(Christmas) Lights, Decorations, Action ..A Post-Christmas PTR (update 12/22-page 42)

[All7OfUs]

You're absolutely right, there's NEVER any rest for the planning weary. But we love the way it hurts so good!



Yeah, WHAT is up with the split a family of 5- I just don't get that!??

 

[marvali]

I hadn't heard that they were switching it to a Signature Dining. I would imagine it would be after the 1st of the year.....right?

Great on getting both ADRs...that's persistence at it's finest.

Thanks for the props Jordan! I'm with your line of thinking here. If they are going to make a change like that, you would think they would announce it far enough out that those who already have their ADRs booked wouldn't all of a sudden find out......"We're sorry Mr. Marvali, but we're going to be hitting your DDP up for an additional 5 TS credits. We're a signature restaurant now." When did that happen? "Just before you arrived sir. Oh, and Happy New Year!!!!"

Don't worry Flossbolna, no offence taken As far as I know, it's still just a rumour but there are going to be changes to the actual design and interior of the restaurant to make it up to standards of signature dining. i.e. table cloths, dress code, etc. Similar to what Citricos and Narcoossee's have in place right now. I'm not sure when the changes will take place as it hasn't been released to the public yet. You can read more on the juicy details on a thread I found over at Disney Rumours: Possible Changes at Le Cellier

Thanks for the link Jen. I read all through it. The good news is that it is still a rumor, and some of those are very creative. I loved the one post that someone had that they have been hearing that one for about three years now I think it was. Hopefully this is one of those creative ones just to stir the pot, but if it is based in fact, I hope Disney will handle it the right way. But there are a number of posts in that thread that are worrisome!

I'm sure that when they look at their ADR list and spot my name they will say, "Well, we've been waiting for Marv and his family to finally honor us with a visit to our fine establishment. We can't very well make any changes until after his ADR where we risk him blowing us off!"

You're absolutely right, there's NEVER any rest for the planning weary. But we love the way it hurts so good!

Hurts so good (c'mon baby now), C'mon baby make it hurt so good.......

Yeah, WHAT is up with the split a family of 5- I just don't get that!??

No problem, I came all the way to Disney to spend all this money and not be able to sit and enjoy it with my family. After all, who comes to Disney to make lasting memories with their family and friends anyway?

 

[All7OfUs]

No problem, I came all the way to Disney to spend all this money and not be able to sit and enjoy it with my family. After all, who comes to Disney to make lasting memories with their family and friends anyway?

It's an extension of their Give a Day promotion- this one's called Give a Meal....

You VOLUNTEER to give up your happy meal memories with your family, and they GIVE YOU a bill.

 

[marvali]

It's an extension of their Give a Day promotion- this one's called Give a Meal....

You VOLUNTEER to give up your happy meal memories with your family, and they GIVE YOU a bill.

Okay, so we know what happened with GAD passes. I'm guessing these new GAM passes mean you just skip the table and the meal, and get to head right to the front of the line at the cash register and tell them what you had planned to eat...

 

[marvali]

Our actual ADR window opened yesterday, but thanks to that infamous glitch on the system, I already had everything booked. Now I'm waiting for Monday to arrive so I can book some more reservations. That is my 11 month window for booking our DVC home resort at AKV. I am already planning for another trip in early June next year.

DS20 will be heading off into the Navy at some point after he graduates college next spring. He won't know until very close to graduation when he will have to report. It may be quickly or he may have a little while. I'm hoping we can get one more family trip in with us all together before he has to leave. We will have to wait until our local schools let out on June 3rd before we can go (DW has to get in all those teacher work days before she can leave). That is about a month after DS20 finishes up, so hopefully he will still be able to go with us. But just in case, we are going to really enjoy this trip in December!

Some of you know I recently had to deal with a bulging disc in my neck. Well now it seems DW has a similar problem. The chiropractor told her he didn't think it was possible to be worse than I was, but somehow DW was. (Okay Glenn, no smart remarks about me being a bigger pain in the neck!) DW is trying to get in a little better shape to make those long walks at WDW easier, and recently started a Zumba Dance class, which she had the morning before her neck started hurting.

