Christmas with Mickey! ** Update p.4 FP+ & online check in complete**

[HomeSweetDisney]

"To all who come to this happy place...welcome!"
((Also, I couldn't think of a cooler PTR title than that - suggestions are welcome ))
My name is Veronica and I am a 29 year old single mom to an awesome 6 year old son named Jacob.
This is my first time attempting a PTR/TR EVER so please bear with me!
I've been encouraged (aided and abetted?) by my lovely friends @BibbitybobityLu , @TheLittleKatie and @Leshaface to start this PTR so here I am!
This PTR is for the December 2016 trip that I am planning for my son and I. I am very lucky to have parents who own DVC and are loaning us points for this trip. I had originally planned to stay at either Pop or AoA but when they offered points, how could I say no to that??? My tentative dates are Dec 5th-Dec 13th 2016. I say tentative because I don't consider it set in stone until I have my reservation # in hand. I'm weird like that My parents home resort is Beach Club Villas so I'll definitely book there since you can only book 11 months out (the obsessive planner in me HATES that aspect of DVC) and then I HOPE/PRAY/DREAM that a studio at Bay Lake Towers will be available at 7 months out.

Introductions:
First off there's me - Veronica! Here I am I take lots of selfies so I apologize in advance!

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Like I said, I am 29 and I am a Disney nut. My dad started taking me to WDW when I was 4 and it's been a sickness since. A sickness I don't mind having one bit All told I think I have been to WDW 13-14 times and that's not including the semester I spent there in 2005 doing the Disney College Program...AKA the best 6 months of my life!
I work full time for a large ENT group as a surgery coordinator and am trying to figure out a way to go back to school too. I spend most of my free time with my son except when he's with his dad every other weekend. That's when I go out with friends and hang out with the guy I am dating. Although realistically it usually ends up being me watching Netflix and drinking alone.

Honesty is the best policy right?
Then there's my son, Jacob! Here he is

He's 6 years old and I am raising him up to be a Disney freak just like any good parent would, amirite???
He loved Legos and Minecraft and his favorite Disney character is Baymax. He also likes Lilo & Stitch! I am trying to get him to watch more of the "classic" Disney movies as well but it's a bit slow going. But that's ok because I have over a year to indoctrinate, oh um I mean...show him those films This will be his 3rd trip to WDW but the first time that we are going just him and I. Lucky kid!

So anyway, that's us in a nutshell! I just kind of wanted to get this thing going and later tonight or tomorrow I'll start adding more pertinent info like more detailed resort info, my ADR wish list, things I hope to accomplish on this trip, etc.

For anyone who joins in...thank you! This may end up just being a place for me to discuss my Disney plans by myself. Alone. Friendless.

That's all for now! More soon! ​

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

You started!!!!

Your son is adorable!! Clearly because he has a super awesome mom!

I am so excited to hear about all your plans! You know I'm down (see I'm so cool! )

Let's get this party started!!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

You started!!!!

I did!!! I'm so slow though...it took me almost an hour to put this post together I want to link to my PTR in my signature but I can't figure out how to do it - when I put it in it shows the entire URL I suck at computers lol

Your son is adorable!! Clearly because he has a super awesome mom!

I am so excited to hear about all your plans! You know I'm down (see I'm so cool! )

THANK YOU! I think he's adorable too! Although looks can sometimes be deceiving...
I am excited to have a place to put all my plans, ideas, etc. And trust me, I have lots of them

Let's get this party started!!

Ron Swanson just gets us

 

[TheLittleKatie]

YAY! You're here!!! You know this means you've officially signed up to writing an actual trip report now right?! I'm excited!

I've been encouraged (aided and abetted?) by my lovely friends @BibbitybobityLu , @TheLittleKatie and @Leshaface to start this PTR so here I am!

(read: FORCED)

My parents home resort is Beach Club Villas so I'll definitely book there since you can only book 11 months out

I've no idea when the BCV renovation will be finished, but I looooove the new designs!

and then I HOPE/PRAY/DREAM that a studio at Bay Lake Towers will be available at 7 months out.

Omg YES, whichever one you stay at, I will be so jealous.

MG]

Pretty lady

That's when I go out with friends and hang out with the guy I am dating.

You know that we're all going to want to hear more about this mystery guy in this PTR right

Jacob melts my heart. What a little angel

This may end up just being a place for me to discuss my Disney plans by myself. Alone. Friendless.

