Looking to create "This Magic Moment"

[bopper]

For Hoop-de-doo...honestly I would ask you what part of the country are you from? If east coast/west coast....read the description and see if that is something you would enjoy.

 

[MermaidMommy]

On our trip last month, we did something a little different, that I don't often see mentioned on the boards. It's a private viewing space for Illuminations, called the Italy Overlook. (Not to be confused with the Italy Isola, which is a larger space on the lagoon.) It's a little balcony that's attached to the furthest Italy building on the right when you're facing the pavilion, and there's just enough room for two people. We lucked into it as "guest recovery," so it was free for us, but I think it's usually $125 dollars -- by far, the cheapest "special event" you can reserve at Disney.

A CM met us there at 8:30 and let us through the gate at the bottom of the stairs, and then we had the space to ourselves until Illuminations was over. It was really great -- no crowds, PERFECT view, and we brought drinks and snacks with us to enjoy while we waited.

With as many good places as there are to see Illuminations, it might not be worth it for everyone, but it's not all that much more expensive than the dessert party, and it was a lot of fun.

 

[revdon64]

Since you're staying value you'll have QS dining, so lots of counter service meals. In that instance I'd splurge for a nice signature restaurant. California Grill near fireworks would be my go to.

 

[mindeola]

I would tour a few resorts. Maybe get drinks and apps at one, head to the next for dinner and a third for dessert.

 

[LottieDah]

Have you checked into how much more it would cost to stay at Riverside? We have stayed at All Star Movies and Pop and the difference between value and moderate is well worth it, especially for an adult trip. It's where we stayed the first time we went sans kids and it became our favorite resort with or without the family.

They aren't offering free dining at Riverside during our trip dates. I would've been all over that! lol Trust me. That's my favorite moderate.

 

[LottieDah]

For Hoop-de-doo...honestly I would ask you what part of the country are you from? If east coast/west coast....read the description and see if that is something you would enjoy.

We are from the South. We are used to that kind of humor. We've been to Pigeon Forge several times so I pretty much know what to expect with Hoop-dee-doo.

 

[Lavitz]

I would book a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservations for 10 minutes before park closing. Not only do you get to dine in the castle but by the time you're finished the park has been closed for a good hour or hour and a half and you get to walk down main street all by yourselves. Did this by accident 5 years ago and it was great, we took 15 minutes to slowly walk down and take pictures. It was like having WDW all to ourselves, there was only 2 other people in view the whole way down.

 

[LottieDah]

A lot of people recommending the resort hopping tour. Someone also suggested dinner at California Grill followed up by some Holiday Wishes. Those together sound like a PERFECT evening with a little of everything. (I would be into the carriage ride idea except that we see horses almost daily. lol We live about half an hour from Lexington, KY----huge horse mecca----So it's not that big a deal for us. But I totally get the romance of it. Especially for people who never get to be around horses.)

Also, after seeing the tiered pricing for the 2016 parties, I'm seriously (SERIOUSLY) considering dropping it altogether. I just don't know if I can stomach $200 on top of regular park tickets for the Christmas party. It's just a lot. Does anyone have any input on what makes this party worth that much? (I can plan California Grill around some Holiday Wishes and watch the parade on Youtube! )

We could do the resort hopping tour and California Grill (with our free dining savings) AND do Hoop-dee-doo (with our saved party money) and have some left over for whatever.

 

[LottieDah]

I would book a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservations for 10 minutes before park closing. Not only do you get to dine in the castle but by the time you're finished the park has been closed for a good hour or hour and a half and you get to walk down main street all by yourselves. Did this by accident 5 years ago and it was great, we took 15 minutes to slowly walk down and take pictures. It was like having WDW all to ourselves, there was only 2 other people in view the whole way down.

That sounds awesome!

 

[Jhondy210]

I would do La Nouba! We did that last trip and I loved the show! The theater was small so all seats appeared to be pretty good but prices for tickets can be pricey. However, that is a show I continually talk about and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time not wanting the show to end.

However, if that is priced to much I would do a nice dinner at either a fun restaurant like 50's PTC or Sci-fi or do a nice romantic dinner at Narcoossee's. They have great lobster!