It's Going To Be A Jolly Olly Holiday In Disney PTR I've got one foot out the door!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I can only imagine, it's easy for me and DH to say "Okay this week we can go without this extra little thing." but I am sure when it comes to your kids you just want them to have everything. I think that you are a good mommy, being able to get the family to Disney and still give your kids their fun activities.

I know what you mean with the business, DH family owns a business and it's the same thing. Someone not paying their bill means you can't pay yours!!

Yeah...they don't always understand. But, we do have to make some cuts for them too. Like, we don't do McDonald's right now. Even the littlest will say "no McDonald's if we want Disney." So, I guess they are getting it to some extent. Thanks for the compliments! We love our kids and want to give them the world! Literally! But, we do let them do all their normal activities too!

Yeah...I know sometimes people have issues, but that does not help us when the electric bill comes or the mortgage has to be paid.

My friends parents run the Cape Cod chapter of Toys for Tots. I have helped out with organization the last two years. If you have ever wanted to see Santa's Workshop, find your local Toys for Tots "warehouse." FLOOR to CEILING craziness!!! Such a great organization, I like the way you think

Thanks! I am looking forward to doing this. One of the things about the holidays I love is seeing someone else happy. I will feel really good making someone happy!

Good idea. That's how we usually do it too. And woohoo on getting the TSM game for xmas. I got it already. Very fun! But it is very glitchy I have found.

Yeah I keep hearing that everywhere but I really think it is just Pop Warner like Kelly said. They won't be at the parks during the day. Just the evenings. I don't think it will be too bad. Plus, with free dining in Sept this happens too. Everything seems to get booked up so quickly. Here's hoping it's still the quiet parks it has been known to be for that time of year.

I hope he likes it! I am sure he will!

I am hoping it's PW. I guess we will see. I'm going either way, so....
We have been there on other super busy times before, so it's nothing we aren't used to if it is really busy. I am just hoping for somethung different this time!

I think the TSM game is awesome--it's going to be ds's "disney-type" present from Santa this year.

I haven't looked at the availability lately. I hope it's not getting bad for my week yet.

Oh...Santa is giving a lot of these games, huh?!

It seems to die back down after that second weekend as of right now.

I'm on the Cash Bandwagon too! I set us up a spreadsheet and put us both on a payment schedule based on our paydays. So DBF and I paid off our trip a little each week, until it was paid in full right at 46 days. Now that is done, we have agreed to each put away a minimum $100 into savings every paycheck, more if we can afford it that week. If we stick to that plan every payday, then by December 1st we will have well over $1000 to take with us.

I've noticed that all the Value and Mods are booked solid, as well. I wanted to add a night on at our resort (CSR) at the end of our trip as a surprise for DBF, but it was a no go. I am still considering giving us one more night, but we would have to move WL for that one night, and I'm just not sure about dropping $300 for it. Everybody is all saying that's it's just because of Pop Warner and Free Dining, but I am still worried about crowding. I've always read that the first week of Dec. is one of the two slowest weeks of the year, but now I'm starting to get worried too!

You and DBF are such good savers! You will be all set for your spending!

Hmmm...another night is always a bonus! Hope you get to do it! WL is so pretty...especially at Christmas!

I am worried about the crowds also. It is my first trip in many years, so I really do not have anything to compare with from previous trips. I have been reading in other threads that many are speculating that it will be full at disneyworld due to free dining but there will not be the usual off-site people. So, it should not be as crowded as summer. Let's hope!

I am hoping it is just a fluke. Let's keep our hopes up and our fingers crossed!

Great update! We'll be at DHS for EMH's that day too for the Osbourne lights as well. Can't wait!! And you are right, it is so hard to take a break on your day at DHS and also be able to see all the shows since they are all at set times and all at least 30 min long. Hope you can get them all in.