Absolutely not! I'm here for the ride girl!

Also - Hahaha this is one of my favourite disney moments. As well as this:

I'm excited to hear more plans!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

YAY! You're here!!! You know this means you've officially signed up to writing an actual trip report now right?! I'm excited!

Yes and I'm already thinking of possible titles maybe I'll be inspired while we are on our trip!

(read: FORCED)

Well, I didn't wanna say it but...

I've no idea when the BCV renovation will be finished, but I looooove the new designs!

Me too! It looks amazing! I think they're SUPPOSED to be done by the time I go but they've delayed several times already so who knows. Sometimes Disney is so slow on stuff As much as I love BCV, they are in serious need of a refurb. Hoping it'll be done by then! Even if I can't get Bay Lake I will be happy with BC. The biggest reason I wanted to stay at BLT is because of its proximity to MK. I know I'll be spending a lot of time at MK with Jacob and it'd be soooooo convenient. But I LOVE the fact that I can walk from BC to Epcot since Epcot is one of my fave parks. So honestly I'll be happy either way!

Omg YES, whichever one you stay at, I will be so jealous.

I'm jealous you're staying at Poly!!! I cannot wait to see all your amazing pics! I stayed there once as a kid, I would LOVE to stay there again. And GF too

Pretty lady

Thank you I think YOU are so pretty! And thin...lord I wish I was naturally thin like you

You know that we're all going to want to hear more about this mystery guy in this PTR right

No big mystery He's actually my ex boyfriend...we were together for 2 1/2 years. We've been broken up for almost 3 years and recently reconnected. Now we started dating again. It's all very new! I'll keep you in the loop though

Jacob melts my heart. What a little angel

He's my handsome little guy! But he's also got a devilish side to him and can drive me up a wall! It's like he knows exactly how much insanity I can handle and right before I'm about to break he reverts back into an angel. He's very sneaky

Absolutely not! I'm here for the ride girl!

Yay!!!

Also - Hahaha this is one of my favourite disney moments. As well as this:

I'm excited to hear more plans!

I just love that movie! Jacob does too...I want to eat at Ohana for breakfast so we can meet Lilo and Stitch

I'll have more up soon! I already have lots to talk about. Of course

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Well I have a little down time during lunch today so I thought I'd talk shop a little
As I said before, my plan is to make a reservation for BCV since that's my parents home resort. I am hoping for Bay Lake at the 7 month mark but not holding my breath. I've been scouring the DVC boards and the consensus is that while early Dec may not be that busy in the parks, it IS a busy time for DVC resorts due to the low amount of points you use to book. And it seems the studios are the first to go.
So I may or may not luck into a studio there, we'll see. I'll be happy at Beach Club too! I love the Epcot area resorts and the fact that I can get a little tipsy at Epcot and then just saunter saucily back to the room. Like this:

I'd love to stay at Bay Lake because I've always loved the Contemporary and its proximity to MK but honestly I'll be happy either way. I'll be in WDW, I'm not gonna complain!

I do have a list of things I want to accomplish this trip:
1. MEET RAPUNZEL AND FLYNN RIDER...we are going to MVMCP and I know they meet there. I've always wanted to meet Rapunzel but I've missed her the last 2 trips If I could meet her AND Flynn (who is also my BF in case you didn't know!) I would be a very happy camper
2. Attend MVMCP. This shouldn't be an issue. It's gotten expensive but my attitude regarding this trip is that I don't know for sure when we'll be going again so I want to go all out.
3. Ride 7DMT. Again, shouldn't be an issue but it wasn't open last time I was there so I'm excited to ride it!
4. Eat lunch at BoG. This MIGHT be a problem. I've seen how hard it is to get certain ADR's. We did dinner there last time but I think lunch would be fine for this trip. Gonna fight tooth and nail to get it!
5. Have 1 not so intense day. I tend to be pretty commando on my trips and have every little thing planned out but I would like to plan at least one day where we just go hang out by the pool, go shopping in DTD, etc.
6. Do a resort tour to see the Christmas decorations. There is absolutely nothing in the world like Christmas in Disney. I love seeing the resorts all decked out for the holidays! I'll be taking a ridiculous amount of pictures I'm sure:

My list of potential ADR's are:
1. Be Our Guest (lunch)
2. Ohana (breakfast)
3. Crystal Palace (breakfast) - hopefully before park opening one day!
4. Hoop de Doo Revue - will probably pay OOP for this rather than using the dining plan because I prefer Tier 1 seating and you can only get Tier 1 while on the DDP if you do the latest show.
5. Beaches and Cream
6. Sci-Fi Dine In
7. Via Napoli (will probably do this using the Candlelight Processional package)
8. Cape May Cafe
9. Kona Cafe
10. T-Rex (I think Jacob would love this place, he thinks dinosaurs are awesome. Who doesn't?)

