January 2010. . . Anyone else going???

[MelXThree]

OK I know it's still 5 months and 1 week until I leave and I'm ALREADY changing things. I was booked to stay at ASM but I heard som not great things about the buses there after the marathon so I decided to rent DVC points and I am now staying at SSR!! Anyone ever been there? I hope it's nice and I hope the buses are OK I don't really care about the park buses I'm mostly worried about after the marathon...I don't want to run for 5 hours and then wait and hour for a bus Sorry about the swiching already...this should be the last time

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Total off topic Vent:
I got up a few hours ago, went to make coffee and found my brand new bottle of my favorite (LIQUID) creamer in the pantry! It's supposed to be refrigerated. I'm blaming hubby because he put things away since I shopped. (And a side-story...two wks ago when I was at the store, they were OUT so I had to get some Caribbean Cinnamon. It was OK but not my Chocolate-Caramel. then yesterday when we got it, there was only one bottle, so I did a little "I got my creamer" dance in Wal-Mart).

So a few minutes ago I broke down and went to get the so-so powder creamer that my MIL gave me out of the pantry and smelled something dead-potato like. UGH! What a morning! I'm thinking a drive to STL Bread Co to get a mocha is in order!

 

[LoveKermit]

Total off topic Vent:
I got up a few hours ago, went to make coffee and found my brand new bottle of my favorite (LIQUID) creamer in the pantry! It's supposed to be refrigerated. I'm blaming hubby because he put things away since I shopped. (And a side-story...two wks ago when I was at the store, they were OUT so I had to get some Caribbean Cinnamon. It was OK but not my Chocolate-Caramel. then yesterday when we got it, there was only one bottle, so I did a little "I got my creamer" dance in Wal-Mart).

So a few minutes ago I broke down and went to get the so-so powder creamer that my MIL gave me out of the pantry and smelled something dead-potato like. UGH! What a morning! I'm thinking a drive to STL Bread Co to get a mocha is in order!

Our coffee pot exploded twice this morning (it's now resting in peace in the garbage can). Then I went to open a new container of Brummel & Brown and the seal wasn't on tightly. So, it's resting with the coffee pot. What's with today?

 

[baj0505]

Jan 1-2 SSR Studio
Jan 2-7 BCV 1 Bdroom

2nd Annual January trip - we love it! Although it can be a challenge packing for 3 possible seasons, 30-40 degrees, 50-60s, 70-low 80s

I think Disney can control the weather - its funny when the temp suddently drops and people are all standing in line at the gift shops asking for hats and gloves.

 

[KatiebugsMom]

Well DH dropped the bomb on me this morning......How about we add more days to our trip? Really??? Well of course the THV are not available to add the 3 days. So made another ressie and staying the 3 days down the path at SSR (2bdrm was available). Yeah me..... So add 16th thru 18th. This aligns the days with the couple who are staying in the THV with us. They were thinking of going down the weekend before, so now we all go together.



I second the laughing at the Store lines of people buying hats and gloves.....I laughed before until this past January....Exhibit A....January 20th Inaguration day. Arrived at MCO, in 30 degee weather. Walked around in Epcot in 20 degrees. (Do not even think about riding Test Track - 20 degrees and 60 miles an hour equals frostbite). The Helly Hansen furlined coat in Norway looked really good even at $250.00. Luckily a week later the entire store was 50-60% off. The coat came home with me and will be going back with me January 2010.

So how is everybody else today?

 

[brobrosmom]

Hey everyone - I am curious to see what everyone is planning to do for dining in January. Are you planning on doing any of the dining plans or just paying as you go? I don't think they have ever offered free dining in January but I could be wrong.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Our coffee pot exploded twice this morning (it's now resting in peace in the garbage can). Then I went to open a new container of Brummel & Brown and the seal wasn't on tightly. So, it's resting with the coffee pot. What's with today?

Glad I'm not the only one. I still haven't ventured out to buy more creamer but I will...can't get thru another morning without it!

