Christmas Comes Early PTR Nov 27 - Dec 3 2011 **What's YOUR Opinion?**

[PixieMama]

I think my biggest worry is that both of my boys will GOGOGO and as a result, my DH & I usually will too... but M&P will only keep that pace for so long before Papa's getting irritated and Mimi is ready to crash ... so I need to try to make my plans accordingly. I think that's why I'm leaning towards upgrading the dining (or PPO for more TS) instead of MVMCP (which is also high on my list of "extras" we'd love to do) because it would force us to have those breaks, kwim?
But... I don't know ... NOR do I know where that extra money would come from... If I'd done it when I first booked, it wouldn't be as big a deal... but now that we've had a couple of months to plan on the total amount, it's harder to say, "OH, wait, let's add $900 to that number"

I'd have to go back and look at what TS meals you have planned... if you can't upgrade dining plans, what about changing some of the ADRs to more dinners? That way, like you said, it would force you to have a break towards the end of the day...

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hi Marianne, we will be in WDW at the same time . I was looking over your schedule and see MK for Thursday Dec. 1st and Sat. Dec. 3th. In all likelihood this will probably be when they do the Christmas parade taping. All of Main Street will be jam packed. They do have ways to take you to other parts of the park where it isn't as crowded.


You look really familar to me. I think we might have a mutual friend on facebook. I had read her MAW trip here on the DIS, then started reading her blog, and we "know" each other on FB. It is a Small World isn't it ?

 

[mphalens]

PixieMama - Thank you! That helps!!! I feel like I'm sort of in limbo right now, since park openings, etc for November aren't really out yet .... I'm wondering if the recommendations will change once they are???

Hi Marianne, we will be in WDW at the same time . I was looking over your schedule and see MK for Thursday Dec. 1st and Sat. Dec. 3th. In all likelihood this will probably be when they do the Christmas parade taping. All of Main Street will be jam packed. They do have ways to take you to other parts of the park where it isn't as crowded.


You look really familar to me. I think we might have a mutual friend on facebook. I had read her MAW trip here on the DIS, then started reading her blog, and we "know" each other on FB. It is a Small World isn't it ?

Mrsksomeday! So cool that we'll be there at the same time!
Hmm... the parade taping... my kids would think it was so cool to be part of that, but not sure how long they'd want to "hang out" ... that will be one big "play it by ear"

And based on your description, I know exactly what friend we have in common! Her oldest and my oldest are best friends and her youngest and mine are like a little old married couple... it really is a Small World
Friend me on FB!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Mrsksomeday! So cool that we'll be there at the same time!
Hmm... the parade taping... my kids would think it was so cool to be part of that, but not sure how long they'd want to "hang out" ... that will be one big "play it by ear"

And based on your description, I know exactly what friend we have in common! Her oldest and my oldest are best friends and her youngest and mine are like a little old married couple... it really is a Small World
Friend me on FB!

I opened your PTR because of the title, then I saw your pictures and thought, hmm "she looks a little familar", then I saw Mr. Cool Attitude and thought "ok this is silly, I think I have seen him before too", then when I saw Sheriff Shortstuff it hit me "that is V's boyfriend!!!" .

My significant other Bill thought I was crazy because I went to V's Mommy's blog and showed him a picture there and then the picture you posted and said "isn't that the same little boy?" He was like "why" then I had to explain it to him. He has seen many pictures from that blog because I think the kids are just precious and their Mommy is utterly amazing. All the kids look like they have a fabulous time together.

Thursday, Dec 1 - Probably a MK morning and an EP afternoon/evening. I'm hoping this is a day that they'll be doing the special Candlelight Processional dinner package. We want to get a ADR for Garden Grill.

Last year booking for the Candlelight Processional started on August 26th. They have the package available every night as far as I know, you just have to call on the first day and hope you get your restaurant of choice, I wouldn't see Garden Grill being too hard to get. I didn't even have trouble getting a LeCellier Candlelight Processional package when I called the first day. We love the processional so much Bill wants to do it twice. I was looking at our schedule and we have Garden Grill as the restaurant we want to try that night, too funny.

We have DHS down for the 2nd as well. Bill would ride Toy Story Mania all day if he could. He has Cerebral Palsy and uses a power wheelchair, they have a fantastic accessible ride vehicle.

 

[mphalens]

Okay... I'm still trying to figure out if the DDP is best, if we should upgrade to DDxP, or ... if we should pay OOP ... or keep DDP AND pay OOP for whatever "isn't" covered...

