Countdown to Christmas with the Mouse - My first PTR

[misse320]

Welcome to my first pre-trip report. ​

Last week we booked a trip for December 2012. My world doesn't seem to feel complete unless we have a trip booked. Even if it's far in the future, being able to start planning makes the fun start for me! This trip will be our fourth trip in the last 4 years. The plan was to hold out until June 2013, but who can wait that long!!!

Here is a little info about us:

I've been a Disney nut my whole life. Growing up, I was only able to visit the parks twice. Once with my family and once with a friend whose family was nice enough to let me tag along.

My husband never had the chance to visit WDW as a kid. His family was too big and they could never afford it. When we got married, I suggested that we go for our honeymoon. He thought that was a ridiculous idea. He had no interest in Disney. "It sounds hot, crowded, and expensive!" he would say. He learned soon enough.

Within the first 5 years of our marriage, we had 3 kids. I'd mention Disney once in a while, but he would still say, "We could take a trip to Europe for that much money." He just wasn't into it until our oldest two kids, both girls, really got sucked into the world of Disney Princesses. They loved the Disney Channel, loved all the movies, and loved to dress up. That won him over and we booked our first trip for May of 2009. Our son was only a year old so we left him at home with Grandparents and took off with the girls.

We stayed at Wilderness Lodge for that first trip. It was spectacular! We loved the hotel, but didn't love the weather. That week it rained, and rained, and then rained some more. Friends told us to buy ponchos and deal with it, but it wasn't that kind of rain! We did buy ponchos, and we dealt the best we could, but I think it rained close to 20 inches that week (that is not an exaggeration). It just never let up!

Even through the rain, we had a magical trip. From that point on, my husband was a convert. I think he wants to go more often than the kids or I do! About 9 months after that first trip, we became DVC members. That was the best money we've ever spent! We bought into Bay Lake and had a two bedroom suite for our second trip in October of 2010.

For our first trip with DVC, we took both sets of grandparents and all three kids. The weather was perfect!!! Mother nature owed us after the last time! We went to MNSSHP twice and got to sample some amazing food and wine at EPCOT. I highly recommend October to anyone who can go. It's beautiful!

We loved October so much we went back in 2011. Once again, we had perfect weather. We stayed at Saratoga Springs and only took one set of grandparents. Saratoga Springs was no Bay Lake, but at least we got to go. Being on the monorail line really spoils you! It's hard to go back to 100% buses.

Now for details about this trip! As I said above, we were resigned to waiting until June of 2013 before our next trip, but a change in jobs for me means more vacation time. What better to do with that time than book WDW for Christmas!!

We will be splitting our stay this time. Saturday - Tuesday at Old Key West, then Tuesday - Saturday back at Bay Lake. With young kids, you just can't beat the convenience of walking to MK. We just booked last week and I'm trying to get my days planned so I can make ADRs in a few weeks. I've got a few questions I'd love some feedback on:

1. CRT or 1900 PF? We've done CRT before. The girls loved it. We thought it was overpriced and rushed. We've never done 1900 PF. Our middle daughter will turn 7 on this trip. It will ultimately be her decision, but I'd love some advice to help sway her either way.

2. Also regarding the birthday princess, is there any special treatment we can expect for our birthday girl? I know they wear a button, but anything else?

3. I'd love some thoughts on how MVMCP compares to MNSSHP. Should we plan to do the party twice? I always thought that at MNSSHP there was too much to do to see everything in one night.

4. What are some of the "can't miss" Christmas decorations? Are there certain hotels we should make a point to see?

5. What is EPCOT all about at Christmas?

I think that's it for now. My next goal is to figure out how to post photos!!

 

[Chellymouse]

to the DIS...finally!! ha ha! Ya know...we could have just gotten together and had wine....
Ok, so here's our 2 cents as we've done Dec a few times.
MVMCP is WAY less hectic than MNSSHP. The parade and fireworks are good but not quite as good as Halloween. There are many characters (not as many as MNSSHP) ride lines are short and obviously no trick or treating. I would suggest you go ahead and go one night and decide if you need a second. We do Halloween 3 nights and Christmas 2 nights if that helps.
1900 Park Fare...had 2 bad experiences there, primarily with their going WAY over their times for ADRs. Make it as early as possible. Food is good (all you can eat prime rib) and characters are great. Service is iffy.
I'll let you know about b'day when we get back in June...we're celebrating our nephew's b'day. You can get a bakery cake or a celebration cake at one of your meals...suprisingly, the bakery cake wasn't any more than any of the bakeriers around here. We just ordered his cake last night and it was $40 for a casada cake with Capt. Jack and Happy B'day on it.
Can't miss resorts are BW, BC, GF, AKL...amazing food displays...can I pay you to bring us home a gingerbread house???
Epcot is nearly 2 days...park isn't as decorated as some of the others. All of the countries have their version of "Santa" storytellers that are really cool. Also, there is candelight processional the evening show at America Gardens. DO THE DINNER PACKAGE!!! to make sure you get seats. It's a 300 member choir, 50 piece orchestra and celebrity narrator that does the retelling of the Christmas story. I have the cd.... Don't know how your DS will do, but the girls will probably love it. Ressies usually go on sale around early July.
To post pics...load them onto photobucket then insert the html from photobucket. You usually have to backspace over one of the http:// so that the pics show up!!

