Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[photographymom517]

 

[photographymom517]

Sorry I haven't updated...I've been researching airfare & have been very frustrated! I don't think I can make a decision until June when nonstop flights & Southwest flights are announced. I also just learned that since DS will be 2 1/2 he will need his own seat...oops! Why didn't I know that? Maybe I was too focused on ADR's and which rides/shows to see at what times...

I'm just worried that I will have to change the dates of our trip & lose all of my ADR's that I have put so much planning into! The other night, I spent about an hour printing the resort & park dining menus off of allears.net. I was planning to put them into my Disney binder tonight but can't find my clear page protectors so I will have to wait until I buy more.

Tomorrow or over the weekend I plan to make a list of what we will be doing each day. Tenatively...we will be spending 2 days travelling which means the evening of the first day & the morning of the last day will be spent at our resort or possibly DTD if we aren't too tired. Three days will be spent at the parks...actually 4 now that we have a free ticket from "Give a Day, Get a Day". And the final 2 days will be spent at DTD...one of those days we will go to DTD in the morning, then relax at the resort for a few hours, then head over to the MK for MVMCP. The other DTD day, we will be at the Poly or GF in the morning for the Private Photo Session, then head to our resort to change, then head over to DTD for the afternoon/evening. This of course will probably change a million times before June when I have to make ADR's and stick to a plan!

Promise to update again soon!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Hi!! I'm joining for the ride, we will be there around the same time!!

First, I wouldn't worry about flights yet, airfares are lowest 60-90 days before travel. I'm waiting until, at least, September before booking flights.

As for crowds, I think the weekend after Thanksgiving is busy, but if you are not arriving until Mon the 29th, you will miss the crowds and will have a great time! From what I have read here on the DIS, the 1st week of Dec. thru the week before Christmas, the crowds are light!

The blankets turned out really cute!!

Can't wait to here about the rest of your plans!

 

[Disneychix]

Hi! Just found your PTR! We went during the same week as you this past year. It was GREAT! I loved the atmosphere and the mood of everyone! It just seemed so much more magical to me and the lack of humidity did wonders for our stamina and moods!

Please check out my TR for info on resort photoshoots and Garden Grill. We did both of these in 2009.

We were originally scheduled to leave the Sunday after Thanksgiving but I couldn't justify sending $100 more per person on airfare so I changed it to Monday. It worked out well and we enjoyed the light crowds starting on Monday. I would make that decision again if it came down to it. I didn't really miss the one extra night we would have had plus it gave me time to pack and unwind after Thanksgiving (and to start my shopping!)

 

[photographymom517]

Hi!! I'm joining for the ride, we will be there around the same time!!

First, I wouldn't worry about flights yet, airfares are lowest 60-90 days before travel. I'm waiting until, at least, September before booking flights.

As for crowds, I think the weekend after Thanksgiving is busy, but if you are not arriving until Mon the 29th, you will miss the crowds and will have a great time! From what I have read here on the DIS, the 1st week of Dec. thru the week before Christmas, the crowds are light!

The blankets turned out really cute!!

Can't wait to here about the rest of your plans!

Hi & welcome to my PTR!!! I'm so glad to have followers for my report!

Thanks for the advice on flights, that will help me out a lot! I was thinking about waiting until at least June, but now I will wait longer!

Yes, I do agree with you about the crowds...I've been doing a lot of reading and it seems that the week after Thanksgiving is pretty low with crowds.

Hi! Just found your PTR! We went during the same week as you this past year. It was GREAT! I loved the atmosphere and the mood of everyone! It just seemed so much more magical to me and the lack of humidity did wonders for our stamina and moods!

Please check out my TR for info on resort photoshoots and Garden Grill. We did both of these in 2009.

We were originally scheduled to leave the Sunday after Thanksgiving but I couldn't justify sending $100 more per person on airfare so I changed it to Monday. It worked out well and we enjoyed the light crowds starting on Monday. I would make that decision again if it came down to it. I didn't really miss the one extra night we would have had plus it gave me time to pack and unwind after Thanksgiving (and to start my shopping!)

Welcome!!! I'm glad you found my report. I will definitely visit your TR...that will give me a lot of info since you went the same week & also did alot of the things I'm planning for our trip!!! Plus I just love reading other people's reports!

