Finally getting to see the lights! Nov '11 Anniversary/Holiday/F&W PTR-New 11/4 p50

[KathyRN137]

Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?


I just got Le Cellier for dinner on our arrival night!!!

That's great news!

Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?

Looks like both our families will be at the MVMCP on the same night!!!
I've already got my tickets.... you remember... they're my Mother's Day present!!

A Christmas Party Meet will be so much fun!!


Kathy

 

[DisMomAmy]

Woot on getting what you wanted!! I'm still waiting on plane tickets too. Prices are SCARY right now.

I'll feel a lot better after I get our tickets booked...

I'm caught up now! I hope they have the lights on a normal date this year! We were there in 2008 when they didn't turn them on until after Thanksgiving - it was about 3 days after we left. Sigh. Thankfully I DID get to see them in 2009. They are amazing!!

I agree with those that said "go for it" on the busy Epcot day. If you are there at RD and get your headliners done first, I think you'll be fine. The WS will be busy, but FW will probably empty out.

And congrats on the LeCellier! I've been stalking a few ADRs for some Clients and so far no luck. Hopefully some of your pixie dust rubs off on me!

I'm glad you got to see the lights in 2009... what a bummer to miss them in 2008!

I'm going for it on the busy Epcot day! We'll do what we need to get done & get out!

I'm glad I got the Le Cellier ADR... now if I could just have the dates for the Osborne Lights, I could get our itinerary nailed down.

Ugh, that does sound like a frustrating dinner experience. Glad you were able to snag Le Cellier for dinner after all, though.

Thanks Jackie!!

for Le Cellier becoming available!!!

Thanks - I was pretty excited when I saw that it was available! I kept double checking to make sure I'd put in the right date!

Your ADR's look good Amy!! Yay for LeCellier. Determination paid off.
I know what you mean about the price difference between lunch & dinner. We are doing a late lunch there so we will only use 1 credit.

Good luck with the airfare. Our flights for Oct. went up $100.00 (2 tickets) in one week!!

Late lunch is a great idea! I'm booking our airfare immediately when it comes out, even if the price is high. If the price drops at all, I'll just rebook and use the credits for our April trip. Hopefully I have until the new year to book airfare for that trip.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great looking ADR's Amy! And a bonus that you got Le Cellier for arrival night!

Good luck with your plane tickets...I'll be thinking of you!

Thanks Missy!! I think I'm going to need all the pixie dust I can get next week!

Ok, so late to the party but I'm here and all caught up.

~ yay on BWV, they look great! Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

~ Kids Club - we've done Sandcastle, Simba's and Neverland. Kids liked all 3 and never wanted to leave when we got there. They didn't even bat an eye when I told them about Daniel's Autism. I made our ressies for them along with our dining ADRs over the phone. Never called the hotel direct.

~ MVMCP, loved it! You mentioned the hot chocolate, just one word of caution it is HOT. I know you're thinking duh, of course but I'm talking burning scalding HOT. Be careful.

~ keeping my fingers crossed for you on the Osborne Lights, they are amazing.

~ congrats on the ADRs especially scoring the LeCellier when you wanted.

~ we surprised our kids with a trip in Oct 09, they LOVED it. It was so hard not telling them but the reveal was priceless.

~question, what car rental company rents out of the Dolphin. Thinking of maybe not having a car for our whole June trip and the Dolphin would be an easy place to pick-up mid-week.

I've heard great things about the kids clubs... I'm going to do an update about this... Good to know I can just call the reservation number to reserve our spots.

Thanks for the tip on the hot chocolate... It's possible that Zach could be the first one to try any & a burnt mouth could make for a sad boy!

Glad to hear your surprise trip went well... I'm optimistic for this one!!

We always rent through Alamo & it's so easy to return at the Dolphin. Not sure how pick up works because we've always picked up at the airport.

I'm keeping my fingers (& toes) crossed right along with you for the Osborne Lights!!

You seem a little bit happy with this.