 

[jerzyzkat119]

My first trip will be december too, so I have allt he same questions as you! However I will be with a 5 month old so while i always feel like I have disney under control - this time I'm a little scared lol. Oh and to post pictures I uploaded to Photo Bucket and then copied the image code directly into my post! every image has codes, email, direct link, html, and img. the img one i find the easiest! i didnt have to make any changes at all and it worked fine. remember you can always preview your post before submitting the post!

 

[misse320]

Thanks for the Photobucket tip. Now I can post some pics from prior trips.

The first trip was May of 2009. We had about a day and a half of nice weather before the rail. I love the photos where our daughters really look like they love each other!

And then the rain started.

Our first MNSSHP, October 2010.

Then we returned in October of 2011 for some more Halloween fun. First order of business, pick out a proper Rapunzel wig.

Jesse and Jesse. Our daughter was so excited to be Jesse because she didn't need the fake red braid!

Grandma and Grandpa getting into the spirit of things.

Last, but not least, a photo op with Lotso. He even smelled like strawberries!

That's probably enough for now!

 

[RooRach0906]

We are going in December also!! We are so excited!! Welcome to the boards!! Look forward to hearing more about your plans.

 

[misse320]

Also, there is candelight processional the evening show at America Gardens. DO THE DINNER PACKAGE!!! to make sure you get seats. It's a 300 member choir, 50 piece orchestra and celebrity narrator that does the retelling of the Christmas story. I have the cd.... Don't know how your DS will do, but the girls will probably love it. Ressies usually go on sale around early July.

After much research last night, I think we are going to skip the dinner package. We need to use our 2 dining credits on CRT. That's all the birthday girl wants! I don't think I can deny her this time.

My first trip will be december too, so I have allt he same questions as you! However I will be with a 5 month old so while i always feel like I have disney under control - this time I'm a little scared lol. Oh and to post pictures I uploaded to Photo Bucket and then copied the image code directly into my post! every image has codes, email, direct link, html, and img. the img one i find the easiest! i didnt have to make any changes at all and it worked fine. remember you can always preview your post before submitting the post!

Good luck traveling with a 5 month old! If you are looking for a stroller rental, I can't say enough good things about www.orlandostrollerrentals.com. We've rented from them twice and were very happy both times.

 

[misse320]

I've got a few weeks left before I can make my ADRs. Last night I tried to sit with my DH and at least make a list of all the places we want to eat at. He was not much help. It's always so difficult to balance between places we know we like, and places we want to try. Our inclination is always to stick with the same place, but there is so much to try!

We let the kids each pick one place. That took up 4 ADRS with:

CRT
Chef Mickey
Crystal Palace

My husband and I added to the list with:

Ohana
Teppan Edo

I've always wanted to try the Garden Grill, but the reviews I read online last night are giving me second thoughts. I was also hoping to skip Crystal Palace this year, but it's a favorite of the kids'. And besides, who doesn't love a good parade with Tigger!?

We do want to eat at HS one day. We've only had quick service there. I can't decide between Hollywood and Vine or 50's Prime Time Cafe. We will probably end up with H&V, because our DS still loves Disney Junior.

All this talk about food makes me need a snack!

 

[Chellymouse]

Garden Grille is usually pretty good. We've eaten there a few times and have an ADR booked for next month with the family. Skip Teppen Edo...the restaurants at home are WAY better and their chefs aren't that entertaining.
The buffet at H&V isn't very good. A much better choice is 50's PT. That's a must do on each trip for us. Food is great, service is very good and you get scolded for putting your elbows on the table! The restaurant looks like grandma's kitchen from the 50's!

 

[BDL]

You should join us over here for some of brainstorming. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2869227

And your pics are cute. Especially the grandparents with the MNSSHP lanyards.

 

[tofubeast]

Subbing!! Glad you joined us on the December roll call!!

 

[DsnyMama]

Subbing!! You'll LOVE Christmas at Disney - pure magic (as if it could get any MORE magical!!!).

Love the pics from your past trips!