I'm rethinking our Jan. trip. Going over bills, etc, Unless we come into some unexpected money, I don't know how we'll do it! Last year my rationale was, we were planning on getting a decent tax refund, so I justified charging it and paying it off when we got our refund. Which I pretty much did, but Let's just say they weren't empty when we started. And then we bought a sofa, and then our fridge went out...I just can't justify charging anymore! Especially since we've already booked a cruise for next July (thanks to my parents) but we'll still have to come up with a few thousand bucks for our airfare, excursions and spending money for the four of us!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Glad I'm not the only one. I still haven't ventured out to buy more creamer but I will...can't get thru another morning without it!

I'm rethinking our Jan. trip. Going over bills, etc, Unless we come into some unexpected money, I don't know how we'll do it! Last year my rationale was, we were planning on getting a decent tax refund, so I justified charging it and paying it off when we got our refund. Which I pretty much did, but Let's just say they weren't empty when we started. And then we bought a sofa, and then our fridge went out...I just can't justify charging anymore! Especially since we've already booked a cruise for next July (thanks to my parents) but we'll still have to come up with a few thousand bucks for our airfare, excursions and spending money for the four of us!

I hope everything works out.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I hope everything works out.

Me, too! Just having a pity-party kinda day...I'm sure when it comes down, hubby will probably just say we're going! He's as big a Disney nut as I am! If I could just get things paid down a little, I'd feel better about it!

BUT, to the poster who asked about dining plans...If we go...
YES, we'll do the regular Dining plan, and our ADR's will be
Whispering Canyon Cafe (3rd time)
Ohana (4th time)
Crystal Palace breakfast (trying for the 1st time)
Biergaten (4th time, maybe 5th??)
Coral Reef (1st try)
Big River Grille (1st try)
Sci Fi Diner (1st try
You'll come to see we LOVE talking Disney food on this thread! I could go for some Biergarten tomato salad right about now...would go great with the burgers we're getting ready to grill!!

 

[BellaSoleil]

We will be doing the regular DP- did Deluxe last time and it was way too much food!

Our ADRs-
HoopDeeDoo
Akershus
Les Chefs De France (lunch)
OHana
CRT (breakfast)
Yak&Yeti

We need to try something new, but I'm going to wait until we get a real schedule going. We will be making plans around ADR's.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

2nd Annual January trip - we love it! Although it can be a challenge packing for 3 possible seasons, 30-40 degrees, 50-60s, 70-low 80s

I think Disney can control the weather - its funny when the temp suddently drops and people are all standing in line at the gift shops asking for hats and gloves.

DD and her family are going with us in January. I bought a jacket for DGS and she was saying it is going to be too heavy for WDW in January. I told her NO WAY...yep, a couple of days it may be too warm for the jacket. But we will be there 10 days and it is VERY likely he will need the jacket, gloves and a hat while we are there. We will see who is right!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

HI! Momof2: I think I was on a stroller swap with you last year? Maybe? At any rate, we will be in The World again this year January 23-29 at OKW!!! ADD US TO THE LIST BABY!!!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

To the PP, yes we will be doing dining plan. Our ADR's will include:
Prime Time Diner
CRT (dinner)
Chefs or Cellier
and 3 undecided!

Hubby wants to eat in the parks as much as possible this year. I want LTT but he doesn't think that is any big deal. "I mean, it's Thanksgiving food. What's the big deal?" Whatever.

So I am open for alternatives for MK TS!!!

We WILL however, eat lunch at least once at Puck Express in DTD. The best CS last year by a LONG SHOT!!!

 

[brobrosmom]

I am undecided about the dining plan. If we do decide to do it, I have planned the meals to what I think would be best for small children: basically a lot of character meals. I know that I we can eat CS OOP with 1 or 2 TS meals for much cheaper. Also, I am not sure I want the trip to be that "planned".

My friend just did the DDP for the first time and she did not like it. She said that they spent a lot of their park time on dining: waiting for a table (40 min or so) and then eating. Now she did go during free dining and during a busy season so maybe it would be different in January.

Here are my dining plans if I decide to do the DDP:

Garden Grill dinner
1900 Park Fare dinner
Hollywood and Vine breakfast
Crystal Palace breakfast
Biergarten dinner
Sci-Fi lunch
Ohana breakfast

If anyone has experience with dining during January, please let me know how long the waits were. Did you spend a lot of your time on the dining experience?

