Is it December Yet?? Cancelled with a Heavy Heart!

[DizNee Luver]

I'm exhausted just reading that itinerary! Will you guys even be able to move after this trip is over? I think I would be bedridden for days afterward - and this is coming from someone who walks everywhere!

Well, you have certainly done a good job of working everything in (hotels, parks, character meals, Candlelight Processional, MVMCP and all!) and finding a place for everything in the schedule. In a strange way, I am very curious to hear what you think about your choices after you've returned, and how much some of the things may change once you're actually there (based on moods or other unexpected developments) - meaning, I wonder if you will realize when you are actually immersed in WDW, "I should have planned an extra day for X, Y, Z," or "I should not have included [fill in the blank] in the plan at all!"


I do hope that you don't short-change yourself on the Osborne Lights, though. From what I've seen of them on TV and in photos, it looks like the sort of thing you would want to take lots and lots and lots of photos of. People who don't take quite as many photos in general may not need to take a lot, but I think you would want to.

Are you planning to do the Safari at AK on your one day there (I think I only saw one AK day, right? Or did I miss something?)?

I'm glad you're going over to Fort Wilderness too! When Liza/funatdisney and I were at DLR for the Cars Land thing a few weeks ago, I was telling her that you were making your first trip to WDW (she's been there several times, I think), and I asked if there was anything she could think of that you should do (that you hadn't already worked into the agenda). If I recall, one thing she mentioned was Fort Wilderness and the Hoop Dee Doo!

I cannot believe that this massive trip is happening in only 5 months! Seeing when you first starting putting it together and crunching numbers the first time and how much time has passed since then, these last several months will zip by in no time.

In fact, if I were in your shoes, I can see myself having 'trip disbelief' at probably about the 2 weeks-prior point. Like around mid-November it would all sink in and I would start thinking, "OMG! I can't believe the trip is almost here, it's about to happen and there is no turning back! Full steam ahead!"

It is a busy schedule, but that was part of the reason for including so many table service meals. It gives us down time. We've added a day on either end of the trip to allow for some acclimating and some relaxing. We have some early evenings which will allow for swimming or early bed times. The resort looking around day is laid back & we'll prioritize which ones are a must and which ones are if we have time. We might even get a swim or nap in before heading to the Christmas party. I tried to find some "normal routine" for the twins. Really hoping the twins will nap in their strollers. If they don't, we'll have issues!

I'm sure we'll get home & have some coulda, shoulda, woulda's......lol Since we only have this one shot....we're trying to include as much as possible. If we're lucky enough to return.....we'll have our "favorites" and things we could pass on next time.

I'll bypass Fantasmic if I don't think I'll get enough time in the Osborne Family Lights. This is a top priority for us.

We're doing the safari offered for all guests, but not one of the "tours". From everything I've read & insight from Derek.....we can do AK in one day. There will be a few things we don't get to (some of the trails) but for the most part we'll be able to do everything we want.

I originally had booked the Spirit of Aloha luau.....partly because the Hoop Dee Dee Revue wasn't being offered. When it showed up, I changed to it because the reviews are all very favorable & a favorite of many!! We've gone to a real luau in Hawaii & not sure this would measure up just looking at the menu.

5mths......YIKES! I would really love to see some money come in. Tyler still hasn't found work & we're drowing. We're having trouble staying on top of monthly bills.....so no money has gone towards our trip. We're expecting the adoption credit & an inheritance. (my dad's house was for sale, but seems to be pending which will allow the estate to be finalized). We know it's coming.....we just can't pinpoint when.

I'm hoping to see money soon so we can book our flights. Then it will start feeling real. Right now, it just seems like I'm planning the perfect trip for us but not really going. We need to book flights, pay off the package, buy tickets for the MVMCP and try booking the Pirates & Pals cruise and Wishes Dessert Party. So 5mths seems like a long time....but it also feels like the clock's a ticking fast & we're running out of time.

The reality and the OMG moment will happen once the airline tickets are bought & the package is paid off. I hope that comes soon!!!

 

[Sherry E]

I definitely agree - you need to work as many things into the agenda up front, in case you don't get back to WDW. It has to be viewed as though you either won't get back to WDW at all, or that you won't get back there during the holiday season and you only have one shot to do/see certain things. Better to fill the agenda with activities than to get down there and realize you left a bunch of things off of the list!

You very well may go to WDW again, but if it's not during the holidays the itinerary would be quite different in spots (no CP, no MVMCP, no Osborne Lights, no Jingle Jungle Parade, no edible displays or decorations at the hotels, etc.). So all of that stuff definitely has to be considered and factored into this trip's agenda - which you have done quite nicely!

Plus, unlike a Disneyland Resort trip as you know, there is less room for last minute decisions and spontaneity in a WDW trip. More planning is required.

