Another do I / don't I book for Christmas? thread

[Anemone]

Hi.

Sister wasn't very well last weekend - nothing serious, just a bad cold - but she asked me "when are we going back to see Mickey?". I explained that we will go back for her birthday in June. She looked at me and said "you have a birthday too". She's absolutely right - I do have a birthday and it's on 22nd December!

So I've been thinking and thinking and thinking...

There are lots of reasons why a Christmas trip isn't a great idea. I'm concerned about the weather. Sister's health is poor and her immune system isn't great. She has chronic arthritis which means she feels the cold and is very sore in cold weather. She hates rain and will be a grumpy madam if it's raining and I figure there's a very high chance of both cold and rain in DLP in December. She also has asthma and has had a lot of respiratory problems recently including a scary hospital admission in March when she developed sepsis from a chest infection.

But our June trip was magical and she was so happy meeting the characters. She got such a huge lift from the trip and everyone at home was amazed at how animated she was when she got back and how happy she was. She talked freely about things we did and it really was like having the person my sister used to be back for a bit. She has dementia and it is progressing and will continue to progress so I know the time is coming when she won't be able to go and that will break my heart. I just don't know when that time is.

I have a 4 month old grandson and simply can't miss his first Christmas so have looked at taking a long weekend the weekend before. For arrivals up to 19th there are 2 nights free and from 20th there is 1 night free if you pay for 2. My first preference was Sequoia Lodge, Golden Forest. Sister needs a cooked breakfast when we're away. The quieter breakfast room and no time slots also appeals there.

I priced 18th - 22nd and there was no availability at all in GF. 19th - 23rd I could get GF but am only getting 1 night free so paying for 3 - £1094. 19th - 22nd I get 1 night free and GF standard is £794.

If we stay at HNY it's £898 for 4 nights from 18th - 22nd, 2 nights free or £788 from 19th - 22nd with 1 night free. Only Plaza rooms are available for the 4 nights whereas there are standard rooms for the 3.

I priced the DLH and thought £1286 wasn't bad for 4 nights but the £400 difference would pay for a lot of food.

Flights are reasonable - 140 Euro each if we fly Friday and 130 each if we fly Thursday. We can get a 21.30 flight home giving us the best part of our last day in the parks.

I think the best value is the HNY 4 nights Thurs - Monday. Approx £1250 including transfers. Food would be extra - I would want to do the Inventions Sunday Brunch but could live with counter service for the rest of our meals. Sister's disability pass gets her enough character interaction so that we don't need a character meal every day.

I have the money and should be spending it on sensible things like house and garden maintenance but I have a dreadful fear of getting to next June to find that sister can't manage another Disney trip and regretting not going now. The plans we all had to do things with my mother that never got done and never will...

My friends and family think I'm bonkers to be even thinking about it so I suppose I'm wanting to run my doubts past some like minded people who can hopefully provide some realistic advice.

Sister will be in a wheelchair. Will I be able to keep her warm enough if it's cold?

I have a vision in my head of her beautiful smile when she meets Santa, Anna and Elsa and her favourite, Mickey Mouse. Is this realistic?

Thanks if you got this far.

 

[kizzabel]

Hmmm this is a dilemma.
I say go for it. I think being a cold time of the year I would lean towards HNY or DLH if its doable. HNY is only another 5 minutes from DLH so not the end of the world and like you said that saving as opposed to the DLH is the price of your travel and transfer or meals for the duration. I think SQL just feels ages away compared to HNY on a wintery day.
Lots of layers and maybe those heat pads (cannot think of their correct names?! Gel thingys) and thermals should help but with HNY being close to the parks it will still be very manageable to nip back for a rest or a warm up cuppa.
I think you should go for it. You are an amazing sister and it is wonderful that you want to make your sister some fantastic, happy moments. And especially when she gained so much from your last trip.
I hope she is feeling well now. Life is far too hard sometimes.
And you can buy so much cute presents for your grandson, perfect timing and place to go bananas with the credit card for his 1st Christmas

 

[DLPdaft]

would she manage the cold in short bursts, if you could get inside and warm? ie into Videopolis in the main park, or go for a coffee inside the DLH, or into the shops in Studio One in the Studios/Village?

I'd be mostly concerned with how your sister would be able to manage the cold (and yes, possibly the wet). If you feel that is manageable, then personally I'd go - Christmas is a truly magically beautiful time at DLP, its a totally different experience compared with June (complete opposites really).

 

[ILOVEDLP]

Very short answer from me !
Really your asking us on the boards advice about booking a DLP trip if your asking on here I think your mind us already made up !!!
Go for it happy memories to be made

Go for it !!
Anna and Elisa I tempted my self

 

[cdsmiler81]

I explained that we will go back for her birthday in June. She looked at me and said "you have a birthday too". She's absolutely right - I do have a birthday and it's on 22nd December!

I LOVE her argument!!!! lol

You know her best - at least in a wheelchair you can wrap her up warm, use those heat pads, hot water bottles, etc etc. What's your gut saying??

If you DO decide to go with the New York, send me a PM. I have some info for you that might be useful!!

Sorry I know that sounds cryptic......

C x

 

[Ms Poppins]

You know your sister best and what she can cope with. Christmas season last year at DLP just blew me away - it was amazing. i think you'd both love it

Just something to note re booking rooms. I always price DLP site first and then look at either disneylandparisdirect.com or short-breaks.com They usually have prices very similar to DLP, within a pound or two difference. When I wanted to book up for this year, DLP site only had Plaza rooms available. When I called up Short Breaks, they had standard rooms. So I booked with them and saved about £90 I think (over two rooms). I've booked with them previously and they're very good.

