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

[CynBeth]

Today was our last day and we spent it at DHS. We had breakfast at Captain's Grille, lunch at Sci Fi, and dinner at 50's PTC. Would you believe we got yelled at by a guest again today? This is the 3rd time this trip. We were at Muppets and Sam Eagle said to go in and head to the end of a row but the CM before we went in said sit anywhere we like so we chose the middle of our row. A family apparently decided to sit at the end of the row even though there were plenty of seats and there was plenty of room to get by but as they were going past us started screaming at us that we didn't follow directions and caused a huge issue for them, etc. The person in front of us turned around and said we did nothing wrong.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

At Epcot today and not much time to talk here. Just wanted to say, met @Candycane83 at Cali Grill brunch earlier today. Beautiful family!!! Only chatted for a brief moment but it was nice see a "familiar face" from these boards.

 

[Mal6586]

We just got home about two hours ago. It was a crazy week, and I definitely learned a LOT on both spectrums of what to do and what not to do. Im sad I didn't run into anybody, but I had tons of CMs ask about my green tag! I'm planning on doing a full trip report, and I'll hopefully get started on that tomorrow while it's all still fresh (and I'm more rested.) I'll link here, when I get started.

 

[areno79]

Hi all, tired after a long full day.... Wild Africa Trek was great and enjoyed a few more hours in AK. JBJB was okay and was glad to sit with and meet some Dis'ers!!! Sister didn't love it though and forced me to cancel illuminations dessert party on wednesday and H&V dinner on Monday. Hope someone enjoys them.

I hope to see a couple people tomorrow at EMM!

So nice to have met @areno79 at Pinocchio haus this morning!!!!

It was nice to run into both of you! I also got to meet @JamieOak @BDFmom @Lisa F (who I stalked at several ADR's LOL) @Candycane83 @PlutosUnDr8d and @SilSprBea
We got back last night and even though we're exhausted, we had an AMAZING trip! We got so many compliments on our matching shirts, and DH was a real trooper for putting up with me dragging him all over the place!
I'll be doing a trip report soon. Tonight is laying on the couch resting my poor tired feet, watching The Walking Dead, and dreaming of our next trip!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Are any of you planning or thinking about another trip? I was previously hoping my husband would go again when the girls are older (5 years) But i want to convince him to go next year
would any of you ever do the 1st week of Dec again? Maybe a 1st week of december part deux thread??

We would love to go back again around the same time. Thanks to Disney running a special Annual Pass promotion, our AP's won't expire until the end of December. We had gotten a good deal through a travel agency for this trip and we'll probably use them again. But this time we'll stick with the BC or YC.

Seeing the castle lit up literally bought a tear to my eye and the fireworks at MVMCP were the best!!

We were sitting in Narcoossees when they did the castle lighting ceremony. We could see the castle go dark and then light up with all the wonderful Christmas lights. And I saw the MVMCP fireworks twice from the Grand Floridian. They were wonderful and I loved the music that went with it.

We just got home about two hours ago. It was a crazy week, and I definitely learned a LOT on both spectrums of what to do and what not to do. Im sad I didn't run into anybody, but I had tons of CMs ask about my green tag!

I didn't run into anyone either, but I did enjoy wearing my green tag. I had tied a red ribbon to it and looked very Christmasy.

 

[pigletgirl]

Good Afternoon!

Wow.... what a vacation....

I think I'll just do a play by play over how the 10 days went!

11/29 -- Around 10:45am, I received the text that our room was ready! Wow! We've never had that experience before. DH came home from work around noon, and then we took the girls for some lunch at Chik Fil A, and we let both of them getting much of their energy out. It was highly successful, and therefore our travel day was a breeze. We arrived in Orlando just before 9 pm, and we got to the BCV around 10:40ish. Keep in mind, it really didn't take long for us to get our luggage, and within 45 minutes of our plane landing, we were on the bus. We sat at the airport for a good 20ish minutes before we left for WDW. We were the second stop (BW, BC, YC, and then CB). The girls went to bed nicely and we all had a pretty good night.