 

[Monny2AE]

I'm rethinking our Jan. trip. Going over bills, etc, Unless we come into some unexpected money, I don't know how we'll do it! Last year my rationale was, we were planning on getting a decent tax refund, so I justified charging it and paying it off when we got our refund. Which I pretty much did, but Let's just say they weren't empty when we started. And then we bought a sofa, and then our fridge went out...I just can't justify charging anymore! Especially since we've already booked a cruise for next July (thanks to my parents) but we'll still have to come up with a few thousand bucks for our airfare, excursions and spending money for the four of us!

Although a trip to the World seems wonderful- sometimes you have to be practical. We did the same thing last year- tax refund paid it off. This year that can't happen. It has to be paid for before we leave or we don't go. We didn't foresee DH's truck taking a dump and we still owe on it. I'm hoping it doesn't change our plans but we've already said that Disney is going to be put off for a year unless a good deal comes out.

That said, I am DETERMINED it will happen and have started an account dh doesn't know about for the trip. So far I have $873 in it! I'm about 99% sure I can make this trip happen- unless another unforeseen emergency comes up.

I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out for you.

 

[brobrosmom]

Ohh, how the small things make me happy! Got my email this morning with my new room rates which means that my Disney trip is getting closer AND I just rented my double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals which also means that my Disney trip is getting closer!

Only 5 months and 3 weeks left to plan!

 

[Monny2AE]

Welcome to all the new Snowbirds!

I think I have everyone's changes and additions!


January 2010 Snowbirds

Grammyjudy Jan ??? CBR
Disney_mommy Jan ??? POP
Boomnleon Jan ??? AKL
Dancingdisneygirl Jan ??? AKL
Campbellscot Jan ??? ???
Princessbride6205 Jan ??? CBR

Lala3291 Dec 26-Jan 2 GF
Krissy04 Dec 31-Jan 9 THV/BLT
Baj0505 Jan 1-7 SSR/BCV
PrincessDreamer Jan 2-6 ???
Bellasoleil Jan 2-8 POFQ
Tmb1203 Jan 3-7 BLT
Lesliedpb Jan 3-8 Poly
Willonlyflytodisney Jan 3-10 BLT
Meriface11 Jan 4-9 AKV
Wvjules Jan 5-10 ???
QTnursestudent Jan 5-11 POR
Tinamcteer Jan 5-12 POP
Modeltrf Jan 5-?? AKV/OKW/BWV
Targsmom Jan 6-11 ???
Jo Jan 6-13 WL
Motherofaballerina Jan 6-13 ???
Crystalcastle Jan 6-13 ???
Mermaid02 Jan 6-14 CBR
KarlaG4Kids Jan 7-16 ASSp
Mickeymit Jan 8-10 ???
MelXThree Jan 8-11 SSR
Hmbbears Jan 8-13 WL
Disney Freak Jan 8-15 BLT
Letthewookiewin Jan 8-16 CR
Bubsmoljo Jan 8-17 ???
Greewe Jan 9-13 THV
Peanut1 Jan 9-15 THV
Meandmytwogirls Jan 9-16 CBR
Alecam Jan 9-16 Offsite
Tmkinney Jan 9-16 ???
Mickeyfollowers Jan 10-16 AKV/POP
Daleandmia Jan 10-18 CBR/AKL
Girlsn980103 Jan 11-15 SSR
Jeanylaser Jan 14-17 POFQ
Minniemair Jan 14-18 ???
Bdiddy Jan 15-?? ???
OC_stacylace Jan 16-23 AKV
Carmell226 Jan 16-23 BCV
Lacrosse_lady72 Jan 17-22 AKV
Robinbutterfly Jan 17-23 BLT
Skywaywaver Jan 17-22 BLT & Jan 22-24 WL
Katiebugsmom Jan 16-26 SSR/THV
Disney4nonah Jan 19-26 Pop
Kazooie01 Jan 20-27 CSR
Hkeller27 Jan 21-27 BLT
Hebbynan Jan 21-30 ASMo
Bc_butterfly Jan 21-31
Pianoronni37 Jan 22-29 WL
Drakes Jan 22-30 ???
Christa112 Jan 22-30 AKV
PeterPansGirl Jan 22-30 Pop
Djr0129 Jan 23-30 ???
Boog's Mommy Jan 22-30 CSR
Bunkkinsmom Jan 23-29 OKW
Brobrosmom Jan 23-30 CBR
Mvansear Jan 23-30 CR
Sueh Jan 23-30 POFQ
Monny2AE Jan 23-30 CBR
Momto2prncchrmgs Jan 23-30 POP
Hroyale Jan 24-31 BCV/AKV-K
Overburnzz Jan 24-30 POP
Lizziejane Jan 24-Feb 1 BWV
Hoosiermom Jan 25-30 WL
MusicMouseJan 30-Feb 6
Momof2J’sJan 30-Feb 6[/FONT][/SIZE]

