Dear Santa, I'd like a double-deluxe Disney Xmas!! Dec'12 PTR! Upd 1/20 TR & DR links

[francis6306]

So, last night DH and I went out to dinner, just the 2 of us. We caught up on a lot of things and then DH brings up our Dec trip. He said he had been thinking about it and he wants me to just go ahead with the planning...AND INCLUDE THE 2 DAYS AT THE BEGINNING! He said not to worry about them missing school...whether it be 2 days or 4 days and there was no need to worry about it anymore or keep waiting until we get the distict calendar for school. So, I officially have the green light and the 2 extra days at the beginning are a GO!!

We have decided not to tell the kids about the 2 extra days. We are just going to go about our day on the 17th as normal, then we will tell them after school that we are headed to a hotel that night and flying out the next morning!

YAY adding the days!!!! Good luck keeping the secret!!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

YAY adding the days!!!! Good luck keeping the secret!!!

We are super excited!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

SNOW DAY!!​

The kids had their first snow day of the school year today. We had about 3" of snow last night, and while the roads werent terribly bad, our ISD has days built into the schedule so they can take them "just to be safe" and we dont have to make them up. School was officially cancelled after the kids were in bed last night, so they had no idea until this morning when they woke up. I got all their snow gear out last night and had it waiting in the kitchen. I started getting the little boys dressed in all their gear about 930am, and we FINALLY made it outside by 10am. The little boys played outside for about an hour (it was pretty cold, but they must've been warm, b/c they didnt complain), then Hunter & Harper played outside for another hour or so with friends. This was Evan's first time to play in the snow. I honestly thought he would throw a fit b/c he has some sensory issues, but he did awesome. He even said "snowball"...a first. Here are just a couple pics I took of the kids this morning.

Jaxon making a snow angel (he saw Hunter & Harper do it, so he figured he would give it a try)

Evan kept saying "snowball"...it was the cutest thing ever!!

Hunter & Evan & snowball!!

Harper & Evan

The kids had so much fun!! Hopefully we get another round of snow before Spring so the little boys can get some more use out of their snowsuits and snow boots.

 

[newtexan]

how fun to have a day off built in the calendar!
looks like they had just enough snow to have fun.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

how fun to have a day off built in the calendar!
looks like they had just enough snow to have fun.

We had about 3"...enough for some good snowball fights, but even at 10am when we went outside it was already melting some and by that point it was already 32 degrees. Jaxon & Evan wanted to go back outside after naptime, so we went back out around 4pm for another hour...by that time it was getting super slushy!! Tomorrow its supposed to be in the low 50's, so I wanted them to get all the fun out of the snow while it was here since this was our 1st real snowfall of the year. Usually we have had multiple snowfalls by this time of year.

 

[francis6306]

Glad you guys had fun in the snow. I'm not much for snow- I don't like being cold! I'm ready for the SPRING!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Glad you guys had fun in the snow. I'm not much for snow- I don't like being cold! I'm ready for the SPRING!

I dont mind the snow, but boy oh boy do I hate the ICE!! We live in OK, so we dont get tons of snow (just a few times each year usually), so its nice to get it every now and then.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

So, I figure now is as good of time as any to start sharing our plans for each day. So...here we go!

Day 1 - Dec 18​

This is our travel day. We live about an hour away from the airport, so we will drive the night of the 17th to stay in the city in a hotel. I will have everything packed and once the kids get home from school on the 17th we will let the kids know we are flying out several days earlier than planned (originally we were flying out the 20th).

So, morning of the 18th...hopefully we will get a 6 or 7am-ish flight to get us into MCO by 1pm-ish. I am still waiting for SW to release the schedules for Dec, so I am not expecting to see them for a few more months. Because of the sheer amount of luggage we will be taking on this trip, it is VERY important we fly SW to avoid those pesky luggage fees!!

6 people x 9 nights + unpredictable Dec weather in Florida = LOTS of bags!!

So, SW is really a MUST for this trip! Average flights for 6 passengers on other carriers are running about $2300-ish right now, and honestly thats about what I was expecting. So, I am not really expecting SW to be much different when those schedules are released. We will do early bird check in on the flights that way we can guarantee we will be sitting together.

So, depending on the flights, it could be between 1p and 3p when we make it to BW by the time we get to the ME counter and on the bus. Since we are staying CL, they will meet us outside or in the lobby and take us right up to the lounge to check in. Assuming our room is ready, we will go check it out and "chill" for a few minutes, freshen up, etc.

** This next scenario is dependant on there being a MVMCP on the 18th **

We will head over to MK about 430p and grab an early dinner at The Plaza.

