Dear Santa, I'd like a Disney Trip for Christmas! - TR started!

[sammielynn]

Did you get an e-mail confirmation of your online check-in??? I didn't and that has me wondering...

 

[swwake]

I would tell them to go to YouTube and search "surprise disney trip" or "we're going to disney surprise" Lots of cute ideas there.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Did you get an e-mail confirmation of your online check-in??? I didn't and that has me wondering...

I did get a confirmation. The same night I did it. When did you do yours?

I would tell them to go to YouTube and search "surprise disney trip" or "we're going to disney surprise" Lots of cute ideas there.

great idea

 

[Merida]

May I ask why you're indecisive? It may help you become more decisive.

Personally, I love online check-in. I love having everything ready for me when I arrive. I've only not done it once. It can be a time saver if the resort is busy ... but if the resort is slow, then it only shaves a minute or two.

I didnt even really think about it. Just did it. We'll see if I like it or not! It was just another think I could do for my trip so I was all for it!

Ah ha, it's mostly silly stuff. My boyfriend wants to check in early because he really wants to do more stuff for the trip but I:
a) don't trust Disney's website
b) want to put our Visa rewards card as the card attached to our Keys to the World
c) we're checking in super early in the day and the website isn't letting me do that (though that's really a; c doesn't count as a reason because I guess checking in days early is even better than checking in before breakfast??)
d) checking into a hotel makes me feel fancy and grown-up.

Also: lazy! So no real good reasons, just enough little ones to make me wishy-washy.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Ah ha, it's mostly silly stuff. My boyfriend wants to check in early because he really wants to do more stuff for the trip but I:
a) don't trust Disney's website
b) want to put our Visa rewards card as the card attached to our Keys to the World
c) we're checking in super early in the day and the website isn't letting me do that (though that's really a; c doesn't count as a reason because I guess checking in days early is even better than checking in before breakfast??)
d) checking into a hotel makes me feel fancy and grown-up.

Also: lazy! So no real good reasons, just enough little ones to make me wishy-washy.

I've done my whole trip through Disney's website. No TA...just the website and a couple phone calls. And literally just like 2 or 3 phone calls! So we'll see if everything works out.

You can attach a credit card when you do your online check in and you can select the time you're going to be arriving.

And We all have things we're lazy about!

 

[DMGeurts]

I've done my whole trip through Disney's website. No TA...just the website and a couple phone calls. And literally just like 2 or 3 phone calls! So we'll see if everything works out.

You can attach a credit card when you do your online check in and you can select the time you're going to be arriving.

And We all have things we're lazy about!

I have never used a TA either... However, this is my first time staying "on property" - so I guess we'll see. I always figure that half the fun of going to Disney is the planning...

Stephanie - you are getting sooooo close - super excited for you, and honestly, I am anxious to hear about POFQ - everyone says it's so wonderful - but I still like to hear about it.

D~

 

[Lidian]

So my best friend and her family are going to Disney World in January and it is a a birthday surprise who will turn 5 a day or so before they leave. They want to surprise her but they still havent figured out how yet.

Any suggestions? They are sure if they want to do it for Christmas or her Birthday. I say Birthday because its closer to their trip.


For the record, my best friend is in her mid 20's and my other best friend is in her almost mid 30's. My friend isnt 19 also with a five year old. Just wanted to make that clear.

Okay ... here's one thing that most people don't think of .... can the 5 year old handle surprises? I was not a kid who could handle surprises: I HATED THEM. If you youtube surprise videos, so many of them are "surprise gone wrong" ones.

Make sure your friend knows if her child can handle surprises.

I surprised my kids in May. I was terrified of how my DS would take it; I knew my DD would fare well. My DS does not adjust to change easily, so throwing something at him just isn't very nice to him. (He did well, BTW.)

If it's one of those "hey, we're going to WDW next week" deals, it will probably do okay. But it's the "hey, we're on our way to WDW RIGHT NOW" deals that seem to backfire on a lot of parents.

That said, if they are totally up for a surprise (and I hope they are, because I totally ADORE watching surprise videos), a lot of it will depend on when they are surprising her. If it's at her birthday party, I'm kind of fond of having wrapped Disney helium balloons with a note attached (in simple words since she's young, but can probably read small words). Or opening up a stuffed Mickey with a personalized message.