Since DW isn't getting much sleep right now, I took the DSs golfing yesterday, purely to get them out of the house and give DW some peace and quiet! (I'm such an like that!) Actually, since this is a long weekend, I had promised to take them already. I just had to get DS13 a new set of clubs since he had outgrown his old ones, and he has been dying to go golfing. He has been out in the backyard practicing every day since getting them.

I wish I had half his energy for sure. This summer he is doing a local soccer camp two evenings a week, and three mornings a week he is going to summer conditioning for Cross Country for his Middle School. I don't know where that boy got so much desire for running. It sure wasn't from me!

Golf was fun, but it has been three years since I've had the chance to pick up the clubs. The fun part was mainly the time together with my boys! Golf requires a lot of muscle memory to be any good. Unfortunately the only muscle memory I have right now is remembering how sore some of them get when you haven't used them in way too long.

 

[marvali]

Well, the 11 month window to book AKV for next June came and went Monday. I realized when I started to try and book that for the trip I am planning I would need to use the points I am saving on the New Year's trip. But since I hadn't banked those yet I would have to do that first. I got them banked, but as of yesterday, they hadn't shown up on the system yet, at least not online where I can see it.

Then another problem cropped up. I was talking to DS20 and he said he probably wouldn't be able to go with us in June. Even if he doesn't have to report to the Navy by then, he will have to remain at school and essentially work for the NROTC there until he has to report.

Although disappointing, that possibility leaves so many options open. Since there may be only 4 of us, do we want to still stay at AKV? Do we want to wait until the 7-month window opens and try to get a room back at OKW, where we stayed before and also enjoyed very much? Or do I even want to try for a studio at either one of those places, or possibly even try for a studio in one of the DVC resorts we haven't been to yet? And then there is still the slight possibility that DS20 will end up getting to take leave long enough to go with us, so whatever I plan probably needs to be able to handle a 5th person if needed, so that would rule out the studios.

The woes of the compulsive planner. Disney allows you so many choices, and they are all good!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Hmmm. Tough choices. BLT would be something different and could accommodate a fifth person if need be, but it's expensive points-wise.

I'd still at least make a Kidani reservation and then scrap it later if you decide to book something else at the 7-month mark.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hmmm... that's an odd dilemma. You want your kids to be there, yet, it opens do many doors. I'd say if you like OKW go back there. But, I'm am NOT a DVC expert; in fact, I know absolutely nothing about it which makes me one notch below amateur.

 

[marvali]

Hmmm. Tough choices. BLT would be something different and could accommodate a fifth person if need be, but it's expensive points-wise.

I'd still at least make a Kidani reservation and then scrap it later if you decide to book something else at the 7-month mark.

That's part of my problem. Do I assume he is not going to be able to join us, in which case I could book a Value or Standard Studio, save the points and try for a BLT MK view the next trip or something similar? Or even a value 1BR which would also save points? The problem with either is no room for a 5th person if he somehow gets to join us.

Part of the reason for going so early in June was the hope we would be able to get in one last family vacation with all of us together. I'm thinking the 1BR standard, which would accomodate if needed, but it also gobbles up like 265 of the available 269 points, which is fine if we have everyone there together!

Hmmm... that's an odd dilemma. You want your kids to be there, yet, it opens do many doors. I'd say if you like OKW go back there. But, I'm am NOT a DVC expert; in fact, I know absolutely nothing about it which makes me one notch below amateur.

Don't worry, it obviously can be for those of us who do have at least a working knowledge.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Hi there!

I'm caught up now - I'm very jealous of a December/January trip. That's something I've always wanted to do. I sometimes have a ton of time off after Christmas, and I've always wanted to see the decorations. I actually have considered taking a few days off early in December and doing a long weekend. Probably ought to do that before DD gets too much older... Right now, I just want to get away from the heat we experienced in June this year!!!

Your ADRs look great. We really enjoyed LeCellier, but I don't think I'd give two credits for it. I've never done Yak and Yeti, or Cape May Buffet, either. There are some really good milkshakes at WCC, though. yummmmm.....

 

[Flossbolna]

That's really a difficult decission... I understand that it would be great to have the whole family there. When would you go if you would not try to get a "last" trip with DS20?

