Considering a Christmas trip to WDW: anyone else?

[chezcurrie]

My kids teachers have said a lot of kids are missing the last week of school (like mine are) so they can quarantine upon return. My 2 youngest have their first shot, which makes me feel so much better about our trip … tomorrow!!!!

 

[pigletto]

I haven’t met with any objections but I don’t offer it up for debate. I’ve found mostly that people are curious because they would like to travel to or they are not ready but they understand we are.

Last Spring our school region applied to the Ministry to move the Christmas break this year to the two weeks after Christmas. So our kids go right until the 24th. It’s weird and I never did find out what the rationale was. So we aren’t leaving until New Years.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I actually found people were encouraged with our recent travel now that restrictions have been lifted (ie no: avoid nonessential travel). I’ve had a lot of friends aking about the testing, hassle, etc. It felt good to be a point of positivity!

Yeah I’ve noticed a difference since they lifted the advisory and the quarantine. Many people I know have been going away or are planning different trips.

Totally - this has been the case up until last week… few of my coworkers have been away or are going away, and people know we are planning too. However all of a sudden, like as of a few days again… there are a lot of comments all over social media to shut borders again, to restrict travel further, & “who in their right minds would travel now”…
I don’t really care to be honest, not breaking any laws, we are vaccinated and will take precautions.

 

[pigletto]

So we are getting close to the holidays! I think quite a few are going soon. I’d love to hear if you’re still going , when you’re leaving, how you’re feeling about it all .

We are still going ..we leave January 2nd. We are excited . I’m feeling a little nervous and overwhelmed with all of the extra steps. There’s a lot more planning that’s going into this trip. The holidays are always crazy busy , so I’ve just been chipping away at all the planning one task at a time. I’m ready and very much looking forward to this trip but I’m nervous too.

 

[podgirl]

So we are getting close to the holidays! I think quite a few are going soon. I’d love to here if you’re still going , when you’re leaving, how you’re feeling about it all .

We are still going ..we leave January 2nd. We are excited . I’m feeling a little nervous and overwhelmed with all of the extra steps. There’s a lot more planning that’s going into this trip. The holidays are always crazy busy , so I’ve just been chipping away at all the planning one task at a time. I’m ready and very much looking forward to this trip but I’m nervous too.

Glad you are so excited! We are a go for this Sunday, unless something really bad happens. DH and I are getting our boosters this week. I teach around 200 kids, so am wearing a really good mask this week and keeping my fingers crossed, as there is a LOT of Omicron in my city (London, ON). Last week I was super anxious about everything, but now I'm beginning to get really excited. We did a DAS video call a few weeks ago and have 2 rides/day pre-booked. Usually I plan really well with FP, so this will be a different trip this year. Our plan is to spend a LOT of time outside and to eat outdoors as much as possible. I actually know quite a few people who are travelling this Christmas. Best of luck to everyone! If we make it there, I'll be sure to post in case anyone has any questions.

 

[damo]

You guys should all be excited! This looks like a great opportunity to go. As long as you know what to expect, it is great. We had a wonderful time at both Universal and Disney. Travel days were a bit stressful (especially since one child in our party came down with a high fever the night before we left which turned out to be an ear infection and they ended up having to cancel, leaving us all very sad.)

 

[Madame]

So we are getting close to the holidays! I think quite a few are going soon. I’d love to hear if you’re still going , when you’re leaving, how you’re feeling about it all .

We are still going ..we leave January 2nd. We are excited . I’m feeling a little nervous and overwhelmed with all of the extra steps. There’s a lot more planning that’s going into this trip. The holidays are always crazy busy , so I’ve just been chipping away at all the planning one task at a time. I’m ready and very much looking forward to this trip but I’m nervous too.

We are a go, leaving this Friday, arriving in WDW Sat evening. My boys are already quarantined for this week and will be released in time to leave Fri. That leaves only DD who could possibly get hit with a bus/class quarantine and have to stay home - already made arrangements with Grandma if that's the case.