 

[Monny2AE]

Dining Topic- We did the QSDDP last time and liked it. The best part was having it all paid for in advance and not having to worry about getting that extra snack or desert and getting the bill.
I really want to look more at the CS restaurants and plan a little more this time though to get our money's worth. We probably broke even with DH and I but definitely saved some cash on DS- you can't get 2 meals and 2 snacks for $9 OOP.

Ohh, how the small things make me happy! Got my email this morning with my new room rates which means that my Disney trip is getting closer AND I just rented my double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals which also means that my Disney trip is getting closer!

Only 5 months and 3 weeks left to plan!

Woo Hoo I got my email too!!! And I just realized my ticker says 5 months 2 weeks now!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am undecided about the dining plan. If we do decide to do it, I have planned the meals to what I think would be best for small children: basically a lot of character meals. I know that I we can eat CS OOP with 1 or 2 TS meals for much cheaper. Also, I am not sure I want the trip to be that "planned".

My friend just did the DDP for the first time and she did not like it. She said that they spent a lot of their park time on dining: waiting for a table (40 min or so) and then eating. Now she did go during free dining and during a busy season so maybe it would be different in January.

Here are my dining plans if I decide to do the DDP:

Garden Grill dinner
1900 Park Fare dinner
Hollywood and Vine breakfast
Crystal Palace breakfast
Biergarten dinner
Sci-Fi lunch
Ohana breakfast

If anyone has experience with dining during January, please let me know how long the waits were. Did you spend a lot of your time on the dining experience?

We did the DDP last jan (and the Jan before that) and it was wonderful!! In fact, at Garden Grill in '08, we were family of the day!! It was soooo cool!!! Park Fare is good---all the two younger kids wanted was mac & cheese tho!! I did all our TS for supper---we used CS during the day so we could get the rides and stuff out of the way.It usually worked out that we ate lunch while waiting for our time window on a FP. By supper time, we were ready to sit down for a big meal...somedays we had went back and took a little rest and picked up jackets. After we ate, we still had plenty of time to stroll around WS at Epcot, or ride a few more rides and watch fireworks. DDP works out well for us---just one dinner like cinderellas castle, or Le cellier paid for our whole days ddp expense. So, it was like a free lunch and snack. If you are planning to do your time kind of like we do, it works out well. Especially since Jan is slower in the parks...you get more done in a shorter time anyway. I say go for it!!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

I am undecided about the dining plan. If we do decide to do it, I have planned the meals to what I think would be best for small children: basically a lot of character meals. I know that I we can eat CS OOP with 1 or 2 TS meals for much cheaper. Also, I am not sure I want the trip to be that "planned".

My friend just did the DDP for the first time and she did not like it. She said that they spent a lot of their park time on dining: waiting for a table (40 min or so) and then eating. Now she did go during free dining and during a busy season so maybe it would be different in January.

Here are my dining plans if I decide to do the DDP:

Garden Grill dinner
1900 Park Fare dinner
Hollywood and Vine breakfast
Crystal Palace breakfast
Biergarten dinner
Sci-Fi lunch
Ohana breakfast

If anyone has experience with dining during January, please let me know how long the waits were. Did you spend a lot of your time on the dining experience?

I personally think your wait times depend on the restaurant and the time you're there. This last trip, (in January) I don't think we waited more than a few minutes, but most of our ADR's were right around opening (5-ish). The closer you go to "dinner time" 6-7, they're going to be more backed up. And we were at some of the more popular ones, (Ohana, Cali Grill, Tusker Breakfast...).

We think the DDP is worth it. We LOVE doing one sit-down a day. I don't think most of them take up much more time than searching for a CS table. It just depends on each family though!!!