If she youtubes WDW surprises, she may get a lot of suggestions.

I would tell them to go to YouTube and search "surprise disney trip" or "we're going to disney surprise" Lots of cute ideas there.

Yep! Great idea!

Ah ha, it's mostly silly stuff. My boyfriend wants to check in early because he really wants to do more stuff for the trip but I:
a) don't trust Disney's website

Why not? It's secure. You can verify with the https:// as the URL.

b) want to put our Visa rewards card as the card attached to our Keys to the World

A CC is required for "online check-in" so your KTTW cards can be used for charging. You can make changes once you arrive if you need to change the card, or if you want to set a limit on it.

c) we're checking in super early in the day and the website isn't letting me do that (though that's really a; c doesn't count as a reason because I guess checking in days early is even better than checking in before breakfast??)

Check-in isn't until like 3pm ... so regardless of online or showing up, there's no guarantee that your room will be ready. However, if they know you'll be arriving at, say, 8am, there's a possibility they can have your room ready.

When checking in, just mark the time closest to your arrival at the resort time. Odds are so low that your room will be ready, but your KTTW cards will already be printed and you can scoot back out the door for breakfast ADRs or park opening or whatever you have planned.

d) checking into a hotel makes me feel fancy and grown-up.

Well, you're still checking in, and you still have to show ID to prove you are who you claim ... but all the information and keys are printed ahead of time. Plus, you get your own special line! (And if the online line is too long, you can use any other line.)

Plus, you aren't standing there at the counter filling out paperwork. It's done. Sure, it saves a few minutes off your time, but it's not enough to make or break a stay.

However, since I have to request ground floor near transportation, I prefer to do online check-in... so they can honor that request before I get there.

The longest it has ever taken me was when I was trying to have them honor a request in person (versus online). They had to search for a room and move some people around. While it only took a few minutes, that was a few minutes I could have been doing something else.

Also: lazy! So no real good reasons, just enough little ones to make me wishy-washy.

I'm one of the laziest persons around, and I think online check-in is less lazy than real check-in. It literally takes 30 seconds, if you have your CC ready.

Not trying to pressure you, just giving you some details. Can't wait to hear what you decide and how it goes!! I know there are people who avidly avoid online check-in. I'm sure they have valid reasons. I've used it since 2009 and never had any issues. All but one request was granted (and that was in May, I asked for ground floor and got 4th floor, but there were elevators, so that wasn't too bad).

 

[sammielynn]

I thought I checked in online last night, Wrong??? Tried again today and everything worked out, I have my e-mail. So close to being on site.

Stephanie, I have a question. Are you taking long or short sleeves? Any shorts or capris?? Originally I planned on long sleeved T's, long light weight pants, leggins to go under the pants if it gets cold, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts, one fleece jacket and one rain jacket. Now I'm wondering if I should bring at least one pair of capris and one or two short sleeve shirts. We are flying and using carryons and one checked bags. One carry on will have a twin air bed in it, we don't share beds well. So space is limited.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I have never used a TA either... However, this is my first time staying "on property" - so I guess we'll see. I always figure that half the fun of going to Disney is the planning...

Stephanie - you are getting sooooo close - super excited for you, and honestly, I am anxious to hear about POFQ - everyone says it's so wonderful - but I still like to hear about it.

D~

I'm excited too! This time next week I'll be in Florida! I havent been able to find many POFQ TR at all. But I have heard wonderful things about it...sooo very excited!

Okay ... here's one thing that most people don't think of .... can the 5 year old handle surprises? I was not a kid who could handle surprises: I HATED THEM. If you youtube surprise videos, so many of them are "surprise gone wrong" ones.

Make sure your friend knows if her child can handle surprises.

I surprised my kids in May. I was terrified of how my DS would take it; I knew my DD would fare well. My DS does not adjust to change easily, so throwing something at him just isn't very nice to him. (He did well, BTW.)

If it's one of those "hey, we're going to WDW next week" deals, it will probably do okay. But it's the "hey, we're on our way to WDW RIGHT NOW" deals that seem to backfire on a lot of parents.

That said, if they are totally up for a surprise (and I hope they are, because I totally ADORE watching surprise videos), a lot of it will depend on when they are surprising her. If it's at her birthday party, I'm kind of fond of having wrapped Disney helium balloons with a note attached (in simple words since she's young, but can probably read small words). Or opening up a stuffed Mickey with a personalized message.

