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

[Talby]

Love these updates from you it highlights our open minded- ness! If you don't mind me asking, what happened with the dessert party plan? Honestly, I've thought about dropping the dessert party for SW and keeping the one for the Xmas party. (Because I wanted to insert an ADR instead of the dessert party) I haven't decided yet and thought I could wait longer since the party is not released yet anyway,

Hahaha....yep, totally open-minded! Well....it's not exactly a simple answer, of course! lol

Nutshell version: The bottom line is it's not as big of a priority to us as some other things are (ADR/Epcot time, overall flow).

Long Version: I'm so easily influenced by these boards to be honest! Not in a pressure or judgmental way at all. But in an--Oh, wow, that's so cool! Everyone is doing that! Why didn't I think of that?! WE should do that, too!--sort of way. So I've been looking things over and asking myself what do WE want to do, even if it isn't the "popular" choice, you know? (Not that those popular things aren't fabulous, because ohmygosh all things Disney are fabulous!) We'll never be able to see it all in one trip, so my focus is the things we are TRULY bounce-off-the-walls excited about doing. That's going to be different for everyone, but I think one of the COOLEST things about Disney is that there really is something for everyone!!

I'm actually back to thinking about the Xmas dessert party too!

 

[Iowamomof4]

Hahaha....yep, totally open-minded! Well....it's not exactly a simple answer, of course! lol

Nutshell version: The bottom line is it's not as big of a priority to us as some other things are (ADR/Epcot time, overall flow).

Long Version: I'm so easily influenced by these boards to be honest! Not in a pressure or judgmental way at all. But in an--Oh, wow, that's so cool! Everyone is doing that! Why didn't I think of that?! WE should do that, too!--sort of way. So I've been looking things over and asking myself what do WE want to do, even if it isn't the "popular" choice, you know? (Not that those popular things aren't fabulous, because ohmygosh all things Disney are fabulous!) We'll never be able to see it all in one trip, so my focus is the things we are TRULY bounce-off-the-walls excited about doing. That's going to be different for everyone, but I think one of the COOLEST things about Disney is that there really is something for everyone!!

I'm actually back to thinking about the Xmas dessert party too!

This is exactly how I came around to the idea of cancelling our ADR's. It was that question of "What do WE want to do?" Personally, I love table service meals! We hardly ever go out to eat at home (unless you count Wendy's drive thru, where we don't even buy beverages because we just bring it home and eat here with whatever drinks we have on hand) so eating out at Disney is a real treat for me. However, we really could eat out more at home if we wanted to, and it would cost less than it does at Disney, and it would probably be better food in some ways. So for me, I have to think about what are the things we can do at Disney that we can't (or won't) do at home that will really be special for us? Eating out just isn't that special to the whole family so it's hard for me to justify dragging them all to dining reservations when they would rather be spending more time riding rides or playing in the pool. I'm toying around with the idea of doing a meal by myself at Restaurant Marrakesh, or possibly just me and dd16. Either way though, giving up ADR's is for the greater good. In the words of the prophet Spock: The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

 

[etzmn123]

Did you get pfh?

I wasn't trying to get that one but I think it was unavailable on our MK days (not positive though, it was so early this morning!)

 

[areno79]

Our Magicband skins that we designed came in the mail today...they came out much better than I thought! DH is so excited to wear his!! (The SW one is for his regular band, and the Christmas one is for our SDFP bands)

 

[SilSprBea]

Our Magicband skins that we designed came in the mail today...they came out much better than I thought! DH is so excited to wear his!! (The SW one is for his regular band, and the Christmas one is for our SDFP bands)

THese turned out great! Did you do one for your regular band too, or are you using one of the Star Wars ones?

 

[rasadkowski]

been trying to keep from obsessing over our fp day next week...actually have realized that there is nothing that can be done with things that are booked. which is NOT like me at all but, I honestly don't even know yet exactly which rides i'm selecting for which mk days...i know the times that I think I'm aiming for, and I know the 9 or 10 rides I'd like to try for..but I still have to really think about the order and the map of the park. I have a general idea, but no more charts. It's very possible that the ride won't be available for that time. I just hope I have a few seconds to really think about the selection process while I'm doing it (aside from fea and 7dmt of course)

so I went shopping for Disney trip things!
Was wondering, what are you planning to pack for your kids to wear? I heard that it can range from 50-80s? Most of my 6 year olds clothes suddenly are way too small for her just this summer/fall. Of course now my 4 year old has tons of options with her newly acquired wardrobe, but I've just really realized that my 6 year old doesn't have many clothes. We bought her some new fall / winter things for school. But, are you packing a lot of shorts/short sleeves for your kids? knee length/capris for girls? or mostly pants? just curious I think I'll pack of few pairs of each. I just hate overpacking

 

[rasadkowski]

Totally agree about seeing the puzzle pieces coming together and creating the beautiful plans that are specialized for our unique families!

