Last minute trip..need help!!

[disneymamaof2boys]

I have convinced my husband to do a last minute Land/Sea Disney trip. It will be myself, DH, DS 15 and DS 13. We are kind of tied to the days we can go due to other commitments so it is a split up stay worked around the cruise. We will be arriving on 12/31 at MCO around 12:30 PM (I know bad timing) Staying at Pop until 1/2 when we leave for 3 day cruise. Back at Disney on 1/5 staying at POFQ until late evening on 1/7 we could extend this to the 8th if needed.

I am looking for any suggestions you may have on what to hit first, dining etc.
We have been to Disney many times but not since they started fastpass+ (will I even be able to use that this late) and never during the holiday season. We usually go in February but I so wanted to see the decorations.

Does anyone know when they stop the holiday lights at the castle and take down decorations in general?

Where should we go on arrival day? It looks like that is the last day for the MK holiday parade, is that true? We were hoping to avoid MK that day and maybe do HS as I hear MK is a bear on New Years eve.

I have also heard that you can view the MK fireworks from the contemporary if we wanted to leave HS for that (don't think we are doing park hoppers) somewhere without actually going to MK, is that true?

Lastly, what are the chances that there will be openings for dining? I have looked briefly and there are still options. We are not horribly picky and can find something I am sure. The only one I REALLY want is breakfast at Chef Mickey's. We have never missed that during a trip. Nothing available now, but could that change?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much

 

[Grumpy92]

First you are going to be there the busiest week of the entire year for WDW. Dont try to be overly ambitious with what you will be able to accomplish. It will not be the same as Feb. Add in the fact that crowds have set records in the parks this year duirng normal months. It will be wall to wall people. We usually get the top 3-5 must do attractions from each family member, focus on those and realize anything else will have very long lines. Arriving early is a must.

Decorations - By the end of the week of Jan 9th the decorations will really start disappearing. Frozen Holiday Wishes last night is Dec 31. Holiday Wishes last showing is Dec 30

Times & Dates for Holiday events - Take a look at this site for dates and times
http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holidays-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm

As you are arriving on NYEs you probably wont be able to get into the parks. Most are filled to capacity by 11am to noon. You can always check with the FD when you arrive to see if any of the parks are open to resort guest. As a resort guest you are guaranteed entrance into the park, but it may not be the park of your choice.

Fireworks - There is a bus to the CR from HS. Normally this is a good location to watch fireworks. But on NYE special NYE parties usually take the best viewing locations. I suggest the FW beach they have a great view.

Dining - Check periodically and often for cancellations. If you want anything NYE or NYs day I would strongly just book any restuarant that would be acceptable. Remember those crowds. IF you wait you choice will be limited to QS locations only. Dis has also started a forum for restaurant cxl you might check that out. Guest post the ADR online that they want to cxl and then will transfer the ADR to you.

Other suggestions - You might want to take the hayride at FW. The campers go all out decorating! Have dinner at Trails End or take in the free Campfire with Chip & Dale/Movie.
GF lobby in the evening for gingerbread and xmas music.
Osbourne lights are incredible and rumor has it this might be their last year.
The candlelight processional is the best show at WDW, book a dinner pkg to avoid the long line.

 

[disneymamaof2boys]

Thanks so much for the information. Luckily we have been many times so if we don't get to ride something it won't be a major issue, done it before. With the exception of the new Seven Dwarfs ride in MK. I will get on making dining reservations etc.

Does anyone know how the tickets will work since it is split. I was going to add a 5 day ticket onto our initial reservation at pop. How long after first use is it good? Will it still work for us after the cruise? Also, for fast pass, will I be able to make reservations for the 5, 6 and 7 on a ticket purchased for the 31st and first.

If I call rather than make 3 different reservations will they be able to link all of this together?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[mrsmomo]

As far as I know they are good for 14 days but I'm sure a ticket expert will correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[disneymamaof2boys]

Thanks, it looks like you are correct, tickets will be good. I have everything booked now except for the flight so making progress. Now to do some research and decide what days for what parks and book fast passes and dining. The only dining I was concerned with was Chef Mickey breakfast and after looking several times over a few days I got one for our last day. SO EXCITED!!