I think I should STOP reading the boards!

[Christmas-in-Disney]

I joined the DIS community a month or so ago. I am plannning our first trip to Disney World. I have found many great tips here. Our package is now picked and all our ADRs made. Our family is me, my DH and our 2 DDs ages 9 and 14, so no small kids to contend with. We are staying for 12 days at All Star Movies from Dec. 22 - Jan 2. We will use our 10 day park hopper and not visit parks on arrival or departure day. We plan to visit Downtown Disney on our arrival evening. We are using the Disney Dining Plan. Plane tickets were through the roof for that time frame and I am not a person to sit and wait for a last minute deal...I feel better when all plans are in place! So...we decide to travel on Amtrak, surprise the kids with a limo to pick us up and then use Disney buses to get around the parks.

Now, I thought all sounded great!!!

*Yes, I know we will be there for Christmas and New Years which is the busiest time of the entire year, but it has been our dream to spend Christmas there! We compensated for that by making our vacation as long as we could and figured 10 full days would be enough not to have to rush around every waking moment!

*Yes, I know the train is a long ride. However, it is less then 1/2 airfare -and- it is still faster than driving considering if we drove, we would stop for overnight stays.

So what's the problem you ask???

Well, I love coming here to read all the tips and advice and I am still finding new insiders secrets. Things I never would have thought of on my own! It's great!!! HOWEVER, lately it seems that I am reading so much negative on here! It has me second guessing my choices.

*I've heard people say the All Stars rooms are too small, so I am left wondering will we have enough space for all our stuff for 12 days? We couldn't afford to stay that long anywhere else.

*I've heard people say out of all the All Stars that Movies is older and not as nice. Pop is really talked up so should I have chosen that one?

*I've heard people say the train rides are long, uncomfortable and stinky.

*I've heard nothing but bad comments about Disney buses. Is it THAT BAD??? It would cost us a fourtune to rent a car that week and many already booked up. I haven't been able to find a deal on a car we could rent at a decent price for the length of time and time of year we are there!

*I've heard people say the the DDP isn't worth the money. That they wished they'd have been on there own to pay for meals and it would have been cheaper. Would we eat at as nice of places though or sacrifice to stretch pennies?

*I've heard people say that Christmas and NYE is so crowded you can't move! Will we be miserable even if we have 10 days to get everything in?

So my *Magical* vacation is now feeling less appealing riding a stinky train and then staying in a old room that is to small and doing waiting an hour for a bus to take us to a location 10 minutes away to an overcrowded park!

I don't want to stop reading the boards, I love the tips! I guess I just need some "feel good" replies!!!!

So, PLEASE...tell me:

(1) Why you LOVE All Star Movies Resort

(2) Your good experiences on the train

(3) What ways Disney buses are better than renting a car

(4) Why you loved using the DDP

(5) Why Christmas and NY at Disney is beautiful and magical

No negative comments please, just cheer me up!!!

 

[Kaky]

I can't comment on #1 or #2 since I haven't stayed at Pop or Star nor taken the train to Orlando.

But I can tell you.... I love the Bus. I love the Magical express picking me up from the airport and dropping me off at the hotel. I love not having to worry about parking and knowing I can always grab a bus to take me around the Magic World.

The drivers are nice. The other disney citizens are nice. I love taking the bus and wouldn't do it any other way.

 

[Idreamofmickey]

Ok , here goes my atempt to cheer you up-hope it works! All star movies is my favorite all star hotel. The larger than life icons of movie characters makes this hotel all disney. You feel as if you are in another world (which is why we came here in the first place!). The rooms are beautiful and space is enough, you are not in your room that much anyway. I don't know about you but I go to disney to go to the parks and hang out at the pool, not sit in my hotel room. On the bus situation. We have done both rent a car and taken disney transportation. Buses are so convienient and you don't have to worry about finding your way or finding a parking spot. Be patient and just relax, let them do the driving. On the train ride, I can't comment-never been.
I think you should just go with your plans and have a magiocal time. Everyone has different opinions on hotels and transportation, but if you want mine All Star Movies is AWESOME and disney transportation is a great way to get around! Hope this made your day!!!

