**December 2012 Roll Call** Holidays, FLE Opening & MVMCP!! A very, merry thread!

[kappyfinn]

I was able to call photo pass and get a cash credit for my prepurchased photopass cd and am going to order the prepurchase price for the photopass plus that is now available for $170 and pay the difference.

Thanks for this info. I was curious if this could be done as I did the photopass prepurchase.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

I don't remember if you had listed the date you were doing the CP??

We're hoping to go Dec 15, our last night. Which is a Saturday...

 

[Tltorrez]

Also, anyone here eaten at Cape May? What are your opinions?

What about dinner at Akershus - is it good? We've done breakfast there several times, but never dinner.

We did dinner with my parents at Cape May in Oct. I have pretty high standards when it comes to quality of seafood but I was quite impressed. I mostly ate the crab legs and mussels. Both were surprisingly well-cooked for being on a buffet. There was also a tasty seafood pasta and the soups were good. Also, save room for desserts (plural!) they were really excellent.

Our family also loved Akershus - however, we mostly ate all the cured fish on the buffet. (yes, we seriously went to Akershus for the fish not the pricesses ) I can't say we were particularly impressed by the entrees. Not the worst we've ever eaten but not particularly good. Of course, if you're into princesses it's fun regardless. My DS9 was not but we we were there for a late seating and there weren't many kids. So he ended up escorting Aurora in the Princess Parade. It was very cute.

 

[pigletto]

Hello everyone! I searched out this thread in need of some opinions if you don't mind. I will try to keep this short.

We are going to Disney in August for a week (last week of August). We can squeeze one more trip out of the budget before our AP's expire this winter.
The ONLY two weeks that work are from the 28th of December to January 7th or the last week of February.

I am leaning HEAVILY towards the Christmas trip. I have always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas. I am a Christmas nut and I think it would just be a blast.

PRO's for a Christmas trip.. It's at Christmas. Kids won't miss school. Dh and I are off.
CONS... busiest week of the year, more expensive than February.

We have been to Disney as a family quite a few times now. I am a planner extrodinaire (aren't we all) and would throw myself into a good touring plan and would go with realistic expectations of what we can see and do. We'd likely hit early early rope drops, do what we can, and leave by noon which would be fine with us. I really think I can do this and have a good time.

However, this would mean very small Christmas gifts for the kids, and a tight budget. Usually we go all out at Christmas but this would be the major gift and it would be a surprise. They will be thrilled and appreciative, but I wonder if it's worth it.

I can not make up my mind.
So I've come here for your opinions because my ADR dates would be coming up soon, and I would need to book a resort right away and the Candlelight Processional etc.

Any thoughts? Sorry to barge into your thread with my neediness. I just want to make the right decision.

 

[RCMommy]

Hello everyone! I searched out this thread in need of some opinions if you don't mind. I will try to keep this short.

We are going to Disney in August for a week (last week of August). We can squeeze one more trip out of the budget before our AP's expire this winter.
The ONLY two weeks that work are from the 28th of December to January 7th or the last week of February.

I am leaning HEAVILY towards the Christmas trip. I have always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas. I am a Christmas nut and I think it would just be a blast.

PRO's for a Christmas trip.. It's at Christmas. Kids won't miss school. Dh and I are off.
CONS... busiest week of the year, more expensive than February.

We have been to Disney as a family quite a few times now. I am a planner extrodinaire (aren't we all) and would throw myself into a good touring plan and would go with realistic expectations of what we can see and do. We'd likely hit early early rope drops, do what we can, and leave by noon which would be fine with us. I really think I can do this and have a good time.

However, this would mean very small Christmas gifts for the kids, and a tight budget. Usually we go all out at Christmas but this would be the major gift and it would be a surprise. They will be thrilled and appreciative, but I wonder if it's worth it.

I can not make up my mind.
So I've come here for your opinions because my ADR dates would be coming up soon, and I would need to book a resort right away and the Candlelight Processional etc.

Any thoughts? Sorry to barge into your thread with my neediness. I just want to make the right decision.