Congratulations! Keep checking back. Your perfect meal situation may work out for you as others cancel reservations.

That's the way to go!

I was contemplating waiting it out a little on our October flights, but two of the flights for that day had already sold out, so I grabbed the earliest one while it was still available. Watching the flights and knowing when to grab them is always nervewracking for me.

How nice to hear!

I can't deal with waiting out the deals on flights... I need to book right away. If we get credits, they are always a good excuse for another trip.

Your ADR's look great Amy! I've been wanting to try Cape May for breakfast! Can't wait to hear what you think!

YAY for getting LeCellier after all!! Such great news!

Good luck on the plane tickets!!

Thanks Angie! I was so happy to get Le Cellier for dinner! I'm excited for Cape May too - I've had it on my list to try for a while & figure now is the time since we'll be right there.

Yay for getting LeCellier! Persistence pays off.

Thank you!!!

That's great news!

Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?

Looks like both our families will be at the MVMCP on the same night!!!
I've already got my tickets.... you remember... they're my Mother's Day present!!

A Christmas Party Meet will be so much fun!!


Kathy

That's great new Kathy!!! I got mine for Mother's Day too!! Will the whole family be there for the party or is it just going to be you & Billy?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi Amy!

Great start to the PTR! We've been at WDW during that week the last 2 years. It's a great time to go! I hope you get to see the Osborne Lights, they are awesome!! Beware though that Epcot will be packed because of it being the last week of the F&WF.

I look forward to reading more...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!

Great start to the PTR! We've been at WDW during that week the last 2 years. It's a great time to go! I hope you get to see the Osborne Lights, they are awesome!! Beware though that Epcot will be packed because of it being the last week of the F&WF.

I look forward to reading more...

Hi Shelly! I'm sure Epcot is going to be crazy... but it should work out OK for us since we can pop in & out for smaller bits of time. I hope we don't encounter any of those crazy winds you guys had!

 

[DisMomAmy]

While I wait out Southwest, our DVC waitlist & the announcement of the Osborne Lights, let's talk about kids clubs!!

As I mentioned earlier, we are going to put the kids into one of the kids clubs for our anniversary dinner night. We have a couple choices...

Since we are eating at Shula's, we have the option of free child care, for both kids, at the Dolphin called "Camp Dolphin". According to their website, the kids could do the following:

"There are numerous Camp Dolphin adventures for the kids. Activities include seasonal Arts & Crafts, Nintendo Game Cube, Wii, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, X-BOX 360, arcade games, interactive games, books, dinner & dessert at a resort restaurant, and a Disney movie!"

But I've read that they take the kids out of the Kids Club room to a QS restaurant at the hotel, then to the arcade before returning to the Kids Club. I'm not sure how I feel about that...

The other option is the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club. We would have to pay around $40-$50 for the night but I've read good things about the Disney Kids Clubs.

Thank you Anne Marie for sharing your Disney Kids Club experience! Does anyone else have any thoughts on our two options? Please share your Kids Club experience with me!!

 

[beebeeryan]

I don't know about either, sorry, but $40-$50 only really? I had booked the Kids Club at the Wilderness Lodge last year so we could have a night out the last night of the trip and we were just gonna eat right there at Artist's Point. But when I booked it, they quoted me the total $92 something or other. I called back and cancelled the next day, that was just crazy for 2 kids for 2-3 hours. We took them with us instead and it was cheaper. LOL

 

[DisMomAmy]

I don't know about either, sorry, but $40-$50 only really? I had booked the Kids Club at the Wilderness Lodge last year so we could have a night out the last night of the trip and we were just gonna eat right there at Artist's Point. But when I booked it, they quoted me the total $92 something or other. I called back and cancelled the next day, that was just crazy for 2 kids for 2-3 hours. We took them with us instead and it was cheaper. LOL

Hmmm... I've seen $10-$11.25/hour online so even if it's $12/hour that would be $24 for two hours per child = $48.00. I've read mixed things about tips so I didn't include that. I wonder how they came up with $92.00! I'll have to call... Thanks for the heads up!

