Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #3!- HOLIDAYS BEGIN 11/12/13!!

[Sherry E]

I've got a pretty high pain threshold, so I view the pain as more of an annoyance than anything else. I don't let the pain prevent me from doing the things I want to do. Although I am waiting for doc clearance before I rip the carpets out of the kids bedrooms (there's good hardwood floors underneath the carpets and makes it easier for the kids to keep their rooms clean). I don't take any drugs, such as Tylenol or Advil until it get's to the point where I need a break from the pain. The pain comes and goes, so I'm not in constant pain. It seems like the chronic pain I had in my lower back from an accident 15+ years ago has shifted to where the curve in my spine is between the shoulder blades, as it's now the weakest spot in my spine. I stopped collecting Hallmark ornaments years ago, when it got to the point where I've got 3 large storage tubs of them. I've weeded out the ones I want for the tree, and the rest I've put in storage for the kids when they are older and out on their own. I find the ornaments that mean the most to me are the ones I've collected on vacation, so these are the ones I tend to put on the tree. I know that there are people that go overboard on their Christmas decorations. We just decorate up the firetruck for our Christmas decorations for the house. It works for us. The tree usually goes up the first week of Dec, subject to how busy we get that week. I do agree that it would be better if the Christmas items came out around the time of the Halloween stuff, as it does make it easier for those who do need to ship overseas Christmas gifts. I know for myself shipping gifts to Australia, that I need to ship via airmail by the first week of Oct for it to get to my friends in time for Christmas. One time I sent the gift's surface the first week of Oct and they didn't arrive in Australia till mid Jan, let's just say never again.

Trish --

Wow! I had no clue that it took so long to ship things to Australia from Canada! Yikes! I just kind of envisioned that many families probably go to visit other family members in other states for Thanksgiving, and it would possibly save time/money if they could just bring the Christmas gifts with them then.

While my pain is not the result of a car accident as yours is, I can kind of relate. I did suffer some sort of back injury in 1995. It was never really treated or taken care of in any real way, so I think the area around the disc was left vulnerable for further injury. In 2005 I had a recurrence of it -- or basically, I did something that made the back injury worse, and I was literally in so much pain I could not walk for a couple of days. I couldn't even walk around the corner to get to work! For a long, long time I had difficulty sitting in a chair at my desk, or standing in one place (like in front of a counter, sink or stove) for more than a minute because the pain would kick in.

And my 2007 December DLR trip was a challenge because I was in so much pain (yes, I was in some sort of pain for over 2 years straight after the 2005 episode). I was popping ibuprofen more than I should have been, that's for sure. It really wore me down. I was in agony though I tried to push through it.

Now, every so often, I will have episodes in which it hurts a lot to walk or stand -- I certainly can't be as mobile or walk as much as I used to -- and I am in some sort of mild discomfort every day. It is just a matter of pain management, and trying to not do things that will make it even worse again. But when the bad pain kicks in, it is tough to bear. I know what you mean -- I try to not take any medication at all, until it is just absolutely necessary because I can't stand it. I wait until something gets to an intolerable stage, and then out comes the Advil or whatever I have on hand.

I am crossing my fingers that you will be pain free and comfortable on your Knott's-Disneyland holiday adventure!

Omg, omg! Bit the bullet and booked our suite at Paradise Pier! Checking in 12/25 and checking out 1/1. Out last trip was December 2011 and we LOVED every moment of it! Still contemplating if I should notepad try to squeeze 5 in a single room (with 2 teens) to save money.....we'll see

Kauinohea --

Welcome back (last time I saw you was in the previous Superthread)! I remember when you were planning that trip in 2011. I'm so glad it all worked out.

How exciting that you will be back at DLR for both Christmas Day and New Year's, and you will be staying at the PPH (I love the PPH Christmas tree)! What a wonderful way to spend that holiday week.

By the way, since you last saw the holiday decor in 2011, wait until you see the new and improved DCA with its decor! DCA felt so much more involved in the holidays last year than it had in a while. Buena Vista Street and Cars Land really gave it that extra holiday 'kick' that it had been missing!

I am looking at last year's park hours and they are different the week after Thanksgiving (which was still November last year) vs the first week of December. Since the first week of December is the week after Thanksgiving this year, which hours do you think they will use???