I dont really want to use party time for rides since we will have 2 full days at MK later in the week. We DEFINATELY want to see the castle lighting, Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade and Holiday Wishes. As far as characters, would like to catch Mickey & Minnie in their holiday best and perhaps Belle in her holiday gown. Not sure on any others until I see the official list of who is there later this year.

We will try and stick it out until the end. I know the kids will be exhausted, but I would like to try and get the most out of those MVMCP tickets. I think the last party sold out last year, so I expecting it to be busy.

** This next scenario is dependant on their NOT being MVMCP on the 18th **

I WILL CRY!! Honestly, I dont have any other scenario. If there is no MVMCP, I would probably add 1 more park day ticket and we would walk or take the boat to HS and check out Osbourne lights. Fingers crossed the first scenario comes to fruition.

 

[francis6306]

As you know, our arrival day was a Party night and I was really grateful for that! It was so nice to start the trip off on a party night. Even if it ended far earlier than expected. I don't think we will do a party this year. Catie is too small and I don't want have to decide which parent take Cortlyn to the party and misses out on the fun. We'll see how it works out as things start to come together.

 

[taaren]

So, morning of the 18th...hopefully we will get a 6 or 7am-ish flight to get us into MCO by 1pm-ish. I am still waiting for SW to release the schedules for Dec, so I am not expecting to see them for a few more months. Because of the sheer amount of luggage we will be taking on this trip, it is VERY important we fly SW to avoid those pesky luggage fees!!

6 people x 9 nights + unpredictable Dec weather in Florida = LOTS of bags!!

So, SW is really a MUST for this trip! Average flights for 6 passengers on other carriers are running about $2300-ish right now, and honestly thats about what I was expecting. So, I am not really expecting SW to be much different when those schedules are released. We will do early bird check in on the flights that way we can guarantee we will be sitting together.

We're in a similar boat (airplane?). Besides the fact that we like Southwest, I signed DH up for one of the new credit cards so we could get the 50K reward points. That plus what we had previously means we should have 2 round trips + 1 one way covered from California (priced both rewards flights and $$ for similar dates last year) so we'll just have to book those plus pay for the last leg from SMF-MCO (or maybe Oakland, haven't decided yet).

So we're waiting impatiently for December to open up, and definitely will need those free bags flying too! That's become a very important feature ...

Really wish SW would allow us to book those flights farther out; I'd like to start looking for DH's flight from Maui to California now, even if its just pricing it (hopefully DS5 and I will be living in Cali then already).

The MVMCP sounds lovely ... we're going to be zonked/wired between the long flights and the time change so not up for much more than either T-Rex or perhaps a character dinner the night we land. I admire your fortitude in planning that!

 

[dspads]

I am just starting to plan our trip for the first week of Dec and I am enjoying reading your plans. I am not that organized yet, so you are inspiring me. We have ressies at SSR for the first week of December but hope to switch it to BWV when the booking window opens ( my parents are DVC members at SSR).

We went to T-Rex last time and loved it! We plan on returning in Dec. MVMCP is great, I love the parade so much. That alone is worth the added expense IMO.

So cool that you are also going for MNSSHP! We loved that, too.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

As you know, our arrival day was a Party night and I was really grateful for that! It was so nice to start the trip off on a party night. Even if it ended far earlier than expected. I don't think we will do a party this year. Catie is too small and I don't want have to decide which parent take Cortlyn to the party and misses out on the fun. We'll see how it works out as things start to come together.

I did remember seeing that in your TR that your arrival day was also MVMCP. Seems like such a fun way to start out the trip!! I know we will all be exhausted and I honestly expect the little boys to fall asleep in the stroller

We're in a similar boat (airplane?). Besides the fact that we like Southwest, I signed DH up for one of the new credit cards so we could get the 50K reward points. That plus what we had previously means we should have 2 round trips + 1 one way covered from California (priced both rewards flights and $$ for similar dates last year) so we'll just have to book those plus pay for the last leg from SMF-MCO (or maybe Oakland, haven't decided yet).

So we're waiting impatiently for December to open up, and definitely will need those free bags flying too! That's become a very important feature ...

Really wish SW would allow us to book those flights farther out; I'd like to start looking for DH's flight from Maui to California now, even if its just pricing it (hopefully DS5 and I will be living in Cali then already).

The MVMCP sounds lovely ... we're going to be zonked/wired between the long flights and the time change so not up for much more than either T-Rex or perhaps a character dinner the night we land. I admire your fortitude in planning that!

I HATE having to wait so long to book with SW. I check the website all the time it seems. I would love to see the fares drop...especially around SW Anniversary, but I wont hold my breath.

I know we will all be exhausted on arrival day, but I know the older kids will be so excited to know we are headed out to MK that same day. Might be a slow start the next morning, but...I know it will all be worth it.

