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

[distherapy]

Okay, distherapy. I'm only on day 1 of your trip report and I'm squalling my eyes out! Not taking my daughter on this trip is getting harder than I thought!

Eek! Sorry!!!
If it helps at all, my daughter ran away from us in the Mexico pavilion and slipped under a rope and started running through an exhibition space. We froze for a second, then my son took off after her. Of course, the cast member didn't see them, only saw us run under the rope and he was appalled. I think he really thought (as he yelled at us), that we wanted to get backstage somehow. Ugh - such a nightmare.

Luckily there were margaritas to calm our nerves...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hey, my group's going on the Feb. 1st Wonder cruise too!!!!

We'll be in Stateroom #7562. What Stateroom are you in?

Of course I should have it memorized! But I don't. I'm at work (shh!) so I don't have my info handy. I think it's 6081. I know it's on deck 6, inside. I'm so dang excited I can't stand it!!!

Sheree

 

[BellaSoleil]

Eek! Sorry!!!
If it helps at all, my daughter ran away from us in the Mexico pavilion and slipped under a rope and started running through an exhibition space. We froze for a second, then my son took off after her. Of course, the cast member didn't see them, only saw us run under the rope and he was appalled. I think he really thought (as he yelled at us), that we wanted to get backstage somehow. Ugh - such a nightmare.

Luckily there were margaritas to calm our nerves...

I'm seriously going to try and beg my mom to fly down with Belle for 4 days! Wish me luck! This is just too hard!

I'm only reading adult trip reports from now on. I imagine Belle react the same way your DD did with the princesses when she see's Mickey Mouse & Crew.

Okay... stop thinking about it, Soleil...you will ruin your make-up.

 

[Kazooie01]

OK All of you early January snowbirds who attend fantasmic have to fill us late Snowbirds in on the line situation!!!!

Now I'm getting nervous too! I love this show but was hoping to show up within the hour and get a seat since it's a slow time, but with only 2 shows a week it might be PACKED!

Going by our past January trips, two shows a week should make the line horrible . In 2007 we were in line one hour early and in 2008, 45 minutes early. The time we got there an hour before show, we ended up off center by a few sections and near the top. The time we got there 45 minutes early, we sat all the way to the far left on the end of a row (and we were lucky to get a seat!) Remember, this was when they had seven shows a week (during the "slow" season). Two shows (unfortunately) are probably going to make it even worse. I hope I'm wrong, but we'll see.

 

[Monny2AE]

OK All of you early January snowbirds who attend fantasmic have to fill us late Snowbirds in on the line situation!!!!

Now I'm getting nervous too! I love this show but was hoping to show up within the hour and get a seat since it's a slow time, but with only 2 shows a week it might be PACKED!

You better get calling right away if you hope to get a Fantasmic package. There are only so many of them and they will probably sell out fast. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Got it!!!! Made ressie's for Jan 29 @ 4:25 Hollywood and Vine!!!
Cancelled ressie's for Hoop De Doo. My sister rescheduled them for Friday for her and my parents but I don't want to go. Not that I didn't like it but we are really counting pennies to go and we did Hoop De Doo last time. This time I really want to do all the stuff we missed last time like Fantasmic. They didn't have too many slots left but then again I needed them for a party of 10. They have to split us into two tables of 5 but that's okay.

All of you Cruisers are making me jealous!!!

Not me...

Wow - I can't believe I missed it.

I'm doing the double digit dance!

98 days!!!!

Me too I'm at 99 today!!!!

DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

(sorry peach3es, I got a little wild and he snuck past me!)

 

[Monny2AE]

Going by our past January trips, two shows a week should make the line horrible . In 2007 we were in line one hour early and in 2008, 45 minutes early. The time we got there an hour before show, we ended up off center by a few sections and near the top. The time we got there 45 minutes early, we sat all the way to the far left on the end of a row (and we were lucky to get a seat!) Remember, this was when they had seven shows a week (during the "slow" season). Two shows (unfortunately) are probably going to make it even worse. I hope I'm wrong, but we'll see.

Let me get this right.... now that I have the Hollywood and Vine package I'm guaranteed a seat? How does it work? When we finish dinner do we just hang out and show some sort of special receipt or something to get in first? (Sorry if this is elementary but I'm new at this!)