Now, of course, when you get down to WDW and things start rollin' along, it may turn out that you find you have more time for certain things than you thought you'd have; less time for other certain things than you thought you'd have; certain things are closer together or further apart than expected; or that certain things have simply lost their appeal and will be banished from the agenda! That's one thing I will be interested in hearing - which things change through the course of the trip! I hope everything goes according to schedule, though!

You have put so much effort into coordinating this trip and fitting everything in, planning for rest and food, crunching numbers and reworking the plans, that I hope this is truly the trip of a lifetime for everyone! I hope it goes off without a hitch and is as magical and Christmasy as it can possibly be!

I think that the number of photos involved in this WDW extravaganza should keep the TR hopping for months after it's over! It boggles my mind to think of how many photos may come out of this trip, from all sources!

I know what you mean about the money - until the money is there, it doesn't seem real. Money is definitely important for a Disney trip (isn't that an understatement?). When you're struggling with bills, it's hard to actually feel like a Disney trip is a possibility.

 

[lovethattink]

Hopefully the twins will sleep in their strollers. My son does.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I definitely agree - you need to work as many things into the agenda up front, in case you don't get back to WDW. It has to be viewed as though you either won't get back to WDW at all, or that you won't get back there during the holiday season and you only have one shot to do/see certain things. Better to fill the agenda with activities than to get down there and realize you left a bunch of things off of the list!

You very well may go to WDW again, but if it's not during the holidays the itinerary would be quite different in spots (no CP, no MVMCP, no Osborne Lights, no Jingle Jungle Parade, no edible displays or decorations at the hotels, etc.). So all of that stuff definitely has to be considered and factored into this trip's agenda - which you have done quite nicely!

Plus, unlike a Disneyland Resort trip as you know, there is less room for last minute decisions and spontaneity in a WDW trip. More planning is required.

Now, of course, when you get down to WDW and things start rollin' along, it may turn out that you find you have more time for certain things than you thought you'd have; less time for other certain things than you thought you'd have; certain things are closer together or further apart than expected; or that certain things have simply lost their appeal and will be banished from the agenda! That's one thing I will be interested in hearing - which things change through the course of the trip! I hope everything goes according to schedule, though!

You have put so much effort into coordinating this trip and fitting everything in, planning for rest and food, crunching numbers and reworking the plans, that I hope this is truly the trip of a lifetime for everyone! I hope it goes off without a hitch and is as magical and Christmasy as it can possibly be!

I think that the number of photos involved in this WDW extravaganza should keep the TR hopping for months after it's over! It boggles my mind to think of how many photos may come out of this trip, from all sources!

I know what you mean about the money - until the money is there, it doesn't seem real. Money is definitely important for a Disney trip (isn't that an understatement?). When you're struggling with bills, it's hard to actually feel like a Disney trip is a possibility.

I'm sure we'll need to stay as flexible as possible because of the twins, but a lot of the dining ressies are credit card guaranteed. So cancelling on the same day would cost me $70 each meal. Since we want to see a lot of shows, this too will allow some down time to relax and unwind. If we were just there for the rides and food.....we'd be in trouble.

Hopefully the twins will sleep in their strollers. My son does.

The girls used to, but it's getting harder & harder for them to do so. We can hope they'll drop if tired enough. After this last wek at camp, I can tell you....Shy needed her nap.

 

[RooRach0906]

Well now I hope they keep the 6:30 time.....I just rearranged my meals so we could go......lol

Hahaha then I hope it stays the same so we can both see it!

Your Schedule looks awesome, if I planned our days I think DH would possibly go crazy!!! I just make a must do this trip list and anything on top on it is icing on the cake!

I hope the twins sleep in the stroller for you. We are hoping DD will for us but if we have to go back to the room a few days we will.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Thanks for the link....I'll go check it out!!

I've rearranged our dining ADR's so we can plan on Fantasmic and hopefully we'll also have plenty of time to enjoy the Osborne Family Lights. The park is open until 8pm. So I would guess a 6:30 show of Fantasmic, that we could head straight to the lights afterwards & see them.

How early does it get dark that time of year?? Hoping to see them again on the Friday before our 7:55pm dinner at California Grill. Not sure what time they turn them on....but if they did it as early as 6pm, we could see them before we left for dinner.

Osborne lights turn on at 6pm nightly, might be able to catch them for a little bit before leaving for CG.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hahaha then I hope it stays the same so we can both see it!

Your Schedule looks awesome, if I planned our days I think DH would possibly go crazy!!! I just make a must do this trip list and anything on top on it is icing on the cake!

I hope the twins sleep in the stroller for you. We are hoping DD will for us but if we have to go back to the room a few days we will.