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

I can help you with #5...

Disney is just perfect around the holidays.... No other place I would rather be... (except maybe DCL, which is also wonderful during the holidays)

Yes, there are crowds to contend with, but you have 10 days.... you will be FINE.... just dont get exasperated, relax and ENJOY yourself....

YOU ARE GONNA HAVE A GOOD TIME DAMMIT!

K?

 

[mickeynut1]

The only thing I can comment on is the DDP as we've never stayed at ASMo, therefore never experienced the bus transportation from there, we've never been over Christmas/NY, and have never taken the train . But I will say we LOVE the DDP and won't go to Disney without it . The cost per day is about what a nice sit down or buffet dinner will cost....and you have a CS meal and snack on top of that . Plus we really like the convenience of having everything paid for ahead of time and not having to worry about meal cost . Although Christmas/NY is THE busiest time of the year, I'm sure you'll have a great time because what better place to spend Christmas than at Disney????? So my advise is to stop worrying, keep planning, and have a magical Christmas at Disney .

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

I have stayed at ASMu and I have stayed at POP. I liked ASMu better. Maybe it's just me, but it felt more cozy and less industrial. I don't know if that makes any sense. Just focus on the things that you think that you will love about The All Stars and you will be fine.

Disney busses, love 'em! Yes, sometimes a car is a bit quicker and a bit more convenient, but you know, free busses rock! Even when we travel to WDW in our own car, we usually still take the bus. It's not as horrible as most people make it out to be. I was at WDW in April during some ungodly crowded times and the busses were never a problem. Just remember that it's free and it's always there, even if it's not always on your ideal schedule. I always plan an hour for transportation no matter where I go at WDW, if I am using a bus. I am always fine.

I have used Disney's Magical Express, but never the train. Sorry. If it helps, DME is a wonderful perk! I will continue to use it when we fly down to WDW.

The DDP for just the two of us, both adults, no kids, can make sense, if we wanted it to. It's pretty much a break even deal for us. It doesn't completely work with the way that we eat, but that's ok. We have issues with food. I have to go low fat, due to my recently removed gallbladder and residual gastric issues. My partner is allergic to seafood and fish and is VERY PICKY! We both do better with more CS and limited TS experiences overall. I am looking forward to the new DDP Lite that is going to be offered next year. We had a good enough experience with the DDP last year, you will be fine.

Christmas and NY can be magical ANYWHERE, with the right attitude. While you won't be riding every ride multiple times, you will be in a place with excellent entertainment options, great food, and the best customer service that we have experienced just about anywhere. I personally would not chose to go over Christmas because I like to be at home with family for the holiday, but there is nothing wrong with that choice for your family.

Attitude is everything. Disney can be the greatest vacation ever or the worst vacation ever, based completely on attitude. Keep it positive and remember, 90% of the gripes you see on the board are matched by 50 times the same number of silent unwritten amazing experiences. People like to gripe, but oddly enough far too few bother to say something positive back.

Attitude......put on your Mouse Ears and enjoy!

 

[WendyDarling84]

The buses are fine! For DH and I it would not feel like vacation if we had to drive everywhere, especially while figuring out unfamiliar roads and parking lots. Sometimes there can be a wait, sometimes not, but it is all part of the experience and never felt like a hassle.

The DDP was also fantastic for us. Sure, if we hadn't done it we wouldn't have eaten at as many TS locations, but honestly we probably would have spent the cost of the DDP just on CS so it was a great treat for us to have sit down meals. Also, with one of your girls at child's price it is an even better deal. The best part is all our meals were paid for, so there was no worrying about money or expense when we ate. We ate what we wanted and never felt like we had to scrimp near the end of the trip.

