A Very Lurkyloo Christmas is FINISHED! New 3/16: Last Day of the Trip!

[aharbin88]

VERY cute cake!

Thank you! I was thrilled with it!

To me TGM is worth it because not only do you get advice on when to go to the parks, he gives you strategies for avoiding crowds and seeing as much as possible once you get there. It's kind of an entire-trip approach to planning. And once you know his basic principles, you can deviate from his suggestions a bit and still do OK because you know the overall ideas.

The only problem is when he doesn't publish his least crowded parks info in a timely fashion. Usually he gets it posted within a few days of Disney releasing the calendar (which can be hard when your trip starts on the 1st or 2nd of the month and you need to make ADRs). But recently he had a very scary family emergency that precluded his posting the recommendations for several days. It's tricky because he doesn't delegate the duty to others...

Hmmm.... I still can't decide whether or not to give it a try. I might just try it and see how it works out. I'm like you, I feel like I know enough to handle it on my own, but as we all know, there's always more to learn. If I don't try him, I might always wonder if he's in on some incredible secret that I never could figure out on my own!

Hey, who knows - maybe our ship will come in and we can go at Christmas two years in a row! Congrats on buying into DVC - which home resort did you pick?

That is a plan! We'll make it work.
We picked SSR. We felt like that was the best "deal." We hope to try them all eventually.

What happened was, I got laid off from my day job last week, and now, instead of having 8 hours a day to surf the web, I spend most of my time either editing for PassPorter or looking for another day job!

I canNOT imagine someone thinking that it was a good business decision to let your talent for writing and editing go. I have no doubt that you will be swooped up quickly! And if a move is something you would truly consider, Tennessee is a great place to live!

Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that there are differences. We went the week before Thanksgiving last year thinking we could get in on the last two days of the F&WF and still hit all of the Christmas things. MK was pretty much decorated because of MVMCP but some of the decorations never did make it up before the end of our trip. None of the resorts were decorated at all. GF had the gingerbread house structure up but they don't start filling it in until Thanksgiving week. Most of the parks play Christmas music but none of them had Christmas decorations (or very minimally). By the end of the week the parks had put up their big Christmas trees but not much else. Also, the Osborne lights didn't start until after Thanksgiving last year as well as the other fun Christmas things like the band that plays Christmas tunes at the GF, the lighted arch at Epcot, Candlelight Processional, the sleigh ride at WL, the Santas around the World at Epcot, and none of the chocolate/sugar displays were out yet at the resorts either. Also WDW was still using up there Halloween accessories as anytime we stopped somewhere to get a drink or had a napkin handed to us it was Halloween themed. I guess because Disney has so many "soft openings" of things I had hoped more would've been up or started without it being the 'official' time yet.

This is the thing I'm afraid of. I really want to see the Osborne Lights and the Santas around the world, plus the sleigh ride sounds AWESOME! I didn't know about the lighted arch at Epcot before now. I'll have to look into that. I guess I should look at opening dates for all the festivities this year, and try to guesstimate when those dates will be in 2010. If I am planning a Christmas trip to WDW, I want to get the full court Christmas press, ykwim? Thanks for the input! I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions along the way. I hope you don't mind the occasional hijack, Carrie!

 

[8disneyfans]

I just finished your solo trip report. It was amazing! And the photos were awesome, yes even yours! I can't wait til you come back in December, is it ok to stalk the stalker? I know I'm not a Disney bride, but maybe there's a vow renewal in my future. Or at least a private DP.
Hope all is well!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

This is the thing I'm afraid of. I really want to see the Osborne Lights and the Santas around the world, plus the sleigh ride sounds AWESOME! I didn't know about the lighted arch at Epcot before now. I'll have to look into that. I guess I should look at opening dates for all the festivities this year, and try to guesstimate when those dates will be in 2010. If I am planning a Christmas trip to WDW, I want to get the full court Christmas press, ykwim? Thanks for the input! I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions along the way. I hope you don't mind the occasional hijack, Carrie!

