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

[Suziewan]

Hey all!

It's been a while since I've checked in here, but I'm now 133 days away from our reservation!

I decided to book an extra day, so we are now arriving on the 29th instead of the 30th -- we lose almost a day because of our flight options, and I always wish I had a little longer, so I decided to go for one more day - yay!

Also, I'm very excited to share that I have two reservations for BOG - I had one for the 4th of January and when I told my DS he asked me to please book another day at that restaurant. I just called 30 minutes ago and got another one for December 30th, but it's a bit late for lunch and early for dinner at 4:25 -- oh well. I'm hoping we'll get to sit in two different rooms on our visits. I tried to get a lunch reservation for the 30th, but there were none on that day or within 2 days at the same time.

I thought we'd be travelling with one more adult, but things didn't work out for my mother to join us, so it will be just my son and I. I think that will allow us to take our time a little more as we don't have to show anyone around or make sure they have to see certain things - we will just focus on the things we like best.

The last time we went in December it was freezing - literally - December 2010 and it was about 30 degrees F. Brrr. For those who have been more often, please tell me that was a freak of nature and that we can at least expect temps of 60 or so?

Oh! I stole that fabulous spreadsheet posted by JLa01844 --- Thank you so much. I had my own, but this one is just a little more compact and covers everything I need!

 

[ses1230]

So I just booked the fantasmic package. I picked Mama Melrose over Hollywood and Vine did I make the right decision? We have lots of other character meals booked so I really wanted to avoid another buffet if possible. I'd love to hear about any MM experiences with the fantasmic package. I have read that you get an appetizer is this true?

We will be on the dining plan and I didnt want to use 2 TS, that is why I didnt pick brown derby.

Yes, you get an app with the fantasmic dining package, even on the DDP.

 

[okw2012]

Hey all!
The last time we went in December it was freezing - literally - December 2010 and it was about 30 degrees F. Brrr. For those who have been more often, please tell me that was a freak of nature and that we can at least expect temps of 60 or so?

Here's a chart showing Orlando temperature from 1995 to 2009. Not a single frost event during that time, then we had two colder winters in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011...

More details here:

http://mohapl.dyndns.org/temptrends...orida&region=United States of America&units=F

So frost is indeed uncommon in Orlando.

 

[labdogs42]

I haven't checked in for a while -- just looked at the list and I found it funny that I'm the only DIS-er checking in on Christmas Eve! We're taking the Auto train, so that's part of the reason we're arriving that day. We'll actually leave home on the 23rd, but get to WDW on the 24th. We are staying at Windsor Hills. First time trying that -- can't wait! We have been to Disney in early December before (the week after Thanksgiving), but never for Christmas Day. I can't wait! I can't wait to celebrate Christmas in Florida!

 

[Tltorrez]

Oh, I get it now .... yep, they will 'close' bookings to keep control of how many are in the parks without a hard ticket to the party. Oooh, you could probably do a walk-in then!

They don't close the other restaurants that early. This seems weird.

 

[Tltorrez]

So I just booked the fantasmic package. I picked Mama Melrose over Hollywood and Vine did I make the right decision? We have lots of other character meals booked so I really wanted to avoid another buffet if possible. I'd love to hear about any MM experiences with the fantasmic package. I have read that you get an appetizer is this true?

We will be on the dining plan and I didnt want to use 2 TS, that is why I didnt pick brown derby.

Not sure about MM but the reviews I read for H&V were uniformly terrible. I wanted Fantasmic package for dinner but the spot available is H&V and I won't take it.

 

[TinaElmerRh]

I haven't checked in for a while -- just looked at the list and I found it funny that I'm the only DIS-er checking in on Christmas Eve! We're taking the Auto train, so that's part of the reason we're arriving that day. We'll actually leave home on the 23rd, but get to WDW on the 24th. We are staying at Windsor Hills. First time trying that -- can't wait! We have been to Disney in early December before (the week after Thanksgiving), but never for Christmas Day. I can't wait! I can't wait to celebrate Christmas in Florida!

We will be arriving at Windsor Hills on Dec. 29th. Maybe you will still be there? First time there for us also. Always stayed onsite. We are driving to and taking the Auto train home on Jan. 5th. Always flown before. Love to hear about your thoughts on Auto train. We're trying all kinds of new things this time.

 

[Tltorrez]

Hey all!

Also, I'm very excited to share that I have two reservations for BOG - I had one for the 4th of January and when I told my DS he asked me to please book another day at that restaurant. I just called 30 minutes ago and got another one for December 30th, but it's a bit late for lunch and early for dinner at 4:25 -- oh well. I'm hoping we'll get to sit in two different rooms on our visits. I tried to get a lunch reservation for the 30th, but there were none on that day or within 2 days at the same time.