I have not been during the holidays, but at any time of year I think the key is to enjoy the magic and not get frustrated if things take a little longer than you had hoped. You will not get 'everything' done, you probably wouldn't be able to even with 12 days with low crowds, because WDW is just too big. Have your priorities to do, and then appreciate everything you get to do in addition to that. It's also just an excuse to come back and do some of the things you missed. The parks should be beautiful this time of year, so if lines for rides seem ridiculous at times you can always just enjoy yourself walking around and looking at all the theming, while eating some yummy snacks of course

I think half the battle will be going with a positive attitude and just enjoying your family in this magical place.

 

[Henna's_Mom]

Okay..... Here are my two cents.

1) Never stayed at All Star Movies but will be staying there in October.
2) Have taken the train (auto train) and had no problems at all. They have an observation car that is pretty much all windows, dining car, game car (for cards and snacks) and I think they show a movie in the game car. Overall very relaxing and not stinky.
3) It is horrible to find parking at DTD and after playing in the parks all day who wants to get into a car that has been sitting in the sun and it like 1000 degrees inside.
4) Love the DDP just makes things easier.
5) No comment, we only go in October.

Don't worry, you will have a great time.

 

[zippy doo dah]

Here's my take on your questions - Overall, the trip (the whole journey) is what you and your family make of it. So go expecting to have a wonderful and fantastic time with your family - if you go planning on things being not so good then that's what will happen.

1)I stayed at ASMo for a few nights in Oct. 2006 and I loved it. I found it to look cleaner and fresher (if that makes sense) than ASMu. I love the large Disney movie icons - they are awesome and made me feel more Disney immersed - way more so than ASMu & POP (and I love POP)

2)I've never done the train, but a friend who was in BFFs July 06 Disney Wedding took the train b/c she hates flying and she really enjoyed it. Yes it was longer, but she was able to see the East Coast (we're from NJ) in a way that she normally wouldn't have been able to. She said the scenery and foliage was beautiful.

3)I love Disney transportation! You don't have to worry about finding parking spaces and finding your way too and from the parks. You will have your car with you, so all you'll have to do is park at the resport and then take the Disney busses to whatever park. Not to mention, by taking the Disney busses, you don't have to pay for parking

4)We have never used it before, DH and I are trying it out for "free" on the 12th - 16th! But for our last trip, we were very short on funds and were really wishing that we had the plan so we wouldn't have had to worry about the cost of food like we did.

5)Christmas it the best time to go!! Yes, it will be crowded, but you know that going in, so it's not like it's going to be a surprise. You may not be able to get everything you want done as quickly as you'd like, but make a good plan, take advantage of Fastpasses & EMH's and you'll be fine. The cheery atmosphere, the decorations, and the beauty of everything at all the parks will more than make up for the crowds.

Just have a wonderful time & enjoy being with your family - and that's all you need

 

[Puget Peach]

I can't help you with the dining plan or trains. Personally, I think being able to get up and walk around while traveling rather sitting strapped into a moving car (or plane) is a great idea! You can take a cooler!

The space issue at All Stars will depend alot on the personal organization style of your family. Definitely get an over the door organizer for bathroom stuff! Careful wardrobe planning will help with space, too. Use the spaces at the resort to lounge instead of your room. If you think of your room functioning like a camping tent and spend time outside except for sleeping and showers, you'll do fine! And you will want to tour other resorts to see the wonderful decorations!

Having spent New Years Eve at the Disney Studios, I would do it again in a heartbeat! Yes, it waas crowded but festive with lots of extra entertainment! Your ADR's at table service will give you a break from the elbow to elbow crowd. We had four adults in our party, arrived about an hour after opening, and still did TOT, R'nRC, Muppets, TGMR, Star Tours, and the Osbourn lights. As long as you don't have strollers to navigate and your kids are old enough to understand queues and fastpass, you will be fine. Do spend some time researching a touring plan! It will make a huge difference!

And best of all is the weather that time of year! You might get a cold snap for a day or two, but it is generally the best temperatures of the year and dry!

So stop worrying! Be prepared and anticipate each day with joy. YOU decide if you will have a good time, not the crowds, or the weather, or anyone posting on these boards.

