45 days and counting - A Canadian PTR

[canadianmom2three]

We're officially all paid off, and counting down the last 45 days!
Time for some serious, last minute planning (ok, really its just firming up the planning than I've already done) So, I would love any advice, tips, ideas from all of you, especially since this is our first Christmas trip!!!

The details:
Checking in to Port Orleans Riverside on December 17, departing on the 26th
I've requested a refurbed room, and have my fingers crossed in a big way, since this is the first time we will all share one room, and the kids are not too fussy on sharing beds as it is!
We have 8 day park hopper tickets and FREE DINING

The crew
DH - was the one who said 'book it' this time around
Me - have been trying to get us back to disney so so many times since our last trip in 2008, so he certainly didn't have to twist my arm any harder than that!
DS - 14 and planning to take full advantage of all the great food opportunities - I swear he is more excited about the restaurants than the rides!
DD - 12 and a big planner like me - she's convinced that she'll find a way to see Perry somewhere...
DS - 10 (OK, he's really just 9, but he can eat like his big brother, and basically acts like he's going on 14 too)

The trip
We have driven to Florida a LOT of times, but never in the winter....so this is really a first for us, and to be honest, I'm a little worried! The last time we drove, it was about 18 hours driving time for us (we're right in SW Ontario). We can't leave until after school on the 16th, and we want to try and get in at least 6 - 8 hours of driving before stopping for the night. Even at that, we won't end up getting to Disney until fairly late in the day on the 17th, so really really hoping for good weather and a safe drive.

So that's about it for the really FIRM parts of the trip, the rest is the part that I'm hoping for some input and suggestions on.....so stay tuned for park plans, ADR's and so much more!!!

 

[jguner]

I really hope you have already made your Dining reservations! This is our fourth time going at Christmas and we made our Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner reservations in July. You will love it! We did that is why we keep going back. I was very reluctant to for Christmas and said I would decide after the first time if we would do it again. Absolutely love it!!! One thing we do that makes it feel more like Christmas is we participate in the Christmas tree exchange! Another thing is we do the Christmas Horse Drawn Carriage Ride out of Fort Wildreness. It really is a lot of fun. Everybody decorates their trailers with lights and decorations.
Enjoy!!

 

[canadianmom2three]

Thanks!! I do have some dining reservations made, but am really struggling to decide what parks are best to visit on each day. Here's the tentative plan, PLEASE let me know what your thoughts are everyone!!

Dec. 17 - arrival, no parks today
Dec. 18 - MK at rope drop, then DHS for EMH in the evening
Dec. 19 - Epcot (not rope drop) then MK for EMH until 1 a.m.
Dec. 20 - AK all day, no hopping?
Dec. 21 - DHS all day, no hopping?
Dec. 22 - MK for EMH a.m. hours then ????? later - ideas welcome!
Dec. 23 - MK early again (have an 8 a.m. ADR) then DHS later on
Dec. 24 - EPCOT all day (have CP ressie later in the day)
Dec. 25 - NO PARKS TODAY - resort touring etc...
Dec. 26 - DHS a.m. for EMH hours if we are up to it, if not, AK all day

 

[dis_guy]

Thanks!! I do have some dining reservations made, but am really struggling to decide what parks are best to visit on each day. Here's the tentative plan, PLEASE let me know what your thoughts are everyone!!

Dec. 17 - arrival, no parks today
Dec. 18 - MK at rope drop, then DHS for EMH in the evening
Dec. 19 - Epcot (not rope drop) then MK for EMH until 1 a.m.
Dec. 20 - AK all day, no hopping?
Dec. 21 - DHS all day, no hopping?
Dec. 22 - MK for EMH a.m. hours then ????? later - ideas welcome!
Dec. 23 - MK early again (have an 8 a.m. ADR) then DHS later on
Dec. 24 - EPCOT all day (have CP ressie later in the day)
Dec. 25 - NO PARKS TODAY - resort touring etc...
Dec. 26 - DHS a.m. for EMH hours if we are up to it, if not, AK all day

18: MK is good.
19: EP is good.
20: AK good.
21: HS good.
22: HS and AK are good.
23: MK is neutral and DHS is good.
24: EP is neutral.
26: AK is fine, HS is neutral.

Good picking! Have a great time!

 

[canadianmom2three]

Thanks!! I feel like I should have a plan to take advantage of the hopper pass more, but I'm not too sure if that will make it feel too 'busy'....