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning everyone! Just logged in at work.
I decided to change my trip for the 24th-31st so I wouldn't worry about MLK weekend. I called Disney and was able to still get the AAA rate which was pretty cool. The CM on the line tried really hard to sell me the DDP. I'm still thinking about it but there is now 3 signature restaurants on our list and I just don't think it will be worth it. Plus my mother and I tend to share meals.
I also made a change to my ADR's. I reviewed the HDDR menu again and realized that I couldn't eat much of the food on the menu. I just can't see myself paying $50+ for bread and salad! So, I went ahead and decided on California Grill instead. My mom and I wanted to try the sushi.
As for the QOTD: I would say that I'm looking forward to Jiko. Of course this is by pictures of food and etc as this will be our first time.

Woo hoo! You're going to be there the same time as me! Hooray!

Oh, and I'm at 100 days today! Put on your dancing shoes because tomorrow is double digit dancing day!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Got it!!!! Made ressie's for Jan 29 @ 4:25 Hollywood and Vine!!!
Cancelled ressie's for Hoop De Doo. My sister rescheduled them for Friday for her and my parents but I don't want to go. Not that I didn't like it but we are really counting pennies to go and we did Hoop De Doo last time. This time I really want to do all the stuff we missed last time like Fantasmic. They didn't have too many slots left but then again I needed them for a party of 10. They have to split us into two tables of 5 but that's okay.


Not me...


Me too I'm at 99 today!!!!

DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

(sorry peach3es, I got a little wild and he snuck past me!)

We are doing the Fantasmic pkg that same day at the same restaurant and ALMOST the same time! Our ressie is for 4:30pm! See you there!

 

[Dancegrl624]

QOTD - All of our ressies are for restaurants I've never eaten at. I'm looking foward to our 8:05am ADR for the Crystal Palace. It should be so cool walking through an empty park. I know that my DD will love the PSB lunch at Norway...I'm a little worried about the food for me though. I'm a picky eater.

I'd have to say my fav place to eat though is Cosmic Ray's. I've always loved that place. So many different things to choose from and LOTS of seating!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Let me get this right.... now that I have the Hollywood and Vine package I'm guaranteed a seat? How does it work? When we finish dinner do we just hang out and show some sort of special receipt or something to get in first? (Sorry if this is elementary but I'm new at this!)

Yes, you are pretty much guaranteed a seat. You still have to go early, but not near as early as if you didn't have the package. After dinner they will give you a Fantasmic voucher. Then about 30-40 minutes prior to the show you can enter through the special entrance (don't go to the regular Fantasmic entrance) near Oscars at the front of the park. The seating will be on the right side of the arena. Not front and center seats, but still good. We like to sit near the back anyway so we can beat it out of there as soon as it's over!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm also reading distherapy's trip report and its totally making me want to be able to write mine NOW!!

But I must finish that PTR first LOL

 

[BellaSoleil]

Let me get this right.... now that I have the Hollywood and Vine package I'm guaranteed a seat? How does it work? When we finish dinner do we just hang out and show some sort of special receipt or something to get in first? (Sorry if this is elementary but I'm new at this!)

I guessing you are talking about Fantasmic. The dinner package does reserve you a seat. When I worked at Fantasmic, they gave you a reciept type thing and you show it to the person working the dinner package section of the theater. The seats are either to the left or right side, I don't think they will be in the center.

Secret to getting GREAT seats after the theater is packed.

**If you have a small party, have one adult in the party check the front-center to see if there are any open seats. I could almost always snag a few seats for people down there. The first guest too arrive usually feel entitled to spread out and make lots of extra room for themselves. Just ask if anyone is sitting there and make sure to smile very sweet. It always worked for me out of 'costume'.

 

[PEANUT1]

Soleiel...It is really hard leaving kids at home. I won't lie.We talked about them constantly and it was always "Abby would love this, or remember Belle last time we came". I am glad my husband and I did it, but we won't do it again anytime soon. My husband is even talking about taking the kids on our Hawaii trip next year instead of leaving them with my folks.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Soleiel...It is really hard leaving kids at home. I won't lie.We talked about them constantly and it was always "Abby would love this, or remember Belle last time we came". I am glad my husband and I did it, but we won't do it again anytime soon. My husband is even talking about taking the kids on our Hawaii trip next year instead of leaving them with my folks.

