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

[debrapagliasotti]

June 10 needs to hurry up and get here...I want to hear all your plans!! I know you mentioned MVMCP and possibly Wishes Fireworks Cruise, but I want to hear the "extras" you are hoping for...hurry up June!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

June 10 needs to hurry up and get here...I want to hear all your plans!! I know you mentioned MVMCP and possibly Wishes Fireworks Cruise, but I want to hear the "extras" you are hoping for...hurry up June!!

Yeah, hurry up!! lol

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We're trying to mix things up & try some different things. I think we got a pretty good balance (the only thing glaring at us is the lack of mexican food.....which is our favorite......but there's always nachos for a snack in Epcot!!) Some of our choices were also looking at what Shy could eat....with her allergy to wheat, milk, soy, egg, peanuts & tree nuts....some of the places just didn't seem to be a good fit.


Yup, I've been doing my research and am aware that we'll be doing some driving. Biggest reason for renting a vehicle is so we're able to see as much as possible but not be tied to the Disney transportation.

We're also spending a day resort hopping to see the holiday decorations and edible displays....... Keep in mind, staying at Port Orleans~French Quarter counts as one of the resorts, and being on top of the PO~Riverside makes two.

No specifics about the character meals we chosen.....gonna have to wait until June 10 after I make ADR's.

Laurie, this is going to be the trip of a lifetime! I am so happy for and with you!!

Did you change your dates? Still arriving the 12/7? We are still deciding between FQ and renting points...found out today BLT (Bay Lake Tower) studio would be available for our dates (5 ngts), but it gets such mixed reviews...and while the location is fabulous, FQ is so pretty and peaceful. Beleive it or not, without a room discount BLT would be less! If FQ I want a RV too!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Laurie, this is going to be the trip of a lifetime! I am so happy for and with you!!

Did you change your dates? Still arriving the 12/7? We are still deciding between FQ and renting points...found out today BLT (Bay Lake Tower) studio would be available for our dates (5 ngts), but it gets such mixed reviews...and while the location is fabulous, FQ is so pretty and peaceful. Beleive it or not, without a room discount BLT would be less! If FQ I want a RV too!

Are dates are set in stone. Mike had to put in for his vacation time the first week of January. He's taking the week of Dec. 9-15 off. Since he's the manager of his dept. he's taking his 2 days off the week prior on the 7th & 8th, and taking the 16th & 17th off on the following week. That way he has a total of 11 days: 9 nights at WDW & 2 for travel days.

I looked at renting points (from the info & websites you passed on to me).....but we decided to go with what we know.....and that's booking with Disney Travel. (thru our TA....also from you!!)

 

[DizNee Luver]

Ok, so now I'm wondering if NOT sharing my plans is a good idea. I've never been......I'd hate to think that what I'm planning is unrealistic.

We sat down & prioritized the things at each park that are absolute musts, want to do, will do if we can work it in & skip/do only if we've done everything else on our list.

We want to take in as much of the entertainment & musicals as we can.

So I might share the plans......just hope it won't jinx my first attempt at ADR's.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Are dates are set in stone. Mike had to put in for his vacation time the first week of January. He's taking the week of Dec. 9-15 off. Since he's the manager of his dept. he's taking his 2 days off the week prior on the 7th & 8th, and taking the 16th & 17th off on the following week. That way he has a total of 11 days: 9 nights at WDW & 2 for travel days.

I looked at renting points (from the info & websites you passed on to me).....but we decided to go with what we know.....and that's booking with Disney Travel. (thru our TA....also from you!!)

I was just wondering if dates had changed - I got lost in trying to keep up!! Fabulous plans!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, so now I'm wondering if NOT sharing my plans is a good idea. I've never been......I'd hate to think that what I'm planning is unrealistic.

We sat down & prioritized the things at each park that are absolute musts, want to do, will do if we can work it in & skip/do only if we've done everything else on our list.

We want to take in as much of the entertainment & musicals as we can.

So I might share the plans......just hope it won't jinx my first attempt at ADR's.

FWIW, I have never not gotten everything I wanted when I have booked on my 180 day and we traditional do go the first week of free dining. I think if you book right on that day, you will be fine. I have still been changing things and getting what I want with no problem ... even a Chef Mickey's breakfast which surprised me. Course I cancelled it almost as soon as I made it because I had already changed my mind!

You will be fine, Laurie! Don't stress it to much!

 

[DizNee Luver]

FWIW, I have never not gotten everything I wanted when I have booked on my 180 day and we traditional do go the first week of free dining. I think if you book right on that day, you will be fine. I have still been changing things and getting what I want with no problem ... even a Chef Mickey's breakfast which surprised me. Course I cancelled it almost as soon as I made it because I had already changed my mind!