Even the fireworks times were different those weeks.

Hi, czmom!

Keep in mind that last year there was a 20-night run of the Candlelight Ceremony (2 shows each night), starting on December 1st. So that likely affected fireworks times and maybe even park hours, though I didn't pay attention to the hours.

This year, if what we have already heard is correct, there will not be a 20-night Ceremony and it will only take place on 12/7 and 12/8.

My guess is that the post-Thanksgiving week hours will probably be the typical 'first week of December' hours (in a non-Ceremony year)-- barring a sudden announcement of a Christmas party or something, which will throw everything off even further.

When we find out once and for all whether or not there will be any kind of party, that will make things much clearer, I think.

 

[czmom]

Sherry- Totally forgot about the CP last year running for so long. That explains the difference! Well....maybe in the closing time and the fireworks time. Both were an hour later in December. However, the parks opened at 10 the last week of November vs at 9 starting in December.
I guess we will find out December hours in October...is that right?

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry- Totally forgot about the CP last year running for so long. That explains the difference! Well....maybe in the closing time and the fireworks time. Both were an hour later in December. However, the parks opened at 10 the last week of November vs at 9 starting in December.
I guess we will find out December hours in October...is that right?

czmom --

Yes, October -- if we're lucky!

I think it matters less that it is the week after Thanksgiving, and matters more that it will be the first week of December, if that makes any sense.

To that end, I do recall that on my (disastrous) December 2011 trip -- which took place in the very first week of December -- Disneyland opened at 9 a.m. on at least one of those days (Tuesday) and probably on all of the days. (Did you also look at the 2011 hours, just for comparison?) One of the things I spoke about in my TR from that trip was that my friend would not get her act together and get ready, so I ended up leaving the PPH room and venturing off to Disneyland by myself. I got to the lines at the turnstiles before 8:45 a.m., and they let us in the park a bit early. The CMs on Main Street were wearing their big, bulky 'Mickey hands' and waving at the guests to greet us as we walked past them.

So my guess is that the park opening will be 9 a.m. during your trip. Closing hours or entertainment hours will probably revert back to what they were in December 2011, more or less, unless there are any variables thrown in to the mix to knock the schedule out of whack.

I think that if we haven't heard from Disney about an official, major, multi-night party by late August, there probably will not be one -- or at least, not a party that lasts longer than a night or two (like a Limited Time Magic thing). And if there is no party, I can't really think of anything else that would interfere with Disneyland's hours this year.

 

[czmom]

czmom --

Yes, October -- if we're lucky!

I think it matters less that it is the week after Thanksgiving, and matters more that it will be the first week of December, if that makes any sense.

To that end, I do recall that on my (disastrous) December 2011 trip -- which took place in the very first week of December -- Disneyland opened at 9 a.m. on at least one of those days (Tuesday) and probably on all of the days. (Did you also look at the 2011 hours, just for comparison?) One of the things I spoke about in my TR from that trip was that my friend would not get her act together and get ready, so I ended up leaving the PPH room and venturing off to Disneyland by myself. I got to the lines at the turnstiles before 8:45 a.m., and they let us in the park a bit early. The CMs on Main Street were wearing their big, bulky 'Mickey hands' and waving at the guests to greet us as we walked past them.

So my guess is that the park opening will be 9 a.m. during your trip. Closing hours or entertainment hours will probably revert back to what they were in December 2011, more or less, unless there are any variables thrown in to the mix to knock the schedule out of whack.

I think that if we haven't heard from Disney about an official, major, multi-night party by late August, there probably will not be one -- or at least, not a party that lasts longer than a night or two (like a Limited Time Magic thing). And if there is no party, I can't really think of anything else that would interfere with Disneyland's hours this year.

Thanks! I did look at 2011 and they opened at 10 the last week of November and 9 the first week of December. I am really hoping for a 9:00 opening, and then 8:00 EMH (we are staying at VGC and plan to use that extra hour every morning). We are from Texas and my kids get up at 7:00, so we will definitely be ready to go very!