 

[canadianmom2three]

I was very reluctant to for Christmas and said I would decide after the first time if we would do it again. Absolutely love it!!! One thing we do that makes it feel more like Christmas is we participate in the Christmas tree exchange! Another thing is we do the Christmas Horse Drawn Carriage Ride out of Fort Wildreness.

Glad to hear that you love it, I am a little nervous to be giving up what we usually do for Christmas, and hoping that we will feel like it was the right decision! Where would I find out more about the "Christmas tree exchange?" is this like a swap?? I was thinking of bring a small tree, but that is a lot to pack! Also, the carriage ride sounds neat, did you book this in advance? THanks for the great ideas!!

 

[bababear_50]

Just adding a couple of ideas
We took some santa hats which we purchased at the dollar store with us--kinda festive.
I also packed stockings and a few things to go in them--hung them on our door handle,when we woke up Christmas morning we opened them and then headed out for a nice breakfast at Olivia's Old Key West ( DVC members).
I bought a small tree with LED lights in DTD (approx cost 20.00) Being Canadian we took our Canadian Polar Bear Bob with us and plugged him in the outlet on the balcony.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Have a blast!

Hugs Mel

 

[bababear_50]

I'd also suggest taking a evening to check out Downtown Disney,the mood is very festive at this time of year. Since you are staying at POR you could just take a boat there and back. Also my sons and I enjoyed a movie at DTD AMC theaters.

Something I did pack from home was:Hot chocolate pouches and some popcorn which we shared xmas eve by the pool watching movies.

Happy planning
Hugs Mel

 

[canadianmom2three]

I was thinking about the christmas hats idea myself - will see if I can convince my 14yo to wear one , and I LOVE the hot cocoa idea, would never have thought of that, but the kids would love that!! I hear they are going to be playing the movies all year long now, so that will be perfect

 

[bababear_50]

I was thinking about the christmas hats idea myself - will see if I can convince my 14yo to wear one , and I LOVE the hot cocoa idea, would never have thought of that, but the kids would love that!! I hear they are going to be playing the movies all year long now, so that will be perfect

Once my 22 and 24 year old sons saw how easy it was to be free and silly and have fun in Disney they got into the Disney Christmas spirit. I know my son took his girlfriend on a carriage ride at POR a few years ago-they had a great time. He booked it from home using the number on the Disney web site.
Also wanted to mention that window clings pack easily-I took a few sheets of snowflake ones with us.
Fort Wilderness also has a free "singalong with chip and Dale" campfire,I believe smores kits can be purchased for a small fee.

See You tube video below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPOcs5fgEgM

Here is a link to the carriage rides at Boatrights dining hall

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/recreation/
Hugs Mel

 

[C&B Young]

Thanks!! I feel like I should have a plan to take advantage of the hopper pass more, but I'm not too sure if that will make it feel too 'busy'....

We've found over the years that hoppers are nice to have, but the actual hopping can eat up too much time (especially if you're relying on Disney transportation). You've got lots of days at the park, so I think you're employing the right strategy - devote lots of time to the park that you're at for the day, and if you've got time left over then hop.

 

[canadianmom2three]

We've found over the years that hoppers are nice to have, but the actual hopping can eat up too much time (especially if you're relying on Disney transportation). You've got lots of days at the park, so I think you're employing the right strategy - devote lots of time to the park that you're at for the day, and if you've got time left over then hop.

Hopefully it works out well! I thought there would be more evening EMH hours to use the hoppers for, but it doesn't seem like there are that many nights, which is too bad, because the kids love to stay at the park late!

 

[C&B Young]

Hopefully it works out well! I thought there would be more evening EMH hours to use the hoppers for, but it doesn't seem like there are that many nights, which is too bad, because the kids love to stay at the park late!

You'll likely see Disney extend park hours later when it gets closer to your trip dates (MK in particular). Here's December 2010's park hours for reference. So jealous that you'll be at WDW for Christmas!

 

[nepean]

We are also driving and arriving on Dec 18th from Ottawa. We are hoping for good weather for the drive down but the last two years we have hit major snowstorms in the Washington area. Last year wasn't as bad we were driving in the tail end of the storm, but the previous year it was a huge storm and we drove into it. We have snowtires on the Sante Fe and kept going. After we turned onton Rt 66 along the Blue Ridge Mtns. it was us, a transport and four vans/SUVs in a row. We all followed the truck and it turned out we were all Cdns. and the truck was from Quebec. We usually drive straight through with 4 drivers but this time we stopped in Weldon, NC around midnight. We were out of the storm (lots of snow on the ground) and tired. We are staying until January 8th. DH is running the half marathon.

