Dec PTR, The More the MERRIER! 12/5 Upd... It's a BABY! reveal!

[jenseib]

Good to hear from you again!
I love your story. Claire asked me yesterday if we were going for her b-day and I said, well we just got to get a yes out of daddy. And she told me he already gave her a yes. LOL!
I bet you are having a boy. I had alot of evening sickness with my son. And then when he was born he hated to sleep. Especially at night. LOL! He's 21 and still a night owl.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

girl I feel on work be crazy!!! I hardly have time for anything at the moment!!! How cute is little Missy with her ticket!!!

 

[francis6306]

Its been a Disney World Morning around here today! Cortlyn woke up and we started watching Youtube videos of fireworks and then some about Pop Century and the princesses... and the list goes on!

Corey and I sat down and discussed our plans. Its kinda hard, cause he doesn't really understand the obsession, and yet, he's really into it at the same time. I think once he goes and has some understanding of what it is that we are doing and the flow, he will be into the planning on the next trip. We discussed our options for the night that Nita is taking Cortlyn. He still doesn't want to make a reservation anywhere, just see what we might want to do... which is fine. I showed him the picture of the Holiday Sandwich from Earl of Sandwich and I am pretty sure he wants to try that at some point, but we could also do a counter service at one of the other resorts, right? I don't know. I think I might want to go to PO and get some beignets (spelling?). I dunno. I think we'll just get on whatever resort bus comes first from Animal kingdom and go exploring that night. I know I don't have many readers left, but any suggestions for that night?

 

[jenseib]

Yes, you can use your CS credits at any resort that offer a CS resaurant.
If you do plan to make any TS ADR's, you should do it now. Alot is booked up completely already. There could be a chance of a walk up somewhere, but not a big one. You could ask at Concierge in the monring if there are any openings for any restaurants, but you will have to take whatever, where ever is available. My Dh had a hard time (and still does to some degree) about planning early for Disney. He thinks you can just walk in, get a room, dining plan and eat where ever. He has gotten better about the fact that he knows I have to book ADR's ahead, but it still hard for him.
I am surprised how many places are already sold out for the week we plan to go. We usually go in March, but don't boik till about 1 month or so out. We usually never have a problem with getting most ADR's we want, but Dec. seems to have them really booked up tight. I am thinking because of free dining, because crowd wise, the charts are showing them to be lower than March.

 

[stephielela]

Yeah, I hate that everything has to be so planned, but some of the busier times, it's necessary! If you guys want any sort of special TS restaurant, book now! It doesn't cost anything in most cases to make a just in case reservation. I have noticed it seems easier to get reservations at some of the resort hotels than at the parks.

 

[francis6306]

I'm here! I read part of you PTR awhile ago but forgot to Sub so I just found it again! I missed A LOT! Congrats to you and Nita on your pregnancies! How exciting! I can't wait to read the rest of your plans, we'll be there the week before you!

Sorry I missed you before! Welcome!! Thanks for joining in!! I'll come read your thread later- FOUR disney trips in a year!

girl I feel on work be crazy!!! I hardly have time for anything at the moment!!! How cute is little Missy with her ticket!!!

Are you counting down for November?

Yes, you can use your CS credits at any resort that offer a CS resaurant.
If you do plan to make any TS ADR's, you should do it now. Alot is booked up completely already. There could be a chance of a walk up somewhere, but not a big one. You could ask at Concierge in the monring if there are any openings for any restaurants, but you will have to take whatever, where ever is available. My Dh had a hard time (and still does to some degree) about planning early for Disney. He thinks you can just walk in, get a room, dining plan and eat where ever. He has gotten better about the fact that he knows I have to book ADR's ahead, but it still hard for him.
I am surprised how many places are already sold out for the week we plan to go. We usually go in March, but don't boik till about 1 month or so out. We usually never have a problem with getting most ADR's we want, but Dec. seems to have them really booked up tight. I am thinking because of free dining, because crowd wise, the charts are showing them to be lower than March.