We went the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December in 2006. All of the decorations and activities were started then. In my experience (and this changes from year to year I'm sure as it gets busier during the holiday season) the second week of December was a lot less crowded then the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December (the week after Thanksgiving has a lot of people, I think, taking advantage of the holiday weekend before and travelling and the first week of December has Pop Century, Mousefest, the ABC Christmas parade, and the people that were already going to be visiting). It also I think depends on how the dates fall (like if the second week of December falls more towards the earlier dates of the month). Also there's little Disney Christmas touches throughout the park (like they put Santa hats on the "stuffed" animals on the wall at Country Bear Jamboree, etc.). So keep your eyes out!

I think Osborne Lights is the one thing that fluctuates from year to year. Like this year they start on the November 10th . But everything should be up and going (and resorts fully decorated) by the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

The light arch at Epcot is really pretty. It's like a mini Osborne Lights as it 'dances' to Christmas music. It's across the walkway leading into World Showcase and right before you get to Epcot's big Christmas tree. They also have Christmas tree lighting ceremonies every night at each park (as well as for the 'icicle lights' on the castle).

Carrie, I hope your doing well!

 

[8disneyfans]

I have never been To WDW during the Christmas season. I am so excited, especially after reading all the things we can do. One advantage we have is that we live here now so we won't feel the rush to get everything done in a week. I can't wait to see the CP, the santas, the castle... Well everything!!!

 

[lurkyloo]

It seems you have a positive outlook on the job situation! Like a pp said you will be successful in whatever you do.
I'll have to look into this tweeter thing.
That is so sad about the photographers! Now anyone doing a Disney wedding will have to use Disney photographers. And while I'm sure they are fine if someone is paying all that money, I would guess they would want the freedom of choosing their photographer. It seems it boils down to money. I hate to say that but if you aren't using Disney, they aren't making money. And you are so right millions of visitors take millions of pics, they can't possibly control that.

Yeah, fortunately, they still allow couples to use non-Disney photography outside the parks, but to me the whole point of being married at Disney is to have it *inside* a park. So no WDW vow renewal for us until the policy changes.

Carrie I am so very sorry to hear about your job. My father also lost his job in June and a close friend just 2 weeks ago. It's so hard right now in this econmony but I know you and they will find something very soon. Any company would be luck to have you working for them.

I hope you had a great time today in DL!

Thanks for the kind words! They keep saying the economy is about to turn around, so... fingers crossed!

I'm sorry about your job. Here's to hoping today was a great day and a welcome distraction from it!

Distraction is right! It was a lot of fun - we hadn't done an opening-to-closing day at Disneyland in a while....

Hi Carrie! Loved the tweetpics! I didn't catch your tweets live, but it was fun to see what you did. Have a great Sunday.

I'm so glad you enjoyed them! It was fun to Tweet from Disneyland the way I do at Disney World!

I am so sorry to hear about your job. Best of luck in the search, I'm sure you'll land something fantastic.

Hope you had fun at DL!

Thanks so much! I am definitely on the lookout for something fantastic....

How was your Disneyland day? I didn't get a chance to tweet.

It was so much fun! I'll post some pictures here when DH culls them down to the best batch,

We got back from our trip a week and a half ago and I’m only just getting onto the boards again – I still feel depressed and coming back to the cold weather here really doesn’t help at all.

Wow! Thanks for sharing your Kouzzina and Wishes DP experiences - I am so excited to have had a mini-dining review conveniently located right in my PTR! You were sweet to take the time for that.... and you saved me ordering a few things I'd considered!

Oh and don’t expect to hear much in advance about the TSM event – Disney made them jump through hoops last year and didn’t seem to want to agree to much in advance! I would expect the non – DU sign up to be done in November (at least this year everyone will get in!) although as it’s a paid for event they may do it earlier.

I've been reading about the D23 event too sounds fab and I can imagine how torn you would be (they said on the Podcast you have to be outside the park and be escorted to the party) I hope everything you want to do works out

Yeah, I want to say I can't believe Disney booked TWO after-hours private events into the same park on the same day, but I guess I *can* believe it because they want the money. It just seems like a slap in the face to the DIS to counter-program the big DIS party with a D23 event that some of the same people will want to attend.