I have also always wanted to spend Christmas Day in WDW. Wouldn't it be great? While visiting WDW in January I was talking to every CM that would give me the time about spending holidays in the world. From CMs at our resort to crowd control to cashiers. The general consensus from all of them was "don't do it" I had been planning on doing the Christmas break the same year. We decided not too and went a little early and came home on the 21st of December instead.

What made us decide it for the most part was the huge crowds. Not really about waiting in lines for the rides, been there done all of that, but just the looooonnnng lines for everything else. It would seriously stress me right out. I like some breathing room and the pictures I have seen of crowds during the holiday week are enough to freak me out !

That being said however, if it was the ONLY week we could go I would do it.

 

[pigletto]

I have also always wanted to spend Christmas Day in WDW. Wouldn't it be great? While visiting WDW in January I was talking to every CM that would give me the time about spending holidays in the world. From CMs at our resort to crowd control to cashiers. The general consensus from all of them was "don't do it" I had been planning on doing the Christmas break the same year. We decided not too and went a little early and came home on the 21st of December instead.

What made us decide it for the most part was the huge crowds. Not really about waiting in lines for the rides, been there done all of that, but just the looooonnnng lines for everything else. It would seriously stress me right out. I like some breathing room and the pictures I have seen of crowds during the holiday week are enough to freak me out !

That being said however, if it was the ONLY week we could go I would do it.

Sigh, you were supposed to say "Go for it!"

Thank you for your honest opinion. One of the reasons it would be more expensive is that we would have the deluxe ddp. I was thinking early morning rope and leave by lunch, a nice ts lunch at a resort, and signatures for evening dinners. We wouldn't attempt the parks in the evening until the end of the week so the crowds would be a bit lighter. Afternoons would be spent napping, reading, relaxing.
All in all, it doesn't sound like the worst plan in the world since we have been twice in the last year. I don't think I would even attempt the counter service restaurants to be honest just to avoid the lines.
Sometimes it sounds totally doable and other times I think I must have lost my mind

 

[Tltorrez]

I am leaning HEAVILY towards the Christmas trip. I have always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas. I am a Christmas nut and I think it would just be a blast.

PRO's for a Christmas trip.. It's at Christmas. Kids won't miss school. Dh and I are off.
CONS... busiest week of the year, more expensive than February.

We have been to Disney as a family quite a few times now. I am a planner extrodinaire (aren't we all) and would throw myself into a good touring plan and would go with realistic expectations of what we can see and do. We'd likely hit early early rope drops, do what we can, and leave by noon which would be fine with us. I really think I can do this and have a good time.

FWIW, I would take February (assuming there's nothing wacky inflating crowds that week.) I have always wanted to do the holidays at Disney, but never on the actual holiday. We went last year at the end of Jan and beginning of Feb and the crowds were fabulous. The crowds at the end of Dec would stress me out too much to truly enjoy it. Moreso if the budget is tight. If I were in your shoes, I would wait to do the holidays when you can schedule a trip earlier in Dec.

But, having said that, only you can decide what your family would enjoy most. Just remember, there will be other trips. (Something I constantly remind myself in an attempt not to over schedule.)

 

[Thumper_Man]

Quick questions about staying on-site and checking in. When you check-in, do they put an additional hold on your credit card? If so, how much?

Most hotels I've stayed at (no matter where I travel) will put an additional hold on your cc. Example: When I travel to Vegas and stay at a hotel there; they will put a hold for the amount of my stay, plus an additional $100 per night. Guess they're afraid I'm going to break something, steal the towels or drink everything in the stocked mini-fridge and not have money to pay for it. Anyways, when I stay 2 nights and the total of my stay is $225; the hotel will put a hold on my cc for $425. Was just wondering if they do the same at Disney. Making sure I work this into my budget. TIA
I looked for the answer but couldn't find it.

Still searching for the answer. Anyone?

Also, any idea when we can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

 

[pigletto]

FWIW, I would take February (assuming there's nothing wacky inflating crowds that week.) I have always wanted to do the holidays at Disney, but never on the actual holiday. We went last year at the end of Jan and beginning of Feb and the crowds were fabulous. The crowds at the end of Dec would stress me out too much to truly enjoy it. Moreso if the budget is tight. If I were in your shoes, I would wait to do the holidays when you can schedule a trip earlier in Dec.