11/30 -- I arose around 6:30, and got our park bags ready. We went to HS this day. Once everyone was dresses we went to have breakfast at Captain's Grille, and then from there we walked to HS. (mistake #1... ) It was about 9:45 when we arrived and it was already pretty packed. We used our FP's, and ate at Mama Melrose (holy cow.... the steak is utterly amazing!!!!!!!!)... By this time DD2 wasn't having it, so we walked (mistake #2) back to the BCV for naps/pool time. DH went and picked up the car at the Dolphin. (This worked out well. I would totally do it again) We hung out in the room for a bit before I realized that it was raining. We waited it out, and DD1 was really antsy, so we decided to go to Epcot to watch some of the performers. We shared a cronut (utterly delicious!) with ice cream and it was a nice late afternoon, rain and all. Dinner that night was at Cape May Cafe. I really wasn't that impressed.

12/1 -- We checked out of BCV around 8:15 am, and drove over to AKL - Jambo House. As we were driving over, we got the text that our room was ready! We were on the Zebra trail. The girls had slept well again the night prior so we took the bus over to Animal Kingdom for the morning and for lunch. We ate lunch at Flame Tree. It was pretty good. It did what it needed to do.
We then went back and changed clothes and headed out for MVMCP. It was an awesome party. No lines, and we did everything we wanted to do in Fantasy land. (foreshadowing a bit here). The girls passed out just after the first parade, so DH and I stayed, shared an ice cream, and watched the fireworks and the second parade. All in all, great evening!

12/2 -- Spent the morning in Future World. The crowds were insane. DH waited 55 minutes in the single rider line for Test Track. As much as I love that ride, I don't love it enough to stand in line for almost an hour. At lunch time, we meandered up to the World Showcase for our lunch at Chef's for our CP package. The food was excellent. I absolutely loved the macaroni! We got in line around 4:00 for the show and while the line was very long, we still managed to get great seats. The show itself had me in tears. A.m.a.z.i.n.g... We stayed and shopped while we waited for our dinner at La Hacienda. The girls did well there too.

12/3 -- A Saturday in the Magic Kingdom. What in the *bleep* were we thinking? Well two things, a chance to eat lunch at Skippers Canteen and watch the fireworks that night (possibly)... The night prior, DD2 was up twice with no explanation, so we weren't quite as rested this day. This was also the day that the rest of the family were to fly in, and meet us in the MK. After our almost *2* hour wait (terrible service, FYI), both girls were having tantrums outside while I waited at the table for the server to bring the check. She was so.slow. When I managed to get outside, DH immediately gave me *the look* and we left the park. The girls took a good nap (thankfully!) and we waited for our family to arrive. When they did, we all got on the bus and headed towards Disney Springs for our dinner at Raglan Road. Great meal as always. Disney Springs? Eh, it's a lot of walking, but I enjoyed it.
*** Little side note, we found out that night that my SIL is having a GIRL! I've got loads of clothes to give her.

12/4 -- Our down day. DH and his brother took the girls to Gatorland. Why? Because they were both desperate to see it! I stayed back, did laundry, reorganized the room (most DH's things...), and took the babies down to the pool. It was a slight bummer that the baby pool was closed, but we managed. It was a beautiful day. We also noshed on some yummy zebra domes. When the crew got back from Gatorland, the girls napped (older ones), and after a nice down time, we got the girls dressed and took the bus down to Disney Springs, AGAIN, for dinner. We ate at Art Smith's. It was incredible. The desserts are not to be missed.

12/5 -- The girls went to Hollywood Studios with my parents and family, and DH and I went to Universal! Boy, it's totally night and day between how busy the parks were there versus Disney. We walked onto almost everything. We had a great day. I would of loved to have more time. The dinner at Toothsome was great as well. We waited about 45 minutes for a table. The girls ate at 1900 Park Fare and did well too, according to Mimi and Papa.