I hope you don't mind the occasional hijack, Carrie!

Never! Hijack away!

Thanks for the kind words about my job - and the tip on Tennessee! At the very least, I need to visit some day. I love the South...

I'll be interested to know what you think of TGM if you bite the bullet and sign up. If you need to justify the cost, just use my Latte Comparative Method - a new subscription to TGM with the DIS discount will only cost about as much as a week's supply of grande lattes!

I just finished your solo trip report. It was amazing! And the photos were awesome, yes even yours! I can't wait til you come back in December, is it ok to stalk the stalker? I know I'm not a Disney bride, but maybe there's a vow renewal in my future. Or at least a private DP.
Hope all is well!

I'm so glad you liked the trippie! You should totally come stalk us at the DIS Boards party at DHS on Dec. 12. You should also totally do a private DP! Heck, if I lived in Orlando, I'd prolly celebrate all my milestones at WDW.

Carrie, I hope your doing well!

Thanks for all the Christmas tips - you're better than that entire thread over on the Theme Park Attractions & Strategies board!

 

[8disneyfans]

Carrie, I am so at the disparty! It's a bonus you will be there Now how do I sign up?

 

[Handbag Lady]

Hey lurkyloo!

I've been busy at work and haven't been here in a spell.

I am SO sorry on that lay-off. I hate them so much, having suffered two of my own in my past.

I hope you'll find blissful employment you enjoy soon.

 

[PopArtGal]

I haven't been on much since I was supposed to be going back until December 2010. And the dis was depressing lol

Well our dec. 2010 trip is cancelled.

But a July 2010 trip is on it's way.

So here I am again lol

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks for all the Christmas tips - you're better than that entire thread over on the Theme Park Attractions & Strategies board!

I don't know about that! One of those kinds of threads on that board was my original reason for wanting to go the three different weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas week. People would get so worked up about defending "their" week and how it's the best, least crowded, etc. So I thought I'd try them all out . The only problem with that is that I'd have to go every year all three weeks as things change so much from year to year to actually have a valid opinion .

The first time I ever went during Christmas time (the second week of December) was the December after 9/11. I swear there must've been 10 people visiting WDW. Every ride we went on had absolutely no line and the CM's just waiting for us. Every restaurant had about 50% (or some a lot less)of it's tables even filled. I know that sounds really cool but when you're walking down Main St. in MK and it's deathly quiet except for the background music and you half expect a tumbleweed to come blowing by it's really kind of creepy. Then we went the second week of December in 2005 and everyone was back! It's so hard to judge year by year as boards, like the DIS, become more popular and there's more TV specials about Christmas at WDW and Disney does more promo's, etc. Going at Christmas is great but it can seem a little overwhelming trying to get everything in (we never made it to any tree lighting ceremony or castle lighting as they were almost always right around 6 p.m. when we were either at dinner or heading in that direction) plus the rides and other activities.

Whew! My brain is now empty of thoughts

 

[lurkyloo]

Carrie, I am so at the disparty! It's a bonus you will be there Now how do I sign up?

Well, so far they haven't announced signups yet, but when they do there will be an announcement on the DIS and in this thread (hopefully on the first page, cuz the rest of it's gone waaaaay OT!):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2308613

Hey lurkyloo!

I've been busy at work and haven't been here in a spell.

I am SO sorry on that lay-off. I hate them so much, having suffered two of my own in my past.

I hope you'll find blissful employment you enjoy soon.

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you're busy - busy is good!

I haven't been on much since I was supposed to be going back until December 2010. And the dis was depressing lol

Well our dec. 2010 trip is cancelled.

But a July 2010 trip is on it's way.

So here I am again lol

Aw... I'm so glad you still get to go - and even sooner now!

The only problem with that is that I'd have to go every year all three weeks as things change so much from year to year to actually have a valid opinion .

Pshaw - such scientific accuracy is never required in order to spout one's opinion on the DIS!