Obviously, we won't eat at ALL those places and the list is definitely ever changing! Luckily I have about 8 months before I have to really decide for sure since I am only 466 days away!


​

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

I'll be happy at Beach Club too! I love the Epcot area resorts and the fact that I can get a little tipsy at Epcot and then just saunter saucily back to the room. Like this:

This is a major perk of the Epcot resorts! I'm gonna be more like this...

I'd love to stay at Bay Lake because I've always loved the Contemporary and its proximity to MK but honestly I'll be happy either way. I'll be in WDW, I'm not gonna complain!

Both are really good choices

1. MEET RAPUNZEL AND FLYNN RIDER...we are going to MVMCP and I know they meet there. I've always wanted to meet Rapunzel but I've missed her the last 2 trips If I could meet her AND Flynn (who is also my BF in case you didn't know!) I would be a very happy camper

I REALLY want to meet Flynn Rider!

I don't really care about meeting the princesses but if they did meet and greets with princes?

Why don't they have any Eric meet and greets?? (he's my BF, just an FYI. )

2. Attend MVMCP. This shouldn't be an issue. It's gotten expensive but my attitude regarding this trip is that I don't know for sure when we'll be going again so I want to go all out.

That's my philosophy! Besides who knows if Disney wont change it in the future like they seem to be doing lately!

3. Ride 7DMT. Again, shouldn't be an issue but it wasn't open last time I was there so I'm excited to ride it!

New rides are always the best! Are you planning to do it at night as well?

4. Eat lunch at BoG. This MIGHT be a problem. I've seen how hard it is to get certain ADR's. We did dinner there last time but I think lunch would be fine for this trip. Gonna fight tooth and nail to get it!

Or breakfast?

5. Have 1 not so intense day. I tend to be pretty commando on my trips and have every little thing planned out but I would like to plan at least one day where we just go hang out by the pool, go shopping in DTD, etc.

Plus Disney Downtown Village Springs Marketplace Shopping Place will be open by then!

6. Do a resort tour to see the Christmas decorations. There is absolutely nothing in the world like Christmas in Disney. I love seeing the resorts all decked out for the holidays! I'll be taking a ridiculous amount of pictures I'm sure:

Yes lots and lots of photos please!

My list of potential ADR's are:
1. Be Our Guest (lunch)
2. Ohana (breakfast)
3. Crystal Palace (breakfast) - hopefully before park opening one day!
4. Hoop de Doo Revue - will probably pay OOP for this rather than using the dining plan because I prefer Tier 1 seating and you can only get Tier 1 while on the DDP if you do the latest show.
5. Beaches and Cream
6. Sci-Fi Dine In
7. Via Napoli (will probably do this using the Candlelight Processional package)
8. Cape May Cafe
9. Kona Cafe
10. T-Rex (I think Jacob would love this place, he thinks dinosaurs are awesome. Who doesn't?)

This looks good

Hello Chris Pratt

Obviously, we won't eat at ALL those places and the list is definitely ever changing! Luckily I have about 8 months before I have to really decide for sure since I am only 466 days away!

Or you could eat at all of the places

Its so soon! Gets to a planning!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Eeee plans!

Everything sounds so good. Your ADRs are making me salivate.

Also, I hope you get called up on stage to do the Can-Can at Hoop-Dee-Doo

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

This is a major perk of the Epcot resorts! I'm gonna be more like this...

I miss Jersey Shore!!

I REALLY want to meet Flynn Rider!

I don't really care about meeting the princesses but if they did meet and greets with princes?

Why don't they have any Eric meet and greets?? (he's my BF, just an FYI. )

I think Eric M&G's should definitely be a thing! I like meeting the princesses but meeting all the princes would be even better

That's my philosophy! Besides who knows if Disney wont change it in the future like they seem to be doing lately!

Don't jinx us

ew rides are always the best! Are you planning to do it at night as well?