 

[Phoenixrising]

Sherry I'm so sorry to hear that you are having the same problems with your back. My original problems stem from an accident in 98, I hit a patch of oil and rear ended a truck on the highway doing highway speeds. I suspect the lower back pain has shifted to my shoulders, neck and where the curve in the spine was, as it's now the weak spot in my spine. I intend to ask my doc when I see him on July 3rd, about what my tolerance levels are going to be in what I can and can't do. I doubt I'll be ever be able to do the wilder rides at DL, not that I was inclined to so in the past as I'm a ride chicken. I need to figure out what my back will tolerate now that I've recovered for the most part from the accident. Once I see my doc, then I enter into negotiation with the insurance agency for the personal injury claim, which is going to be lot's of fun. I'm really looking forward to my trip in Nov, and can't wait for it. I don't take drugs for it unless it really starts to get to the point where I need a break from the pain. After the accident I almost became addicted to Advil, and because of this, limit the drugs I take, as I don't believe in over medicating. Have a great day everyone!

Trish

 

[tksbaskets]

TK --

It's funny that you posted today. I just thought of you earlier!

This morning I was either cooking something or washing dishes and I began humming, as I often do. Do you ever start humming and you don't even pay attention to what it is you're humming until a few minutes into it? You're just humming, and then all of a sudden it hits you what song it is?

I realized that I was humming "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." That's right. On the 3rd day of Summer, I am humming Christmas songs! I'm not humming Summer songs.

I thought to myself, "TK would get a kick out of that."

And then I thought, "I need help...a support group of some kind..."

I went online to find other people who think about Christmas in Summer so I could get this horrible Christmas monkey off my back. And I stumbled upon a wondrous place...a place called -- if I remember correctly -- Magical Holiday Home. It is a forum -- an entire discussion forum -- all about holidays (not just Christmas -- all holidays -- but with a definite slant towards Christmas) and every aspect of them. The people there -- from what I read -- are definitely bigger Christmas fans than the people on the Hallmark Channel forums, who grumble and complain about the Christmas marathon starting in November.

Anyway, search for Magical Holiday Home online. I think they have got every aspect of Christmas and beyond covered in their threads!

Two months until Halloween merchandise begins appearing in stores in my area. Three months (or less) until peppermint ice cream appears in my grocery store. If I can just make it through the long, hot summer to get to those momentous occasions, it only gets better from there! October-November-December = three months of awesomeness and happy dancing for me!!!!

I thought it was just me! Often I find myself humming and my DH will say "are you humming Holly Jolly Christmas?". Sometimes that Christmas spirit just has to bust free!

Is this a good place to fess up that I watched "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on DVD last weekend? It was 92 degrees and 90% humidity. Sometimes you just need a little Christmas.

Omg, omg! Bit the bullet and booked our suite at Paradise Pier! Checking in 12/25 and checking out 1/1. Out last trip was December 2011 and we LOVED every moment of it! Still contemplating if I should notepad try to squeeze 5 in a single room (with 2 teens) to save money.....we'll see

This is my family's normal vacations week. You can enjoy Christmas and NYE celebrations. What fun!!

 

[lucysmom]

Oooh, I am so excited. Ever since we visited DLR for the holidays last year, I have wanted to return. And now we are!!We will be there at the exact same time as last year, from December 18 through the 23. That way we still get to be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Last year was so wonderful. We did the holiday tour and watched the parade right in front of the Small World light display. We had the Fantasmic dessert seating. We did the wide right technique and got right onto RSR. We saw snowflakes on Main Street. The only thing that wasn't so impressive was WOC. But, this year it will be an all holiday WOC.

So, now I need advice, I want to make this holiday just as fantastic. We will be staying at the Grand Californian at my son's request. I am tempted to try Paradise Pier for something different and because they have a fabulous theme park view. Our view last year was great. We saw The Buena Vista Street tree light up all night long. But the Pier view is so incredible. But, even though you like the tree, Sherry, people have said the lobby isn't very special and the elevators are not convenient when you are trying to make rope drop. Also, you have to cross a city street. Will that make it feel less Disney. I really like being in the Disney bubble. What do you think? Something new or something grand, but familiar?

Also, does the holiday tour change every year? The tour was so-so last year. But, the parade seating in front of Small World made it worth it. I would love to see that again.

Is there anything else we can do to make the trip not a complete repeat of last year?