Can someone point me in the right direction for figuring this all out??? Is there a good site? and if so, WHERE on that site?

I was just reading someone else's PTR and they were saying they might cancel their DDP and just put that money on a preloaded debit card and pay OOP because they thought they'd come out ahead... so their trip was still basically "pre-paid" ... unless they go over the DDP cost...

ACK! I feel like a crazy person!!! But I really really want to have this figured out BEFORE I make ADRs because I'd rather make ALL my ADRs if I can and not be TRYING to get a few more late in the game... and not have to go back and CANCEL some either ... Obviously, if I CAN'T get something I want, I'll KEEP trying ... does this make any sense to anyone other than me?

Have I told y'all about our "dining habits" ??? I think I mentioned briefly that we like to go out to eat when the six of us are together ... but, let me explain a little more to maybe give you some insight and you can help me ...

Mimi had (I say "had" because she had surgery and that's what the doctor's say "had") diverticulitis and she also HAS fibromyalgia . . . she's also not a "breakfast" person. Heck, if I had to choose one person on this trip to label the "picky eater" it'd be her... She would NOT label herself that way She loathes McDonalds and her stomach doesn't handle lots of fast food.

Papa is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Loves big breakfasts, enjoys a good meal with his family, LOVES lamb (it's a running family joke, but he does love lamb and only really gets to eat it out), loves a beer or two, not picky, goes with the flow.

Mr CA & Sheriff Shortstuff - I'm lumping them together because it's easier But really, they're pretty easy. They'll go go go until forced to chill, so a nice meal is a good way to do that ... they're pretty adventurous eaters as much as 6 & 3 year olds can be ... big fans of breakfast, grazers during the day, usually like a regular sized dinner, entertainment is pretty key for them (whether it be in the form of an ipod or a show or just lively dinner conversation).

Dave - he probably eats the least of the group. Enjoys a beer or two (esp. when out to eat with Papa, as they sort of egg each other on), would like to try some new places on this trip.

Me - I'm like the kids, I'll go go go until I have to stop or someone makes me. If I don't eat, I get ... seriously, though, I do get migraines if I don't eat enough. I'd be much more likely to have a drink back in the room (like go buy a bottle of something and have a drink after we're done for the day) than at a meal in the park. I love the breakfast buffets, I try to eat healthy, but I love dessert . . . I could probably be fine if I had breakfast & dinner and just snacked in the middle (too bad a 2 TS/1 Snack option doesn't exist! )...

Okay... so who has some words of wisdom for me??? Pretty please?

 

[mphalens]

I opened your PTR because of the title, then I saw your pictures and thought, hmm "she looks a little familar", then I saw Mr. Cool Attitude and thought "ok this is silly, I think I have seen him before too", then when I saw Sheriff Shortstuff it hit me "that is V's boyfriend!!!" .

My significant other Bill thought I was crazy because I went to V's Mommy's blog and showed him a picture there and then the picture you posted and said "isn't that the same little boy?" He was like "why" then I had to explain it to him. He has seen many pictures from that blog because I think the kids are just precious and their Mommy is utterly amazing. All the kids look like they have a fabulous time together.

Oh! And I so had to respond to this!!!! It made me smile all day A's blog, heck, A & her kids have a way of bringing people together in all kinds of ways... I consider myself v. lucky to count her as one of my dear friends.

And I SO would have done the same thing ... and my DH would have thought I was crazy

 

[mrsksomeday]

We have said we wished their was a 2TS plan a day too.

We have had the basic versus deluxe dining plan talk over and over in our home. For the December trip we are doing deluxe for the first time. It mostly comes down to wanting to try more 2TS places and going to the Candlelight Processional twice. The thing I worry about with doing 2 table service a day is the time it takes to be in the restaurants.

With Mimi being a "picky eater" I would have her look at the menus here: http://allears.net/din/dining.htm to see if any of the counter services appeal to her at all.

You are not a crazy person for wanting things figured out before ADR day. I am the same way, so either we are both sane or belong in the padded room together . Although, if you are anything like me there will be a couple ADR changes after the first round of reservations . I can't seem to leave well enough alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~

On a personal note, I am in awe of your friend A. It is great to know she has a wonderful support system like you and your family. You can really tell the kids all adore each other and Sheriff Shortstuff and V are so stinkin adorable together, how do you stand it?

 

[PixieMama]

Okay... I'm still trying to figure out if the DDP is best, if we should upgrade to DDxP, or ... if we should pay OOP ... or keep DDP AND pay OOP for whatever "isn't" covered...