Yeah, I hate that everything has to be so planned, but some of the busier times, it's necessary! If you guys want any sort of special TS restaurant, book now! It doesn't cost anything in most cases to make a just in case reservation. I have noticed it seems easier to get reservations at some of the resort hotels than at the parks.

The thing with Corey is that he likes the "go with the flow" and I think he just wants to play this by ear... Which I can appreciate. So, I think we'll just stick with Counter Services...

 

[sbprincess]

Hi everyone! I hope your fall is coming along nicely I adore this time of year. The cooler weather, football, getting ready for the holidays, pumpkins, and candy! Sorry I'm not the best "updater" for mine and Christen's pre-report. But I did think of a question or two I thought I'd get some feedback on.

1. Obviously, our trip is going to be during the holidays. I know the parks have several snack items that are holiday specific. What are your favorites? I love anything with pumpkin usually, or gingerbread...any "holiday" type flavors really, except peppermint - I don't like peppermint. Also, are there any seasonal menu items at the counter service/table service restaurants you could recommend?

2. For one of mine and my DH's nights, we have an ADR for La Hacienda, the new TS restaurant in Mexico. Our ADR is for 8:30pm and Illuminations is at 9:30. My idea, of course, is to watch the show during our dinner. My only issue is that the prices are way high at this restaurant. We could possibly only order appetizers and desserts. My other idea would be to try and go to Via Napoli at 7:00 or so (as a walk-up, since there aren't any times open right now) and then get a spot for Illuminations once we're finished. Has anyone been to either of these restaurants yet? I really want to give one of them a try. Or I guess as a third option, we could just get a spot at La Cantina way early for the show. Any advice?

We're down to 53 days!! Christen and I are way excited. And we keep finding Disney Princess stuff at Target in the dollar spot. How in the world did Target know we're going on our trip this year?

 

[jenseib]

Yes you can just order appetizers. I wouldn't count on any walk up's though. It seems that most places are really gettingfull with the free dining.

 

[20thingamabobs]

I like the idea of the night being relaxing without pressure from a reservation. It would be fun to just explore some resorts and i would definitely go for the beignets! They're awesome!! But, if it was me, I think I would head to Downtown Disney. There's some really great quick service places there, some are ven similar to table service. I really like the Wolfgang Puck Express or you could do the Holiday Sandwich this night. Then just spend some time walking around. the lights are the water are really pretty at night and you could even do the Characters In Flight hot air balloon!

 

[photographymom517]

Hi everyone! I hope your fall is coming along nicely I adore this time of year. The cooler weather, football, getting ready for the holidays, pumpkins, and candy! Sorry I'm not the best "updater" for mine and Christen's pre-report. But I did think of a question or two I thought I'd get some feedback on.

1. Obviously, our trip is going to be during the holidays. I know the parks have several snack items that are holiday specific. What are your favorites? I love anything with pumpkin usually, or gingerbread...any "holiday" type flavors really, except peppermint - I don't like peppermint. Also, are there any seasonal menu items at the counter service/table service restaurants you could recommend?

2. For one of mine and my DH's nights, we have an ADR for La Hacienda, the new TS restaurant in Mexico. Our ADR is for 8:30pm and Illuminations is at 9:30. My idea, of course, is to watch the show during our dinner. My only issue is that the prices are way high at this restaurant. We could possibly only order appetizers and desserts. My other idea would be to try and go to Via Napoli at 7:00 or so (as a walk-up, since there aren't any times open right now) and then get a spot for Illuminations once we're finished. Has anyone been to either of these restaurants yet? I really want to give one of them a try. Or I guess as a third option, we could just get a spot at La Cantina way early for the show. Any advice?

We're down to 53 days!! Christen and I are way excited. And we keep finding Disney Princess stuff at Target in the dollar spot. How in the world did Target know we're going on our trip this year?

Hi! Sorry I can't answer more of your questions! I've never been to Disney during the Christmas holiday so I'm not sure which holiday foods they have, but I've heard from others that ALL of them are delicious! (I'm anxious to hear what others say to you because I'm like you...YUCK peppermint!!!)