It's so hard to judge year by year as boards, like the DIS, become more popular and there's more TV specials about Christmas at WDW and Disney does more promo's, etc. Going at Christmas is great but it can seem a little overwhelming trying to get everything in (we never made it to any tree lighting ceremony or castle lighting as they were almost always right around 6 p.m. when we were either at dinner or heading in that direction) plus the rides and other activities.

I think that's what's going to happen to us - I'm hoping missing out on lighting ceremonies isn't that big a deal...

 

[lurkyloo]

OK, so I hopped online a few minutes before tickets went on sale today and managed to score two tickets (well, three tickets, but I'm working on getting a refund for the accidental extra ticket) to D23's Magic & Merriment event over the weekend that we'll be at WDW.

Now, in addition to all the fun stuff we're already doing, we will get to participate in:

Saturday

• Special morning "Holidays Around the World" presentation that is everything I hear the Yuletide Fantasy tour is *not*.
  
• Access to D23 hospitality suite all day at Epcot
  
• Reserved seating for Candlelight Processional at 5pm
  
• Dinner on the set of Lights! Motors! Action!
  
• "Last ride of the night" on an unspecified DHS attraction*
  
• Private viewing of Osbourne lights with "a special presentation hosted by two of Walt Disney World's top creative minds"*

Sunday

• D23 hospitality suite at MK all day
  
• Private lunch at Diamond Horseshoe, prolly with characters
  
• Tour of the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite
  
• Admission to MVMCP and another D23 hospitality suite
  
• Reserved parade viewing

*We prolly will have to skip these in order to get into the DIS party at DHS. I can't believe Disney scheduled two private events for huge fans on the same night in the same park. They didn't even warn the DIS they were doing it, so now some of us have to pick which thing we want to go to more, b/c so far both sides are saying we cannot be escorted from the D23 event to the DIS event already in progress.


Here's the full description of the event:
The holly jolly happenings begin Saturday morning, December 12, at the D23 Member Lounge in Epcot, where guests will be greeted by the D23 Team and some very merry surprises and special guests that will certainly add some ho-ho-holiday sparkle to your day. The magic-makers at Walt Disney World Holiday Services will then give you a special behind-the-ears glimpse at how they transform Walt Disney World into a sparkling holiday haven — from gigantic candy-coated gingerbread houses and glistening snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. to twinkling Christmas trees beaming with thousands of lights. You'll then be invited to spend the afternoon enjoying the holiday splendor of Epcot at your own pace before re-joining the group at the America Gardens Theatre as the sun begins to set.

As you nestle into your reserved seat, sit back, snuggle up and delight in the warm embrace of Walt Disney World's perennial Christmas favorite, Candlelight Processional. This time-honored tradition of classic carols and hymns sung by a choir of hundreds will be narrated by renowned singer and actress Vanessa Williams ("Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas; Ugly Betty). Following this special performance, you will be transported to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a sumptuous holiday feast on one of the park's largest backlot sets – Lights! Motors! Action!™ After the park closes, enjoy "the last ride of the night" on one of the park's signature attractions, and then head over to New York Street for a private viewing of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights during a special presentation hosted by two of Walt Disney World's top creative minds.

On Sunday, you'll head to the Magic Kingdom for a day of Christmas fantasy and fun in this delightfully wintery wonderland. After a morning of enjoying the park's sparkling holiday majesty, everyone will gather inside Frontierland's iconic Diamond Horseshoe for a private holiday luncheon complete with special entertainment to keep the holiday spirit alive. After dessert, D23 members and their guests will get another "suite" treat… the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an exclusive tour of the magical Cinderella Castle Dream Suite, situated high above Fantasyland.

Come nightfall, celebrate together at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and relax at D23's private hospitality lounge (located at the Swan Boat Landing in front of Cinderella Castle) for holiday treats and cocoa. You'll also enjoy reserved viewing for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade. Holiday magic abounds, and, of course, it wouldn't be a D23 event without a very special holiday gift to commemorate the weekend! Happy holidays from your friends at D23!




So now I gotta rejigger some of our plans. The main thing that was affected was our Tusker House lunch/Nemo seating combo, but I was able to get an ADR for that later in our trip. Also, now we are going to be going to MVMCP twice and Candlelight twice - pretty funny, considering originally I didn't want to go to either. The Roots said it's OK to cancel our plans with them, but I really wanted to go to Candlelight with Jensey so that her enthusiasm might rub off on me!