I know what you mean about leaving on the weekends...it seems that Friday through Sunday the airfare is much higher. I always travel mid-week...seems like there are less people traveling & the prices are always lower! Less $$$ and less stress = happy me!!! I had considered leaving on "Black Friday" but just can't miss out on one last shopping opportunity before leaving on our trip! (its a tradition actually...I have gone shopping with my mom every year since I was probably 5 years old!) I also didn't want to travel the weekend after Thanksgiving because its CRAZY around that time of the year!

Thanks for all the info & I will be reading your TR right now!

 

[Elmo007]

I went the week before Thanksgiving (OK 12 years ago) and it got heavier as it got closer but was never silly. More recently (last year) I went Dec 13-19 and the crowds were very light plus we got free DD. It was easy to get ADR for almost everything (Except Cindellas in MK and the Canada rest in Epcot)

Chef mickey is a lot of fun as is the princess dining in Norway in Epcot.

Also if you can get the dining use two tickets and go to the Candelight processional dining program. A meal, a show and VIP viewing for illuminations is worth the two TS credits in my book.

Also with airfares, dont stress too much. The airline love to annoy their passengers with fares. Once you book, forget about it or you will make yourself crazy.

Also with the little one, bring a bathing suit and towel to DTD. Ther are some small fountains that the kids love playing in. My daughter spent almost two hours splashing around a couple a years back

Finally, you are right to plan. there is nothing worse than wandering around disney and ending up waiting 2-3 hours on a line for a 6 minute ride. I know that when my group gose we have a flexible plan and the larger gaps in time cause stress (try winging dinner with 6 people)

Have fun

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey there! Thought I stop by and say hi!!! The blankets turned out great!!! You should be very proud of yourself! My son and I are volunteering with cradles to crayons, where you basically organize to clothing and toy drive. We have to drop off our donations on 4/3. Now, I am not sure if I will even get the free pass since apparent Disney reached the million volunteer mark so the promo is over. I signed up in Feb though, so who knows? Regardless we are still doing the the drive.

Anyway, see your still fretting over the airfare situation... Me TOO!!! I/m just such a planner and I hate that I am going to have to way till June to see what SW is offering!! Oh well, what can I do. Airtran should be releasing Dec airfare soon... My fingers and toes are crossed that there will be a non-stop flight in there that we can take, but I'm not banking on it thou!

Have a great weekend! Gotta love a rainy Saturday!

 

[photographymom517]

I went the week before Thanksgiving (OK 12 years ago) and it got heavier as it got closer but was never silly. More recently (last year) I went Dec 13-19 and the crowds were very light plus we got free DD. It was easy to get ADR for almost everything (Except Cindellas in MK and the Canada rest in Epcot)

Chef mickey is a lot of fun as is the princess dining in Norway in Epcot.

Also if you can get the dining use two tickets and go to the Candelight processional dining program. A meal, a show and VIP viewing for illuminations is worth the two TS credits in my book.

Also with airfares, dont stress too much. The airline love to annoy their passengers with fares. Once you book, forget about it or you will make yourself crazy.

Also with the little one, bring a bathing suit and towel to DTD. Ther are some small fountains that the kids love playing in. My daughter spent almost two hours splashing around a couple a years back

Finally, you are right to plan. there is nothing worse than wandering around disney and ending up waiting 2-3 hours on a line for a 6 minute ride. I know that when my group gose we have a flexible plan and the larger gaps in time cause stress (try winging dinner with 6 people)

Have fun

Thanks for all the information!!! I'm glad to hear Chef Mickey's is a lot of fun...I've heard a lot of good things about it here on DIS. I would love to do a Princess meal...but since I have 2 boys, I don't think I'll ever get the chance to!

I'm also glad to hear about the crowd levels...we may have to change our dates to a week or so before Christmas, so I'm glad you mentioned traveling the 13-19. I'm trying not to stress too much about airfare, but I will definitely feel a lot better after I am able to book something even if that means waiting until June!

I'm glad you reminded me about the fountains at DTD...I heard about them before from a friend of mine! My son absolutely LOVES the water! We have a small park near our house & it has a pond/beach area & he loves to play in the sand/water there! He also loves the small water fountains at the zoo!

I completely agree with you...I like having a plan, but a plan that is flexible!

Thank you again for all of the information!!!

Hey there! Thought I stop by and say hi!!! The blankets turned out great!!! You should be very proud of yourself! My son and I are volunteering with cradles to crayons, where you basically organize to clothing and toy drive. We have to drop off our donations on 4/3. Now, I am not sure if I will even get the free pass since apparent Disney reached the million volunteer mark so the promo is over. I signed up in Feb though, so who knows? Regardless we are still doing the the drive.