If she youtubes WDW surprises, she may get a lot of suggestions.



Yep! Great idea!



Why not? It's secure. You can verify with the https:// as the URL.



A CC is required for "online check-in" so your KTTW cards can be used for charging. You can make changes once you arrive if you need to change the card, or if you want to set a limit on it.



Check-in isn't until like 3pm ... so regardless of online or showing up, there's no guarantee that your room will be ready. However, if they know you'll be arriving at, say, 8am, there's a possibility they can have your room ready.

When checking in, just mark the time closest to your arrival at the resort time. Odds are so low that your room will be ready, but your KTTW cards will already be printed and you can scoot back out the door for breakfast ADRs or park opening or whatever you have planned.



Well, you're still checking in, and you still have to show ID to prove you are who you claim ... but all the information and keys are printed ahead of time. Plus, you get your own special line! (And if the online line is too long, you can use any other line.)

Plus, you aren't standing there at the counter filling out paperwork. It's done. Sure, it saves a few minutes off your time, but it's not enough to make or break a stay.

However, since I have to request ground floor near transportation, I prefer to do online check-in... so they can honor that request before I get there.

The longest it has ever taken me was when I was trying to have them honor a request in person (versus online). They had to search for a room and move some people around. While it only took a few minutes, that was a few minutes I could have been doing something else.



I'm one of the laziest persons around, and I think online check-in is less lazy than real check-in. It literally takes 30 seconds, if you have your CC ready.

Not trying to pressure you, just giving you some details. Can't wait to hear what you decide and how it goes!! I know there are people who avidly avoid online check-in. I'm sure they have valid reasons. I've used it since 2009 and never had any issues. All but one request was granted (and that was in May, I asked for ground floor and got 4th floor, but there were elevators, so that wasn't too bad).

She can handle surprises. She's hysterical. \

I didnt need a credit card to do my online check in?!?

I thought I checked in online last night, Wrong??? Tried again today and everything worked out, I have my e-mail. So close to being on site.

Stephanie, I have a question. Are you taking long or short sleeves? Any shorts or capris?? Originally I planned on long sleeved T's, long light weight pants, leggins to go under the pants if it gets cold, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts, one fleece jacket and one rain jacket. Now I'm wondering if I should bring at least one pair of capris and one or two short sleeve shirts. We are flying and using carryons and one checked bags. One carry on will have a twin air bed in it, we don't share beds well. So space is limited.

I'm glad it worked out then!

Well I'm planning on bringing a little bit of everything actually. A couple tshirts, sweatshirts, my new fleece, shorts, jeans, and so on. We have one free checked bag per person with Southwest so I plan on taking advantage of that if necessary. Looking at the weather lately, although I havent yet today, it looks like we're going to have a nice vacation!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

MY PARK BAG HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!

I am so excited! I'm just as excited about this bag (maybe even more since it's my park bag) as my Princess Dooney and Bourke!

First let me tell you, I knew I wanted this bag when I saw the others before it. I got this bag from a fellow Diser. Any guesses who it might be?

I love this bag. The quality is superb. Absolutely amazing. It is just so gorgeous I cant stop looking at it! I sent a photo to DBF as soon as I opened it! He said...and I quote...."IT'S SO PERFECT!" He's wonderful. He's excited about my park bag too!

Isnt this the most wonderful Disney December trip park bag?! I AM SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS BAG!

GORGEOUS!!!

Excuse my quilt. My Grandmother and I made it, so it is very important to me. But I'm not really sure while I chose those colors. (3 years ago )

Hope you enjoy looking at my bag as much as I do!

I cannot wait to take it to the parks!



PS. D made this gorgeous bag! Her work is AMAZING! I cannot stress that fact enough! And all I can say to her yet again is...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

[Lidian]

She can handle surprises. She's hysterical. \

I didnt need a credit card to do my online check in?!?

Glad to hear she can handle surprises! I have a kid who can and a kid who can't. So I prayed he'd be okay with arriving at WDW. He didn't freak out like I expected ... and transitioned nicely.

I've always put in a CC. Maybe I mistyped when I said "required"? Perhaps it's just if you want to have charges to your room. I just know I've always put in a CC# when I did online check-in.



Totally love your park bag. You say someone from the DIS? Never heard of her. I've never seen this bag before in my life.