I have curative booked as a backup and am waiting for Walgeens to open apts for Dec 23rd. I'm more stressed over G+ and trying to book DH for golf as a solo (he can only book 3 days out) lol! We have a full kitchen in our SSR 2 bd so will be ordering in or cooking - we'll hit the grocery store Sun Dec 19th since we have nothing scheduled but the Christmas party.

Fingers crossed DD makes it through this week...

 

[pamgibb]

We leave Wed. We also have a 2 BR at SSR. Good luck everyone!

 

[Chip#1]

Wishing everyone heading out a great time! We just got back last Tuesday (9 nights). Those of you with AH event tickets, I hope you have as great of time as we did. We went 2 evenings and the special fireworks show alone made the increase price worth it (but it was all good -- parade, show, low wait times etc, Pooh dancing to Christmas songs..).

 

[Susan2771]

Still a go. Leaving in 12 days. We have our 3rd booster shot scheduled for this Wednesday. Our rapid antigen tests are booked at Pearson Airport the day before we leave. I feel like we are going to be living the 12 Days of Christmas song, Covid style, to try and hopefully make it on that plane down Happy holidays and safe travels to you all!!

 

[CaptainCook]

We are still a go - leaving this coming Saturday. Trying not to watch any more news this week now that we've made the decision. We'll be taking tons of precautions, outdoor dining whenever possible, no indoor shows, masks above and beyond the minimum requirement, and we are prepared to leave the parks during the afternoon crush if we're uncomfortable (we'll focus instead on morning/evening hours). We've got a BeeperMD appointment, are going to book another test at Walgreens (and make the call once we're on the ground as to which one to keep), and have rapid test kits at home to test again once we're home. Oh, and we have a rental car booked to get us back to Cleveland if needed (heads up to anyone else considering this precaution: it took a lot of hunting to find a rental car reservation that would allow the one-way trip). We aren't eligible for boosters until the new year, so we're heading into this double vaccinated but unboosted. Fingers crossed that we make it through this week with everyone healthy enough to travel on the weekend.

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

Coming up on 5 years since our last visit (25th Anniv). It was the best trip we ever had.

Sadly for us, we have no plans for extended vacations until covid masking and especially the testing requirements are no longer needed for travel......the stress of it all would not be worth the money spent for the trip.

We'll stay close to home for several more years I guess.

Best wishes to all who do go though...have a great and safe trip !

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Glad you are so excited! We are a go for this Sunday, unless something really bad happens. DH and I are getting our boosters this week. I teach around 200 kids, so am wearing a really good mask this week and keeping my fingers crossed, as there is a LOT of Omicron in my city (London, ON). Last week I was super anxious about everything, but now I'm beginning to get really excited. We did a DAS video call a few weeks ago and have 2 rides/day pre-booked. Usually I plan really well with FP, so this will be a different trip this year. Our plan is to spend a LOT of time outside and to eat outdoors as much as possible. I actually know quite a few people who are travelling this Christmas. Best of luck to everyone! If we make it there, I'll be sure to post in case anyone has any questions.

We are from the same city & also leaving Sunday!

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We are a go, leaving this Friday, arriving in WDW Sat evening. My boys are already quarantined for this week and will be released in time to leave Fri. That leaves only DD who could possibly get hit with a bus/class quarantine and have to stay home - already made arrangements with Grandma if that's the case.

I have curative booked as a backup and am waiting for Walgeens to open apts for Dec 23rd. I'm more stressed over G+ and trying to book DH for golf as a solo (he can only book 3 days out) lol! We have a full kitchen in our SSR 2 bd so will be ordering in or cooking - we'll hit the grocery store Sun Dec 19th since we have nothing scheduled but the Christmas party.

Fingers crossed DD makes it through this week...

What location do you book at for the Curative test?
Which party are you doing? We are going on the 21 st

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Wishing everyone heading out a great time! We just got back last Tuesday (9 nights). Those of you with AH event tickets, I hope you have as great of time as we did. We went 2 evenings and the special fireworks show alone made the increase price worth it (but it was all good -- parade, show, low wait times etc, Pooh dancing to Christmas songs..).