 

[acourtwdw]

1) Why you LOVE All Star Movies Resort that was the first value we stayed at and we love it.

(2) Your good experiences on the train Can't comment on that. We took the train to Chicago to see Oprah and that was fun. Make sure you bring enough things to keep you busy.
(3) What ways Disney buses are better than renting a car I get lost easily so the buses are easy for me. Also, i don't want to walk through that huge parking lot after a long day at the parks
(4) Why you loved using the DDP We got to eat at places that we won't normally go to because of the $
(5) Why Christmas and NY at Disney is beautiful and magical Nothing is more beautiful than WDW at the holidays. It is magical

You will have a great time and don't let people try to tell you otherwise.

 

[noahdove]

I love the all stars love the bus transportation, dining plan was great, knowing I didn't have to have money in hand and to eat different places, rooms are big enough IMO, I have traveled by train, just be sure to have lots of reading/ activities to keep you busy, my train ride was 36 hours...take snacks...as the train food can be expensive, I understand that WDW is so beautiful at the holidays, all I ask is that you take tons of pictures for us that will never get there for the holidays.. I'm sure it will be busy, but you are there long enough to see all and do all that you want..Please stop worrying, it's your vacation and you have lots of time to enjoy it...go with the thought that it's only what you make it...go for the magic that will surround you....my August trip was awesome and all went perfect...enjoy and reap the benefits of celebrating the real reason of Christmas...where else is the Happiest Place on Earth

 

[Cinderella3]

First Things First....
You Are At The Most Magical Place In The World... At The BusiesT Time But The Best Time Of The Year.
1.all Star Movies Is Nice...... How Can You Resist The Large Army Guys The Buckets Of Soldiers (as You Can Tell We Stayed At The Buzz Lightyear)
2.I WOULD TAKE A BUS, BIKE TRAIN OR ANY OTHER WAY TO WDW AND THANKING GOD EVERY STEP OF THE WAY THAT YOU ARE LUCKY TO GO TO THE MAGICAL PLACE.
3 NEVER RENTED CAR, PERSONALLY I THINK THAT IS WASTE OF MONEY, EITHER WAY YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE BUS OR WAIT IN TRAFFIC IF YOU WAS DRIVING SO YOU SHOULD SAFE THE MONEY ON THE CAR AND BUY YOUR MICKEY EARS...LOL
4.#1 REASON FOR USING THE DINING PLAN TO SAVE THE MONEY!!!
5. WE WENT 12-6 TO 12-14 LAST YEAR THE DECORATIONS ARE AMAZING, YES IT IS BUSY BUT I AM GLAD I WENT AT LEAST ONCE TO SEE THE MAGIC OF DISNEY AT CHRISTMAS.
HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME, AND AS I TELL EVERYONE: YOU DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY AND DONT WORRY ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE

 

[Rylee]

First of all...
Don't stop reading the boards because of a few negative comments. Everyone is different with different needs/desires/expectations. What works or pleases some will not be a good fit for all. Disney knows this and offers many different options to accommodate different vacationing styles.

Secondly...
It sounds like you have a wonderful vacation planned! Since you are doing your research and know what to expect, you'll be fine. Some things are completely out of our control, but how why react to it, makes all the difference in the world.

(1) Why you LOVE All Star Movies Resort

We have stayed at ASMovies and we all love it! The resort is bright, cheerful, fun and it screams "Disney"... the reason we are there! The resort/rooms have always been clean, the food court is convenient and good, too, and the bus service is adequate. In fact, when we tell the kids we're going to Disney, they always ask if we can stay there, and we have stayed at all levels... deluxe, moderate and values. We feel very at home at ASMovies.

(2) Your good experiences on the train

N/A

(3) What ways Disney buses are better than renting a car

While we don't mind driving, we always choose to use the bus system at Disney. No direction hassles or traffic stress. The buses also allow us to split up with ease, if we so choose. With older and younger children ages 7, 10, 17, 23 & 27, we sometimes split up by interest or bedtimes, etc.

