First time on property, last minute and help needed

[tamj]

too many questions to ask, so share MUST have info for me, please? I'm trying to do the research, but running out of time. We just booked our trip two days ago, we're staying at the GF from Dec 11-15. My sons are 12 and 2-yep, 10 years apart. My husband and I will celebrate our 19th anniversary there. It's both a short and impromtu trip because we care for my husband's mom here in our home, she'll be 92 on Christmas Eve. My hands are busy with her, my homeschooled 12 y/o (I'm a teacher on hiatus because of my..) 2 1/2 year old son who was a blessing in surprise.

I need to get ADR...I'm trying...the only set plans I have are Epcots Candle Light Proc. on arrival night

(we get in Orlando at 9am---how fast/slow is DME from the airport?),

I need dinner there and what to do before? Tues. night is MK and MVMCP, so we'll enjoy the resort(s), pools etc until we can go over to the MK.

How should I pack?

Sorry, I'm rambling..any pointers?

 

[GrannyPC]

Wow! I think you need to slow down a little. You'll get there in plenty of time to do a few things in EPCOT before the Processional. After that, just enjoy your time there. It'll all work out.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I'm gonna be at mvmcp on the 12th too with my DBF and DD3. Look out for the lime green mickey heads....lol.

 

[Grumpy92]

Did you reserve the Dinner pkg with the Candlelight processional which includes reserved seatin?. If not you may have to get in line an hour before the show, so plan accordingly.
Some suggestions on dinner
In Epcot: Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, Marrakesh, Mitsokoshi Teppanyaki
You might want to look at the menus http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Nearby is some great restaurants at the Epcot Resorts
Cape May Cafe - Great Buffet
Yachtsmans Steakhouse, ESPN Club or Flying Fish

 

[kerri0616]

Can I recommend Tour Guide Mike to you? I find his info well worth a $19 investment and he can help you decide what day to go to what park. He's a big supporter of mid day breaks which you'll definitely need with a 2 year old. He can give you an idea of which attractions and rides to hit in which order so you can hit the highlights. He can also tell you which parks should be the least crowded on which days.

These boards have a wealth of info about everything...parks, menus (consider an adults only meal!). I believe an above poster listed the link to allears.net which is also chock full of good stuff.

I love the researching!

Also, some first timers don't know that you can enter MK at 4pm with your MVMCP ticket! Get's you in much earlier than the 7:00 posted time!!

Enjoy your planning! Make those ADR's as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to eat at different resort restaurants if the popular parks restaurants are booked. Disney Transportation is very manageable...again it just takes planning.

Ask questions on these boards. Someone knows the answer to every question!

Kerri

 

[tamj]

thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

First things first, I will book our dinner at Epcot AND be at the MK on 4 Tuesday, that's the only thing we're doing park wise that day/night.

You are all awesome!

 

[OHIODISNEYFAMILY]

Do plan some time to just hang out at the GF. It's so beautiful for the holidays! We have too many children to make staying there affordable, but we do take a trip to the GF to check out the decorations every year.

I have been to MK a few times with 2 year olds.....and will again this year with MY surprise 2 year old! It's nice going through the toddler years again, huh? I am amazed at all the new "stuff" to buy for the little ones vs. when my older kids were toddlers.

You may know this, but.....if there are big rides that you, DH, and the 12 year old want to ride, but the 2 year old cannot.....be sure to ask the CM at the front of the ride about child swap. One adult rides with the 12 year old while the other watches the little one, then the 12 year old can ride again, right in a row, with the other parent after the swap. It's very neat!

As for packing.....bring a bit of everything. December is weird. Some years we freeze and need hats and gloves, other years it's shorts and tank tops every day. We usually end up dressed in layers, peeling them off and then adding them back on as the day progresses. Lockers at the parks are very nice for storing extra layers during the day, too.

We do not take midday breaks at the parks, but we do have a light, reclining stroller for the little one. She falls asleep in it here and there, and it's nice to have at the airport and around the grounds of the resort anyway.

We will also be at MVMCP the 12th. It's a good time. I'm sure you'll love it!

It sounds to me like you definitely deserve a nice vacation, with all you do. Take it easy, enjoy the holiday sights and sounds, and don't worry....it will be great.

 

[Disneys Billpayer]

Be sure to pre-order your breakfast from room service the night before. This option is available at all deluxe dis resorts. The cost is slightly higher than waiting in line at a sit-down. but once you try it you will never go back. You will have your breakfast delivered and ready at the requested time. Having a little one, eating in the room at your own pace while getting ready for the day is worth its weight in gold. the breakfast selection is very much the same as in any of the sit-downs. Try it you will be glad you did. Don't forget to fill out the menu and hang it outside the door before turning in for the night. The amount of time and agravation this saves is a great luxury.

Have a good trip. I will be celebrating Christmas with Mickey this year as well.

Disneys Billpayer

 

[disnut8]

If you can't get a seating at Epcot, don't worry about it. There are plenty of varied counter service options around the world. Mexico, Norway (they have opened faced sandwiches in the pastry shops), China (good egg rolls), America for a burger and fries, United Kingdom for fish and chips. We just added the Yakatori House to our list this past weekend. All places will prepare to go. Might be a better bet for your 2 year old.

And, you probably don't hear this very much but thank you for being a caregiver for your mother-in-law. It's a thankless task. I salute you.

 

[wdwdreamin2]

Hi all~

I would also highly recommend TGM. His info is great. Our arrival to the hotel from ME took about 1 hour. You will check in and get your park tix, but your room probably won't be ready that early. Your luggage will arrive later, too, so carry on what you'll need to head over to Epcot. You are on the monorail, so it will be pretty easy to pop back over in the late afternoon if you wanted to. I probably would plan to do that so you know where your room is before the late night. I think they will call you when the room is ready.

All the parks have baby care centers if you do forget something, or need a quiet place for a few minutes.

The baby will really like Pooh's Playful Spot in MK. In May, Epcot had Tinkerbelle's Garden, which had a small playscape, but I don't know if it is always there. AK has a fun play area in Dinoland, too. I imagine with the age spread you will be splitting up quite a bit. Take advantage of the baby swap, cause then your older child can ride twice!

The articles in TGM are great about explaining how to use fastpass, baby swap, etc.

Have a great time!! GF will be beautiful!! I'm sooooo jealous!!

Amy

 

[tamj]

Your kind words for my daily life's encounters overwhelmed me, thanks very much.
All of your tips for our trip are noted and we'll be on our way soon. I'm getting excited!
Again, I appreciate the time it took to post and the information shared.
Tam