Just Back, A Few Thoughts(Yikes, this got long)

[CamColt]

What a great 10 days we had! Disney at Christmas time is something to see. I wouldnt want to do it every year because a part of me does feel like we missed Christmas, but I would definitely do it again. It was really a great trip!

We did all 4 parks and got everything we wanted to do done...and more. When we got to the parks for opening, especially EE, there were no lines whatsoever. Even on Christmas at MK we walked on 4 rides from 8:00-9:00, then went to breakfast. Yesterday(12/29) MK was absolutely mobbed when we arrived around 11:00. You could barely walk. FP return times were for 5 or 6 hours away while a lot of standby waits were over an hour. Our TTC driver later told us that they closed the gates around 11:00

Weather was great...not a drop of rain for 10 whole days! But, it was a little chilly, ok downright cold some nights and mornings. Our first night there(12/20) we were wearing our winter coats and gloves, and were still freezing standing outside. We did get into shorts 4 or 5 times and actually made it in the pool once too.

We saw Fantasmic, Illuminations, Spectro, and Wishes(once in MK, once from Poly beach). Fantasmic was incredible as always, and I thought Wishes was great. I liked it a lot better than FITS(which I did like too). Illuminations is a great show, but I still dont get why thats the favorite of a lot of people. I made sure we had a very good view this time(we never have) because I was determined to "get it", but I still think Fantasmic and Wishes are way better. However, I overheard a family talking and they were saying Wishes doesnt even compare to Illuminations, so I guess everyone does have their own opinions. We also saw the Christmas Parade which was great, and Mickeys Jamin Jungle Parade at AK, which I thought was just ok. I expected a lot more.

We stayed at the Swan for the first time and the Poly. Ill write my thoughts on those on the resort board.

Overall we found mostly friendly and considerate guests and CMs. Sure there was an occasional ankle clip by a stroller, but thats to be expected, LOL! Once again, we had trouble getting correct info from 2 different CMs in 2 different parks. And my biggest complaint about the parks was with rides breaking down. We waited in line for VOTLM for about 15 minutes for the first show(I had dragged the kids out of bed to get there by 8:00), just to be told the first show was cancelled. Then we waited for Universe of Energy for about 20 minutes, saw the preshow only to be told the ride wasnt working...then it happened to us again later in the day! TTA, And Buzz(2x) broke down on us too. Ok, maybe Im just mad that the first time Buzz broke on us they cleared my 166,000 and we were still in the first room.

I will try to get to restaurant reviews soon, and eventually a trip report. Unfortunately, the laundry is calling my name. Any questions, just ask!

 

[curious16]

I'm leaving on Saturday for 3 1/2 days at Disney and all I can say is...there are so many codes. What are these shows that you speak of and where are they? I have seen Fantasmic at Disneyland and it is great, but what is Wishes and Illuminations and where are they? I'm staying at the Contemporary so hopefully I will have easy access to this stuff..your tips are appreciated!

 

[pnelson]

Okay, what in the world is VOTLM? What dates were you there? Would you do it again? We went from Nov. 28 through Dec. 10-While we liked it, it did make our Christmas season very rushed when we got back. I was fantizing about how nice it would be to go on vacation when I didn't have Christmas plans hanging over my head!!!! Like in February...

 

[kbkids]

VOTLM is Voyage of the Little Mermaid. There is a link around here somewhere that has all of the codes - don't know what it is, maybe someone else can supply it.


Fantasmic is the laser/fireworks on the water (awesome show!) at MGM in the evenings.

Wishes is the fireworks presentation at Magic Kingdom at night.

And Illuminations is the laser show on the water at Epcot, again at night.

FITS that she spoke of is Fantasy in the Sky, the old fireworks display at Magic Kingdom that they no longer do.

FP - Fast Pass
EE - Early Entry
TTA - Tomorrowland Transportation Authority

Did I miss any?

Took me awhile too - don't feel bad!

 

[CamColt]

LOL! Sorry about that. I think Im getting a little carried away. Thanks for the translations kbkids.
Pnelson, we were there from 12/20-12/29. I would do it again. Not next year, and not every year, but I would go back for Christmas....especially if I could get my family to come too.
As for Christmas I made myself finish my shopping early, knowing I would want to enjoy the packing, last minute planning, excitement, etc... I usually host Christmas Eve at my house but told my family I would do it on New Years Eve instead, so we will do all our presents then. That took a little pressure off, however like I said it made me feel like we missed Christmas. But it was worth it for one year.

 

[kbkids]

We went the first week in December, and I would definitely do that again. I already had almost all of the gifts bought by Thanksgiving, put up the tree and did all of the decorations on the Friday after Thanksgiving. So, when we got back, pretty much everything was done except for a handful of gifts, and I had time to relax and really enjoy Christmas, kid's parties at schools, church programs, etc. This has actually been one of our least stressful Christmases ever since I had to force myself to do everything in very early - started shopping in October. I still actually ended up in Walmart on Christmas Eve though (I was so aggravated with myself) because I forgot the baking soda for "Santa's footprints." My kids would have been so dissappointed without it though.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

sounds like you guys had a great time. Our anniv. is the beg. of december , we were thinking of trying to go next year at that time esp. since we have never seen the christmas dec. up . I had friends that went for christmas and they loved it. The only thing is i would have to take dd out of high school. but we'll see. Well anyone going for New Years we hope you have a great time...