I am so super jealous!!!!!!!!

D did an awesome job with the bag! It's PERFECT for a Christmas visit! I can't wait to hear about how much you loved showing it off and the compliments you get! And I can't wait to see it in action in the pics! Can you tell I'm excited for you?????

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Glad to hear she can handle surprises! I have a kid who can and a kid who can't. So I prayed he'd be okay with arriving at WDW. He didn't freak out like I expected ... and transitioned nicely.

I've always put in a CC. Maybe I mistyped when I said "required"? Perhaps it's just if you want to have charges to your room. I just know I've always put in a CC# when I did online check-in.



Totally love your park bag. You say someone from the DIS? Never heard of her. I've never seen this bag before in my life.

I am so super jealous!!!!!!!!

D did an awesome job with the bag! It's PERFECT for a Christmas visit! I can't wait to hear about how much you loved showing it off and the compliments you get! And I can't wait to see it in action in the pics! Can you tell I'm excited for you?????

I'm glad he handled it well though.

She did do an awesome job! I'm so happy with it! And why are you jealous?! I saw your park bag YOU made and it is awesome!

I cant wait to take it to the parks! I'm so excited! It's gonna be the first thing I pack too! (Yes I still havent started packing at all! )




6 more days!

 

[Lidian]

I'm glad he handled it well though.

She did do an awesome job! I'm so happy with it! And why are you jealous?! I saw your park bag YOU made and it is awesome!

I cant wait to take it to the parks! I'm so excited! It's gonna be the first thing I pack too! (Yes I still havent started packing at all! )




6 more days!

Six days and you haven't started packing?

Her park bags put mine to shame. Yes, I'm proud of mine, but they're no where near as versatile and creative as hers! She's a goddess at crafting!

I just love my kids ... so anytime I can take over a PTR and show them off, I'm totally gonna do it.

Here's our May surprise video. Background: We told the kids we were helping Uncle Ben move. We did not tell them where he was moving (he really did move, but not to FL). All we told them was it was going to be a 10 hour drive and once we got there, we'd go check into a hotel then spend the rest of the day helping him move. DD was so mad. She begged to stay with Dendoggy or Mamaw. DS was excited to help Ben move, so I was a little concerned about switching things up on him. I know DD could read signs, so if she asked, we were just going to tell her that Ben was moving to FL. She never said anything, so not sure if she noticed signs or not ... until we get to "the sign". Where the video starts off:


Technically we never lied. We did help him move (by helping him load his U-Haul) and we did see him several times at WDW -- where he was on his honeymoon.

 

[swwake]

love the bag!

And Lidian - I love your surprise video. Your kids are adorable. I'm not sure they believed it until right at the end.

 

[DMGeurts]

MY PARK BAG HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!

I am so excited! I'm just as excited about this bag (maybe even more since it's my park bag) as my Princess Dooney and Bourke!

First let me tell you, I knew I wanted this bag when I saw the others before it. I got this bag from a fellow Diser. Any guesses who it might be?

I love this bag. The quality is superb. Absolutely amazing. It is just so gorgeous I cant stop looking at it! I sent a photo to DBF as soon as I opened it! He said...and I quote...."IT'S SO PERFECT!" He's wonderful. He's excited about my park bag too!

Isnt this the most wonderful Disney December trip park bag?! I AM SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS BAG!

GORGEOUS!!!

Excuse my quilt. My Grandmother and I made it, so it is very important to me. But I'm not really sure while I chose those colors. (3 years ago )

Hope you enjoy looking at my bag as much as I do!

I cannot wait to take it to the parks!



PS. D made this gorgeous bag! Her work is AMAZING! I cannot stress that fact enough! And all I can say to her yet again is...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you (no need to boost my ego or anything ) and You're welcome - I am so glad you like it and you finally got it... I was begining to wonder if you'd consider a move to Des Moines.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

D~

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Your park bag is awesome. D- it is lovely. You do amazing work!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Six days and you haven't started packing?

Her park bags put mine to shame. Yes, I'm proud of mine, but they're no where near as versatile and creative as hers! She's a goddess at crafting!

I just love my kids ... so anytime I can take over a PTR and show them off, I'm totally gonna do it.