I went back to look at your possible ADRs... from what I can see, it looks like you just have one meal to pay out-of-pocket for... correct???

 

[mphalens]

I went back to look at your possible ADRs... from what I can see, it looks like you just have one meal to pay out-of-pocket for... correct???

Well, according to the list I gave y'all, yes, that's correct.

BUT...
There's always a "but" isn't there?​

If we were to also eat at TS places for dinner most nights, I'd need more ADRs... 4 to be exact... I only have TWO TS ADRs (Ohana and GG)... but with Mimi's lack of love for "fast food" making her eat CS for dinner in most situations is NOT going to be a good way to keep her going all week without some digestive issues popping up

If we were to eat TS for dinner those other 4 nights they'd most likely be at Raglan Road, Chefs de France, Teppan Edo, Whispering Canyon, Rose & Crown, Cinderella's Castle or Crystal Palace (provided we did breakfast there already, this is probably last on the list, but Mimi really likes it and it's in the MK)... Oh! And since our Garden Grill night is hopefully a Holidays Around the World Dining Package meal, it would cost us 2 TS...

So... unless y'all can give me some CS options similar to any of those in food offerings... what's my best course of action?

 

[mphalens]

Do y'all think I'd be better off seeing if there's another place to stay that might cost less instead of the SSR??? I had a 40% off room rate pin when I booked it... if I tried to switch resorts would my pin still apply??? Or since the pin has since expired would I be out of luck????

It's hard because there are 6 of us... I felt like the 2 bedroom villa was cheaper... but

I was just thinking maybe it'd give us enough to balance out upgrading to the DDxP ???? Or am I dreaming?

 

[PixieMama]

If you're looking for QS places that don't offer typical "fast food" (burgers, fries, etc) I think there are plenty of options.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (in Tomorrowland) comes to mind. They do have burgers, but they also have ribs and rotisserie chicken. I had the chicken, along with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Of course there are the QS places in the World Showcase offering foods other than "American". Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion is very good. They have teriyaki chicken and rice, and even sushi.

I have no idea if you can still use your PIN on another resort... but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask, right? I think some of those SSR villas are rather large... does the one you booked have a kitchen? Will you even use it? Instead of one villa for all of you, can you book 2 rooms in a moderate resort?

 

[sunnysideup3]

Yay, I made it over and am subbing in now, so you're stuck with me....

Great PTR so far. I'm jealous that you're at the 2 bdrs at Saratoga Springs, they look SO nice!!!

 

[mphalens]

Yay, I made it over and am subbing in now, so you're stuck with me....

Great PTR so far. I'm jealous that you're at the 2 bdrs at Saratoga Springs, they look SO nice!!!

Yay! Glad you made it!

The problem with our ressie is that apparently we can't GET anything BUT that I've called twice to check on other availability with the pin code I got and there's NOTHING for less ... I would switch it out to be able to upgrade to the DDxP but I can't

I was totally going to update more today, but DH's cousin and his wife arrive tomorrow and they are LITERALLY the first of his family to ever visit us with the exception of the ILs (b/c MIL told her side of the family we didn't like them -when that's the complete OPPOSITE of the truth -you can see why we just LOVE her, right? ) and I NEED to clean my house after I get these kids to bed -oh, yeah, did I mention DH has been gone all day AT THE MASTERS in Augusta, GA?
So, update must wait ...
But y'all feel free to give me some ideas about dining ... anyone with a link to food costs??? Or have some ideas on how to make Mimi think it's NOT fast food if she gets it from a counter???

 

[mphalens]

I did a bunch of cleaning and then DH told me to relax Love him

So... instead I made a chart of costs of all the TS ADRs I have planned ... and I also estimated the cost of the additional TS ADRs we might want to add ...

I then figured out we're short 4 TS meals in order to get the ADRs I have planned plus the additional dinners (still with me? It's late, I'm tired, but I want to get this typed out before I forget ) ... so if we paid OOP for the least inexpensive 4 TS meals it'd come to roughly $550. If we upgrade to DDxP it'd cost us $738.

I'm thinking that upgrading is the way to go ... especially since it gives us appetizers for our TS meals, RIGHT??? Am I correct in thinking that? We don't ALWAYS get appetizers, but I didn't figure those in to all my TS meal costs, so those would come OOP on the regular DDP anyway... upping the $550 to who knows what ...