 

[marvali]

Hi there!

I'm caught up now - I'm very jealous of a December/January trip. That's something I've always wanted to do. I sometimes have a ton of time off after Christmas, and I've always wanted to see the decorations. I actually have considered taking a few days off early in December and doing a long weekend. Probably ought to do that before DD gets too much older... Right now, I just want to get away from the heat we experienced in June this year!!!

Your ADRs look great. We really enjoyed LeCellier, but I don't think I'd give two credits for it. I've never done Yak and Yeti, or Cape May Buffet, either. There are some really good milkshakes at WCC, though. yummmmm.....

Sounds like you need to plan an early December trip this year, even if it's just you and DD. You do know they just extended free dining into parts of December, including some of the dates up until 12/21???? If you can't get the time off before Christmas you can just come join us post-Christmas and over New Years. It's a busy time, but it is very doable with good touring plans.

Agree about LeCellier. I was really looking forward to doing that one, but then hearing the news about it possibly becoming a signature, and two dining credits. I would probably be looking at alternate plans under those conditions. We will be there 5 nights, so with the DDP only 5 TS meals anyway, and currently I have 7 ADRs. Something is got to give so I'm waiting to hear.

We actually may get to use 6 of the ADRs with the DDP. DS13 is not a huge eater, so TS meals are typically something he doesn't come close to finishing. He can survive just fine on the Child's menu, and normally would prefer the choices to start with. That is especially true if we do a good job with the CS credits. I could just pay cash for those meals and save the credits for five meals, essentially giving us all one more TS meal to enjoy. DS13 loves 50's PT, so if we keep that ADR he could use that additional credit to eat there.

I've heard mostly good things about Y&Y. I couldn't get it at first so went with the Boma ADR. I do have to give one of those up since they are at the same time. It will probably be Boma, which we love, but we have done twice before.

I grew up near the beach, and DW loves the beach, so the food at Cape May during the dinner buffet sounds appealing. I haven't heard too much feedback on the food, but I have mostly found you just have to try things for yourself and form your own opinion when it comes to food at WDW.

That's really a difficult decission... I understand that it would be great to have the whole family there. When would you go if you would not try to get a "last" trip with DS20?

Typically a little later in the summer is when we travel. We have done July 4th a couple times due to the longer time off with the holiday, and even the end of July over the first few days of August, but that was before DW started teaching, and her Teacher work days prior to school starting back are getting earlier and earlier, which makes that time difficult.

We probably would keep it that early regardless when possible since the points for a DVC stay are a little lower the first few days of June. They actually increase after June 10th next year, so only the last couple nights are at higher rates.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

We have done July 4th a couple times due to the longer time off with the holiday, and even the end of July over the first few days of August, but that was before DW started teaching, and her Teacher work days prior to school starting back are getting earlier and earlier, which makes that time difficult.

What is with that?? I go back for my first teacher day on August 10 this year! We get out before Memorial Day, but I'd almost rather go into the first few days of June, like we used to, and then be able to start later in August. Just a psycological thing, I guess. Teachers actually start on a Tuesday this year, with kids coming in on a Thursday. That's gong to be weird, too - they're trying to balance the semesters at the high school.

I hope you can figure out the best plan for dates (for the summer) to leave your options open. It sounds like you have lots to consider!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm here! What did I miss?

Nice job getting Le Cellier. That's a coup in and of itself. I think you'll love WCC and the WL. My favorite resort on property, and it looks amazing at Christmas time.

 

[dvczerfs]

im here!!! (i know, who cares.) glad to see you got le cel.!! we got in for december for the first time in a few years. when are you going in june 2011???? we will be staying at the contemporary for dd grad. present. maybe we can meet up??

 

[marvali]

What is with that?? I go back for my first teacher day on August 10 this year! We get out before Memorial Day, but I'd almost rather go into the first few days of June, like we used to, and then be able to start later in August. Just a psycological thing, I guess. Teachers actually start on a Tuesday this year, with kids coming in on a Thursday. That's gong to be weird, too - they're trying to balance the semesters at the high school.

I hope you can figure out the best plan for dates (for the summer) to leave your options open. It sounds like you have lots to consider!