We are doing the AH party on December 21st! Thank you for the feedback

 

[Madame]

What location do you book at for the Curative test?
Which party are you doing? We are going on the 21 st

We booked the Hawaiian Rumble location. Seemed the closest. Our party is the 19th!

 

[gskywalker]

We just got back from getting our tests done at Costco, fly out in the morning. Looking forward to staying offsite for a change(ran out of our DVC points) at Lake Buena Vista Resort and then going to Art for the first time for Dec 24-27. Kids have always wanted to stay at Art but spending 10 nights in a 3 bdrm and then staying in 2 little mermaid rooms is probably going to be a let down. Either way, very thankful to go, especially thankful to get a free stay at Art

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We are also going (unless something happens) leaving this Sunday.
Husband and I won’t be eligible for a booster until early Feb, but all 3 of us (DS12 as well) are double vaccinated.
We fly out of Buffalo, so will be driving across and then boarding a Southwest direct flight.
We plan to take breaks if gets too crowded, we are also doing the AH Christmas party on the 21st and that will be our only MK day on this trip. The only thing I’m bummed about is the fact that we really wanted to see Epcot’s candlelight processional & right now we have a Biergarten dining pkg booked. Not sure how I feel about Biergaten’s communal tables? I have never been there and we were looking forward to it but trying to avoid more risky situations. Not because I’m afraid of catching covid, but don’t want to deal with it when on vacation… for obvious reasons. I keep checking for Rose & Crown but fat chance I suppose.
We reserved a car rental to drive to Buffalo in case we have a positive test. However, I keep going back and forth if we should test in Orlando (we won’t have a car at Disney) or if we should maybe just test in Buffalo before crossing the land border.
Otherwise we are excited, especially since we have never been during the holiday season, never mind actual Christmas.
I’ll be thinking of everyone here and wishing everyone safe travels!!!

 

[Chip#1]

We are also going (unless something happens) leaving this Sunday.
Husband and I won’t be eligible for a booster until early Feb, but all 3 of us (DS12 as well) are double vaccinated.
We fly out of Buffalo, so will be driving across and then boarding a Southwest direct flight.
We plan to take breaks if gets too crowded, we are also doing the AH Christmas party on the 21st and that will be our only MK day on this trip. The only thing I’m bummed about is the fact that we really wanted to see Epcot’s candlelight processional & right now we have a Biergarten dining pkg booked. Not sure how I feel about Biergaten’s communal tables? I have never been there and we were looking forward to it but trying to avoid more risky situations. Not because I’m afraid of catching covid, but don’t want to deal with it when on vacation… for obvious reasons. I keep checking for Rose & Crown but fat chance I suppose.
We reserved a car rental to drive to Buffalo in case we have a positive test. However, I keep going back and forth if we should test in Orlando (we won’t have a car at Disney) or if we should maybe just test in Buffalo before crossing the land border.
Otherwise we are excited, especially since we have never been during the holiday season, never mind actual Christmas.
I’ll be thinking of everyone here and wishing everyone safe travels!!!

Unless something has changed recently, Biergaten's stopped the communal tables. We didn't go this last trip, but we did in October and they still had parties seated on their own. The buffet however was back; although they did a good job in my opinion of making sure ppl wore masks when getting food etc. My biggest advice to everyone heading out and worried about indoor dining...if you do NOT feel comfortable with the table they are trying to seat you at, say something. This last trip I asked to be moved both times we went to Space 220, and once each at Hollywood & Vine and Steakhouse 71. Simply tell them you dont feel comfortable with the table and they will gladly move you -- we ate additional times afterwards at H&V, and the manager remembered us and always came over to chit chat. They definitely want ppl to feel comfortable. Enjoy your trip! Even though we just got back last week...I'm already jealous of everyone heading down now; haha!

 

[bcwife76]

I'm so excited for all you doing Christmas trips!!! I know I was at Disneyland last month (the start of the Christmas season) but I miss it already sooooooo much!!! Have amazing, wonderful trips!!!!