Nepean

 

[tgropp]

OK I'm jealous. I would spend every Christmas Day at WDW if my wife would let me. You are leaving at the perfect time also as the crowds flood in on the 26'th. The days leading up to Christmas day are so magical. Enjoy!

 

[canadianmom2three]

OK I'm jealous. I would spend every Christmas Day at WDW if my wife would let me. You are leaving at the perfect time also as the crowds flood in on the 26'th. The days leading up to Christmas day are so magical. Enjoy!

Looks like you've been there over christmas a few times - encouraging to hear that about the crowds, I am pulling the kids out so we can do down the week before, since our schools are going right up to the 23rd this year....

 

[canadianmom2three]

Took the pposters advice and picked up some santa hats at the dollar store tonight. They had some that light up, so got two of those for the youngest kids, and 3 of the plain fluffy ones for my oldest and DH and I.....
Also picked up some window clings, and mini lights to decorate the window, and some of the cute Disney christmas gift bags

 

[marilyn23]

I really lijke your meal and hotel choice as well. From what i was reading all of POR is supposed to be renovated by end Nov. We stayed at POR last yr and really liked their customer service, the buses were great. If you like DTD, the boats are right there. Honestly though I found the room a little worn and dirty on arrival. It got better for cleanliness later. I guess better HK. I wish I had known POFQ was renovated I would have stayed there. The CM didn't tell us about the renovated rooms, so we booked POR. It was still nice and i am pretty sure they are renovated. I saw pics of the renovated rooms, absotuley gorgeous.

We're going from the 17-27 Dec. Can't wait. Although i need to get home first. I am in Italy right now with the military and return back to Nova Scotia on the 11th of Dec. We are staying at YC this yr. Our favourite park is Epcot so it's perfect for us.

We are eating at:
Sci fi, 9 Dragons, Y & Y, Hollywood and vine, Via Napoli, Les Chefs, Liberty Tree Tavern(Christmas Day), Tony's, Raglan Road, San Angel and finally after checking everyday were fortunate enough to get a lunch reservation for 5 at Le Cellier. Can't wait.

 

[canadianmom2three]

Cool, sounds like some good choices on restaurants!! Here's my tentative plan for eating....open to any suggestions!!

Dec. 17 - arrival, no parks today
-We arrive too late to eat, will stop on the way. Maybe eat snacks at night
Dec. 18 - MK at rope drop, then DHS for EMH in the evening
-Snacks for breakfast (Main street Bakery!!!!), maybe counter service??
-ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern for a late lunch at 2:25
-Counter service for a late dinner at DHS or back at the resort
Dec. 19 - Epcot (not rope drop) then MK for EMH until 1 a.m.
-Snacks for breakfast (yum!!)
-ADR at Coral Reef for lunch
-ADR for Crystal Palace for late dinner 8:45 I think
Dec. 20 - AK all day, no hopping?
-counter service for lunch
-ADR at Tusker house for dinner (maybe try to switch this to lunch for characters....)
Dec. 21 - DHS all day, no hopping?
-ADR at Prime Time Cafe for late dinner
Dec. 22 - MK for EMH a.m. hours then ????? later - ideas welcome!
-no ADR's yet, maybe another counter service day...
Dec. 23 - MK early again (have an 8 a.m. ADR) then DHS later on??
-ADR for Crystal Palace for 8:00 a.m. (please don't change the park hours!!!)
-snacks for lunch
-counter service for dinner
Dec. 24 - EPCOT all day (have CP ressie later in the day)
-snacks for breakfast
-counter service for lunch - love sunshine seasons!!
-ADR for Garden Grill for dinner, plus CP 8:15 show
Dec. 25 - NO PARKS TODAY - resort touring etc...
-1900 Park Fare for brunch
-Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner
Dec. 26 - DHS a.m. for EMH hours if we are up to it, if not, AK all day

 

[C&B Young]

Dec. 20 - AK all day, no hopping?
-counter service for lunch
-ADR at Tusker house for dinner (maybe try to switch this to lunch for characters....)

I think the character lunch is the way to go. A buffet is more worthwhile with the characters, plus the park usually starts to quiet down in the late afternoon, you want to take advantage of that & not be sitting down at a meal.

Dec. 25 - NO PARKS TODAY - resort touring etc...
-1900 Park Fare for brunch
-Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner

This is smart planning! As much as I'd love to be at WDW for Christmas, the parks themselves will be a nightmare.