 

[tksbaskets]

So, now I need advice, I want to make this holiday just as fantastic. We will be staying at the Grand Californian at my son's request. I am tempted to try Paradise Pier for something different and because they have a fabulous theme park view. Our view last year was great. We saw The Buena Vista Street tree light up all night long. But the Pier view is so incredible. But, even though you like the tree, Sherry, people have said the lobby isn't very special and the elevators are not convenient when you are trying to make rope drop. Also, you have to cross a city street. Will that make it feel less Disney. I really like being in the Disney bubble. What do you think? Something new or something grand, but familiar?

Also, does the holiday tour change every year? The tour was so-so last year. But, the parade seating in front of Small World made it worth it. I would love to see that again.

Is there anything else we can do to make the trip not a complete repeat of last year?

I'll chime in on the Holiday Tour. We did it twice. The tour itself was essentially unchanged from one time to the next. What was different was our first tour was later in the day and we viewed the night parade, the second earlier and we saw the day parade. Even the second time it was money well spent to see the parade with primo seats. The tour guide made a big difference too. Although both nice, the first was much more engaging.

As for hotels choices...The GCH is hard to compare for overall holiday splendor with a price tag to match. I haven't stayed anywhere else but I do like to visit PPH and it's tasty eatery. Walking across the street was fast and easy and I don't think would decrease the 'Disney Magic'. PPH has a nice tree.

As for other things to make it magical I was going to as you if you felt like the Fantasmic Dessert package was worth the money. We've never done that.

I do recommend the Big Thunder Mountain BBQ! They were decorated nicely when we were last there (although it may be toned down now) and the showpeople sang Christmas songs.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We flew Southwest this past weekend and voluntarily gave up our seats yesterday (flew out on the first flight this morning) for compensation....and the amount we got pays for the airfare for 7 of us to get from the Bay Area to LAX for our Nov. trip! I am so excited. We were going to drive, which we usually do, but this makes it feel like so much more of a vacation. Anyway, just had to share my good news!

 

[Sherry E]

I finally got a chance to sign in here! Between waiting for a UPS driver who doesn't like to deliver my packages to me, and dealing with the Vons delivery guy who seemed thoroughly annoyed with me because he had to walk up some stairs...I've been busy!

I know a lot of the DIS'ers on this board use Vons.com for deliveries to their hotels when they go to DLR. I use Vons for home delivery, and have been using them for years and years. They should know the layout of my building by now, but every now and then a new driver will come along and snarl at me because of the steps.

Anyway, today the driver was so exasperated that, when he was handing me my "free surprise gift" that came with the order -- Starbucks Iced Coffee in a brand new bottle, which came in its own cute Starbucks cardboard box -- he didn't take the time to put the bottle in the box. He just handed me the cardboard box separately, and then handed the bottle! He just wanted to be done with me and my order!

Thanks! I did look at 2011 and they opened at 10 the last week of November and 9 the first week of December. I am really hoping for a 9:00 opening, and then 8:00 EMH (we are staying at VGC and plan to use that extra hour every morning). We are from Texas and my kids get up at 7:00, so we will definitely be ready to go very!

czmom --

I don't think I realized you were in Texas! For some reason I was thinking you were on the East Coast -- I have no idea why. In any case, I'm sure you'll get the 9 a.m. opening. The EMH comes in handy when it is available. There can be quite a line that forms at the turnstiles but once in the park (either one) it's great.

Sherry I'm so sorry to hear that you are having the same problems with your back. My original problems stem from an accident in 98, I hit a patch of oil and rear ended a truck on the highway doing highway speeds. I suspect the lower back pain has shifted to my shoulders, neck and where the curve in the spine was, as it's now the weak spot in my spine. I intend to ask my doc when I see him on July 3rd, about what my tolerance levels are going to be in what I can and can't do. I doubt I'll be ever be able to do the wilder rides at DL, not that I was inclined to so in the past as I'm a ride chicken. I need to figure out what my back will tolerate now that I've recovered for the most part from the accident. Once I see my doc, then I enter into negotiation with the insurance agency for the personal injury claim, which is going to be lot's of fun. I'm really looking forward to my trip in Nov, and can't wait for it. I don't take drugs for it unless it really starts to get to the point where I need a break from the pain. After the accident I almost became addicted to Advil, and because of this, limit the drugs I take, as I don't believe in over medicating. Have a great day everyone!