I just wanted to say that I'm not sure you'd be able to get into Via Napoli as a walk-up. My parents recently came back from a trip (during the off-season in September) and they had to wait 45 minutes without a ressie! And there were literally NO people in any of the parks...they rode Splash Mountain 11 times in a row with no wait! (just to give you an idea of what the crowds were like!) I just thought I'd share that with you because I didn't want you to count on eating at Via Napoli & making it in time for Illuminations. I'm still confused why so many people were at Via Napoli when there weren't many people in the parks! Maybe since it just opened recently? I'm not sure, but it sure was crowded!

Don't you just LOOOOVE Target??? Its my absolute favorite store & I love finding Disney items there, especially in the $1 section. I always spend at least 10-20 minutes in that section right when I walk into the door! Love it! I got my kids, nephews & niece all Disney stuff for Halloween & Christmas from Target! (I'm an early shopper!) I even got myself a pair of Cheshire Cat socks last trip!

 

[francis6306]

I like the idea of the night being relaxing without pressure from a reservation. It would be fun to just explore some resorts and i would definitely go for the beignets! They're awesome!! But, if it was me, I think I would head to Downtown Disney. There's some really great quick service places there, some are ven similar to table service. I really like the Wolfgang Puck Express or you could do the Holiday Sandwich this night. Then just spend some time walking around. the lights are the water are really pretty at night and you could even do the Characters In Flight hot air balloon!

Thanks! I kinda forgot about the hot air balloon thing. That would be a lot of fun! And it would be MORE fun if I wasn't worried about a 2 year old! Hmm... Anyone know details on that? How much it costs? Do just walk up??

 

[20thingamabobs]

Thanks! I kinda forgot about the hot air balloon thing. That would be a lot of fun! And it would be MORE fun if I wasn't worried about a 2 year old! Hmm... Anyone know details on that? How much it costs? Do just walk up??

From what I've read, the balloon flies daily from 9:00am - midnight. It's $18 per adult and $12 per child (though I'm with you and think it'd be more enjoyable without worrying about a 2year old ).

I will say this though, I've tried doing the Characters In Flight three times and it's always been grounded. When it gets windy or any type of inclement weather they shut it down... so it's really kind of hit or miss as far as whether or not it'll be up and running the night you go... But, if you decide to do this, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

 

[francis6306]

From what I've read, the balloon flies daily from 9:00am - midnight. It's $18 per adult and $12 per child (though I'm with you and think it'd be more enjoyable without worrying about a 2year old ).

I will say this though, I've tried doing the Characters In Flight three times and it's always been grounded. When it gets windy or any type of inclement weather they shut it down... so it's really kind of hit or miss as far as whether or not it'll be up and running the night you go... But, if you decide to do this, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

Well cross your fingers!! I think I'll just wait and mention this again to my hubby that night, in case he decides he wants something that day.

 

[francis6306]

I'm all of a sudeen blocked from posting on threads?!!?! Did I get disboard grounded??

Okay... edited to say, whatever it was has been cleared up now... that was really weird. Not sure what happened. I have been reading and scanning... and then I noticed I couldn't post if I wanted to!

 

[stephielela]

2. For one of mine and my DH's nights, we have an ADR for La Hacienda, the new TS restaurant in Mexico. Our ADR is for 8:30pm and Illuminations is at 9:30. My idea, of course, is to watch the show during our dinner. My only issue is that the prices are way high at this restaurant. We could possibly only order appetizers and desserts. My other idea would be to try and go to Via Napoli at 7:00 or so (as a walk-up, since there aren't any times open right now) and then get a spot for Illuminations once we're finished. Has anyone been to either of these restaurants yet? I really want to give one of them a try. Or I guess as a third option, we could just get a spot at La Cantina way early for the show. Any advice?

We're down to 53 days!! Christen and I are way excited. And we keep finding Disney Princess stuff at Target in the dollar spot. How in the world did Target know we're going on our trip this year?