Yeah...I am thinking we may have to take one of those two DHS days and stick it out through the whole day with no breaks. We will have to see how we feel. I think if we feel ok the first day in that park, we will stick it out then. That way, we will be sure to get in what we can and still have the other day as a back up to get whatever else done on our list for that park.

Every time I find myself getting crazy about crowds I kind of force myself to take a step back. We were there in Oct which was considered moderate crowds and it was pretty empty by our standards. I notice some people comment on the same week and one says it was nuts while the other says it was empty, so I think it all comes down to your expectations and what you think crowded is. I am a reasonable person so I think we are going to have a great time no matter what. We have plenty of time to see and do everything so I just try to keep in mind the spirit of the trip rather than making myself nuts about something I really can't control. And I am a control freak, self admitted, so I will do everything I can to control whatever I can and the rest I have kind of learned to let go of. It will all work out, and just remember we're all GOING TO BE IN DISNEY!!!!!!!!!

Yeah...I am dealing with it. We have been there during so many other busy times...it can't be an worse. Plus, as you said...It's Disney! Just plop me in front of that castle!

 

[Trentmom]

I think your plans look great

I have not looked at my schedule in awhile, but I think we will be there too for EMH

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I think I may attempt daytime shopping @ DTD on the 6th, but I'll see ya at the Osborne Lights!

Also, I am thinking of semi-stealing your idea. I think I am going to host a "Cookie Party." Everyone makes a couple dozen of their favorite cookie (sending me the recipe with their RSVP so I can put together a little book for everyone) and we all sample the various cookies, take some home & enjoy the recipes throughout the year! But I want to take it one step up and add the request that everyone donates a new toy for Toys for Tots.

Thanks for putting the bug in my ear!

 

[MEK]

I think your day 4 & 5 plans sound really great. I the California Grill. It is such a cool place. I don't blame you for wanting to go back and change clothes to something a little dressier. I like to do the same.

I also really like the CMC. I love the characters there and I think the food is pretty good. I also the beach club. I love drooling over SAB.

Your trip is getting so close now.

I hope all is going well with Poot and school!

 

[nic100308]

Awesome day!!! We're going to Momma Melrose's the day before. Never been, but I have heard some good reviews. There is always some bad with the good!! Some people are just crazy.

I'm interested in getting in the shows too. We didn't do any last time, and we stayed the whole day too. I will admit that at a certain point we were like, "Okay, so what do we do until Fantasmic" I think we'll be going all day this time too and I already said to DH I want to do the Animation tour.

 

[creativeamanda]

Oh, Mama Melrose's one of my favorites! Exactly one year ago today, I was there eating lunch

I'm trying 50s Prime Time Cafe this time around, and I am excited, but I'm a fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes kind of gal, so. . .

 

[floridascgirl]

We will be taking advantage of those same DHS EMH's. You're right about it being a tricky park to do when you see the shows b/c they really eat up the time.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I think your plans look great

I have not looked at my schedule in awhile, but I think we will be there too for EMH

Thanks!!!

Oooooh...maybe we will run into each other!

I think I may attempt daytime shopping @ DTD on the 6th, but I'll see ya at the Osborne Lights!

Also, I am thinking of semi-stealing your idea. I think I am going to host a "Cookie Party." Everyone makes a couple dozen of their favorite cookie (sending me the recipe with their RSVP so I can put together a little book for everyone) and we all sample the various cookies, take some home & enjoy the recipes throughout the year! But I want to take it one step up and add the request that everyone donates a new toy for Toys for Tots.

Thanks for putting the bug in my ear!

DTD shopping is soooooo great! We will be seeing each other a lot during this trip!

I love your idea! That is great! I am a sweets and dessert girl! So, I am always in for some good cookie recipes! Nice twist!

Not a problem...glad to find ways to help the less fortunate! (You know I meant the needy...not you, right? It sounded like I meant you were less fortunate. Anyway, you get it!)

I think your day 4 & 5 plans sound really great. I the California Grill. It is such a cool place. I don't blame you for wanting to go back and change clothes to something a little dressier. I like to do the same.