I'd love to! Since we are doing MVMCP we may be able to sneak in a night time ride

Or breakfast?

I thought about it but their breakfast menu didn't really look that good to me I do like lunch & dinner there though so I am hoping I'll be able to get one or the other!

Plus Disney Downtown Village Springs Marketplace Shopping Place will be open by then!

Yeah, that place!

Yes lots and lots of photos please!

Oh trust me, there will be

This looks good

I thought so And the list will be ever changing I'm sure

Hello Chris Pratt

HELLO INDEED

Or you could eat at all of the places

Its so soon! Gets to a planning!

I definitely could! And more!

I know, it's just around the corner! My ADR window is only 10 months away

Eeee plans!

No one could shake a leg like Michelle Tanner

Everything sounds so good. Your ADRs are making me salivate.

I was making myself salivate looking at the menus on All Ears

Also, I hope you get called up on stage to do the Can-Can at Hoop-Dee-Doo

THIS IS ONLY MY DREAM!! It'll just be me and Jacob though so I bet they won't

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

@TheLittleKatie & @BibbitybobityLu - this is not related to my trip but I wanted to tell you both that in addition to Live 365 I found another online radio website with TONS of Disney parks music - it's called 8tracks and if you type in "Disney parks" into the search bar it comes up with a bajillion Disney parks music playlists. I am in love Thought you'd both enjoy!!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

@TheLittleKatie & @BibbitybobityLu - this is not related to my trip but I wanted to tell you both that in addition to Live 365 I found another online radio website with TONS of Disney parks music - it's called 8tracks and if you type in "Disney parks" into the search bar it comes up with a bajillion Disney parks music playlists. I am in love Thought you'd both enjoy!!

Amazing, thanks for sharing! I need all of these sites in my life. Now I'm listening to the Animal Kingdom playlist

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

I miss Jersey Shore!!

Me too!

I think Eric M&G's should definitely be a thing! I like meeting the princesses but meeting all the princes would be even better

I don't know why they don't have the princes more often in the park
Just image how successful how they would be!

Besides we are seriously under represented in the man candy in the parks!

Don't jinx us

Oops!

I'd love to! Since we are doing MVMCP we may be able to sneak in a night time ride

I thought about it but their breakfast menu didn't really look that good to me I do like lunch & dinner there though so I am hoping I'll be able to get one or the other!

I know what you mean it doesn't sound all that good, which sucks

I definitely could! And more!

I know, it's just around the corner! My ADR window is only 10 months away

Only 10 months?? That's so soon!

@TheLittleKatie & @BibbitybobityLu - this is not related to my trip but I wanted to tell you both that in addition to Live 365 I found another online radio website with TONS of Disney parks music - it's called 8tracks and if you type in "Disney parks" into the search bar it comes up with a bajillion Disney parks music playlists. I am in love Thought you'd both enjoy!!

Ahhh!!! I LOVE THIS!! Thank you for this!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Amazing, thanks for sharing! I need all of these sites in my life. Now I'm listening to the Animal Kingdom playlist

You're quite welcome! I'm obsessed w/ it and also Live365. I even joined as a paid member to Live365 b/c there's no commercials and you have access to more stations. Disney Parks music: It's an obsession!

Me too!

I miss trashy Snookie! I mean, that's great she's a responsible mom and all now but trashy Snookie was hilarious!

I don't know why they don't have the princes more often in the park
Just image how successful how they would be!

Besides we are seriously under represented in the man candy in the parks!

I totes agree!

Only 10 months?? That's so soon!

I better get on it

Ahhh!!! I LOVE THIS!! Thank you for this!

You're welcome! I like to share the Disney love

 

[blklotus]

I'm here! I'm here! Also, I'm super jealous of all the amazing .gifs in all of these posts because I am severely deficient when it comes to being able to find (and use/embed) .gifs correctly! YOUR PTR is making ME want to write a PTR even though our trip is already planned (OBVIOUSLY, BECAUSE DISNEY PLANNING!)! Also:

5. Have 1 not so intense day. I tend to be pretty commando on my trips and have every little thing planned out but I would like to plan at least one day where we just go hang out by the pool, go shopping in DTD, etc.

Good luck with this one! I always aspire to do this and then end up missing the castle too much and MKing it up in my down time. Park hoppers are my best friend and worst enemy.