12/6 -- We headed back over to MK this day. No one, except me wanted to go to AK, so we changed all of our plans that morning and I guess it paid off! It was a very rainy day. It did clear out many folks so we had a great wait times on many of the rides. We had lunch at Be Our Guest. It wasn't as good as I remembered. After the "rainy day parade" we headed over to Epcot. Dinner this night was at Via Napoli. We had bad service again! Our waiter wasn't friendly and it seemed to feel like we were ruining his evening (to his defense, we were a large group, with little kids, so I'm sure it looked like it would be awful. After the meal was paid for (3 separate checks), he got a really nice tip, and of course he walked away with the biggest grin.) The evening was beautiful! We stayed and watched illuminations.

12/7 -- MK day! Again, big mistake. Looonnnnng lines, pushy and rude people. Really tested my patience. The girls got their BBB makeovers done. Wow, what an experience. If any of you ever had a little girl to take, DO IT! It's worth every reaction! This was the night of our V&A's dinner. Amazing, exceptional, dining experience. Worth every dime!

12/8 -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe with a day in Epcot. The girls didn't hold up well, and DH was coming down with a cold. We ended up leaving early, and spent the day resting and packing up. We found an ADR at Boma and laid low. After the girls were in bed, SIL and myself left for Disney Springs, where we accomplished probably 80% of our Christmas shopping! We each got a massive sundae from Ghirardelli's and sat with this nicest couple who lives in Celebration. We picked their brains about Florida. Oh how I would love to live there!

12/9 -- Dropped the bags off at RAC. I had heard through the grapevine that the ME was running behind, and DH had seen on the MCO website that the security lines were 45 minutes, so we requested an uber and headed to the airport early. I'm SOOOO glad we did. We probably would have missed our flight if we had taken the ME.

Great vacation, I'm feeling pretty burned out from theme parks. I really have no idea when we'll return. I'd like to wait until the construction is complete.

I hope you all had amazing vacations!

 

[Candycane83]

At Epcot today and not much time to talk here. Just wanted to say, met @Candycane83 at Cali Grill brunch earlier today. Beautiful family!!! Only chatted for a brief moment but it was nice see a "familiar face" from these boards.

Was so happy to meet you too!!! you have a lovely family! Too bad your 2 year old was sleeping!

 

[Candycane83]

Today was our last day and we spent it at DHS. We had breakfast at Captain's Grille, lunch at Sci Fi, and dinner at 50's PTC. Would you believe we got yelled at by a guest again today? This is the 3rd time this trip. We were at Muppets and Sam Eagle said to go in and head to the end of a row but the CM before we went in said sit anywhere we like so we chose the middle of our row. A family apparently decided to sit at the end of the row even though there were plenty of seats and there was plenty of room to get by but as they were going past us started screaming at us that we didn't follow directions and caused a huge issue for them, etc. The person in front of us turned around and said we did nothing wrong.

Wow, that sucks! I still can't believe the number of rude guests around... It's surprising how some people feel 'entitled' especially when they do not listen!

 

[Candycane83]

Hi everyone! We just got back last night, back at work today and feeling a little down. I was sick almost the entire trip but it was a great trip! Definitely learned a lot about dos and don'ts when travelling as a family as opposed to travelling as adults only. Will probably do a dining report soon but I need to sort myself out first! Haha! Met some people during our trip- @areno79 @Lisa F @Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL (hope you're enjoying your trip right now!) @rasadkowski @Mrs. Inc @DisneyBelle27 @PlutosUnDr8d and we met @yulilin3 too! So happy to have met you all and so grateful for this group! You are all so amazing!!

EDIT: How can I forget I met @BDFmom and her lovely kids too!! and @JamieOak

 

[JamieOak]

If anyone still wants to see the the Prep & Landing short films, I see they are playing both of them on ABC on 12/15 & 12/24 and Freeform on 12/18 & 12/21.

 

[Mal6586]

Alright! I started my trip report! Here's the link! So far mainly resort and pop warner discussion, but daily play by plays to come!

http://www.disboards.com/threads/m-ms-magical-disney-christmas-vacation-12-3-12-11.3565574/

 

[LMNO]

I just got back from Disney last night. What a trip! I am glad to be home but look forward to planning another vacation this same time next year.