...I also think it's awesome that some of you are reconsidering the Holiday dessert party! I know a lot of you have been thinking about it...maybe canceling it because it doesn't fit in with your plans, or maybe it's just not best for your family....but, in general, I think it sounds like a cool idea!....despite the poor reviews for the Halloween dessert party everyone was referring to. I really do wish that I had reserved the holiday dessert party too!! I know it may be packed, but the reserved seating is very tempting...if anyone hears of a cancellation, feel free to give me a holla!!!

I am so excited that we decided to do the mvmcp!! It's something I never even thought about doing, and I'm really glad to have heard about it through yoU!
I would really like to do the illuminations dessert party too! I love Epcot so much, and the reserved seating with a quick getaway out of the park is really tempting toO!! lol But, one late night at the christmas party is all my family can handle!

 

[SilSprBea]

been trying to keep from obsessing over our fp day next week...actually have realized that there is nothing that can be done with things that are booked. which is NOT like me at all but, I honestly don't even know yet exactly which rides i'm selecting for which mk days...i know the times that I think I'm aiming for, and I know the 9 or 10 rides I'd like to try for..but I still have to really think about the order and the map of the park. I have a general idea, but no more charts. It's very possible that the ride won't be available for that time. I just hope I have a few seconds to really think about the selection process while I'm doing it (aside from fea and 7dmt of course)

so I went shopping for Disney trip things!
Was wondering, what are you planning to pack for your kids to wear? I heard that it can range from 50-80s? Most of my 6 year olds clothes suddenly are way too small for her just this summer/fall. Of course now my 4 year old has tons of options with her newly acquired wardrobe, but I've just really realized that my 6 year old doesn't have many clothes. We bought her some new fall / winter things for school. But, are you packing a lot of shorts/short sleeves for your kids? knee length/capris for girls? or mostly pants? just curious I think I'll pack of few pairs of each. I just hate overpacking

I bought a bunch of Disney t shirts and a couple of Disney hoodies on sale at the Disney store. I'm bringing jeans and shorts and will play the bottoms by ear. I normally don't like jeans because of water rides and them getting wet, but we won't be doing Kali river rapids, and we can put on ponchos when we do Splash mountain. I liked the t-shirt and hoodie combination because they could take the hoodie off if it got too hot. I have a few Disney long sleeve t-shirts from my daughter last year that still fit her, and 1 or 2 long sleeve Disney shirts for my son. We're taking breaks back a lot of days so figure we can change for the evening before we head back into the parks if it is chilly. For my daughter we are bringing princess dresses for her to wear to dinner

 

[Candycane83]

Our Magicband skins that we designed came in the mail today...they came out much better than I thought! DH is so excited to wear his!! (The SW one is for his regular band, and the Christmas one is for our SDFP bands)

Those look sooo cute!!!

 

[Candycane83]

been trying to keep from obsessing over our fp day next week...actually have realized that there is nothing that can be done with things that are booked. which is NOT like me at all but, I honestly don't even know yet exactly which rides i'm selecting for which mk days...i know the times that I think I'm aiming for, and I know the 9 or 10 rides I'd like to try for..but I still have to really think about the order and the map of the park. I have a general idea, but no more charts. It's very possible that the ride won't be available for that time. I just hope I have a few seconds to really think about the selection process while I'm doing it (aside from fea and 7dmt of course)

so I went shopping for Disney trip things!
Was wondering, what are you planning to pack for your kids to wear? I heard that it can range from 50-80s? Most of my 6 year olds clothes suddenly are way too small for her just this summer/fall. Of course now my 4 year old has tons of options with her newly acquired wardrobe, but I've just really realized that my 6 year old doesn't have many clothes. We bought her some new fall / winter things for school. But, are you packing a lot of shorts/short sleeves for your kids? knee length/capris for girls? or mostly pants? just curious I think I'll pack of few pairs of each. I just hate overpacking

Agree about FP planning. I've taken a quick look and with the exception of a handful, I know I will be changing them anyway as plans firm up.