Hope you make a decision soon - something for you to look forward to

 

[Anemone]

You know your sister best and what she can cope with. Christmas season last year at DLP just blew me away - it was amazing. i think you'd both love it

Just something to note re booking rooms. I always price DLP site first and then look at either disneylandparisdirect.com or short-breaks.com They usually have prices very similar to DLP, within a pound or two difference. When I wanted to book up for this year, DLP site only had Plaza rooms available. When I called up Short Breaks, they had standard rooms. So I booked with them and saved about £90 I think (over two rooms). I've booked with them previously and they're very good.

Hope you make a decision soon - something for you to look forward to

Thanks Julie - will check those sites out if I do decide to go for it.

I LOVE her argument!!!! lol

You know her best - at least in a wheelchair you can wrap her up warm, use those heat pads, hot water bottles, etc etc. What's your gut saying??

If you DO decide to go with the New York, send me a PM. I have some info for you that might be useful!!

Sorry I know that sounds cryptic......

C x

Thanks C, I thought that too - was very impressed with that! Have been reading threads here, the Dibb and TA about winter weather and how people cope with little children in pushchairs - it's the best comparison I have. If I wanted to heat those wheat bags in a microwave would I be allowed to use the babycare place? Will PM you for your HNY tip - intrigued!

Very short answer from me !
Really your asking us on the boards advice about booking a DLP trip if your asking on here I think your mind us already made up !!!
Go for it happy memories to be made

Go for it !!
Anna and Elisa I tempted my self

Lol Rachael - I freely admit I was looking for some positivity to balance the negativity from family and friends but I also needed practical advice!

would she manage the cold in short bursts, if you could get inside and warm? ie into Videopolis in the main park, or go for a coffee inside the DLH, or into the shops in Studio One in the Studios/Village?

I'd be mostly concerned with how your sister would be able to manage the cold (and yes, possibly the wet). If you feel that is manageable, then personally I'd go - Christmas is a truly magically beautiful time at DLP, its a totally different experience compared with June (complete opposites really).

Thanks Elaine - good advice. Think the cold and wet are the only concerns I have left.

Hmmm this is a dilemma.
I say go for it. I think being a cold time of the year I would lean towards HNY or DLH if its doable. HNY is only another 5 minutes from DLH so not the end of the world and like you said that saving as opposed to the DLH is the price of your travel and transfer or meals for the duration. I think SQL just feels ages away compared to HNY on a wintery day.
Lots of layers and maybe those heat pads (cannot think of their correct names?! Gel thingys) and thermals should help but with HNY being close to the parks it will still be very manageable to nip back for a rest or a warm up cuppa.
I think you should go for it. You are an amazing sister and it is wonderful that you want to make your sister some fantastic, happy moments. And especially when she gained so much from your last trip.
I hope she is feeling well now. Life is far too hard sometimes.
And you can buy so much cute presents for your grandson, perfect timing and place to go bananas with the credit card for his 1st Christmas

Thanks Kizzy. She's well enough at the minute thanks. Sports Direct have ladies thermals in their clearance section - long sleeved tops and long trousers in pink and purple.

I'm 90% convinced at the minute. I remember having concerns about how well she would cope in June and deciding that if the worst came to the worst we could hang out in the hotel for the week. I suppose that still applies. Will do some more research and decide by weekend.

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

What a wonderful sister you are! Loved your last trip reports and your sister got such joy from the trips..... It's so so hard when a loved one has a degenerative illness and it's hard to make long term plans without worry! I am a 'carpe diem' person and would say go for it who knows what tomorrow brings not just for your sister but for you too. Personally I prefer the colder weather and like to be wrapped up....not so crazy about.the rain but don't forget those high visibility ponchos :-D. Best of luck with whatever decision you make wonderful lady x

 

[Anemone]

Thanks Disneyfanswicklow, for the kind words and for your input.

 

[Anemone]

We are booked. HNY, 18 - 22 December and flights from Dublin.

Was offered a standard room on the 2 sites you suggested Julie but at 4 nights for price of 3 only so the Plaza room was better value.

I've ordered some cheap thermals from Sports Direct and will buy some hotties as well. Fingers crossed if I do that weather will be mild like it was last year.

Will get a PTR started soon.

 

[kizzabel]

We are booked. HNY, 18 - 22 December and flights from Dublin.

Was offered a standard room on the 2 sites you suggested Julie but at 4 nights for price of 3 only so the Plaza room was better value.

I've ordered some cheap thermals from Sports Direct and will buy some hotties as well. Fingers crossed if I do that weather will be mild like it was last year.

Will get a PTR started soon.

Great news I'll keep my eyes pealed for your ptr. Happy planning xx

 

[Ms Poppins]

We are booked. HNY, 18 - 22 December and flights from Dublin.

Was offered a standard room on the 2 sites you suggested Julie but at 4 nights for price of 3 only so the Plaza room was better value.

Great news

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Great news, enjoy your planning

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Delighted for you both! Enjoy all the planning x I love HNY!!!

 

[Anemone]

Thankyou ladies.

Really excited but have a trip to visit family in Torrevieja coming up in a few weeks so going to wait until after that before I let myself get too absorbed in Disney planning - it tends to be all consuming for me.

Think I'm gonna miss the work Christmas do - currently being planned for 19th - but I think I'll be getting the better afternoon out.

 

[BabyAriel]

Fabulous news, really glad you decided to go for it. Sure you will have a magical time

 

[Anemone]

Thank you BabyAriel.