The last time we went in December it was freezing - literally - December 2010 and it was about 30 degrees F. Brrr. For those who have been more often, please tell me that was a freak of nature and that we can at least expect temps of 60 or so?

2010 was definitely colder than usual.

And there are no lunch ADRs for BOG. The restaurant is CS for lunch and TS for dinner.

 

[Phatoomch]

They don't close the other restaurants that early. This seems weird.

I know, thats why I'm thinking it will just be bookings they close

 

[RCMommy]

I was unable to get a ressie for BOG during our week, Dec 10 - 17th.

Needless to say I will continue to stalk the CMs and online system on occasion to see if I can score a cancellation.

Or else we will dine at BOG for lunch.....worst things could happen right ?

 

[ksromack]

I tried to get a lunch reservation for the 30th, but there were none on that day or within 2 days at the same time.
They only take reservations for the "dinner" hours. Lunch at BOG is a Counter Service deal and credit!

The last time we went in December it was freezing - literally - December 2010 and it was about 30 degrees F. Brrr. For those who have been more often, please tell me that was a freak of nature and that we can at least expect temps of 60 or so?
From what I understand it could be ANY temp in December! I was there in 1997 and it ranged from 46 degrees to in the high 70s!

Oh! I stole that fabulous spreadsheet posted by JLa01844 --- Thank you so much. I had my own, but this one is just a little more compact and covers everything I need!

I totally agree! Big Big thanks to JLa01844. I'm using the heck out of that spreadsheet! I too, had my own but her's is so much better!

 

[lrigylruc]

So jealous of the few who snagged BOG ressies! My MIL finally got through around 11am and they were sold out both days we will be at MK. I'll be trying online tomorrow and hopefully there will be some cancellations! I doubt we will brave the lines for lunch...

 

[grrrlennyl]

Nope, unless you care to share what your plans are for your trip etc etc. We'd love to hear about em!

You asked for it!

We're arriving at about 12:30pm on Thursday, December 13th and staying at Art of Animation in the Little Mermaid area. We got free dining, but upgraded from just the quick-service plan. We're celebrating our fourth anniversary, so we'll be walking around with pins like we did last year.

We weren't sure which park we'd do on the day we arrive (since none of the parks had EMH at night), but I decided to go ahead and get tickets for MVMCP yesterday, so we'll be able to do that our first night. She has no idea! Ha!

Friday, we might do a full day at EPCOT. We have ADRs for dinner at Coral Reef and will definitely be staying for their evening EMH.

Saturday and Sunday are both at DHS, since they have morning and evening EMHs that weekend. We'll be having lunch at the 50s Prime Time Cafe on Saturday and dinner at the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater on Sunday.

Monday is going to be all MK. We have breakfast reservations at 'Ohana and dinner reservations at BOG, after which we'll see if we can hang through EMH.

We don't have any ADRs for Tuesday, so we'll probably go to EPCOT for EMH in the morning and then maybe take it easy...or not.

We're waiting all the way until Wednesday to go to AK, since that's when they have their morning EMH. We have dinner reservations at Whispering Canyon at 6:00 that night. I don't think I've ever been to Wilderness Lodge, so it'll be nice to hang out there a bit before dinner. I think that'll be another more relaxing day.

We go home Thursday. Whomp. But we're staying almost 8 entire days, so we're not too bummed. We think we'll probably just hang out at MK our last day, and we have ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch. We'll probably have to be back at the hotel around 5:30 to catch the Magical Express back to the airport.

I'm pretty excited about this trip. We went for 7 days last year and it was the nicest trip I've ever been on in my life.

 

[mandas08]

Not sure about MM but the reviews I read for H&V were uniformly terrible. I wanted Fantasmic package for dinner but the spot available is H&V and I won't take it.

Thanks for your input. I will keep our package at MM.

Yes, you get an app with the fantasmic dining package, even on the DDP.

Wow that is awesome!

 

[mandas08]

You asked for it!

We're arriving at about 12:30pm on Thursday, December 13th and staying at Art of Animation in the Little Mermaid area. We got free dining, but upgraded from just the quick-service plan. We're celebrating our fourth anniversary, so we'll be walking around with pins like we did last year.

We weren't sure which park we'd do on the day we arrive (since none of the parks had EMH at night), but I decided to go ahead and get tickets for MVMCP yesterday, so we'll be able to do that our first night. She has no idea! Ha!