Hmm, I'm probably going to dress my two year old in t shirts, bought some a little too big from the Disney store and some more from old navy. I got him some sweaters already (non Disney related but cute anyway since I'm a sucker for cute stuff) and plan to bring a couple for evenings and for travel back home. I plan to bring pants mostly since I'm hoping it's not that warm if it's the same weather as what we're having now, it'll be t shirts pants/jeans and a light hoodie... mostly agree with @SilSprBea we'er doing breaks most days too so we'll also switch clothing at night probably

Edit: just wanted to add, in notoriously an overpacker especially with my little one... I bring extra for extras!!

 

[rasadkowski]

I bought a bunch of Disney t shirts and a couple of Disney hoodies on sale at the Disney store. I'm bringing jeans and shorts and will play the bottoms by ear. I normally don't like jeans because of water rides and them getting wet, but we won't be doing Kali river rapids, and we can put on ponchos when we do Splash mountain. I liked the t-shirt and hoodie combination because they could take the hoodie off if it got too hot. I have a few Disney long sleeve t-shirts from my daughter last year that still fit her, and 1 or 2 long sleeve Disney shirts for my son. We're taking breaks back a lot of days so figure we can change for the evening before we head back into the parks if it is chilly. For my daughter we are bringing princess dresses for her to wear to dinner

that sounds great I just went out and bought a hoodie for my daughter, too. I got her some capri leggings, and I didn't even think about that for the jeans! I will leave those at home for sure. I don't know if we'll do that ride either, but even splash mountain or whatever, cotton just seems to make more sense for them being comfortable. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[rasadkowski]

Agree about FP planning. I've taken a quick look and with the exception of a handful, I know I will be changing them anyway as plans firm up.

Hmm, I'm probably going to dress my two year old in t shirts, bought some a little too big from the Disney store and some more from old navy. I got him some sweaters already (non Disney related but cute anyway since I'm a sucker for cute stuff) and plan to bring a couple for evenings and for travel back home. I plan to bring pants mostly since I'm hoping it's not that warm if it's the same weather as what we're having now, it'll be t shirts pants/jeans and a light hoodie... mostly agree with @SilSprBea we'er doing breaks most days too so we'll also switch clothing at night probably

Edit: just wanted to add, in notoriously an overpacker especially with my little one... I bring extra for extras!!

I'll likely end up overpacking too, sigh I think I'll have them in layers. My 6 year old doesn't have many long sleeve shirts I just realized...so maybe short sleeves and hoodies. but, yes, seems like a mix of everything.

 

[Candycane83]

Hahaha....yep, totally open-minded! Well....it's not exactly a simple answer, of course! lol

Nutshell version: The bottom line is it's not as big of a priority to us as some other things are (ADR/Epcot time, overall flow).

Long Version: I'm so easily influenced by these boards to be honest! Not in a pressure or judgmental way at all. But in an--Oh, wow, that's so cool! Everyone is doing that! Why didn't I think of that?! WE should do that, too!--sort of way. So I've been looking things over and asking myself what do WE want to do, even if it isn't the "popular" choice, you know? (Not that those popular things aren't fabulous, because ohmygosh all things Disney are fabulous!) We'll never be able to see it all in one trip, so my focus is the things we are TRULY bounce-off-the-walls excited about doing. That's going to be different for everyone, but I think one of the COOLEST things about Disney is that there really is something for everyone!!

I'm actually back to thinking about the Xmas dessert party too!

Thanks for the answer I think you're right and with the so many things discussed on these boards, it's hard prioritizing to see what will work better for each of our families but we're all getting there, slower for some of us open minded ones! still mulling over my Epcot time as well as my last day too but I feel like I'm almost there

 

[BDFmom]

Happy Weekend Everyone!

@Talby I'm so glad the flow is coming together with your family. You are absolutely correct that Disney has so much to offer one can truly make is magical for each family's wishes.

Those ears!!! Where do I order them?? They are perfect!

@areno79 The bands came out great!

@Iowamomof4 So happy you Disney stress is reduced. I special sit down with just you and DD woukd be awesome.

After all the hours of planing I'm eager to drop the planning and enjoy the magic! I'm still undecided about the SW dessert party for either 12/2 or 12/3. My family will choose one which ever works best with our flow. It will probably hinge on ROL. 12/3 may just work better for ROL. We are SUPER excited for our wishes dessert party.

For packing I'm thinking layers .... When my kids we small is was easy to stick short/pants, jacket/sweatshirt in our day bag. I always had picnic blanket in the stroller. I'm actually kind of envious of those of you with strollers!