Here's our May surprise video. Background: We told the kids we were helping Uncle Ben move. We did not tell them where he was moving (he really did move, but not to FL). All we told them was it was going to be a 10 hour drive and once we got there, we'd go check into a hotel then spend the rest of the day helping him move. DD was so mad. She begged to stay with Dendoggy or Mamaw. DS was excited to help Ben move, so I was a little concerned about switching things up on him. I know DD could read signs, so if she asked, we were just going to tell her that Ben was moving to FL. She never said anything, so not sure if she noticed signs or not ... until we get to "the sign". Where the video starts off:


Technically we never lied. We did help him move (by helping him load his U-Haul) and we did see him several times at WDW -- where he was on his honeymoon.

Well I plan on attempting the world of sewing after my trip. So then your bags will put mine to shame because you'll be so good! Practice makes perfect....

HOW PRECIOUS! Thanks for sharing! I'm an awful liar. Guess I'll never surprise anyone with a trip to Disney.

love the bag!

And Lidian - I love your surprise video. Your kids are adorable. I'm not sure they believed it until right at the end.

Thanks! I love it too! (obviously! )

Thank you (no need to boost my ego or anything ) and You're welcome - I am so glad you like it and you finally got it... I was begining to wonder if you'd consider a move to Des Moines.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

D~

No intentional ego boosting going on in this PTR! The bag is just THAT amazing! And I might have had to take a desperate last minute road trip to get my bag if it didnt get movin' soon!

Your park bag is awesome. D- it is lovely. You do amazing work!

Thank you! I love it too! If you have time, and if you havent already, you should check out her PTR! It has many, many more of her fabulous creations!

 

[Lidian]

love the bag!

And Lidian - I love your surprise video. Your kids are adorable. I'm not sure they believed it until right at the end.

Thank you! I got a good laugh out of DD making me pinky promise.

Well I plan on attempting the world of sewing after my trip. So then your bags will put mine to shame because you'll be so good! Practice makes perfect....

HOW PRECIOUS! Thanks for sharing! I'm an awful liar. Guess I'll never surprise anyone with a trip to Disney.

I'm sure you'll be able to create much better bags than what I've been working on! All I can do is straight stitches ... and easy ones at that.

Thanks for the compliment on the video. I'm a terrible liar, too. So everytime I'd mention helping Uncle Ben move, I'd have to turn my head so they couldn't see me grin. At one point, DD questioned our luggage in the back. I told her that it had Ben and his new wife's clothes and stuff in them. I had one bag packed for us with a change of clothes for the next day and showed her one of my suitcases (but didn't open it). She whined a good portion of the way, but accepted everything I said.

So if I can surprise the kids, anyone can. I even got to watch the planning video. "Hey kids! Let's pretend like daddy will let us go to WDW this year and watch the video."

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Well my park bag is packed and it is the only thing I've packed so far. I guess I'm just still in disbelief that my trip is FOUR days away. I really just dont believe it!

I bought my trip journal! At Walmart! And it's AMAZING!

I absolutely LOVE it! They have a villains series of these. Cruella was there, the Queen of Hearts and I THINK another one but I forget. If Ursula was there I TOTALLY would have bought that one. She's my fav villain.

Here's the inside.

And here's what the pages look like.

And here is just a handful of the travel sized things I bought for our trip. And my bag is in the photo just because I could.

AND MY MICKEY BANDAIDS!

 

[DMGeurts]

Well my park bag is packed and it is the only thing I've packed so far. I guess I'm just still in disbelief that my trip is FOUR days away. I really just dont believe it!

I bought my trip journal! At Walmart! And it's AMAZING!

I absolutely LOVE it! They have a villains series of these. Cruella was there, the Queen of Hearts and I THINK another one but I forget. If Ursula was there I TOTALLY would have bought that one. She's my fav villain.

Here's the inside.

And here's what the pages look like.

And here is just a handful of the travel sized things I bought for our trip. And my bag is in the photo just because I could.

AND MY MICKEY BANDAIDS!

I love everything! That trip journal is awesome... I didn't see your Mini-Planner in the photos????

I plan on doing a trip journal for our trip, as well - as I have every intention of doing a TR... But I REALLY WANT A DONALD trip journal, in the worst way. I did see the Villians journals, but I am holding out for Donald - even if it has to wait until I get there and hit the Philharmagic store. LOL

Love the Mickey bandaids too!

I can't believe your trip is 4 days away - I can't wait to hear all about it~!

D~