Restaurant advice- I tried the La Cantina option when I was there in September, and I was definitely not the only person who had that idea. You have to be on the very outer edge of the covered area if you want a great view and those tables were taken probably an hour in advance. We ended up sitting farther in, and we had a view, but we missed a lot. I would try to get an earlier ressie somewhere and then stake out a spot about an hour in advance and get some snacks. Or do the app and dessert at Hacienda. They shoudln't have a problem with that, it's still money for them!

I have found some awesome boy stuff in the Target dollar spot! It is so perfect, I have so many little things already bought for Jack, I'm not sure how I am going to get all of it there!

 

[jenseib]

I'm all of a sudeen blocked from posting on threads?!!?! Did I get disboard grounded??

Okay... edited to say, whatever it was has been cleared up now... that was really weird. Not sure what happened. I have been reading and scanning... and then I noticed I couldn't post if I wanted to!

Were you logged out? Every so often I get logged out for no reason and I go to post a reply and no button there. Then I check and see I am a guest, and not logged in.

 

[francis6306]

Exciting news!!!

Okay, well, maybe not exciting to everyone, BUT to me it is!! I finally called and scheduled an appointment for my little princess at the Harmony Barber Shop for her first haircut!!!!!! Of course, I want them to "cut" very very little off of her head!!! But I'm super excited!

Talking with Shelley, this trip is shaping up to be the perfect first trip for my family. I'm sure we could spend more money doing other things or adding upgrades, but I am really happy with our plans so far! I sent my husband the excel sheet that has all the information on it and he asked if it was final... I said NO, but I didn't foresee any changes at this point. I am just looking forward to a relaxing trip with my best friend and our other close friends enjoying the magic that is Christmas at Disney!

 

[sbprincess]

Hi! Sorry I can't answer more of your questions! I've never been to Disney during the Christmas holiday so I'm not sure which holiday foods they have, but I've heard from others that ALL of them are delicious! (I'm anxious to hear what others say to you because I'm like you...YUCK peppermint!!!)

I just wanted to say that I'm not sure you'd be able to get into Via Napoli as a walk-up. My parents recently came back from a trip (during the off-season in September) and they had to wait 45 minutes without a ressie! And there were literally NO people in any of the parks...they rode Splash Mountain 11 times in a row with no wait! (just to give you an idea of what the crowds were like!) I just thought I'd share that with you because I didn't want you to count on eating at Via Napoli & making it in time for Illuminations. I'm still confused why so many people were at Via Napoli when there weren't many people in the parks! Maybe since it just opened recently? I'm not sure, but it sure was crowded!

Don't you just LOOOOVE Target??? Its my absolute favorite store & I love finding Disney items there, especially in the $1 section. I always spend at least 10-20 minutes in that section right when I walk into the door! Love it! I got my kids, nephews & niece all Disney stuff for Halloween & Christmas from Target! (I'm an early shopper!) I even got myself a pair of Cheshire Cat socks last trip!

Thanks for reponding! I actually was able to score an ADR for Via Napoli at 7:45 this night!!! It is kind of a funny story actually. Over the weekend I decided to go on Disney's site and look for an ADR. I originally had one for 7:00 but cancelled it at least a month ago and switched to La Hacienda. I'm still not exactly sure why I did that! Well, magically on Saturday (or maybe Sunday) morning, what appears but a 7:45 time for Via Napoli! I was so excited. It's still a tad later than I would want it with Illuminations at 9:30 but I'll take it! So I go up to "My Reservations" to cancel La Hacienda and out of 9 ADRs that should be showing up for me, only 5 are there. I had a mini-heart attack and then realized that Disney's system is wacky and I just needed to wait until I see/hear "cancelled" before getting upset. So I go in my email and try looking up my ADRs by confirmation number. Well, I don't get a "cancelled" message but it does say it was unable to process my request and to call the dining line. So I do just that and sure enough, they're there! The CM said something about the new system having a "cold" , but not to worry. I was so relieved I didn't have to call Christen to tell her half of our ADRs had been cancelled! I did call and tell her my traumatic story though.