My list of potential ADR's are:
1. Be Our Guest (lunch)
2. Ohana (breakfast)
3. Crystal Palace (breakfast) - hopefully before park opening one day!
4. Hoop de Doo Revue - will probably pay OOP for this rather than using the dining plan because I prefer Tier 1 seating and you can only get Tier 1 while on the DDP if you do the latest show.
5. Beaches and Cream
6. Sci-Fi Dine In
7. Via Napoli (will probably do this using the Candlelight Processional package)
8. Cape May Cafe
9. Kona Cafe
10. T-Rex (I think Jacob would love this place, he thinks dinosaurs are awesome. Who doesn't?)

These sounds awesome! Can I please just go with you for the food??

Also, this is the greatest thing I've ever seen and perfectly describes my super awkward reaction to so many things in my daily life!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

I'm here! I'm here! Also, I'm super jealous of all the amazing .gifs in all of these posts because I am severely deficient when it comes to being able to find (and use/embed) .gifs correctly! YOUR PTR is making ME want to write a PTR even though our trip is already planned (OBVIOUSLY, BECAUSE DISNEY PLANNING!)! Also:

Yayyyyyyyyyy! Even though I pretty much talk to you 24/7 now I am still excited you're HERE too!

Good luck with this one! I always aspire to do this and then end up missing the castle too much and MKing it up in my down time. Park hoppers are my best friend and worst enemy.

Yeah same here. Like...I SAY we are gonna have down time but in all actuality we will probably end up at a park. Or at the very least spending money shopping at DTD

These sounds awesome! Can I please just go with you for the food??

YES! In fact, I DEMAND you come with me!

Also, this is the greatest thing I've ever seen and perfectly describes my super awkward reaction to so many things in my daily life!

Well being super awkward is our specialty!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

So not a whole lot to report since I am still 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks and 5 days away from our big trip

I can tell you however, that I purchased a ridiculous amount of custom buttons from Parkbound's Etsy shop

And bought 4 Disney shirts from TeePublic thanks to @blklotus ! They have some awesome Disney tshirts and they were on sale for $14...how could I say no to that??
Here are the ones I bought:
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/77085-adventure-is-out-there
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/90165-happy-haunts-sweater
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/169679-walts-happy-place
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/261782-straight-outta-disney

So there's that

I have been helping my parents with their trip since they are going in November. They made FP+ reservations today...I am so jealous! A year is so far away!
But on the plus side, I only have 4 months till I can book our DVC resort so THAT'S SOMETHING ​

 

[blklotus]

nd bought 4 Disney shirts from TeePublic thanks to @blklotus ! They have some awesome Disney tshirts and they were on sale for $14...how could I say no to that??
Here are the ones I bought:
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/77085-adventure-is-out-there
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/90165-happy-haunts-sweater
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/169679-walts-happy-place
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/261782-straight-outta-disney

I need to go home tonight and creep TeePublic again. You're a bad influence!

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

Also, this is the greatest thing I've ever seen and perfectly describes my super awkward reaction to so many things in my daily life!

You do this too?? Phew! Thought it was just me who has super awkward reactions to life!

So not a whole lot to report since I am still 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks and 5 days away from our big trip

Well now its only 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks and 3 days!

I can tell you however, that I purchased a ridiculous amount of custom buttons from Parkbound's Etsy shop

Ooooooo!!! Custom buttons??

And bought 4 Disney shirts from TeePublic thanks to @blklotus ! They have some awesome Disney tshirts and they were on sale for $14...how could I say no to that??
Here are the ones I bought:
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/77085-adventure-is-out-there
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/90165-happy-haunts-sweater
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/169679-walts-happy-place
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/261782-straight-outta-disney

So there's that

Okay thank you @HomeSweetDisney and @blklotus now my credit card has melted!

I have been helping my parents with their trip since they are going in November. They made FP+ reservations today...I am so jealous! A year is so far away!
But on the plus side, I only have 4 months till I can book our DVC resort so THAT'S SOMETHING

Its going to FLY by! And only 4 months!!

 

[blklotus]

Okay thank you @HomeSweetDisney and @blklotus now my credit card has melted!

Make sure you wait for the next TeePublic $14 sale! Talk about the danger zone... There will DEFINITELY be one before Christmas!

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

Make sure you wait for the next TeePublic $14 sale! Talk about the danger zone... There will DEFINITELY be one before Christmas!

Okay I'll just burn my credit card now!
You are a bad influence!

But I like it!