I'm having such a hard time with it now. It was fine until she fell in love with Mickey Mouse. I just know I'm going to lose it every time I see him. I really hope that my mom will want to come along for a few days. It's going to be hard on her, though. She's a teacher and will be returning from Christmas break that week.

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

Going by our past January trips, two shows a week should make the line horrible . In 2007 we were in line one hour early and in 2008, 45 minutes early. The time we got there an hour before show, we ended up off center by a few sections and near the top. The time we got there 45 minutes early, we sat all the way to the far left on the end of a row (and we were lucky to get a seat!) Remember, this was when they had seven shows a week (during the "slow" season). Two shows (unfortunately) are probably going to make it even worse. I hope I'm wrong, but we'll see.

Ewwww really? Last year in April I walked in just as it started and sat off to the right in the top section. It wasn't bad at all, though I would have prefered to sit a section more center. I was hoping to walk in under the hour since it's January!
Phooey! (Is that how you spell Phooey???? lol)

 

[trixiequilts]

That's how I'd spell phooey.

 

[danceintherain]

I almost finished responding to everybody, and then I accidentally deleted it...

Hello Snowbirds!
I'm finally caught up from the weekend!

Madison! Meghan, I noticed that you already updated your signature!

to the new Snowbirds!

Andrea--have you taken the autotrain before? I think that sounds cool. I looked into it, but it was really expensive! Nearly $900 round trip for us and a car. We could fly out of BWI and rent a car for less than that. We're planning to drive...but are considering taking the autotrain one-way back north.

QOTD...we haven't been to WDW since the Stitch attraction opened, but I really disliked Alien Encounter and will probably skip Stitch. I thought AE was really unpleasant.



That is hilarious!

That reminds me... Stitch is actually my least favorite ride. The over the shoulder harnesses came down too far on my shoulders, so I was in pain throughout most of the duration. I probably will never ride Stitch again.

QOTD: You know I would have to agree on Test Track. The first time it's cool, but frankly I've had more exciting (or terrifying) cabs ride through NYC.

For those of you who can donate to Locks of Love, GO FOR IT! and Thank you! My little cousin was one of the kids to get one of their wigs and it was so great for her! It's such a worthy cause! So is Make-a-wish, one of the reasons I will love Disney forever!!!!

Those bikers that pull the people on the carts are definitely more scary than the cab rides. I know from experience....

While I was reading that thread about the characters , DD crawled into her brothers' room. I went to check on her and found that she had gotten into their "hat basket". She had only pulled three hats out...a pirate hat, a Pluto hat, and a Sorcerer Mickey hat. Guess I'm raising her right!

Meanwhile, I had a good (unrelated) idea for Disney marketing..."Discounts Your Way"! They could offer your choice of a combination of room discounts (varying based on what other options you chose), ticket upgrades, and free or reduced-price dining plans. Think I can convince them? For example, we already have park tickets and aren't that interested in the dining plan, so we'd take a maximum room discount. (I'd love to stay at the Poly, where we stayed when I was little, but calculated that I'd need a 67% discount to make it comparable to SOG ) Other people might choose a smaller room discount and free hopper upgrades, or whatever. What do you think?

Good plan!

Snowbird friends... I just have to share... today I am dancing because I had a great work day... I sell real estate in central New York.... not a great market but pretty steady... and today I had over $700000 in sales ( our average home price is around $150000).... its a great reason for me to party.....

We love the cruise...I really had to convince Mom to give up the cruise to spend 10 days WDW.

We love Chef Mickey's...that was my little sister's one dinner request this trip...we missed it the last 2 trips.

What night is MK open till 2 am...it would be really great to ride things in the dark that late.

I know it's early but I have a QOTD:
What restaurant are looking forward to eating at the most? What will you order?

I have never eaten at any of the restaurants that I have scheduled, so I'm VERY excited about all of them.
My most favorite is probably Le Cellier though... I'm planning on ordering the Filet Mignon and the Chocolate Moose.

I think it's a great idea, Shelly! And I see I'm falling...nearly out of the top 10 posters. Well, I have to remedy that! Watch out, BellaSoliel...I'm on your tail!