Oh, and yes, I LOVE Target! Especially the dollar spot! Christen and I have found so many things for our trip. Sometimes the stuff looks really cheap, but sometimes it's the BEST! Actually, my absolute favorite tube of lip gloss came from there. As long as I don't grow a third lip from it, it's cool with me!

Restaurant advice- I tried the La Cantina option when I was there in September, and I was definitely not the only person who had that idea. You have to be on the very outer edge of the covered area if you want a great view and those tables were taken probably an hour in advance. We ended up sitting farther in, and we had a view, but we missed a lot. I would try to get an earlier ressie somewhere and then stake out a spot about an hour in advance and get some snacks. Or do the app and dessert at Hacienda. They shoudln't have a problem with that, it's still money for them!

I have found some awesome boy stuff in the Target dollar spot! It is so perfect, I have so many little things already bought for Jack, I'm not sure how I am going to get all of it there!

Luckily, like I said above, I got in at Via Napoli afterall! My DH and I are much more into Italian food anyway so I hope it will be perfect. I just hope to get out in time for the show because it is sooooo my favorite!

Target's making the dough, I tell ya! I don't know anyone who DOESN'T like it, ya know?!?!

 

[sbprincess]

Hi everyone! So I’ve decided to do a count down list of the top 11 (because I just couldn’t fit everything into top 10) snacks Christen and I (although I’ll admit, this is mainly my list) are excited to try in December. Well, some will be repeats for me…but they’re THAT good!!! Let us know what you think!

11) Baklava from Tangierine Café in Epcot – This is mine. I love baklava and since I don’t get to have it very often I’ve thought about trying it this trip while we’re in Epcot. It looks really good too!

10) A Cappuccino Float from Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom – Also mine I just think this looks so good.

9) Make Your Own Treats from Goofy’s Candy Co. in DTD – I know both Christen and I are wanting to do this. I had wanted to in May but never got around to it. I’m still not sure what combo I want though. Look at that oreo cookie though! Geez!

8) The next several are choices I’ll have to make because I can’t possibly get all of these! Either the Carrot Cake Cookie from The Writer’s Stop in DHS or the Peanut Butter Cupcake from Starring Rolls Café. I’m leaning towards the cookie.

7) Either the Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Lunching Pad in MK or the French Toast from Main Street Bakery. I hear people talk about the pretzel all the time but when I saw this picture of the French Toast, OMG!

6) Either the Pithivier from the Boulangerie Patisserie in France or the Kringla Sweet Pretzel from Kringla Bakeri in Norway. Again, both just look too good! This may depend on which we’re closer to when we want a snack at Epcot.

5) This one is a must for me – School Bread from Kringla Bakeri. I had it for the first time in May and I’ve been craving it ever since!

4) I also really want to try some Gingerbread from the Grand Floridian when we’re over there for breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. I cannot wait to see the house either! I couldn’t find a better picture so this will have to do.

3) I know Christen can’t wait for Cortlyn to try a Mickey Ice Cream Bar. This will make for some good pictures, I’m sure!

2) Another item I can’t wait to sink my teeth into again is the Cinnamon Roll from the Main Street Bakery. This is just heaven on a plate people!

1) And finally, what both Christen and I cannot wait to have – a Pineapple Dole Whip Float from Aloha Isle. I’ll be getting the float again but I’m not sure Christen has decided which she wants. Ahhhhhh…..

Are any of these your favorites? Anything we're seriously missing???

 

[francis6306]

YUMMY!! Shelley you are making this worse!!! Haha! We still have 40 something days left! I just showed those pictures to Corey... He is plotting his Goofy's treat now. Of course, I am too! Who can resist a rice krispy treat COVERED in chocolate?!?! I sure can't!

So, I mentioned today that I was going to WDW to a co-worker and turns out this girl is a disney lover too! They were down in March for 8 days and stayed at Old Key West. She was proud of Shelley for showing me the ropes about the importance of the ADR's. YAY! I have someone I can discuss disney stuff with at work! I didn't ask her about disboards yet...