(4) Why you loved using the DDP

We always schedule 1 Table Service meal each day. The Dining Plan is convenient to use, but also, we like having most of our meals pre-paid.

(5) Why Christmas and NY at Disney is beautiful and magical

We've never visited at Christmas time, but we are looking foward to it in the future!

Have a magical trip!

 

[friendofgusgus]

(1) Why you LOVE All Star Movies Resort

(2) Your good experiences on the train

(3) What ways Disney buses are better than renting a car

(4) Why you loved using the DDP

(5) Why Christmas and NY at Disney is beautiful and magical

No negative comments please, just cheer me up!!!

Get ready for a great big dose of cheering up here:

(1) I LOVE All Star Movies because it is pure "Disney!" Every large icon, every building theme, every everything is all about the Disney movies - and while I'm there, I want to LIVE it, every single second. And you will, too! Be sure to check out decorating tips for your door or window - the holidays at the values can be all about making your space your home for the holidays and spreading some cheer!

(2) I first took the train from NYC to Sanford when I was a kid in the 70's and my DH and his kids (now my stepkids) took the train down from Boston for our Disney wedding in 2006. It's great family time and every minute is one minute closer to your magical trip. It IS a long ride, so be sure to bring lots to do, lots of batteries for games, MP3s, and plan with your girls in advance to make sure they consider how long they'll be on there, so they'll be prepared. The views range from picturesque to BORING, so don't count on looking out the window the whole time!

(3) I have been in a rental car trying to get out of the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom on New Year's Eve. Trust me, they could make a horror movie about it. Even if your waits for the busses are long, everyone is waiting for a ride or to get somewhere in their ride. So you have to stand up and you're tired - like that's never happened before? I've seen malls in New Jersey that are more crowded than Disney at Christmas! Plus, don't worry too much about what you read here. You have nothing to compare this trip to, so just relax and enjoy it! Who cares if the wait times are longer? Longer than what? See? Who cares?

(4) My DH - one of the cheapest (but sweet) men alive, LOVES the DDP. In fact, we're going next week and we're PAYING for the darn thing - during free dining! (We booked last minute...) The DDP allows us to stop thinking about how much our meals cost and just enjoy them. Relax, it's paid for! The kids (or I) can order what we want, even on the last day of our trip when our wallets feel empty. We don't worry about "maximizing" the plan and our expenses come out just about even every time. You will benefit even more since "Holiday" prices will cause the OOP buffet prices to rise while you are there. Plus, using the DDP will allow you an opportunity to sit down with your girls every day over a meal, without being rushed. I know that in our house, that happens less and less as the kids get older.

(5) Honestly, just pull up some pictures. Go over to the trip reports thread and start reading some Holiday TRs. I guarantee you'll find more than one moment when another family's magical holiday moment brings tears to your eyes. Now, just imagine it's YOUR family. Enough said.

Have a fabulous vacation - I already know you will!

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Don't stop reading these boards....they are a wealth of fantastic information. When you read a negative take it for what it is worth. Learn a little something from it if possible. Trust me...not everyone on these boards are upbeat and positive about everything. Just like in life, you run into some people that can't be pleased, some people that nit pick and some people that see everything with sunshine in their hearts. Most everything at Disney World is fun, wonderful, and fantastic, but there are challenges too. Now.

1) I've stayed at All Star Sports and it is a nice place to stay. The All Star Resorts are comparable to a nice clean Super 8 with a fantastic theme, great pools and lots of kids having a great time. I like the moderates and deluxes better, but I am darn happy to stay at the All Star's and save some money for other things.

2) I haven't taken a train recently so I can't comment.

3) The buses are GREAT. Yes, you do have to wait in lines especially during busy times. BUT, you don't have to remember where you parked, pay the parking fees, search for the lost keys, stay awake to drive yourself back to your resort. The bus drivers are so helpful and friendly for the most part. We have had great luck with the buses. They are NEVER in dis-repair. They are kept very clean considering the number of people they transport each and every day. The buses are a wonderful way to get around. Just think..if someone in your party wants to return to the resort the rest of the party can go back at a different time with no trouble. Enjoy your relaxing rides to and from the parks...even if you are stuck standing for a few minutes.