You will be fine, Laurie! Don't stress it to much!

Well I will say that I have back up plans (sometime 2-3 options).....so only a couple things are limited (in fact very few are). I figured having options will make it easier to get what we want.

So I think I will share my "dream" plan and get options from the experts.

 

[DizNee Luver]

OK, here's the travel day to Florida and Day One. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

THIS IS THE "DREAM" ITINERARY!!

TRAVEL DAY:
Breakfast will be at an airport somewhere.........

Flight arrives mid-morning. We're actually thinking of flying into Tampa instead of Orlando because it's about $130/per person cheaper. With our large family that really adds up. Get our rental vehicle & head to WDW.

Drive to DTD and have lunch at Earl of Sandwich, look around DTD.

Head to Port Orleans~French Quarter to check in & get unloaded. Maybe take a swim, walk around the resort, relax, etc.

Dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Boma.


DAY ONE:

Going to Epcot for the day!!!

Breakfast at Akershus-Norway (character meal #1)

Late lunch as part of the Candlelight Processional Dining Package at Coral Reef. (hoping for the first show)

Dinner will just be snacks.

Illuminations


We have 2 planned days at Epcot:
As a family we sat down and rated each attraction & this is how things came out.

These are MUSTS: Test Track, Seas w/Nemo, Journey w/Figment

These are ALSO DO: Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Living w/the Land, Turtle Talk, Univ. of Energy, Maelstrom & Grand Fiesta Tour

If we HAVE TIME: Impressions de France, Reflections of China, American Adv. Show, & O'Canada, Imageworks, Innoventions, Circle of Life

We can SKIP: Soarin' (we've done this at Disneyland lots & is one of our favorites but can't see taking time away from something new/different) & Captain EO (wasn't a huge fan of this at DL)

So can we do all of that over a span of two days plus meals??

 

[DizNee Luver]

DAY TWO:

Going to Animal Kingdom for the day.

Breakfast at the Tusker House. (Character meal #2)

Lunch at Restaurantosaurus.

Dinner at Flame Tree BBQ. (lunch & dinner can be reversed)


These are MUSTS: Tree of Life, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Kilamanjaro Safaris, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Dinosaur & Festival of the Lion King.

These are ALSO DO: Primeval Whirl, Finding Nemo musical

If we HAVE TIME: Exploration Trail, Jungle Trek, Triceratops Spin, It's Tough to be a Bug

We can SKIP: Flights of Wonder

We also want to see the parade. I'm a little concerned with getting everything done here since we only plan on doing this park for one day. Now with that being said, we have one day that we'll pick which park to go to. So there's a possibility of returning here.


DAY THREE:

Going to the Magic Kingdom for the day.

Breakfast at the Contemporary Lodge at Chef Mickey's. (character meal #3)

Head to park & do snacks for lunch.

Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. (character meal #4)

Wishes Dessert Party

We will have 2 days at this park:

These are MUSTS: Mickey's Philharmagic, Adv. of Winnie the Pooh, Little Mermaid (if open), POTC, BTMRR, Splash Mtn, Country Bear Jamboree, Space Mtn, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, Haunted Mansion, Railroad

These are ALSO DO: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Carousel, Magic Carpets, Stitch's Great Escape, Peoplemover, Hall of Presidents

If we HAVE TIME: Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan, Swiss Family Treehouse, Carousel of Progress, Speedway, Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin, Riverboat

We can SKIP: Main St. Vehicles, Town Square Theater, Tiki Room, Tom Sawyer Island, Astro Orbitor


So again, take a look at the plans and give me your advice.

 

[DizNee Luver]

DAY FOUR:

Going to Hollywood Studios for the day.

Breakfast at the Grand Flordian at 1900 Park Fare (character meal #5)

Head to park.

Lunch at Sci-Fi Diner.

Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe.


We only have one day planned here, but again, like AK......we have one day that we'll pick which park we go to.....so it could be this one.....we just don't know.

These are the MUSTS: Rock-n-Roll Coaster, Beauty & the Beast musical, Lights Motor Action Stunt Show, Great Movie Ride, Little Mermaid Show

These are the ALSO DO: Star Tours, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Studio Backlot Tour

If we HAVE TIME: Walt Disney movie, Magic of Disney Animation, Toy Story Mania, Disney Jr

We can SKIP: Muppet 3-D, Sounds Dangerous Show

Plus we want to see the Osborne Family Lights.