I am just starting to plan our trip for the first week of Dec and I am enjoying reading your plans. I am not that organized yet, so you are inspiring me. We have ressies at SSR for the first week of December but hope to switch it to BWV when the booking window opens ( my parents are DVC members at SSR).

We went to T-Rex last time and loved it! We plan on returning in Dec. MVMCP is great, I love the parade so much. That alone is worth the added expense IMO.

So cool that you are also going for MNSSHP! We loved that, too.

WELCOME!! Glad to have you following along! I have never planned a trip so much as I have this one. I think part of that is just b/c of the week we are going. I know it will be busy that week, so I definately want to go in with a plan. Our Oct trip wont be this rigid in planning.

I have never stayed at SSR, but have read a bit about it. We originally wanted BWV or BCV, but were so nervous about waiting to try and book one through Disney directly or trying to rent points for that time period. We decided we didnt want to chance it, so thats when we booked when our 499 day window opened.

We have heard amazing things about MVMCP. I will be SOOOO disappointed if the dates dont work out right.

We are super excited about MNSSHP too! Cant wait to see the Headless Horseman and HalloWishes!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

We are OFFICIALLY out of the 300's!!!

Why do I feel like I am talking about an episode of The Biggest Loser when I say that??

So, today we are at 299 days to go!

AND...

237 days to go for our Oct trip! 57 days until I can make ADRs for that trip

SUPER EXCITED!!!

 

[francis6306]

I did remember seeing that in your TR that your arrival day was also MVMCP. Seems like such a fun way to start out the trip!! I know we will all be exhausted and I honestly expect the little boys to fall asleep in the stroller

I think if Catie keeps up like she is, that she could be a stroller sleeper. Cortlyn on the other hand was NOT a stroller sleeper! She still won't. I do a lot of babywearing with Catie and she will sleep that way. Fingers crossed!!

We are OFFICIALLY out of the 300's!!!

Why do I feel like I am talking about an episode of The Biggest Loser when I say that??

So, today we are at 299 days to go!

AND...

237 days to go for our Oct trip! 57 days until I can make ADRs for that trip

SUPER EXCITED!!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I think if Catie keeps up like she is, that she could be a stroller sleeper. Cortlyn on the other hand was NOT a stroller sleeper! She still won't. I do a lot of babywearing with Catie and she will sleep that way. Fingers crossed!!

Jaxon & Evan are definate stroller sleepers!! They havent met a stroller or a car seat they wont sleep in

Hopefully Catie will still be a stoller or babywearing sleeper by the time the trip rolls around

 

[Corjack]

I am here!!!!! I really hope you end up hitting the MVMCP! I will cross my crossables for you! As we are trying to hit the first one! The day those tickets come out will be a happy day for us all!!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I am here!!!!! I really hope you end up hitting the MVMCP! I will cross my crossables for you! As we are trying to hit the first one! The day those tickets come out will be a happy day for us all!!!

Yeah...welcome!!

I just want to SEE the dates...announce them now and they can still wait until May or June to put them on sale Why do they make us wait...we know they have the dates all planned out already...why the suspense

 

[Corjack]

Yeah...welcome!!

I just want to SEE the dates...announce them now and they can still wait until May or June to put them on sale Why do they make us wait...we know they have the dates all planned out already...why the suspense

EXACTLY!!!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Day 2 - Dec 19​

Today is our 1st Epcot day. We originally planned 1 day in this park, but when we extended the trip, we added 1 more day here.

This morning we will just grab something to eat in the club level lounge bright and early and then walk over to Epcot.

On this day we will try and get the big things out of the way...Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space. Touring Plans has the park listed as a 5 on this day, so hopefully it wont be too bad.

For lunch we will head over to San Angel Inn. I just love the ambiance of this restraunt. We have never eaten here, and I know it gets mixed reviews...but dont most places?? Hopefully we can get an ADR for an early lunch...1130am would be my goal time.

After lunch we will explore WS some. Not sure how much of it we will get done in Oct while we are there for F&W, but we do want to spend some time in each country.

For dinner, hopefully we will be eating at Garden Grill doing the Candlelight Processional package. We have never done this character meal, but I have heard great things about the character interaction. We are hoping for the late CP (8pm), so if we can get that, dinner would be around 5pm.

Not sure how much time we will have after dinner until we need to go get in line for CP. After CP, we will head over to see Illuminations. DH & the kids have never seen Illuminations, and I havent seen it in a long time, so I am looking forward to it.

After Illuminations, we will walk back to the hotel and call it a night.

 

[francis6306]

I'm hoping that we can do 2 days at Epcot myself! There is just so much to see and do here!

I think the issue with San Angel, is that people are used to Tex-Mex, and the food at San Angel is more Mex-Mex. I haven't been there before, but I have been to Mexico on a mission trip. The food we ate was unlike ANYTHING we get at mexican places around here!