in then head to Disney Springs; dinner at Cookes of Dublin for fish and chips; maybe check out the music at Raglan Road; browse around Disney Springs

Sun, Nov 27: tour hotels to see Christmas decorations; lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs; check in to Caribbean Beach Resort at some point during the day; 8:30 dinner at Narcoossee's to watch Holiday Wishes

Mon, Nov 28: Epcot Day: CP breakfast at Garden Grille at 8:30 (plan to get there by 8:00), lunch at Sunshine Seasons, 5:20 PM at Akershus, 8:15 Candlelight Processional, 9:30 Illuminations

Tues, Nov 29: HS Day: trying to get Fantasmic! dining package at H&V; Star Wars fireworks if not; head to Epcot for evening magic hours; 5:15 Marrakesh just in case, but this is very likely to change

Wed, Nov 30: Universal day for mainly Harry Potter stuff; maybe back to MK for EMH

Thurs, Dec 1: MK day: Keys to the Kingdom Tour at 8:00 am, 5:30 1900 Park Fare (trying to change to 6:00 or 6:30), may head back to Epcot

Fri, Dec 2: AK Day, 5:00 pm Yak and Yeti, will do evening stuff if available

Sat, Dec 3: Go back to whatever park we need to see more of; may try to get back for Star Wars fireworks if they're happening and we didn't do it earlier in week, 7:10 pm at Boma (may change to 5:00 due to fireworks)

Sun, Dec 4: MK day: 8:00 am Be Our Guest, lunch at Pecos Bill's or Columbia Harbor House, 5:45 pm Be Our Guest dinner; thinking about MVMCP tickets---will decide once we're there and see if it's not close to being sold out; if no party back to Epcot or perhaps AK if it's open late

Mon, Dec 5: leave for home, 9:00 am at Boma


I reserve the right to change things around until we get there! Or even while we're there! Nothing is ever set in stone.

 

[TiggerManiac]

This trip we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

Congrats on the 25th anniversary! We'll be celebrating our 25th, too, although it was technically last year. 2016 is the 25th anniversary of our first trip to Disney together (my first ever; he'd been quite a few times with family and friends) and dh's 55th birthday. We're just rolling it all up into this year so we could go at Christmas time and get free dining!

We thought about going last year, but by the time we thought about it, we had missed the free dining offer so we decided to delay the trip to this year.

 

[areno79]

Whew! Just caught up! We were out of town for 8 days but it felt like so much longer for some reason. Had a wedding and other family time, now it's back to work tomorrow and no days off until our Disney trip!

I've been planning on doing SDFP for awhile now, I'm going to order our MVMCP tickets separate and use those cards.
A few things we do each trip and are looking forward to: Splash Mtn each time we are at MK, Dole Whip, make your own Rice Krispy treat at DS, buy a Christmas ornament (or a few of them), and of course the main reason we are coming- all the Christmas stuff!!
I just booked our add-on night since we decided to come in a day earlier than I had planned when I rented our DVC studio. We're staying at POP on 11/30. Don't get in until 8:30 but we might still go over to DS for a late dinner that night.

I realized last week that one of my little cousins (she's 6) is so super obsessed with everything Disney. She knows all the stories and characters, even the minor ones. I really wish we could afford to take her with us on our trip because I just know her mind would be totally blown. She asked to look at my pictures from our last trip nearly every day and was so amazed. I know her parents will never take her though and I don't think it's financially or logistically possible for us to take her with us. She's at the perfect age right now! Maybe I'll win the lottery between now and December...

We took my cousin's daughter a few years ago when she had just turned 6, and she was the *perfect* age. Her parents would never be able to afford any kind of trip anywhere (especially to WDW) and even though it stretched our budget, we ended up taking her, and it was amazing. Easily our best trip ever. We had so much fun and created lasting memories. I love that I turned her into a Disney junkie, and she is now almost 13 and STILL talks about that trip. I ended up opening a Disney Visa to charge the extra cost, and it was totally worth it to see her excitement. I hope one day you can take your cousin, too.