 

[DisMomAmy]

OK I just found the pricing on the Disney website - Looks like $11.50 per hour per child with a 2 hour minimum. $46.00 by my calculations.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I think it depends on how it fits in your budget and your travel plans Amy. I'm all about convenience and not having to spend extra money so I'd probably go with Camp Dolphin personally. Good luck deciding!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We have used the Sandcastle Kids Club twice and the kids loved it and I felt totally comfortable leaving them there (and this is coming from a mom that very rarely leaves her kids!!). I liked the fact that they stayed in one location too.

 

[mousescrapper]

Amy Matt and I have used the kids club once back in 08 at the Poly, the twins (then 9) and Rachel (then 5 1/2) were the ones to go, NR was too little she came to dinner w/ us.

But I went over the Autism factor w/ the CM's (then only regarding N) and they felt comfortable w/ it as did Matt and I we and we were right there at the Poly having a meal, so I was very fine w/ the whole thing. I think they stayed the 2 hr min maybe a little over. I don't recall now what I paid but I do not believe we tipped anyone, just paid

I recall all 3 kids had a good time and we did it mid week (I think) so it wasn't very crowded. They came away w/ a Mickey straw and some free coloring pages and tattos...not sure if that was always done or what. We havn't done it again but that was just because it wasn't convienent and now of course the twins are aged out...but I would consider it for the younger two.

I am all for savings...but for your boys I'd probably spend the $ to have it all in place. I believe you get to pre-choose what they want to eat and this way by having it all in 1 room, you and they can be comfortable.

I remember back in 08 the Neverland Club was open earlier in the day too, to come check it out/maybe play in free of charge w/ a parent...so I'd look into that too.

J~

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am one of those moms who would be very iffy about sending my kids out to a QS restaurant and the arcade with virtually a total stranger -- I would pay the extra money for the Sandcastle Club to know they were in one room the entire time. But that's just me -- I tend to be paranoid.

 

[carissanboys]

Hey Amy! I'm so excited for you guys that you'll get to see the lights! And to celebrate your anniversary at the same time - how wonderful.

I can't promise that I'll be posting all that often, but I wanted to stop by and say hi. Hope you guys are doing well.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I don't have children so I can't be of much help but being that I know what type of person I am, I would definitely pay for them to go to the Disney Kids' Clubs if only b/c of the fact that they stay in one place. I don't think I'm comfortable with them going into what could be a crowded place with adults they don't know that well who I'm not sure could recognize the kids if God forbid they did get lost, after only being with them for such a short time. Yet again, I tend to think worst case scenario.

 

[Kennywife]

Am I too late to the party? Word is a certain travel writer and her husband will be in WDW around the same time as you are! Yup, my Kenny and I are going to WDW at POR Nov. 9-14!

Bad news about Osborne Lights....I wouldn't count on it. Sources have told me that it won't show till after Thanksgiving. (I talked to two CMs on the phone....both said the same thing). We can only go at this time cause my hubby works at Wal-Mart and is needed after turkey day. Plus, I'm having surgery for fertility issues on the 30th.

Congrats on getting Le Cellier! I finally got it after stalking the system for two days! Mine is 11/12 at 1:35 p.m.

Anna

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think it depends on how it fits in your budget and your travel plans Amy. I'm all about convenience and not having to spend extra money so I'd probably go with Camp Dolphin personally. Good luck deciding!

Hmmm... I wish there was more info out there about Camp Dolphin to help me feel more comfortable about it because it would definitely be more convenient, especially if we are staying at BWV. Cheaper too...

We have used the Sandcastle Kids Club twice and the kids loved it and I felt totally comfortable leaving them there (and this is coming from a mom that very rarely leaves her kids!!). I liked the fact that they stayed in one location too.

We only leave the kids with their grandmothers so this would be a whole new experience for us too! I remember reading about when you took the boys there.