Trish

Trish --

Advil (and any form of Ibuprofen) can be very damaging to the stomach lining, so I knew that it was a bad thing when I was in soooooo much pain that I was taking a lot of Motrin or Advil years ago (particularly on the 2007 DLR holiday trip). Fortunately, though, the agony subsided to a more manageable level, and now I barely touch the Advil more than like once a month or so. I just deal with the mild tweaks of pain here and there and try not to make my back any worse!

At least after July 3rd, when you see your doctor, you'll have a better idea of what you'll be dealing with for the rest of the year and beyond, in terms of pain.

I thought it was just me! Often I find myself humming and my DH will say "are you humming Holly Jolly Christmas?". Sometimes that Christmas spirit just has to bust free!

Is this a good place to fess up that I watched "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on DVD last weekend? It was 92 degrees and 90% humidity. Sometimes you just need a little Christmas.

This is my family's normal vacations week. You can enjoy Christmas and NYE celebrations. What fun!!

TK --

I had a feeling you'd understand! And it's not even like I set out to hum a jaunty Christmas song while cooking or washing dishes. It just comes out!

As you know, "Most Wonderful Time of Year" is one of my favorites out of all the holiday movies that run on Hallmark every year. It's one of their more popular ones with viewers, too, I think. (By the way, I liked it when she went over the top with the decorations in that one room! I know that the guy told her it was too much, but I liked it!) I would bet that "Most Wonderful..." will be included in the July Christmas marathon on Hallmark, and will again return in November and December. (But I have it saved on the DVR in case it doesn't!)

"Trading Christmas" (starring Faith Ford, from "Murphy Brown") is kind of like that movie, "The Holiday," starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. It's basically about two people who swap houses during the holiday season (and, of course, each of them finds love in his/her new surroundings). It's from the same woman -- Debbie Macomber -- who wrote "Mrs. Miracle." I think that "Trading Christmas" will be back in July and November/December as well.

And, of course, there is "Farewell, Mr. Kringle." That one stars Ben Stiller's wife in real life, and she is a reporter/blogger covering a story about Kris Kringle in a Christmas-themed town. The whole town has Christmas-themed street names, shops, etc. The reporter finds love (of course) and a new love of Christmas.

Remember to also look for "Christmas Town" (it stars a guy who used to be on "Melrose Place") "Christmas Angel" (starring Teri Polo, Kevin Sorbo and Della Reese) and "12 Wishes of Christmas." ("12 Wishes" is sort of reminiscent of "Naughty or Nice," in a way, which you saw on Hallmark -- it has that same kind of 'magical-things-gone-awry-and-causing-trouble-for-people' storyline, and it stars Elisa Donovan, who has done a million Hallmark and Lifetime movies in the past!

Oooh, I am so excited. Ever since we visited DLR for the holidays last year, I have wanted to return. And now we are!!We will be there at the exact same time as last year, from December 18 through the 23. That way we still get to be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Last year was so wonderful. We did the holiday tour and watched the parade right in front of the Small World light display. We had the Fantasmic dessert seating. We did the wide right technique and got right onto RSR. We saw snowflakes on Main Street. The only thing that wasn't so impressive was WOC. But, this year it will be an all holiday WOC.

So, now I need advice, I want to make this holiday just as fantastic. We will be staying at the Grand Californian at my son's request. I am tempted to try Paradise Pier for something different and because they have a fabulous theme park view. Our view last year was great. We saw The Buena Vista Street tree light up all night long. But the Pier view is so incredible. But, even though you like the tree, Sherry, people have said the lobby isn't very special and the elevators are not convenient when you are trying to make rope drop. Also, you have to cross a city street. Will that make it feel less Disney. I really like being in the Disney bubble. What do you think? Something new or something grand, but familiar?

Also, does the holiday tour change every year? The tour was so-so last year. But, the parade seating in front of Small World made it worth it. I would love to see that again.

Is there anything else we can do to make the trip not a complete repeat of last year?

lucysmom --

Taking the "short cut" from the PPH through the GCH and onward to DTD or either park is not less 'Disney-feeling' at all, in my opinion. You only have to cross Disneyland Drive from the corner in front of the PPH property to the corner in front of the GCH. Now if you had to cross Harbor, that might break the bubble. But I don't think that crossing Disneyland Drive is a problem.