I would like to mention something. I hope it's okay. I'm part of a scrapbooking board, and yesterday there was a message to pray for one of our regular members whose son woke up with a headache and was crying in pain. He was unable to walk or see well. Danny was 5. They rushed him to the hospital and they found a 4cm tumor on his brain stem. They operated immediately, but Danny slipped into a coma and he was brain dead by last night. They kept him breathing so his grandmother could come and say goodbye.

If you are so inclined, pray for this poor family.

I know that's a sad note to end with this morning. Sorry for being a downer. But when I woke and read about this tragedy, I thought this family could use all the prayer support they could get.

Aww... stories like that are so sad. I hope the family finds peace.

All of you Cruisers are making me jealous!!!

Me too!

Here are some pics and description of Duck Confit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_confit

QOTD: I can't decide between Le Cellier and Ca Grill for my most anticipated meal... I'm a little nervous because we have an early dinner (5:15, I think) planned for Le Cellier which means the kids will have to power through a full day without a nap. Last trip they napped each day and we ate at resorts, but this year they're not really napping so much at home so we're hoping they can do it. I'd hate to cancel that ADR! (Of course, it would probably make someone's day and I'd rather cancel than have 2 terrible kids at dinner!)


Peach3s - so sorry about Danny's family. That is so heartbreaking.

You could either have a sleep-in day, or a REALLY early day, where you get up and get to whichever park has Morning EMH then you could still do a midday break, and maybe get a nap in. Of course if you always get up for Morning EMH then this wouldn't really be a solution.

OK All of you early January snowbirds who attend fantasmic have to fill us late Snowbirds in on the line situation!!!!

Now I'm getting nervous too! I love this show but was hoping to show up within the hour and get a seat since it's a slow time, but with only 2 shows a week it might be PACKED!

Yeah!... wait... that's me.

I have weird memories of things, so I don't really remember waiting that long for Fantasmic the last time we went, and we got seats front and center. Of course I always enjoy talking to my family while we wait, and we didn't have any little kids with us. I'll have to pay close attention to duration this time. We'll probably get in line pretty early, or hope to be rude and squeeze in down front later on There's only two of us...

 

[Dancegrl624]

Just read the blog on the front page of the Dis and I read about it on Allears.net too. The pictures look amazing and I can't wait to take my DD there! She did a whole dinosaur unit last year in school and just adores dinosaurs! I guess there's even a Build-A-Dino in the gift shop (just like Build-A-Bear). I might have to let my DD make one.

 

[danceintherain]

Maybe I should stop multiquoting in all my messages, then I'd make top ten...


I have some exciting news! I went to a meeting with my adviser yesterday. Usually, I resent these meetings, because it's really just a technicality where I have to go and have her lift my flag so I can enroll. I pretty much always have my schedule mapped out perfectly, and she's made some snide remarks to me about stuff in the past, (Ex. Oh you're taking the easy way) so I don't really like speaking with her, but I haven't really felt like changing my adviser, because I don't have very much time left.
Anyways... I had my whole schedule of 15 credits mapped out for her to "approve" (usually I change what classes I end up taking when I've spent more time thinking about it) and she told me that by her calculations I only have 7 credits left to take in the Spring. This news is very exciting, because I thought I would have to take a full load, and she thinks I won't. I'm going to go ahead and enroll in the 15, but I'm getting a "graduation check" done. They'll get back to me at the end of November or the beginning of December with how many credits I have left to graduation, and if their numbers match her numbers, then I can drop 8 credits. I am particularly pleased about this news, because it means I'll only have to pay for 7 credits, which will save me around $1500 of debt, plus I could potentially get a full time job, because 7 credits is cake.

I also got my license renewed yesterday for my birthday next month, and it only took me like 10 minutes, which amazed me, because I'm used to waiting for hours to do anything at the DMV.

Yesterday was a good day! Hopefully, the end of the month will be just as good and we'll all get discounts!

 

[peach3es]

DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

(sorry peach3es, I got a little wild and he snuck past me!)

Aw, now...come on! I can't be away from you all for a second! I might need some Disco Dan reiforcements to keep this place Disco Dan free!

Alrighty...it's midnight. Friends just left after playing a rousing game of settlers of Catan. I didn't win! But it was FUN!

Nighty night, PEEEEEEEPS!