There's a lot we want to do, so accomplishing everything in a day probably won't happen. So any insight on our choices would be greatly appreciated.


DAY FIVE:

Returning to the Magic Kingdom for the day.

Breakfast at the Crystal Palace. (character meal #6)

Lunch will be snacks.

Dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. (this one could be replaced by the Be Our Guest restaurant if it opens & a ressie can be secured.


This will be the night of the Mickey's Christmas Party that we will stay for.

We'll try to get thru the list from Day 3 & repeat favorites.

 

[DizNee Luver]

DAY SIX:

This is our resort exploring day. We want to see as many of the edible displays and Christmas decorations as we can fit in.

Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Kona Cafe.

Lunch at the Wilderness Lodge at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Dinner at the Port Orleans~Riverside at Boatwright's.

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise

This is a day we're looking forward to!


DAY SEVEN:

This is our Pick a Park Day.......go back to one we feel we need more time at.....so it could be one of the parks we only plan one day at (AK or HS) or go back to MK for a third day or add a 3rd day for EP.

Breakfast will be at the Yacht & Beach Club at Cape May. (character meal #7)

Lunch at a QS at the park we're at.

Dinner at the Grand Floridian at 1900 Park Fare. (character meal #8 and yes we've been here before....but that was breakfast & a different set of characters)

 

[DizNee Luver]

DAY EIGHT:

Our last day at the parks & we're going to Epcot.

Breakfast at our resort~Port Orleans French Quarter food court.

Lunch at the Biergarten in Germany.

Dinner at the Garden Grill. (character meal #9)

Illuminations Cruise

Finish getting through our list.


TRAVEL DAY:

Today is our travel day home.

Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Ohana (character meal #10)

Check out of our resort & head to DTD.

Lunch at Planet Hollywood.

Go to Tampa & catch our plane back to Oregon.


OK, now you know........lets get constructive help from those that have been there & done that. We want to be as realistic as we can.

As for the meals.......we have a few QS meals, but for the most part....we want the chance to sit & give the twins a few minutes of down time. We also look at meals at the parks & resorts just part of our experience.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

These plans sound good so far! Having just been there, I can picture the layouts of what you want to do, and most make sense, so I think you will probably have time, depending on crowds. One thing I did notice you did not include in your HS is Fantasmic. Are you planning on seeing it? We were not originally, but we ended up in the right area at the right time and decided to do it, and we so glad we did! We actually enjoyed it more than the DL one for the most part. Seating is better, and it's just an overall great presentation of the show. Definitely worth thinking about at least!

Be prepared not to be able to eat as much as you have planned! It is a lot more food that it sounds. We are not used to eating desserts, so we were always eating way more than we normally do. It's a good thing we were doing lots of walking!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

If we HAVE TIME: Impressions de France, Reflections of China, American Adv. Show, & O'Canada, Imageworks, Innoventions, Circle of Life
So can we do all of that over a span of two days plus meals??

I am going to offer my two cents as I read so I don't forget anything. I definitely think you can do all of what you have planned in two days. Many of the lessor attractions hardly ever have a line.

I would move the Circle of Life up a bit on your list. It is a very powerful movie. And we find it entertaining.

Love that you are going to try Coral Reef! I have been trying to figure out how to work it in to our August plans and just can't. But we have been several times and have enjoyed the experience.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

These plans sound good so far! Having just been there, I can picture the layouts of what you want to do, and most make sense, so I think you will probably have time, depending on crowds. One thing I did notice you did not include in your HS is Fantasmic. Are you planning on seeing it? We were not originally, but we ended up in the right area at the right time and decided to do it, and we so glad we did! We actually enjoyed it more than the DL one for the most part. Seating is better, and it's just an overall great presentation of the show. Definitely worth thinking about at least!

That's funny because for us after seeing the DL version, we have no interest in the DHS version this trip. I agree that the seating is better but I found the DL experience so much more enjoyable ... especially with Murphy. I always love the people can see the same thing but experience it in a very different way!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I'm a little concerned with getting everything done here since we only plan on doing this park for one day. Now with that being said, we have one day that we'll pick which park to go to. So there's a possibility of returning here.

These are ALSO DO: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Carousel, Magic Carpets, Stitch's Great Escape, Peoplemover, Hall of Presidents

I think your AK plans sound great although we have never eaten at Restaurantosaurus. Definitely see the parade, it is my very favorite in WDW! I offer a bit of caution on It's Tough to be a Bug. It can be very intense and scary in parts. Maybe have the older boys check it out to see how they think the little kiddos will react? I admit that it scares me a bit every time!