I'm glad everyone's FP plans are working. I'll be cheering for everyone who's day is coming up!!

 

[areno79]

THese turned out great! Did you do one for your regular band too, or are you using one of the Star Wars ones?

I did not do one for my regular band because I'm planning on painting it. But, after seeing these I'm tempted to try to design my own. My problem is I can't decide what I want to do!
I love that they included an extra skin for each of them though!

been trying to keep from obsessing over our fp day next week...actually have realized that there is nothing that can be done with things that are booked. which is NOT like me at all but, I honestly don't even know yet exactly which rides i'm selecting for which mk days...i know the times that I think I'm aiming for, and I know the 9 or 10 rides I'd like to try for..but I still have to really think about the order and the map of the park. I have a general idea, but no more charts. It's very possible that the ride won't be available for that time. I just hope I have a few seconds to really think about the selection process while I'm doing it (aside from fea and 7dmt of course)

so I went shopping for Disney trip things!
Was wondering, what are you planning to pack for your kids to wear? I heard that it can range from 50-80s? Most of my 6 year olds clothes suddenly are way too small for her just this summer/fall. Of course now my 4 year old has tons of options with her newly acquired wardrobe, but I've just really realized that my 6 year old doesn't have many clothes. We bought her some new fall / winter things for school. But, are you packing a lot of shorts/short sleeves for your kids? knee length/capris for girls? or mostly pants? just curious I think I'll pack of few pairs of each. I just hate overpacking

I just went to Kohls and they had a ton of summer clothes on clearance. When I went to WDW in October back in 2009, it was chillier than normal. We basically wore shorts and t-shirts, but in the AM and at night we wore sweatshirts, then took them off mid-day. I plan on doing the same this time, but bringing one pair of jeans for each of us *just* in case!

Those look sooo cute!!!

Thank you!!

 

[Talby]

Thanks for the answer I think you're right and with the so many things discussed on these boards, it's hard prioritizing to see what will work better for each of our families but we're all getting there, slower for some of us open minded ones! still mulling over my Epcot time as well as my last day too but I feel like I'm almost there

It can be tough to make decisions with so many really appealing options!! But, really, what a problem to have!

@BDFmom Here is the link: oops....let me get back to you on that! EDIT: It's TwincessBowtique on Etsy. Or you can search on Etsy for custom mouse ears or graduation mouse ears.

@areno79 Your MB skins =

 

[Iowamomof4]

I wish we had been able to consider reservations for the Holiday Wishes dessert party. I think that parade view looks ah-maz-ing! Everything's booked up now though. I don't know if we'll look for cancellations or just focus on other things that are more certain to be available. I'm getting tired of "hoping and waiting and stalking"-mode and ready to get into packing mode.

 

[Talby]

I wish we had been able to consider reservations for the Holiday Wishes dessert party. I think that parade view looks ah-maz-ing! Everything's booked up now though. I don't know if we'll look for cancellations or just focus on other things that are more certain to be available. I'm getting tired of "hoping and waiting and stalking"-mode and ready to get into packing mode.

AMEN!! First our party was 12/9 WITH the Dessert Party. THEN I switched to the 12/8 party. Couldn't get the dessert party though. THEN I was able to get the dessert party, so I snatched it up! THEN I cancelled it because of all the not-so-great reviews. Decided to play with dolphins instead! lol NOW I'm thinking I want the dessert party again on 12/8! Maybe I should just STOP already.

 

[Candycane83]

AMEN!! First our party was 12/9 WITH the Dessert Party. THEN I switched to the 12/8 party. Couldn't get the dessert party though. THEN I was able to get the dessert party, so I snatched it up! THEN I cancelled it because of all the not-so-great reviews. Decided to play with dolphins instead! lol NOW I'm thinking I want the dessert party again on 12/8! Maybe I should just STOP already.

Lol The choices are endless. I snatched mine when it first opened and haven't let go yet. There are semi good reviews now so I will continue waiting. I'm basically done stalking ADRs I think but still need to let go of some once Disney releases more info on stuff. I think stalking FPs will be next up before packing

 

[rasadkowski]

I wish we had been able to consider reservations for the Holiday Wishes dessert party. I think that parade view looks ah-maz-ing! Everything's booked up now though. I don't know if we'll look for cancellations or just focus on other things that are more certain to be available. I'm getting tired of "hoping and waiting and stalking"-mode and ready to get into packing mode.

yuuuup!