Amy Matt and I have used the kids club once back in 08 at the Poly, the twins (then 9) and Rachel (then 5 1/2) were the ones to go, NR was too little she came to dinner w/ us.

But I went over the Autism factor w/ the CM's (then only regarding N) and they felt comfortable w/ it as did Matt and I we and we were right there at the Poly having a meal, so I was very fine w/ the whole thing. I think they stayed the 2 hr min maybe a little over. I don't recall now what I paid but I do not believe we tipped anyone, just paid

I recall all 3 kids had a good time and we did it mid week (I think) so it wasn't very crowded. They came away w/ a Mickey straw and some free coloring pages and tattos...not sure if that was always done or what. We havn't done it again but that was just because it wasn't convienent and now of course the twins are aged out...but I would consider it for the younger two.

I am all for savings...but for your boys I'd probably spend the $ to have it all in place. I believe you get to pre-choose what they want to eat and this way by having it all in 1 room, you and they can be comfortable.

I remember back in 08 the Neverland Club was open earlier in the day too, to come check it out/maybe play in free of charge w/ a parent...so I'd look into that too.

J~

I know you are very budget conscious so coming from you, that's a strong recommendation for the Sandcastle club!

I am one of those moms who would be very iffy about sending my kids out to a QS restaurant and the arcade with virtually a total stranger -- I would pay the extra money for the Sandcastle Club to know they were in one room the entire time. But that's just me -- I tend to be paranoid.

It makes me very nervous too... especially the fact that anybody could be in the arcade. I'm paranoid too.

Hey Amy! I'm so excited for you guys that you'll get to see the lights! And to celebrate your anniversary at the same time - how wonderful.

I can't promise that I'll be posting all that often, but I wanted to stop by and say hi. Hope you guys are doing well.

Hi Carissa!! I was just thinking I needed to check up on you on facebook!

I hope we get to see the lights, but at the moment it's not looking good. But it'll be great to be there in November to celebrate our anniversary and to go to MVMCP.

I don't have children so I can't be of much help but being that I know what type of person I am, I would definitely pay for them to go to the Disney Kids' Clubs if only b/c of the fact that they stay in one place. I don't think I'm comfortable with them going into what could be a crowded place with adults they don't know that well who I'm not sure could recognize the kids if God forbid they did get lost, after only being with them for such a short time. Yet again, I tend to think worst case scenario.

You may not have your own kids yet, but you take care of kids all day! I think I'm definitely leaning toward the Sandcastle club!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Am I too late to the party? Word is a certain travel writer and her husband will be in WDW around the same time as you are! Yup, my Kenny and I are going to WDW at POR Nov. 9-14!

Bad news about Osborne Lights....I wouldn't count on it. Sources have told me that it won't show till after Thanksgiving. (I talked to two CMs on the phone....both said the same thing). We can only go at this time cause my hubby works at Wal-Mart and is needed after turkey day. Plus, I'm having surgery for fertility issues on the 30th.

Congrats on getting Le Cellier! I finally got it after stalking the system for two days! Mine is 11/12 at 1:35 p.m.

Anna

Not too late at all!!

I'm so sad about the Osborne Lights!

We're in the same boat... this is really the only week we can go too since the kids only have a half-week of school. Good luck with your surgery!

 

[carissanboys]

Hi Carissa!! I was just thinking I needed to check up on you on facebook!

I hope we get to see the lights, but at the moment it's not looking good. But it'll be great to be there in November to celebrate our anniversary and to go to MVMCP.

You must have missed my post on Facebook. I deactivated my account on there a few weeks back. Just needed a break from social networking. I'll be back on there eventually, but in the meantime, I'm trying to make sure and check up on people over here.

 

[MeMom]

We only leave the kids with their grandmothers so this would be a whole new experience for us too!

I think I'm definitely leaning toward the Sandcastle club!

Sounds like you are feeling more comfortable with this. Grandmothers are the most awesome option , but I bet the boys will love all the games as the Sandcastle Club.