DW has to be back the second full week of August this year, and has a whole week of teacher workdays before the students arrive. The final teacher workday is June 3. The school year is getting spread out more here, with more days off during the year. I really wish they would go to year-around school, with longer breaks during the times when crowds are lower at WDW.

I'm here! What did I miss?

Nice job getting Le Cellier. That's a coup in and of itself. I think you'll love WCC and the WL. My favorite resort on property, and it looks amazing at Christmas time.

Mark. It's great having you on board. Very excited about Le Cellier, but there is a rumor out there that it will soon become a signature restaurant and count as 2 TS credits. Not sure it is THAT exciting.

Heard alot about WL for years, and also the Christmas decorations. That is one reason I wanted to visit there so much since we haven't been before.

im here!!! (i know, who cares.)

Dave! You know we ALL care!

glad to see you got le cel.!! we got in for december for the first time in a few years. when are you going in june 2011???? we will be staying at the contemporary for dd grad. present. maybe we can meet up??

DW gets done with teacher workdays on Friday, June 3, and we might get to leave early that day and go part way, or possibly just leave on the 4th. The current plans are to arrive on June 4 and stay until Sunday the 12th, or Monday the 13th. Right now I will probably book at Kidani, our home resort for DVC. Later on at the 7 month window, I may try to swap it to OKW. A 1BR at Kidani will sleep 5, which is one reason we made it our home resort. A 1BR at OKW has enough extra space that you can sleep a 5th person. We learned that a couple summers ago when we stayed there!

 

[All7OfUs]

How's that planning coming?? Any news for the plannaphiles?

 

[pooksma]

Question for the resident(ahem) expert: Which park do you recommend for Dec.26? (known as Boxing Day in Canada) I'm thinking Epcot or MK but wondering if MK will be crazy.

 

[marvali]

How's that planning coming?? Any news for the plannaphiles?

Not a whole lot going on right now with the December trip since I booked the ADRs. Right now I'm a little more focused on getting everything ready to take a group of scouts to summer camp next week, and all the paperwork, etc involved with that.

I'm still trying to decide specifics for our next trip in June 2011. For some reason I'm having problems banking points on our DVC account online, and will need those points for the reservation. I need to check today and see if everything is all straight now. Going to book at our home DVC resort of Kidani in a 1BR for now, but I may check again in a few months and see if anything is available at OKW and change to there just for something different. It doesn't appear that DS20 will be able to go with us on that trip so we won't need the extra sleeping space for 5, but if it works out, there is still plenty of room at OKW to sleep a 5th person; we've done it before.

Question for the resident(ahem) expert: Which park do you recommend for Dec.26? (known as Boxing Day in Canada) I'm thinking Epcot or MK but wondering if MK will be crazy.

Hmm, not sure why I am an "expert" but I appreciate the support. Without looking at park schedules or anything, I would guess off the top of my head that MK would be a pretty good bet (of course, it is Disney and it IS Christmas, so everything is relative) since EVERYONE will be wanting to be there on Christmas DAY, so the day after most people will probably a) sleep in, b) head somewhere different than where they were the day before, or c) be heading home since it is Sunday and possibly their planned vacation days are over. Normal heavy big holidays are MK or Epcot, so you might be okay with either, but like I said, that is just a guess off the top of my head without looking at park hours and where EMHs are occurring, things like that.

 

[marvali]

Not getting much Disney related stuff done right now. Had to get our scout troop ready and up to summer camp this past Sunday. Will be going back to join them tomorrow night so one of the other leaders can head home, so out of touch for a few days. It is supposed to get even hotter and more humid as the week goes on. I think I chose the wrong part of the week to stay!!!

I finally got everything done with transferring my DVC points into next year so I can get our reservation done for our June 2011 trip! Hopefully when I get back home this weekend I can call and make the ressie! For now I am going to see if I can book a Value 1BR at AKL. If those are already gone, I will go with a Standard 1BR at Kidani instead. At least we will have something booked, and then when our 7 month window opens I might look at changing it to a 1BR at OKW if available.

In the mean time, today is a very special day! I get to change my siggie since I am now the proud Dad of a 21 year old!!! Not bad for a guy who is only 29.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!