Here is my take on the questions from your OP:


1. CRT or 1900 PF? We've done CRT before. The girls loved it. We thought it was overpriced and rushed. We've never done 1900 PF. Our middle daughter will turn 7 on this trip. It will ultimately be her decision, but I'd love some advice to help sway her either way.
We love, love, love, love 1900 Park Fare! It is now a must on every trip for dinner! Last year was our first year going. DD wore her cinderella costume and cinderella greated her saying "oh my, you look JUST like me! we can be sisters forever!" and the look on DDs face was just amazing. The character interaction was wonderful - the stepmother was VERY in character and even scared DD a bit! The stepsisters were hilarious and so in character! Prince charming kissed DD on the hand even and of course Cinderella was wonderful! The characters each stayed at least 5 minutes at our table talking and chatting and even dancing with DD. The stepsisters carried on for over 10 minutes with a teenage boy next to our table about who he'd propose to. We went at prime dinner time - 7pm - and it was very busy so our sever was a little swamped. She was a little slow for drinks, a booster seat, ect, but not terribly so and definitely not enough to upset us! The food is wonderful - really! There is a separate kid's buffet and DD loved that she could get her own food with no help! The desserts are to die for and they are the only place in the "world" where DD can get her most favorite treat in all of WDW - chocolate cups! I'd be happy to post a few pictures for you if you'd like (want to ask first so I'm not plastering my vacation all over your PTR )

2. Also regarding the birthday princess, is there any special treatment we can expect for our birthday girl? I know they wear a button, but anything else?
We were there for DD's birthday last year and will be there again for her birthday this year! She did get a birthday button upon check in. Rarely did we pass a cast member who didn't say "happy birthday"! She especially loved it she they said "happy birthday princess"! She did get a special birthday cupcake at several restaurants which was nice - candle and all!

3. I'd love some thoughts on how MVMCP compares to MNSSHP. Should we plan to do the party twice? I always thought that at MNSSHP there was too much to do to see everything in one night.
I've never been to MNSSHP, but we did MVMCP last year and will do it again! It wasn't as great as I had hoped last year, but that was all my fault... We were in MK for rope drop and didn't take a break and somehow I expected my 1 & almost-3yr old to be ok with a party til midnight. They were tired and cranky... We missed the first parade, Ava melted down during the fireworks, we only rode one ride, we didn't get any cookies or cocoa and they kids fell asleep at 10:00.... Yeah, it was that bad! That being said - I saw the potential for an amazing time, so we are doing it "right" this year! 2-3 hour midday break/nap and having a game plan! I had no clue where the characters M&G's were, the stations for cookies and cocoa, ect.. I just didn't plan. Here's some pictures from last trip! = http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43893516&postcount=38

4. What are some of the "can't miss" Christmas decorations? Are there certain hotels we should make a point to see?
Definitely head to the resorts if you can!! The Grand Floridian has the most amazing "real" gingerbread house and HUGE tree!! Animal Kingdom Lodge has a beautiful tree and other african inspired decorations. We also really liked seeing the HUGE mickey "wreath" at the contemporary all lit up while traveling through on the monorail! As far as the parks go - of course seeing the castle lit up is a most as well as the Osborne lights!!

5. What is EPCOT all about at Christmas?
They offer the Candlelight Processional as well as holiday storytellers in each country! I haven't done either.... YET!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Joining in from our Dec group

 

[misse320]

It's been awhile since I updated my PRT, but I got most of the ADR's I was trying for at the 180 day window. It was strange that nothing was available at the Garden Grill. Is there something going on? Are they refurbishing it or something?

Anyway, here's the plan:

Saturday arrive, no reservations that day. Maybe we will find our way to Downtown. We still haven't made it there in our 3 prior trips.
Sunday - lunch at CRT for out princess's 7th birthday
Monday - Ohana for dinner
Tuesday - 50's Prime Time for lunch
Wednesday - Crystal Palace for lunch
Thursday - Breakfast at Chef Mickey
Friday - 1900 Park Fare for dinner

That's the plan! As you might notice, I'm doing more table service lunches. My plan is to have a lunch reservation during peak park time. It seems in previous trips that we are always running to dinner reservations when there are no lines for any rides. Fingers crossed!

 

[Chellymouse]

ADRs look good! Just a note.....On August 8th booking opens up for Be Our Guest restaurant. No official date when the restaurant is actually opening, but there's a good chance it will be open for your upcoming trip. Already got the lecture at my house...you ARE going to call right? Doubtful for us, but you should be able to get in!!

 

[jasmine91]

Where can I find the Be Our Guest menu? We will be there in Dec. too, and I would love to try it out if it sounds good!

 

[Chellymouse]

Where can I find the Be Our Guest menu? We will be there in Dec. too, and I would love to try it out if it sounds good!

If you check out the restaurant tab on the DIS, there is a link to the restaurant menu!