I also really like the CMC. I love the characters there and I think the food is pretty good. I also the beach club. I love drooling over SAB.

Your trip is getting so close now.

I hope all is going well with Poot and school!

Thanks! I have never been there. So, I'm looking forward to it!

The beach club is a beautiful resort! I want to see that chocolate and gingerbread carrousel. When we were at Disney in December 06 we didn't see it.

I know! We are only 37 days away! That is too awesome!

Things are actually getting better in school...thanks for asking!

Awesome day!!! We're going to Momma Melrose's the day before. Never been, but I have heard some good reviews. There is always some bad with the good!! Some people are just crazy.

I'm interested in getting in the shows too. We didn't do any last time, and we stayed the whole day too. I will admit that at a certain point we were like, "Okay, so what do we do until Fantasmic" I think we'll be going all day this time too and I already said to DH I want to do the Animation tour.

We do all really love it there. I know every place gets at least some bad reviews and everything is up to personal taste. So, we know we like it and will go back. I think you will be happy with it!

Yeah...we have done the Indy show and Fantasmic. I want to see Beauty and the Beast and DH wants to see Lights Motors Action and Pooty wants to see the Jedi Training Show. Actually, he plans to get picked to defeat Darth Vader! I hope it happens for him! And, yes...we all want to do the animation tour and draw! I went to art school, so I am pretty excited for that.

Oh, Mama Melrose's one of my favorites! Exactly one year ago today, I was there eating lunch

I'm trying 50s Prime Time Cafe this time around, and I am excited, but I'm a fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes kind of gal, so. . .

Awww....we love it too!

50's is good! The theming is GREAT!

We will be taking advantage of those same DHS EMH's. You're right about it being a tricky park to do when you see the shows b/c they really eat up the time.

Hi!!!! I think we have to do EMH's to get in at least most of what we want. If we do our rides during EMH's, then we can do shows during regular hours. But, yeah it's not the biggest park, but the shows are super time consuming! Hopefully we can get in enough!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Plans look awesome so far! Sorry I've gotten so behind! I cancelled my Cape May Cafe reservation so I can't wait to hear how you like it! I love Mama Melrose's, too.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Plans look awesome so far! Sorry I've gotten so behind! I cancelled my Cape May Cafe reservation so I can't wait to hear how you like it! I love Mama Melrose's, too.

Thanks! No worries...you are busy GRADUATING!!!!!! Soon you will be done with school and maybe have some time to breathe!!

 

[Chelley00]

We always spend 2 days at DHS. We love it there!

I'm glad you like Prime Time. It gets such mixed reviews, but I'm taking R there for our trip. I thought it would be fun for her. However, they just added a Fantasmic that night, so I'm debating on Mama Melrose Fantasmic Pkg. Oh decisions!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

We always spend 2 days at DHS. We love it there!

I'm glad you like Prime Time. It gets such mixed reviews, but I'm taking R there for our trip. I thought it would be fun for her. However, they just added a Fantasmic that night, so I'm debating on Mama Melrose Fantasmic Pkg. Oh decisions!

Yeah...I just think it requires more than one day!!

I really do like PT. We have a lot of laughs there. The food is not fancy...but it tastes good. I love Mama Melrose's also. But, the Fantasmic dinner packages always seem to require you to eat so early.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

This is a great day...because we are going to check out of POR and into AKV!!!! It is not that we are not happy to be staying at POR, but we are SUPER excited to be staying at AKV!!!!

Anyway, to start the day, I will get up by around 6:30 so I can get ready and pack up any last minute items. I will have everything ready for J-Pa to take down to check out officially. Lulu and I will be heading over to MK early this day for her BBB appointment. J-Pa and the boys will sleep in a little longer and meet us for our breakfast.