I need opinions! I know, I know, I'm obsessed with this dang dining!!! Just smack me upside the head now and tell me what I should do! I need help!!! My DH would say I need a lot of things


Oh! And while I'm asking opinions ... What do y'all think of the Disney Visa? We have ONE credit card and it's a Chase card with a crazy limit ... I think they messed up when they gave it to us but I'm not complaining!
Would it make sense to apply for a Disney Visa to pay for the trip? Will we see the rewards before we travel? Because that would be like "free" money if we pay the card off like we're supposed to, right??? Or is that not how it works?

Okay... must go to sleep ... work, Britax open house, more cleaning, and then company tomorrow!!!

 

[Monknmom]

Just joining in, I will have to come back and read in the morning! You have a nice looking family though! And I love that you are going with your parents- I wish someone would come with us!

 

[mphalens]

Just joining in, I will have to come back and read in the morning! You have a nice looking family though! And I love that you are going with your parents- I wish someone would come with us!

Welcome!

 

[Monknmom]

Okay all caught up! I have the same problem with DH that you have with MiMi- he gets really bad stomach pains with quick meals and eating out! And my son's diet won't really allow that so we are doing the DxDP- I priced it out for us and it pays for itself! If it would pay to be worth it then maybe you should try it! We are not big desert eaters, but on someone elses TR they said that they would take the dessert back to the room for breakfast (like a danish or something) and have a TS lunch when the parks begin to get crowded and I think that I am going to do that too then a TS for a later dinner again when people begin coming back into the park from hotel breaks and it's getting busy. So I am not sure if that helps you! I was thinking of doing this too because it sounds like it works- maybe a few mornings have an early breakfast to get into the park early with characters or a later breakfast at like 10 am. We will be buying some muffins and granola bars to eat for a quick breakfast before going on the bus. I hope that this helps a little!
Don't worry about feeling crazy over dining planing- I am too! What if you stayed at a moderate like someone else mentioned or even 2 rooms at a value? Not sure if you would be willing to do any of these, but they might help make up the difference with the dining plan! You'll figure it out though! Just take a deep breath in and lay everything out and look it over! Heck- do this with a glass of wine so you don't get frazzled!

 

[MARsMama]

When you added up the cost of the meals OOP did you factor in drinks as well? That would increase your total too. It's less than $200 more to upgrade, so I think if you are able to financially I would do it. That way in the meals that you would have been paying OOP you can order what ever you want (you may want to try something different on the menu than what you had figured in the cost) and not have to worry that it's a bit more than what you had thought. kwim? If you didn't add the cost of drinks that difference will be smaller anyway. Also, like you said, the appetizer is included (I'm taking your word as I don't know the details of the deluxe DP ) so that would be even more money OOP, so you would possibly come out ahead with the upgrade.

As for the Disney Visa, I don't know anything about that as it's not available to us in Canada

 

[momabaarjo]

I'm thinking that upgrading is the way to go ... especially since it gives us appetizers for our TS meals, RIGHT??? Am I correct in thinking that? We don't ALWAYS get appetizers, but I didn't figure those in to all my TS meal costs, so those would come OOP on the regular DDP anyway... upping the $550 to who knows what ...

I need opinions! I know, I know, I'm obsessed with this dang dining!!! Just smack me upside the head now and tell me what I should do! I need help!!! My DH would say I need a lot of things

I think I am obsessed with dining also. I worked out our ADRS and the extra ones we would pay OP for...and came up with the DXDP was the way to go too...did you remember to factor in the drink costs as well as the snacks. Even with leaving a few dining credits unused we would come out ahead on the Deluxe! I did the Deluxe last summer on an adult trip...yes it was a lot of food and yes I wasted a lot but I had so much fun trying anything on the menu I wanted and eating at some great places! It is also nice not to look at the menu price and just order knowing it is all paid for!

 

[Monknmom]

I think I am obsessed with dining also. I worked out our ADRS and the extra ones we would pay OP for...and came up with the DXDP was the way to go too...did you remember to factor in the drink costs as well as the snacks. Even with leaving a few dining credits unused we would come out ahead on the Deluxe! I did the Deluxe last summer on an adult trip...yes it was a lot of food and yes I wasted a lot but I had so much fun trying anything on the menu I wanted and eating at some great places! It is also nice not to look at the menu price and just order knowing it is all paid for!

Just for reference- I have learned that if you have any dining credits left over at the end of your trip you can exchange them for snack credits to bring home in your bag or eat while you drive home, give them out as gifts when you get home to other kids or adults (they said that the cookies in most gift shops are very good) or something! I am not sure how many snack credits (I think that they said 4 snacks for 1 TS but don't quote me on that)! Just a thought so that you don't waste money!