January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part I !!!

[2disneygirls]

OH my that's a great deal....free park hoppers! We've decided against them but I'd LOVE it if we could get it for free!!

So....if you book a package and then a code comes out, can you change it?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Yep, as far as I know you can always make changes to an existing reservation!

 

[sixisenough]

Augh! I hope Splash Mountain doesn't close in January! That would be awful!

We shall wait and see, I guess!!

Our mission this time will be to try Expedition Everest, since it wasn't working the last time on our AK day. Really hope we get to go on it this time!

Oh my goodness, David Duchovny is on Leno!!!!! I must go watch!!!

Good morning Snowbirds!!! It is hot in Illinois also. Splash Mountain has always been closed when we have gone Jan/Feb. So, that is one ride we have always missed. We did do the Rapids at AK last Feb, it was fun , but got Soaked!!! My 3 year old was not too crazy about that.

Everest is great I do hope you get to ride. My husband and I rode twice. My 9 year old was only brave to do once. The ride broke down right before we were to get on and I think it really freaked him out. The effects are incredible!!

Have a great day. 5 days until I can make my ADR's

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We (DS9 and I) finally rode Splash Mtn in May for the first time! Although it has always been hot when we are at WDW I just never liked the thought of walking around wet all day. So this time we were leaving MK for the day after the 3:00 parade, so we went and got our fastpasses right before we went to find a spot for the parade. We watched the parade and then it was time for our fastpass! It was a great ride and we didn't even hardly get wet!

Expedition is another great ride! Everyone be sure to check it out! It is in my top 5 for sure!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay, here it is!

What is your favorite ride/attraction at each park? (which one are you most looking forward to if it's your first trip!)

MK - Mickey's Philharmagic
Epcot - Soarin
DHS - Rock N Roller Coaster
AK - Expedition Everest

 

[drakes]

Just to add some answers here- or confirmations about previous posts

1. Splash Mtn was closed for refurb in jan 2007 as well. I have heard this is because the weather is "cooler" so they (WDW) feel it is a safe time to close. I suppose the SM refurb in Jan is common.

But KRR was open in AK? and that looked like peopel got more wet?

2. Room only ressies can be made and they understand plans may change for people. We have called and changed ( we added a day- WooHoo! based on our flight- which is booked an paid for - so I guess we are 100% going now!)


3. I have also heard that Space Mtn will be closed for an extended time including Jan 2009.

4. Early 8 am ressies at Crystal Palace in Jan are the best! Empty parks, clean and fresh and cool - It felt like a dream to walk down mainstreet with only the few of us that had ressies! And the food there was incredible, as were the characters and atmosphere of CP.

 

[drakes]

In 2007 we also got the free PH and WP - we did not go to water parks. One was closed for refurd and it was too cold to be at a WP all day. When it warmed up mid afternoon we swam at the resort.

It was not freezing cold when I say the temp was cool, it was beautiful! It was so nice to not be hot and sweaty at all on this vacation!

So hopefully we can get the same savings this trip.

I have heard if a discount code comes out and you are eligible to call WDW and request. You really shouldn't be penalized because you booked early - before the prices were even released!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I heard the rumor about Space Mtn this year, and it never happened. And I have also heard it for next year. I heard that when it does close it will be closed for like 12-18 months for extensive rehab like they did in DL. We'll see. . .

Drakes is right, you can't go wrong with Crystal Palace breakfast! We even tried dinner there for the first time in May and we were not disappointed. Great food and great service, like always!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January Snowbirds!