4) DDP is so nice. You don't have to worry about carrying cash. You can eat in wonderful restaurants and have a nice break in the middle of your busy day. You don't have to worry about figuring each penny to make sure you aren't over spending...you have already aloted your meal funds. If your ADR's are made, relax and ENJOY the nice meals. When I go without the DDP I tend to scrimp and not enjoy the meals nearly as much, but I am so much happier when I get to experience the nice restaurants that Disney World has to offer.

5) I haven't been during Christmas or New Year's holidays, but I have been during the Christmas season. The decorations are BEAUTIFUL. I haven't seen any decorations anywhere else that compare. The holiday spirit in Disney World is so special. Don't miss the Candlelight Processional at Epcot....it is the true meaning of Christmas. What a special way to spend your Christmas and New Years. Take your time and enjoy it all. If you need a break from the parks take a tour around the different resorts and see the beautiful decorations they each have. Don't miss the Grand Floridian!

You CAN have a great time. Go with a positive attitude, take things in stride, don't stress the small stuff, relax a little bit and enjoy your family!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I have to get up with a new highschooler at 5:30 am to get her hair straightened for picture day, so i couldln't read what everyone said, but as I was about to leave for the night I saw what you had written and had to reply.
First, we go to Disney on a budget. I like to stay longer, cheaper. We use the pools, a little food court, and a hot shower and a comfy bed is all I really need. WE LOVE THE ALL STARS! We have stayed at all of them. They provide all this and then some in a fun and RELAXED setting. If I won the lotterey tomorrow, the only change I'd make to my reservation at ASSp would be to make it longer. And, maybe change it to ASM, which I like the theme of more, but for the $40ish deal I got, ASSp is fine! I love the All Stars and keep coming back.
Next, the busses... we only had one issue with the busses EVER, that particular visit the busdriver went on a strike related "sick out". It only effected the last 2 days of our trip, but even then it wasn't too bad. The bus system is great. We drive to Disey and never touch our car the whole visit. After a 21 hour each way drive, hubby is happy to sit bak and relax.
Finally, we LOVE the dining plan. Now I will admit, the last time we used it it included the tip and apptizer, so it was a tremendous savings. This year we won't see as muh of a savings, but we still will ave a bit and we will be able to dine like we an not afford to any other time but at Disney. We go out to dinner very rarely and never get dessert. When you are there you can go a little crazy. If the kids wat Mickey ie cream you won't think about suggesting they share one or eel badly about saying no, you will be able to get them one and one for yourself! It just enhances the Disey vacation.

I can't remember if you said this was your first trip or not, but it sounds like it is. Don't let anything ruin it for you. Go, have a wonderful time. If you don't love the DDP, or the busses, or anything don't let it ruin your trip, just make a note of it for next time. I would bet, however, that a 12 day trip to the Happiest Place On Earth with your family, an adventure many will only dream of, topped with staying ON PROPERTY and DDP--- you will be one happy family, I would be suprised if you were anything less. Have fun and ENJOY!!!

Tired, so please excuse spelling errors and/or typos.

 

[bushdianee]

I went to WDW once just after Christmas and over NY. We spent NYE at Epcot as that was recommended as the least crowded. They do Illuminations again at midnight on NYE but we left after the first one as we wanted to avoid the partiers later on. We went back to our resort (ASMo!), got drinks and watched the fireworks from our room in the Love Bug building. We enjoyed ASMo even as 2 adults with no kids. We loved the holiday spirit throughout our stay. We love the buses and wouldn't even consider renting a car. I like the dining plan for the same reason's others have stated, we enjoyed eating at places we otherwise probably wouldn't have. the cost averages out especially if you are booking character meals. One character meal almost costs a day on the DDPpluis you still have a CS and snack. I''ve never taken a train before but a friend has and loves it.