Friday, we might do a full day at EPCOT. We have ADRs for dinner at Coral Reef and will definitely be staying for their evening EMH.

Saturday and Sunday are both at DHS, since they have morning and evening EMHs that weekend. We'll be having lunch at the 50s Prime Time Cafe on Saturday and dinner at the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater on Sunday.

Monday is going to be all MK. We have breakfast reservations at 'Ohana and dinner reservations at BOG, after which we'll see if we can hang through EMH.

We don't have any ADRs for Tuesday, so we'll probably go to EPCOT for EMH in the morning and then maybe take it easy...or not.

We're waiting all the way until Wednesday to go to AK, since that's when they have their morning EMH. We have dinner reservations at Whispering Canyon at 6:00 that night. I don't think I've ever been to Wilderness Lodge, so it'll be nice to hang out there a bit before dinner. I think that'll be another more relaxing day.

We go home Thursday. Whomp. But we're staying almost 8 entire days, so we're not too bummed. We think we'll probably just hang out at MK our last day, and we have ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch. We'll probably have to be back at the hotel around 5:30 to catch the Magical Express back to the airport.

I'm pretty excited about this trip. We went for 7 days last year and it was the nicest trip I've ever been on in my life.

Sounds like a great plan! I really wish we could have got a LM room with free dining. All of your ADRS sound great

 

[grrrlennyl]

Sounds like a great plan! I really wish we could have got a LM room with free dining. All of your ADRS sound great

Thanks! I'm vegan, so we wanted to do some restaurants that seemed to have an option already (so that I wouldn't get stir-fried again). Liberty Tree Tavern has a quinoa patty that sounded pretty great and Whispering Canyon has a quinoa dish, too.

We loved 'Ohana for breakfast last year and had a really nice meal at Sci-Fi, too, so we knew we would do those again.

I picked 50's Prime Time Cafe because I read somewhere that someone had their best vegan meal at WDW there. I know it totally depends on who is working at the time (and how they feel), but I figured it'd it be worth a shot. My partner chose Coral Reef solely on the fact that we'd be able to watch fish swim around.

And Be Our Guest because...seriously.

 

[Valgoof]

So to help myself get over the failed BOG ADR, I ordered our MVMCP tickets. Now I guess we are officially going.

 

[mandas08]

Thanks! I'm vegan, so we wanted to do some restaurants that seemed to have an option already (so that I wouldn't get stir-fried again). Liberty Tree Tavern has a quinoa patty that sounded pretty great and Whispering Canyon has a quinoa dish, too.

We loved 'Ohana for breakfast last year and had a really nice meal at Sci-Fi, too, so we knew we would do those again.

I picked 50's Prime Time Cafe because I read somewhere that someone had their best vegan meal at WDW there. I know it totally depends on who is working at the time (and how they feel), but I figured it'd it be worth a shot. My partner chose Coral Reef solely on the fact that we'd be able to watch fish swim around.

And Be Our Guest because...seriously.

Oh I see. I stumbled upon a vegan blog while trying to find healthier recipes and her stuff is just AMAZING, so most of my cooking has turned vegan. I am amazed by the amount of delicious food I didn't even know existed.

I bet the quinoa patty will be great. I have made sweet potato quinoa burger and they were fantastic. We also have and ADR for Ohana breakfast. This will be our first time there. After reading all of Ohanas great reviews I had to give it a try, and of course it helps that our 15 month old will love the characters

I loved sci-fi. Although my choice was a shake and cheeseburger...lol. The theming is just too neat! We also played with the idea of a meal at Coral Reef but was afraid to be seated far away from the tank, and since the whole reason we wanted to eat there was so lo could watch the fish I decided to go ahead and skip it this trip.

It's nice to know that WDW has good choices for vegans and vegetarians!

 

[BDL]

So to help myself get over the failed BOG ADR, I ordered our MVMCP tickets. Now I guess we are officially going.

That's awesome. You'll have a ball.

Make sure you update on Phatoomch's spreadsheet, in her signature, which party you're going to.

 

[tofubeast]

You asked for it!

We weren't sure which park we'd do on the day we arrive (since none of the parks had EMH at night), but I decided to go ahead and get tickets for MVMCP yesterday, so we'll be able to do that our first night. She has no idea! Ha!

I'm pretty excited about this trip. We went for 7 days last year and it was the nicest trip I've ever been on in my life.

Sweet your girl is in for a nice surprise!! This will be our MVMCP (and WDW at Christmas), so we are super excited too. Sounds like you have another great trip in the making!


EDIT TO ADD:

Check out this thread for vegan eats at WDW: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36756070#post36756070http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36756070#post36756070