Backinoz ~ Dec 23-Jan 14 ???
Towers5 ~ Dec 28-Jan 9 ???
Ccfmioa ~ Dec 30-Jan 8 ASMo
Maplemouse ~ Jan 1-5 ???
Tink1978 ~ Jan 1-7 POFQ
Laumau ~ Jan 1-7 WL
4girls2sets ~ Jan 2-9 SOG
Miabellarose ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Amreli ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Peanut1 ~ Jan 4-10 AKL
Snykymom ~ Jan 4-11 CSR
Missmagnolia ~ Jan 4-12 ???
Tigerlovinggrandma ~ Jan 4-20 POFQ
Ehm1129 ~ Jan 5-16 ASMo
Kaos928 ~ Jan 6-12 POP/POR
Peach3es ~ Jan 8-16 POP
Aussieangel ~ Jan 8-20 WL
Rockonthemoon ~ Jan 8-18 ???
2Disneygirls ~ Jan 9-17 ???
Ginaluvsdisney ~ Jan 10-18 POFQ
Lovemy2boys ~ Jan 11-21 AKL
Eve700 ~ Jan 12-???
Mindyluvsmickey ~ Jan 12-19 Poly
Adais ~ Jan 13-21 AKL
Kiteri ~ Jan 16-24 FW
Mommy2emmamaddie ~ Jan 16-25 ???
Drakes ~ Jan 16-26 ASMo
Sixisenough ~ Jan 17-24 AKL
Hrsmom ~ Jan 17-24 BWV
Disneyspaz ~ Jan 17-24 SSR
Jenkh ~ Jan 17-31 BWV/AKV
Splashmtncrew ~ Jan 18-24 WL
GPA1015 ~ Jan 18-30 POP
Sharadoc ~ Jan 19-30 ASMu
Laurainsem ~ Jan 20-??? ???
Momof2disneyboys ~ Jan 21-27 CBR
Trixiequilts ~ Jan 21-28 AKL
Kazooie01 ~ Jan 21-28 ???
Disneygroders ~ Jan 22-25 POFQ
MickeyNicki ~ Jan 22-26 Poly
Petuniamilz ~ Jan 23-30 Offsite
Jnykly ~ Jan 24-30 ???
Billysmommy ~ Jan 24-31 BWV
Remmy ~ Jan 25-Feb 7 POP
Meggybear17 ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 POP
Cinderellamom123 ~ Jan ???
Tinkerbelluk ~ Jan ???
Ppan77 ~ Jan ???
Lukenick1 ~ Jan ???
Echo29 ~ Jan ??? CSR
Amreli ~ Jan ??? ASMu
Trissy ~ Jan ???
Jaksil ~ Feb ??? WL/AKL

 

[Tiggerlovinggrandma]

Please don't forget to add me to the January list. Jan 4-11 POFQ Can't wait!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Please don't forget to add me to the January list. Jan 4-20 POFQ Can't wait!!!

You are added! WELCOME to the Snowbirds!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Where did all the Snowbirds go today???

Nobody wants to play Question of the Day with me!

 

[MissMagnolia]

Hopefully I can add some insight.

I saw the updated refurbishment list from mousesavers:

Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Walt Disney World
Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Innoventions East: Environmentality Corner (Epcot) closed through 7/31/08 for refurbishment.

Golden Age Souvenirs (Hollywood Studios) closed through 8/5/08 for refurbishment.

Sounds Dangerous (Hollywood Studios) closed through 8/5/08 for refurbishment.

Food and Fun Center (Contemporary Resort) will remain closed until approximately 8/14/08. A temporary counter service location (Tempo Grab and Go) is open near the Outer Rim Lounge on the 4th Floor.

Old Port Royale Feature Pool (Caribbean Beach Resort) closed through 9/15/08 for refurbishment. Guests may use the six leisure pools located throughout the resort. Small waterslides for children will be added at the Barbados and Jamaica village pools and enhanced children's recreation activities will be offered.

Morocco Gallery of Arts and History (Epcot) closed through 9/24/08 for refurbishment.

Nine Dragons (Epcot) closed through 11/30/08 for renovations.

Animal Kingdom Villas will be under construction through 4/30/09. The construction will occur in phases. During this time, guests will hear and/or see construction staff and equipment inside the resort as well as in the external areas of the property during the daytime hours.

Upcoming

Liberty Square Bridge (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/15/08 - 8/29/08 for refurbishment. There will be no Spectromagic during this time. The Disney Dream Come True Parade will be performed twice, at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) closed 9/2/08 - 11/15/08 for refurbishment.

High Rock Spring Pool Slide (Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa) closed 9/8/08 - 9/26/08 for refurbishment. Guests may use the High Rock Spring Pool during this time; only the slide will be closed. All other pools at Saratoga Springs will also be open.

Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/28/08 - 10/31/08 for refurbishment.

Old Key West Village Pool Slide (Old Key West Resort) closed 1/5/09 - 1/23/09 for refurbishment. Guests may use the Old Key West Pool; only the slide will be closed. All other pools at Old Key West will also be open.

Sunset Savanna (Animal Kingdom Lodge) will not have animals 1/15/09 - 4/15/09 due to construction at the Animal Kingdom Villas.

It doesn't list Splash Mountain. We have been to WDW twice in January and it has been open both times we were there.

As far as ADRs without ressies: Go ahead and make them. We can't decide on which resort and are hoping for a pin (we got a postcard for Aug./Sept.). I made all the ADRs and didn't get my first choice in times when calling 180 days out. Granted...I needed a table for nine, but some TS sites didn't have tables that big (i.e., Boma) and had to take one 5 person and one 4 person with no guarantee of sitting together or even near each other.

Hope that helps! You are all helping me get excited for the trip ALREADY!!

 

[trixiequilts]

What is your favorite ride/attraction at each park? (which one are you most looking forward to if it's your first trip!)

I'll play!

EP-Soarin'
HS-Rock-n-RollerCoaster
AK-Expedition Everest
MK-POTC

 

[MissMagnolia]

Oh, forgot...here's my list!

EP-Soarin'
HS-Tower of Terror (Rock-n-RollerCoaster is a close second)
AK-Expedition Everest
MK-Splash Mountain

I WISH that WDW had the Indiana Jones ride that they have at Disneyland. That would beat out all of them!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OGM!! I just called to make my room only ressie and ASMo only has preferred rooms left! We don't want a preferred room. We want to be tucked away in the back away from everything and everybody! Long story short, we are now staying at CBR again!!

I am a little disappointed because we were looking forward to having the 4 beds, 2 baths, etc. BUT, I am thrilled to be going back to CBR again!! It was by far our favorite moderate and I am looking forward to going back! DH is going to be so surprised. I'd like to tell the kids, but I can't!

The CM told me that she doesn't expect 2009 packages/rates to be out until the end of September! I asked about the ADR thing and she transferred me to the dining line and that CM told me to call back on July 25th to make my ADR's. So that was good news. . . If it's true!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'll play!

EP-Soarin'
HS-Rock-n-RollerCoaster
AK-Expedition Everest
MK-POTC

Ooooh forgot about POTC, it is great! That probably is my favorite "ride" in MK. I just love the Mickey's Philharmagic 3-D show though!

 

[trixiequilts]

OGM!! I just called to make my room only ressie and ASMo only has preferred rooms left! We don't want a preferred room. We want to be tucked away in the back away from everything and everybody! Long story short, we are now staying at CBR again!!

No way! I bet something will open up between now and then. When I called in May to make my ressie for CSR they only had waterfront rooms available, but when I called back a week later, they had standards.

Did you hear about the room upgrades at CBR? Nemo theme. I just looked at pics somewhere, and supposedly they took out fridges??? It said removed, not replaced ...but they will have flat panel tvs!

If you really have your heart set on 2 rooms at ASMo, I wouldn't give up yet!

 

[trixiequilts]

Oooohhhh, I just became a Mouseketeer, too!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

No way! I bet something will open up between now and then. When I called in May to make my ressie for CSR they only had waterfront rooms available, but when I called back a week later, they had standards.

Did you hear about the room upgrades at CBR? Nemo theme. I just looked at pics somewhere, and supposedly they took out fridges??? It said removed, not replaced ...but they will have flat panel tvs!

If you really have your heart set on 2 rooms at ASMo, I wouldn't give up yet!

Yeah, I have heard that CBR is getting "refreshed". As for them taking out the fridges, I don't know how that could be true. Then they'd have to take them out of all the mods. . . At least I hope it's not true!

I am actually pretty excited about going back to CBR now! It was always in the back of my mind that we should just go back there since we have been disappointed in the other resorts we have tried since then. Plus, their new pool will be done by then. Hopefully it will be warm enough to swim!

The CM I talked to told me that it is just beautiful in Florida in January and that the pools are kept at 84 degrees. I don't know, they always feel cold to me even when it is hot out!