I can see where sometimes it takes a while to wait for elevators that are empty or that can fit more people, but I really have never found it to be the huge problem that some folks make it out to be. There is also a glass elevator that you can take, which saves some time!

Believe me -- I'm not the only one who likes the PPH tree! Not only is it a favorite tree for Laurie/DizNee Luver, but there are usually people standing around it ooh-ing and aah-ing! (Laurie also likes the Santa at the PPH the best.)

However, yes, the lobby in general at the PPH is not as comfortable and inviting as the lobby as the GCH is, simply because of the lack of seating. The comfy seating at the GCH is the key to enjoying the wonderful holiday atmosphere in the GCH, while the PPH just has the tree and the Santa char in the lobby.

I think that if you can afford the GCH and that's where your son wants to stay, you should stay at the GCH! It IS a great feeling to walk downstairs from your room and be in the wonderful lobby in just a minute or two. I've stayed at the GCH for the holidays too, and it has its benefits because the overall environment just seems to fit so well with the season. You can always visit the other hotels while strolling around!

tksbaskets gave some good thoughts about the tour and BBQ. I don't know how much time you spent at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree last year, but it is full of crafts and music, as well as candy cane-flavored cotton candy. That would be a fun place to spend some time. Did you also ride the Storybook Land boats to see the tiny decorations?

If there ends up being a party of some kind, that will be an option for you to have something else to do.

Oh, you know, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney has gingerbread holiday-house making 'workshops' during the season, but I have to try to find more info on what the schedule was for last year. I don't know if takes place every week, or a couple of times a month, etc. They also do one for Halloween Time. If the workshops are happening during your trip, that could be a fun idea!


Otherwise, even if there are no new things involved in the season, I think an almost-carbon copy of last year would still be great!

I'll chime in on the Holiday Tour. We did it twice. The tour itself was essentially unchanged from one time to the next. What was different was our first tour was later in the day and we viewed the night parade, the second earlier and we saw the day parade. Even the second time it was money well spent to see the parade with primo seats. The tour guide made a big difference too. Although both nice, the first was much more engaging.

As for hotels choices...The GCH is hard to compare for overall holiday splendor with a price tag to match. I haven't stayed anywhere else but I do like to visit PPH and it's tasty eatery. Walking across the street was fast and easy and I don't think would decrease the 'Disney Magic'. PPH has a nice tree.

As for other things to make it magical I was going to as you if you felt like the Fantasmic Dessert package was worth the money. We've never done that.

I do recommend the Big Thunder Mountain BBQ! They were decorated nicely when we were last there (although it may be toned down now) and the showpeople sang Christmas songs.

TK --

Good suggestions and input! Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies were certainly lively and entertaining at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree last year! Plus, some of the Country Bears are there!

We flew Southwest this past weekend and voluntarily gave up our seats yesterday (flew out on the first flight this morning) for compensation....and the amount we got pays for the airfare for 7 of us to get from the Bay Area to LAX for our Nov. trip! I am so excited. We were going to drive, which we usually do, but this makes it feel like so much more of a vacation. Anyway, just had to share my good news!

DisneyJamieCA --

It's nice to know that one major expense will be covered, isn't it? Now you can have fun with the rest of the planning and preparation!

 

[tksbaskets]

We flew Southwest this past weekend and voluntarily gave up our seats yesterday (flew out on the first flight this morning) for compensation....and the amount we got pays for the airfare for 7 of us to get from the Bay Area to LAX for our Nov. trip! I am so excited. We were going to drive, which we usually do, but this makes it feel like so much more of a vacation. Anyway, just had to share my good news!

I love when people share their good news!!

 

[egritz]

I love when people share their good news!!

Ditto! Totally get the excitement, I felt the same way when our roundtrip tickets for 5 was less than $170 a few weeks ago. No one got my excitement more than the good folks on the disboards!