The only thing I don't really plan is the rides. As soon as I can get my hands on the schedule for shows....I'll get that figured out as well. This way we aren't running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I think the more prepared we are for this trip.....the better it will go. (at least I hope so)

Osborne lights turn on at 6pm nightly, might be able to catch them for a little bit before leaving for CG.

Oh good!! We should be able to see it after Fantasmic on Tuesday and also see them for a short period of time on Friday.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

All caught up! Sounds like your family had a fantastic time at the camp. Loved all the photos. Seems like a great place, and looks like the twins had so much fun!

And thats such a full schedule you have planned for the trip. Hope you get to do everything on your list!

 

[DsnyMama]

WHEW! Finally caught up! LOVING the camp pictures - you guys looked like you had an absolute blast!!!!

Great itinerary! Busy for sure, but wonderful! Ours is busy too - trying to pack a TON in for mom's first trip!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

All caught up! Sounds like your family had a fantastic time at the camp. Loved all the photos. Seems like a great place, and looks like the twins had so much fun!

And thats such a full schedule you have planned for the trip. Hope you get to do everything on your list!

WHEW! Finally caught up! LOVING the camp pictures - you guys looked like you had an absolute blast!!!!

Great itinerary! Busy for sure, but wonderful! Ours is busy too - trying to pack a TON in for mom's first trip!!

Camp was so much fun & they have a support group for people in this area to meet up once a month & we went on Monday evening. It's great to see some of the families we bonded with at camp and keep the connections going.

I didn't think the schedule looked that full......but I guess with at least 2 schedule meals & wanting to catch a parade or fireworks does fill time. Hopefully I haven't gone overboard. I really do hope the sit down meals are our time for unwinding.

 

[lovethattink]

The girls used to, but it's getting harder & harder for them to do so. We can hope they'll drop if tired enough. After this last wek at camp, I can tell you....Shy needed her nap.

Hopefully it will all work out. My son falls asleep as soon as he puts on his sun glasses and ear phones, lol.


We ate at the Crystal Palace yesterday for lunch. Here is my review on my perpetual TR. Crystal Palace

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hopefully it will all work out. My son falls asleep as soon as he puts on his sun glasses and ear phones, lol.


We ate at the Crystal Palace yesterday for lunch. Here is my review on my perpetual TR. Crystal Palace

We hope so too!!

LVED your pics & review of Crystal Palace. Your son is cute & looks very happy!!!!

 

[smile4stamps]

Hi Laurie! I know the feeling on not feeling like its actually going to happen. I was so happy when I had purchased our park tickets and even happier when the airfare was booked! All of our flights went up after I booked them except for my return flight. If I were to book the same flights now it would be almost $300 more! Definitely glad I was on the ball with my purchases! I just booked them a few weeks ago so I am sure you have some time to get yours!

I am also one that plans almost all sit down meals. It offers a wonderful break in the day for weary feet!

This trip is actually much more challenging for me to plan than my first one was as I am waiting for Food & Wine information. I want to do a lot of the events and it means a lot of time at Epcot! Much more time there than I would plan on a non-F&W trip!

This is also the farthest in advance I planned a trip. our '09 WDW trip I think I planned in under 6 weeks! Everything just came together for that trip (except the awful cold I got!!). I was able to get a good deal on our room and tickets, good priced airfare and all the ADR's I wanted without even knowing much about the restaurants! I picked a lot of good choices (and a couple not so great) but almost too many good ones as I want to go back to them all plus try new places!!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Anthony with his buddy James.

Michayla with her buddy Elizabeth.

Shyann with her buddy Tony.

The kids with their buddies (Addy didn't officially have a buddy, but she did help out Bailey with her campers)

Mike & I joining all the kids & buddies.

Addy & Bailey.

Saying good bye is so hard!

I loved the camp pictures. How old were the buddies? It reminds me of one of the special needs clubs I joined at school. The kids are the buddies and were the volunteers. I would love to be a buddy.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi Laurie! I know the feeling on not feeling like its actually going to happen. I was so happy when I had purchased our park tickets and even happier when the airfare was booked! All of our flights went up after I booked them except for my return flight. If I were to book the same flights now it would be almost $300 more! Definitely glad I was on the ball with my purchases! I just booked them a few weeks ago so I am sure you have some time to get yours!

I am also one that plans almost all sit down meals. It offers a wonderful break in the day for weary feet!

This trip is actually much more challenging for me to plan than my first one was as I am waiting for Food & Wine information. I want to do a lot of the events and it means a lot of time at Epcot! Much more time there than I would plan on a non-F&W trip!

This is also the farthest in advance I planned a trip. our '09 WDW trip I think I planned in under 6 weeks! Everything just came together for that trip (except the awful cold I got!!). I was able to get a good deal on our room and tickets, good priced airfare and all the ADR's I wanted without even knowing much about the restaurants! I picked a lot of good choices (and a couple not so great) but almost too many good ones as I want to go back to them all plus try new places!!