But, having said that, only you can decide what your family would enjoy most. Just remember, there will be other trips. (Something I constantly remind myself in an attempt not to over schedule.)

Very very good points everyone. Maybe not this year, but I could certainly plan for a late November or early December trip another year. The last thing I want to do is look at my husband on New Years day and say "gee honey, we just made a 5000 dollar mistake":roll eyes:

If we go in February, I could stay at a nicer resort too and hope for discounts. I thank you for your perspective.

 

[JLa01844]

Thanks to JLa01844 and Karma, I am even closer to paying off our trip. As some of you know, I recently had an integrity testing, Karma moment See here . It looks like Karma wasn't done with me. I had reached another $50 total of winning lottery tix. So I went to my local Stop n Shop (like JLa suggested), and cashed them in. The total came to $52. I took the $50 for the Disney gift card and bought a nother $2 scratch ticket. At check out, I received the $10 coupon. When I got to the car, I scratched the ticket and hit for $40. $40 + $10 coupon = another $50 gift card.

So, for basically $0 out of pocket (I know it's not really "0") I walked out of Stop n Shop with $100 in Disney gift cards. Lesson to everyone, do unto others...

This makes me smile Yay!!

 

[tofubeast]

Still searching for the answer. Anyone?

Also, any idea when we can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

This thread might help with you credit card question.

 

[ses1230]

Also, any idea when we can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

Last year booking opened late July, but a number of posters on the restaurant board have said they were told June 26 booking would be open.

 

[JLa01844]

Haven;t been on here in a a handful of days. Life has been hectic, and I needed to get to bed at a reasonable hour instead of being on here.

We purchased $700 in gift cards using the Stop and Shop promo this week! Which means we only paid $560 for that $700. I have the urge to go back tonight and get $200 more, I just might....It will just make this month a little tighter than I'd like....especially with DH's 30th bday in a few weeks, but I think it's swingable.

I keep trying to sit down and make a spreadsheet but I stop and never actually make one. Anyone wanna share how they made there spreadsheet?

 

[BDL]

Haven;t been on here in a a handful of days. Life has been hectic, and I needed to get to bed at a reasonable hour instead of being on here.

We purchased $700 in gift cards using the Stop and Shop promo this week! Which means we only paid $560 for that $700. I have the urge to go back tonight and get $200 more, I just might....It will just make this month a little tighter than I'd like....especially with DH's 30th bday in a few weeks, but I think it's swingable.

I keep trying to sit down and make a spreadsheet but I stop and never actually make one. Anyone wanna share how they made there spreadsheet?

It won't be tight for the hubby's birthday. Just give him Disney cards as a gift.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Last year booking opened late July, but a number of posters on the restaurant board have said they were told June 26 booking would be open.

Sounds like I'll be on the phone early on this date then. Thanks.

 

[CNorris]

Still searching for the answer. Anyone?

Also, any idea when we can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

When we went in August 2010 I didn't even show them a credit card - at that time Disney didn't require it since it was all prepaid. I am assuming it is the same - can anyone confirm? I didn't want my card associated with my room, waaaaaay too easy to spend money that way

The Candlelight processional dining package is available for booking starting June 26. That is why I can't book most of my Epcot suppers I have planned! I read on another post that hold times that day can be 90 minutes+.

 

[Disneylover711]

Well be going december 2. Hopefully staying at aoa! Can't wait!!

 

[JLa01844]

It won't be tight for the hubby's birthday. Just give him Disney cards as a gift.

LOL No! He is having a splendid bday!!! I would not compromise the bday plans you helped me make! Can't wait, I, selfishly, need a night away from DD as well!!! Hey, you wanna babysit?

 

[DsnyMama]

Just booked our package!!! It's finally *really* official!!


November 26 - December 5
9 Nights/10 Days
2 Adults, 1 Disney Child, 1 FREE Child
Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room - room request for building 7, upper level, facing Hourglass Lake!
Base 10 Day Tickets
Deluxe Disney Dining Plan

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Still searching for the answer. Anyone?

Also, any idea when we can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package?

They do not put a "hold" on your card at WDW...I'm almost positive of it. I do remember reading multiple posts on it a while back. It might be the post Tofubeast mentioned.