So, BBB then Chef Mickey's for breakfast!!! After checking out and leaving our stuff with bell services, J-Pa and the boys will hop on the bus and meet up with us for our Chef breakfast. Lulu and I will take everyone's tickets and try to get some FP's on our way out for Space Mt.

After breakfast we will be going back to the MK for a few hours. Our Ridemax plan for this day shows us having MORE than enough time to do what we want, so we will see! Hope it's accurate. After spending those few hours in MK, we have a lunch reservation for the Plaza. This was supposed to be for Crystal Palace, but we have had the CP lunch before. It was very good, but we thought we would like to try something new instead and avoid another buffet. Plus, we will be seeing the Pooh characters the next day for breakfast.

After lunch, we will leave the park for a bit on an AKL BUS!!!!! We have to go check in over there. We will get ourselves checked in and maybe unpacked. I definitely want to throw on a load of wash since we have a washer and dryer in our room. I am going to hold out until this point to do any laundry I think. I know we will also want to explore the resort a bit. But, we can't dilly dally...I've got an important meeting back in MK! We are to be back in MK at 6:00 to meet Jen and Nic! The three of us are going to watch Spectro together. ( I guess we will probably bring our husbands and kids also.) LOL

After hanging out with the extended family, we will be heading to do whatever we can on our way to our dinner at LTT. I will be so excited to get another Thanksgiving dinner!

Then, to end our fun day, we will take advantage of some EMH's in MK until 11. After a slow walk out of the park, it will be back to AKV for our first night with the animals.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I love day 6 - especially the part about meeting up with your extended family!

Just an FYI - you won't be able to get fastpasses for the guys because you can only get fast passes for tickets that have been scanned/entered through the turnstile. I read on another thread someone went to get Soarin' passes for his fam, but he could only get the FP for himself. A CM told him only "active guests" can get FP.

HTH...

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I love day 6 - especially the part about meeting up with your extended family!

Just an FYI - you won't be able to get fastpasses for the guys because you can only get fast passes for tickets that have been scanned/entered through the turnstile. I read on another thread someone went to get Soarin' passes for his fam, but he could only get the FP for himself. A CM told him only "active guests" can get FP.

HTH...

This Spectro viewing will be tons of fun!

WHAAAAAAAATTTTTT? I have been to Disney several times and was not aware of this! That is a big bummer! Oh well...I will have to skip that part and just wing it when we all go back after breakfast.

 

[Leger13]

Great day 6! And yay for getting to see family! I'm super excited that you are going to LTT too. That is my ultimate favorite restaurant in all of WDW!!

BBB will be great too. Can't wait to see your pictures of that. The girls always look so cute!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great day 6! And yay for getting to see family! I'm super excited that you are going to LTT too. That is my ultimate favorite restaurant in all of WDW!!

BBB will be great too. Can't wait to see your pictures of that. The girls always look so cute!

LOL...I should have been more specific about the family thing...it's actually a couple of people from here on the Dis boards!! Oops! I also love LTT! So yummy! And, I don't need the characters! Just bring on the food! LOL

She loves it! I wasn't sure if she was getting too old, but she wanted to do it, so I made her the appointment. I will put the pix up. She has alsways done the Princess do, maybe thid time she will try the punky looking one?

 

[creativeamanda]

BBB should be so fun!

 

[nic100308]

Day 6 is by far the best day isn't it!?!?! And I don't think the AKV have anything to do with it. It's because you're meeting me and Jen for Spectro, isn't it!?!?!?! LOL I suppose we have to bring the rest of the crew. But for a brief moment I had a picture of three grown woman, but kids at heart, skipping around the MK together!!

I'm interested to hear how you like AMV. I am sure it will be beautiful and I head they have an amazing tree in their lobby. Ooo and I can't wait to see Lulu all dolled up in her BBB garb!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

LOL I suppose we have to bring the rest of the crew. But for a brief moment I had a picture of three grown woman, but kids at heart, skipping around the MK together!!

Heck, maybe we will go skipping off - leaving our husbands behind to scratch their heads