 

[kileybeth]

NoNoNo! Don't stop reading the Disboards! You are going to be so well informed which is a HUGE advantage to going in as "blind newbie". Been there, done that. And you know what? I hated Disney for several years b/c of it!

This being your first trip, every stinkin' thing is brand new to you? How cool is that? It is all magic! And the All Stars? They just immerse you even more. Only four in a room? You are fine! We've had 6 over at POR-AB when our youngest was under 3, now that is tight but we still had enough room.

We stayed off site for many many years and only have been staying on site for about 2-3 years. What a huge difference just being there 24/7 makes.

The buses are so awesome. Yup, they can be slow but who cares? You are sitting there thinking of all the fun you've had, all the fun you are headed for and not fighting traffic with out of towners, getting lost, using gas, or buckling up (sorry safety nuts, it's one thing I love about Disney trasport, I do car seats the other 300 some days a year!) And the monorail! so cool! And the boats! so fun! make sure you take a mini river cruise one evening from DTD to POR or POFQ just to eat bignets at the food court in FQ or take a carriage ride at Riverside. or just stay on the boat and enjoy the ride and lights! No worries, your "driver" will be waiting to take you back to ASM when you get back! Nice.

DDP, We have done this 2x now. And I am in love. Okay, it was free each time but I would so pay for it. It is so nice to be forced to sit down at least one time a day in a hectic go go go atmosphere. And the food? Don't believe those reviews, some people are serious foodies and nothing would be good enough for them. We love trying new and different stuff.

Christmas? Oh I am jeolous! Only been around holidays twice and loved it both times. The decorations are over the top (make sure to take time to see some resorts) and the lights and candelight processional. oh my I am sighing just thinking of it. Yupyupyup crowds are there but again, so what? so are you! And you will just be a good informed disser and know how to work around them, Early morning EMH, fast pass, touring plans, and a good dose of Christmas elfing (see how many fun things you can do for others when you do have to wait! ie. entertain a little one in line for a tired mom, hand out tiny bubbles or glow rings to complete strangers to elicit a smile, give up your seat on that crowded bus every now and again) Warms the heart I tell you!

Oh and get your girls involved in that magic!

Don't let anyone steal your joy! We (I personally) am sorry if I am one who has done that. Having been lots of times does a couple of things for you. Gives you a different perspcetive, make you want to repeat all those magical moments from last trip and lastly? uumm, that Disney hater from 20 years ago? has fallen in love despite the uninformed start to it all 23 years ago!

so yeah, it's gonna be great! PM me if you want to talk!

 

[Christmas-in-Disney]

Wow! All of your replies were great! They made me feel so much better!!! Thanks to each one of you! I am going to quit feeling sorry for myself now! LOL! Several people made me realize here I am spending 12 days at the most Magical Place during the most meaningful time....what the heck am I worried about??? I am going to focus on all the positive and take future negative comments lightly!

I guess I just had a little 108-days-prior-to-leaving-on-the-longest-most-expensive-vacation-our-family-has-ever-taken panick attack! LOL!

Now...I'm going to continue to read the boards, find more great tips and plan on...

And focus on the positives...

*Giving my kids the best Christmas present ever, without even having to shop on Black Friday!

*Seeing my daughter's face light up when she comes face to face with a Disney princess!

*Hearing one of my favorite singers, Steven Curtis Chapman, reading the Christmas story at the Candlelight Processional!

*Having a Christmas Eve breakfast at Cinderella's royal table!

*Enjoying Hoop-Dee-Doo on Christmas Day!

*Not having to cook for 12 days!!!

*Letting my kids have desserts and snacks I'd usually say no to!

*Not having to buy gas for 12 days!

*You know the best one of all...just enoying my family being together 24/7 and having a sit down meal every night for all 12 days!

I could go on and on...I have MANY things to be happy for...thanks again for reminding me of it!!!

And thanks for the reminders that much of what are vacation will be will be a reflection of the attitude we go with!