Aargh! DH decided this morning that we could go to Disney for Christmas!!

[divanicki75]

So, I've basically been begging DH for 4 years for us to take a Disney Vacation. Well, long story short- DH is stationed in Charleston, SC, and since we can't be with either side of the family and Disney is only a few (6) hours away, he gave in... The plan is after the kids (4 year old boy and 2 year old girl) open their gifts, to drive down, check into a non- Disney hotel :/ , spend 12/26 & possibly 12/27 at the parks. If we don't go to MK on the 27th, we'll just do some other touristy things and drive home at dinnertime. This is my first trip to Disney since I was in college and we did ZERO planning on that trip.
I've been pulling out any and all information I can from post, but any help/support that anyone can offer, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Nicki

 

[Uuaww]

kick and scream for disney hotel.

 

[coastiewifern]

Sounds like you are in the military. Check with their resort Shades of Green which is awesome and on Disney property. They are probably booked but I'd call daily to see if they have a cancellation.

So, I've basically been begging DH for 4 years for us to take a Disney Vacation. Well, long story short- DH is stationed in Charleston, SC, and since we can't be with either side of the family and Disney is only a few (6) hours away, he gave in... The plan is after the kids (4 year old boy and 2 year old girl) open their gifts, to drive down, check into a non- Disney hotel :/ , spend 12/26 & possibly 12/27 at the parks. If we don't go to MK on the 27th, we'll just do some other touristy things and drive home at dinnertime. This is my first trip to Disney since I was in college and we did ZERO planning on that trip.
I've been pulling out any and all information I can from post, but any help/support that anyone can offer, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Nicki

 

[divanicki75]

I'm okay about us not staying on property... THIS time- lol.... it's basically a real quick trip to pacify me

coastiewifern: I checked Shades and for 2 of the 3 nights we're planning on being there, they've got limited availability, but I've found a whole handful of hotels that are within a few miles that are cheaper...

Thanks,
Nicki

 

[sparkyboy]

smile and thank goodness he didn't get you muffin tins for Christmas. Here's some pixie dust to have a wonderful trip. Enjoy the time with your family and have a great holiday.

 

[divanicki75]

lol- that's true, Sparkyboy... AND, my Christmas gift is a new digital camera- yay! That gives me something to do during the 6 hour drive down... It's a newer version of the camera that I already have, but still, I'm sure it will take some time to get used to it.

Now to find toddler/preschooler age appropriate things to do...

PS- Hubby just suggested SOG and I checked. There's only availability on the 25th.

Nicki

 

[NeverLandDreamer]

I hope you guys have a safe and fun trip there. I imagine it's beautiful at Christmas.

 

[divanicki75]

yay! I'm getting there slowly, but surely. I've booked a hotel, Sleep in near Seaworld/International Drive. It had the best reviews for the price... under $100/night.

I am bummed that they don't do a better discount for Active Duty military- I called ITT and it's only about a $1 (about $5/ticket when you account for taxes) per ticket discount for AD military... We're still trying to decide whether to go to MK for 1 day or 2 (it'll depend on the kids), so we'll probably just buy tix when we get there...

I checked on Character meals- there were really only 2 times left at a breakfast- 7:30 & 7:40... we want to be at the gates at 8am, so we'll have to skip that... I've heard that the lines for pics/autographs with the characters can be up to an hour long, which was my BIG thing that I wanted to do, so I guess I have to figure out which are a priority for us and get those 1st thing in the am.

SO MUCH TO DO!

Thanks,
Nicki

 

[Minniemouse07]

Pick a day you will NOT be in the parks and go to a character meal in a resort restaurant (Chef Mickey's - B/D, 1900 Park Fare - B/D, Cape May Cafe - B, 'Ohana - B, Garden Grove Cafe[at the Swan only on Sat/Sun] - B, Gulliver's Grill [at the Swan] - D).

This gives you more WDW time w/o being in the parks or paying for more days on a ticket and you still get to meet the characters.

 

[SoonipiLady]

It's a great way to meet the characters and get the autographs that you want without spending your limited park time in line waiting for them.

Have a great trip. A short trip to WDW beats a longer one just about anywhere else IMO!



Karen

 

[sparkyboy]

I'm glad that you have found a place to stay even if it isn't on property. We have found that our 4 year old twin gkids love Epcot as well as MK. Epcot has lots of friendly kidcot centers so you can have some time to rest while they chat with CM and color.

Their first visit we spent most of our time at MK. Also there is lots to do at DTD. They love to be able to make different shapes with the Potato Heads at the Lego Store as well as put lots of items on the Ponies back in the My little Pony area. The zero water spots are also fund. Also fun is to ride the monorail around as well as the ferry boats.

I would try to do the rides at MK if I were you and not stand in line for to many of the characters. Is your son into trains? If so, Ride the train when you first arrive. The Buzz ride is fun and I think he'll enjoy it also. DD might enjoy the carousel as well as It's Small World. Also, if you have time, you might consider Tom Sawyer Treasurer Island. I think it's a well kept secret.

Wait until you are ready to leave the park to buy your souveniers.

Glad that you received camera for birthday. DH has never bought me anything to bake with again even though he told me I distinctly heard you say you needed cookie sheets and muffin tins.

Have a wonderful trip.