 

[MyMuse]

Oooh, I got shut out of the Magic & Merriment. So disappointed! Take many pics!!

I would also be torn between M&M and the DIS party. But a good torn.

If you want to get rid of your ticket, please let me know!!!

 

[SleepingBeautyOH]

Can I voice my extreme jealousy without taking away from how exciting this all sounds for you!
A tour of the castle suite!?! Sweet! Sounds like you are going to have a pretty great Disney weekend!
I'm so excited for you (even though I am also incredibly jealous)
It is really funny that you are doing all of the things you didn't even know if you wanted to do...twice! Maybe the extra special D23 benefits will make the CP and MVMCP more appealing to you

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Oh man, the Magic and Merriment event sounds so cool!!!! Can't wait to hear your report on it - especially the tour of the castle suite. I'm green with envy!

 

[Aburns8]

I can't wait to hear about the D23 events! It sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe next year I will be able to attend some of them.

 

[Disneygrl36]

That sounds awesome Carrie. I cannot wait to hear all about your special D23 events!!!! I can't wait to see your pics of the Dream Suite!!!!!
P.S. I am doing the single digit dance.....

 

[8disneyfans]

That's awesome! I'm still trying to decide if I want to join D23 or not. I haven't really looked into it. Hmmm, off to investigate!

 

[aharbin88]

We went the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December in 2006. All of the decorations and activities were started then. In my experience (and this changes from year to year I'm sure as it gets busier during the holiday season) the second week of December was a lot less crowded then the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December. Also there's little Disney Christmas touches throughout the park (like they put Santa hats on the "stuffed" animals on the wall at Country Bear Jamboree, etc.). So keep your eyes out!

I think Osborne Lights is the one thing that fluctuates from year to year. Like this year they start on the November 10th . But everything should be up and going (and resorts fully decorated) by the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

The light arch at Epcot is really pretty. It's like a mini Osborne Lights as it 'dances' to Christmas music. It's across the walkway leading into World Showcase and right before you get to Epcot's big Christmas tree. They also have Christmas tree lighting ceremonies every night at each park (as well as for the 'icicle lights' on the castle).

Now THAT is some good info!

Thanks for the kind words about my job - and the tip on Tennessee! At the very least, I need to visit some day. I love the South...

I'll be interested to know what you think of TGM if you bite the bullet and sign up. If you need to justify the cost, just use my Latte Comparative Method - a new subscription to TGM with the DIS discount will only cost about as much as a week's supply of grande lattes!

If you ever want to come to Tennessee, come this time of year. Cool, crisp weather, and the prettiest mountains you'll ever lay eyes on.

Thanks for the info on TGM. If I bought it now, it would expire a year from now, right? Ideally, I could get some info from this year's holiday season, and then compare it to his 2010 stats. My fear is that he won't post info quickly enough for me to make plans and ressies, so I'd like to have '09 historical info to base some decisions on. I hate to buy a subscription for a year that I won't even be going to WDW, ykwim? IDK. I will probably end up buying it and playing with it this year so I will be fully prepared for next year. Too OCD?

I don't know about that! One of those kinds of threads on that board was my original reason for wanting to go the three different weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas week. People would get so worked up about defending "their" week and how it's the best, least crowded, etc. So I thought I'd try them all out . The only problem with that is that I'd have to go every year all three weeks as things change so much from year to year to actually have a valid opinion .

Yep, I think that's a plan. From here on out, you must be at WDW starting the week after Thanksgiving and running through the week before Christmas. And your good DISfriend Andrea must accompany you. Purely for research purposes.

That sounds awesome Carrie. I cannot wait to hear all about your special D23 events!!!! I can't wait to see your pics of the Dream Suite!!!!!
P.S. I am doing the single digit dance.....

 

[aharbin88]

Why don't the bananas dance?

 

[beatlesblonde]

Not sure if you saw yet Carrie but it looks like we might get to sign up for the DIS event soon