December Trip - Night Plans

[dramadrew]

My DH and I are going on a family trip to Disney on November 30-December 4. The rest of my family (Dad, Stepmom and her family, and older sister and her family), not having done Disney recently, is not getting the concept of planning ahead so I'm just going to make our own itinerary and hopefully it will match up at times. FP window opens up next week. So here is our preliminary plan:

Wednesday, November 30:

• Arrive in late morning.
• Go to HS.
• Dinner at O'Hana.
• Do PM EMH at MK.

Thursday, December 1:

• EP for the Day.
• Whole family breakfast at Cape May Cafe.
• Dinner at one of the Italian restaurants in the World Showcase.

Friday, December 2*:

• AK for the day
• *PM plans is what I need help on...

Saturday, December 3:

• MK for the day (still toying with park hopping in AM or Downtown Disney)
• Whole family dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Sunday, December 4:

• Go home late AM.

Friday night is what I have an issue on deciding. I would like to do AK at night, but I am unsure what the hours will be and if River of Lights show will be open then. I also really want to do the Christmas Party and Friday night seems to be the only good night to do it (it's only offered Thursday and Friday). Any suggestion which option to choose? The extra cost of the party is not an issue as I have money saved up for it. The reason I would like to do the party is I love Christmas, love taking photos, and would like to see the parade and meet some moderate wait characters (Pooh & Friends and Mary Poppins, Bert, and Penguins). Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I am unsure what the hours will be and if River of Lights show will be open then

No one else is sure, either. It really comes down to bird in hand vs. hope. You know there will be a party. No one knows what will be at AK.

 

[dramadrew]

No one else is sure, either. It really comes down to bird in hand vs. hope. You know there will be a party. No one knows what will be at AK.

That's why I was thinking maybe I would wait until hours are finalized. If by then tickets for the party is sold out, well so be it. I don't want to get them now and change my mind, as they are nonrefundable.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I doubt tickets for that party will sell out significantly in advance.

 

[dramadrew]

We figured it out. We're going to leave HS late afternoon and head over to AK early evening. If the time doesn't change and they still close at 7 PM, we're still golden as our 'Ohana reservation doesn't start until 9:20 PM. This now leaves open Friday night so we can do the Christmas Party!