 

[Kauinohea]

We last visited DL Christmas thru New Years 2011-2012... At that time I was able to purchase a 7 day hopper thru Flight Center.....since we only visit from Hawaii every 2 years, a 7 day hopper allows us to visit every inch of both parks very leisurely! I called flight center today and found out that they are no longer selling the 7 day tickets!!! I am so disappointed. Looks like we will have to cut our vacation short...doesn't make sense for us to buy an AP, because we cannot visit every year...and paying full price for additional days is ridiculous to me......any ideas, other than cutting our trip short?

 

[Phoenixrising]

Sherry I was getting a reaction around this time last year with the Ibuprofen, exactly what you mentioned, so I cut it off completely, and switched to Tylenol and the symptoms stopped. I was kind of forced to go back on it in Jan, due to severe pain from the accident, and was starting to get addicted to it, as the pain was so severe. I realized what was going on pretty quick and cut it off completely, unless I really needed it. I'll now go against doc's orders and take Tylenol for the pain instead, as it's less harmful to your health than the Advil type pain killers. Most days I it's more of a dull ache, which I ignore for the most part. I only take it if the pain really starts getting high, or if I start to get a migraine which I'm prone to. I'm really looking forward to the trip, and can't wait!

Trish

 

[tksbaskets]

We last visited DL Christmas thru New Years 2011-2012... At that time I was able to purchase a 7 day hopper thru Flight Center.....since we only visit from Hawaii every 2 years, a 7 day hopper allows us to visit every inch of both parks very leisurely! I called flight center today and found out that they are no longer selling the 7 day tickets!!! I am so disappointed. Looks like we will have to cut our vacation short...doesn't make sense for us to buy an AP, because we cannot visit every year...and paying full price for additional days is ridiculous to me......any ideas, other than cutting our trip short?

I feel your pain. There is a lot on the general DL boards about this. My family has always stayed and played for 7 days. I'd upgrade my 5-day hopper at the ticket window. No more We travel from Michigan which is almost a 6 hour flight so we don't want to only come for 5 days either.

I've been told Universal Studios Hollywood is worth the trip. We've never cheated on the mouse but we may be this time.

I've debated the delux AP although at the time we are going our last day is a black out day. We may (all 4 of us) end up with DAPs and then plan a family trip for next summer to make the outpouring of our hard earned cash worth while.

 

[Phoenixrising]

Or if you love roller coasters, then Knott's Berry Farm is also a good day trip. Am cheating on the mouse and going there for the first time on my Nov trip. Will complete a pic heavy trip report once I get back.

 

[ToodlesRN]

I let our AP's expire this year as they will be no good to us during our trip Dec 22-27 the dates are blocked on the deluxe and don't want to spend the extra amount on the premium AP's.

I don't keep track on the website, but have seen time to time Disney offers specials on tickets does it ever happen for the fall season with expirations at the end of the year? Im debating on either buying our tickets now or waiting to see if a special offer pops up.

 

[wdwmoose]

I'm waiting to see what sorts of specials pop up. It's been so hard to not buy tix now.

 

[ToodlesRN]

I'm waiting to see what sorts of specials pop up. It's been so hard to not buy tix now.

I know! I've been trying to buy something with every paycheck so it doesn't hit us hard in Dec! All I have left is airfare and park tickets which both is a pretty chunk of change, so if I can buy 1 park ticket each check I'll be good. I already have gift cards I've been buying with my target debit card for some spending money.

 

[lucysmom]

tksbaskets

Oh, yes the Fantasmic Dessert Package is so worth it. Your seats are wonderful. A waiter brings you hot cocoa and a box of treats, too many to eat during the show. If it isn't too windy, you can see the fireworks from your seats as well.

Sherry

Since my son is paying for a big chunk of the trip we will stay at the Grand. No complaints here. I do want to see the Paradise tree. Maybe we will eat at Surf's Up and catch the tree at the same time. I think it would be fun to do the gingerbread house workshop. I plan to do the holiday tour because the parade seats were unbelievably fantastic. I know we will again spend time with the bears at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. Billy Hill was great. This time we will catch the BBQ. Last year we stayed concierge, but because the parks opened before the lounge opened, we never got breakfast there. Then, to top it off, we missed the evening offerings all but one night. So we will not stay concierge this time. We will eat in the parks and DTD. I will be scouting restaurant ideas on the boards.

Thank you, Sherry, for all the hard work you do with this thread. I scour it regularly.