 

[Candycane83]

I've also started my dining review with introductions only in case anyone is interested, hehe! - http://www.disboards.com/threads/fi...dventure-december-2016.3565750/#post-56860659

 

[Lisa F]

I've also started my dining review with introductions only in case anyone is interested, hehe! - http://www.disboards.com/threads/fi...dventure-december-2016.3565750/#post-56860659

Me too though I think anyone interested found me there lol. Let's see if the link in my signature works!

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Hey @Lisa F , did you end up going to the Holiday Wishes Dessert Party? We're under the tree waiting for the parade to start right now. When we checked in at Tom. Terrace, I asked the CM if tables were pre-assigned and she said no. So if you went, was there a mad dash to the dessert party or was everyone kind of cool about it?

Also super-happy about the reserved parade viewing. Got to the tree at about 7:45 and we're front and center looking at the castle.

 

[JamieOak]

Hey @Lisa F , did you end up going to the Holiday Wishes Dessert Party? We're under the tree waiting for the parade to start right now. When we checked in at Tom. Terrace, I asked the CM if tables were pre-assigned and she said no. So if you went, was there a mad dash to the dessert party or was everyone kind of cool about it?

Also super-happy about the reserved parade viewing. Got to the tree at about 7:45 and we're front and center looking at the castle. View attachment 210447

I'm not Lisa, but I did do the Holiday Wishes Dessert party on my MVMCP night. We ended up walking to Tom Terrace and not waiting for the escort over there. We beat the group by far, but when they arrived the group was pushy and groups were getting split up in the crowd and people were getting worked up. So I guess it kind of did have that "mad dash" feel to it, but with a chaperone to walk you over. I'd suggest walking yourself over and beating them.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Thanks for the tip. Did you guys use the "backstage" path that is off to the right over by Tony's?

 

[Lisa F]

Thanks for the tip. Did you guys use the "backstage" path that is off to the right over by Tony's?

@areno79 ran over there and beat everyone and held 3 tables (for her, us, and @Candycane83 ) and we got there shortly after her and there were still good tables. I think we went through the Emporium and just trucked on up and got there before the group. Kiddo does not move so fast but it was not a problem. I'd even split your party if you can run ahead and get a table and have them follow you.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

@areno79 ran over there and beat everyone and held 3 tables (for her, us, and @Candycane83 ) and we got there shortly after her and there were still good tables. I think we went through the Emporium and just trucked on up and got there before the group. Kiddo does not move so fast but it was not a problem. I'd even split your party if you can run ahead and get a table and have them follow you.

Got here at about 9:05. Took @JamieOak 's advice and left right after parade. Didn't bother to wait to be chaperoned to TT. We were the 3rd family here and got a great table. Our choices were kind of limited due to the fact that our DS2 is asleep in stroller so we needed a table with room for stroller. Very happy I decided to keep this Dessert party. Went to Illuminations and JBJB dessert parties earlier this week and was definitely underwhelmed with the food offerings at those. The reserved viewing location for Illuminations was good but so are a hundred other locations around World Showcase.

 

[Lisa F]

Got here at about 9:05. Took @JamieOak 's advice and left right after parade. Didn't bother to wait to be chaperoned to TT. We were the 3rd family here and got a great table. Our choices were kind of limited due to the fact that our DS2 is asleep in stroller so we needed a table with room for stroller. Very happy I decided to keep this Dessert party. Went to Illuminations and JBJB dessert parties earlier this week and was definitely underwhelmed with the food offerings at those. The reserved viewing location for Illuminations was good but so are a hundred other locations around World Showcase.

Glad you got a great table. Some people were really pitching a fit about not having a good table at our party. @areno79 and I held down the fort for our good viewing tables. I found the dessert party to be very worth it even if I didn't have much dessert (i was still full and I don't much care for it). I liked the drinking chocolate and the chocolate covered strawberries and the cheese and crackers and fruit and probably downed a half gallon of water too. the green icing on those cupcakes is nasty, my kid's face was stained with it for a while after!

I thought it was SOOO worth it esp if you (like me) are doign the party toward the end of your trip when you're exhausted. It was worth it for the parade viewing, when we were there people were lining up on main street by 5:30 and all of the premium spots were gone by about 6!!!