As for the MK, please take a ride on the Peoplemover! It is very relaxing and a cool way to see Tomorrowland. My two cents are to skip Stitch. Have heard it is a bit scary and generally it gets bad reviews. We have never done and really don't intend to.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

DAY FOUR:

Going to Hollywood Studios for the day.

Breakfast at the Grand Flordian at 1900 Park Fare (character meal #5)

Head to park.

Lunch at Sci-Fi Diner.

Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe.


We only have one day planned here, but again, like AK......we have one day that we'll pick which park we go to.....so it could be this one.....we just don't know.

These are the MUSTS: Rock-n-Roll Coaster, Beauty & the Beast musical, Lights Motor Action Stunt Show, Great Movie Ride, Little Mermaid Show

These are the ALSO DO: Star Tours, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Studio Backlot Tour

If we HAVE TIME: Walt Disney movie, Magic of Disney Animation, Toy Story Mania, Disney Jr

We can SKIP: Muppet 3-D, Sounds Dangerous Show

Plus we want to see the Osborne Family Lights.

There's a lot we want to do, so accomplishing everything in a day probably won't happen. So any insight on our choices would be greatly appreciated.


DAY FIVE:

Returning to the Magic Kingdom for the day.

Breakfast at the Crystal Palace. (character meal #6)

Lunch will be snacks.

Dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. (this one could be replaced by the Be Our Guest restaurant if it opens & a ressie can be secured.


This will be the night of the Mickey's Christmas Party that we will stay for.

We'll try to get thru the list from Day 3 & repeat favorites.

I think you will be Ok at DHS. It is a one full day Park for us and we do Star Tours and TSMM. The parade is a HUGE disappointment after seeing the one in Cali Adv so I would say to not bother with that at all. Muppets 3D is one of our cheesy favorites so I would move that up on your list!

If you don't go thru the Animation "show", definitely go into the building thru the gift shop. There are usually some different characters in there.

Love your food choices although as I said before, the food at CRT was mediocre at best for us. But you can't beat the experience of eating in the Castle!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

DAY SIX:

This is our resort exploring day. We want to see as many of the edible displays and Christmas decorations as we can fit in.

Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Kona Cafe.

Lunch at the Wilderness Lodge at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Dinner at the Port Orleans~Riverside at Boatwright's.

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise

This is a day we're looking forward to!


DAY SEVEN:

This is our Pick a Park Day.......go back to one we feel we need more time at.....so it could be one of the parks we only plan one day at (AK or HS) or go back to MK for a third day or add a 3rd day for EP.

Breakfast will be at the Yacht & Beach Club at Cape May. (character meal #7)

Lunch at a QS at the park we're at.

Dinner at the Grand Floridian at 1900 Park Fare. (character meal #8 and yes we've been here before....but that was breakfast & a different set of characters)

Love your Day Six! I am not a fan of WCC but if I were going to eat there again it would be for lunch. And seeing the resorts in their Christmas finest is a great experience!

I also love the Cape May breakfast. It feels more laid back to us than some of the others. I miss that Chip and Dale aren't there any more though. Wish they would bring them back!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

DAY EIGHT:

Our last day at the parks & we're going to Epcot.

Breakfast at our resort~Port Orleans French Quarter food court.

Lunch at the Biergarten in Germany.

Dinner at the Garden Grill. (character meal #9)

Illuminations Cruise

Finish getting through our list.


TRAVEL DAY:

Today is our travel day home.

Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Ohana (character meal #10)

Check out of our resort & head to DTD.

Lunch at Planet Hollywood.

Go to Tampa & catch our plane back to Oregon.


OK, now you know........lets get constructive help from those that have been there & done that. We want to be as realistic as we can.

As for the meals.......we have a few QS meals, but for the most part....we want the chance to sit & give the twins a few minutes of down time. We also look at meals at the parks & resorts just part of our experience.

I think day 8 is my favorite day of all! We love both Biergarten & Garden Grill!

I really like your plans, Laurie. I don't think it is too much but I am looking at it from our family and not yours so there may be a few more challenges for you. Definitely remember the distance it takes to get from place to place but it is easy to drive around, things are very well marked.

It truly sounds like a dream trip! Actually as I type this I just realized that I may have missed the 2nd "2 credit meal" you had mentioned? I will have to go back and look. I know CRT but missed the other one.

Anyway, great mix of character meals. You should see just about everybody without dealing with the lines in the Parks. Watch for Mulan (sometimes with Mushu!) in China, Big Al around America, Marie and Beast in France! Buzz will be in Tomorrowland but you have probably seen him in DL.

oooooh, I am so excited for you! And I really think you will be fine with your ADRs!