I'm in a panic about the airline tickets......not only are they expensive, but since I need 7 of them......the sooner I get them....the more chance we have to sit together. I can't have us all over the plane. None of the kids have flown before (except Tyler). I'll feel much better having that taken care of.

They still haven't released the F&W info?? YIKES!! That would drive me crazy. It's really hard to plan & do ADR's when you don't know when things are.

I loved the camp pictures. How old were the buddies? It reminds me of one of the special needs clubs I joined at school. The kids are the buddies and were the volunteers. I would love to be a buddy.

Thanx Kaitlin!! The buddies are high school age up to 25.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Oh I see. I'm so excited that you guys get to see Olivia Newton John. When I went, I got to see Marlee Matlin.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Oh I see. I'm so excited that you guys get to see Olivia Newton John. When I went, I got to see Marlee Matlin.

Oh Marlee Matlin would have been awesome!! I'm excited to see Olivia Newton-John!!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm in a panic about the airline tickets......not only are they expensive, but since I need 7 of them......the sooner I get them....the more chance we have to sit together. I can't have us all over the plane. None of the kids have flown before (except Tyler). I'll feel much better having that taken care of.

They still haven't released the F&W info?? YIKES!! That would drive me crazy. It's really hard to plan & do ADR's when you don't know when things are.

I was in a panic as well! I booked southwest though and I checked it daily, usually several times a day... I just happened to catch my hubbys return flight for $110 one morning... an hour later that fare was gone never to return. To check other airlines I use Kayak. I signed up for alerts and I get daily emails of the current prices. It helps to keep track of the trends. One thing to remember with most airlines is the baggage fees on top of the fare. Thats the #1 reason I pick southwest! No baggage fees! With southwest you won't have assigned seats though. Family boarding is between the A&B groups or you can pay $10 extra per ticket per way for early bird check-in and then you will be in the A group.

Last year the official F&W info wasn't released till July 26!! 3 more weeks I booked all my ADR's based off of when events were last year but may need to do some switching!

 

[Sherry E]

Ugh. I just typed out a whole thing and was trying to post it here, but my stupid PC froze (as usual) and I lost all of the text. (Now you see why I can't get through my own TR's quickly, if at all - my blood pressure is constantly rising from the stress of dealing with this computer and I just can't take it!)

Anyway, one of the things I was basically asking was, out of all of the holiday-specific activities you are going to experience at WDW this year, which one of them are you, personally, most excited to see/do?

I ask because I know you and I are on the same page where Christmas is concerned - we both love love love that holiday and everything associated with it (the music, the lights, the decor, the trees, the treats, the overall festivity), and it's a very special time of year.

So, being a fellow Christmas time fanatic, I was kind of running through the holiday-specific things to do at WDW in my mind and trying to pick which one I would be chomping at the bit to do/see above all else, if I were ever lucky enough to go there...and it was soooooo hard to pick one!! Every time I thought I had my first choice narrowed down, I would start thinking about another one of the choices and then change my mind!

What would be your #1 pick of holiday-specific things you are excited to see (and, of course, this may change after you get there and start making your way around WDW)?

The Jingle Jungle Parade?

The Osborne Lights?

The Candlelight Processional?

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?

Seeing the various elaborate decorations & trees at the different hotels?

Enjoying the unique themed food and decorations at the different countries around Epcot?

Special PhotoPass holiday pictures?

Anything else I'm forgetting?

​

I am still mulling over what my #1 choice would be, but I think I have it narrowed down to (in no specific order):

Epcot's internationally-themed food and decor;

The various hotels' elaborate displays; and

The Osborne Lights.







Then again, that Candlelight Processional looks beautiful...

 

[DizNee Luver]

I was in a panic as well! I booked southwest though and I checked it daily, usually several times a day... I just happened to catch my hubbys return flight for $110 one morning... an hour later that fare was gone never to return. To check other airlines I use Kayak. I signed up for alerts and I get daily emails of the current prices. It helps to keep track of the trends. One thing to remember with most airlines is the baggage fees on top of the fare. Thats the #1 reason I pick southwest! No baggage fees! With southwest you won't have assigned seats though. Family boarding is between the A&B groups or you can pay $10 extra per ticket per way for early bird check-in and then you will be in the A group.

Last year the official F&W info wasn't released till July 26!! 3 more weeks I booked all my ADR's based off of when events were last year but may need to do some switching!

We're looking at SW, they had the best price plus the baggage......I just hope we can find a good price once we have the money. It's the waiting that's killing me!!

Do you think they would board us early since we'll have car seats, strollers & special needs kids???

End of July!!!! That sure doesn't make it easy for planning ahead. From what I understand that's a busy time of year for them (popular event). Hopefully using previous year calendars will hold up for this year as well. Fingers crossed!!