Anyway, see your still fretting over the airfare situation... Me TOO!!! I/m just such a planner and I hate that I am going to have to way till June to see what SW is offering!! Oh well, what can I do. Airtran should be releasing Dec airfare soon... My fingers and toes are crossed that there will be a non-stop flight in there that we can take, but I'm not banking on it thou!

Have a great weekend! Gotta love a rainy Saturday!

Thank you about the blankets!!! It took my mom and I along time to make them...especially hard with toddlers running around! It was fun for us & we feel great helping such a good cause! A friend and I do volunteer work in our community & it is very rewarding! I will continue helping the charity even after the Disney promotion is over.

In regards to what you mentioned about your volunteering situation...as long as you received the initial emails from Hands-On/Disney stating that you were signed up, you will be able to receive the ticket! (the email has your names on it & the volunteer date) The program has ended, but the number of volunteers (1 million) was figured out using the people who have committed to volunteering as well as those who have already volunteered. So you should still get your ticket! By the way -- that is awesome that you & your son would fulfull your volunteering opportunity regardless if you got a ticket or not! Also, I just found out today that the person in charge (of the organization you are volunteering for) will contact Disney the day after you volunteer, then it takes up to 2 weeks to get your email with the voucher for the free ticket.

I know what you mean about airfare...I am trying my best not to worry about it, but I still am! I can't help it! lol I don't want to wait until June either and I REALLY want a non-stop flight! Hopefully it works out for both of us!

It was rainy all day here...and its raining as I'm typing this! It's very windy here as well. I guess its better than snow???

Have a good weekend! And thanks for writing!

 

[photographymom517]

I have been working on our schedule & I know it will change a million times, but I thought I'd put it on here as my update for today! (I've already changed it 3 times since yesterday!) I'm using the park schedules from last year, so hopefully they don't change! (also the MVMCP dates from last yr)

This is our tenative schedule:

DAY 1
Arrive at resort (flight/time unknown)
Eat dinner at resort

DAY 2
Hollywood Studios
Lunch -- Sci-Fi
Osborne Lights

DAY 3
Free Day!!!
Private Photo Session at GF or Poly

DAY 4
EPCOT
Lunch -- Coral Reef
Dinner -- San Angel Inn
Illuminations

DAY 5
DTD
Lunch -- Earl of Sandwich
Dinner -- TRex

DAY 6
Magic Kingdom
Breakfast -- Crystal Palace

DAY 7
Visit resorts to see Christmas decor
MVMCP

DAY 8
Animal Kingdom
Dinner -- Chef Mickey's

DAY 9
Free Day!

DAY 10
Breakfast at resort
Airport

I know this will change because I don't want to have a "free day" our last day. I'd rather go to a park...but I don't want to schedule a park for that day & then be so exhausted from the entire trip that we decide not to go. I may put AK there, but I really want to go there. Last trip was my first time there & I didn't get to go on the Safari plus I like their parade because its different. I also think I want to change when we go to MVMCP because I'd rather not go on a Saturday/Sunday due to it probably having higher attendance...does anyone know???

I'm also wondering if I want to go to the Magic Kingdom on our first day instead of HS. I don't really want to have a day at MK one day & then the next day go to MVMCP...I'd rather split those days up. Last year they had MVMCP Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday (for the dates we are going) and as I said, I don't think I want to go on the weekend. I also don't really want to go our first day or last day, so that leaves Thursday. But I wanted to go to EPCOT Thursday and don't really want to change that. (Told you it would change! lol)

I also don't want to be at a park late the night before our photo session. I don't want us to be grumpy or tired for that. When I first did the schedule, I had us at MVMCP the night before photos...eek! That would definitely not be good! I'm actually thinking about switching the MK and HS days...that would probably solve both problems. Since we are staying late at MVMCP to see all the festivities/parade/shows/fireworks, we won't be watching the fireworks on our MK day. Then I could leave the photo session on the current date. (That will be my next thing to stress about since you can't schedule it until 30 days before your trip! I could always schedule it for one of the "free days" or DTD days so I guess I have options.)

I guess I still have a lot of planning to do but I did get a basic schedule put together which is what I wanted to do this week.

 

[Charlefours]

Hello I am new to your PTR and have since caught up. Cute shirts! ADRs: the only ones off your list that I have been to is CR and Fulton's--I think that is all of them. We make ADRs on Monday and there are several on your list that made it onto my final list. It is oh so much fun planning, than changing and planning some more!

I am going to start working on baby blankets for Project Linus in my area.

 

[Megablocks]

The blankets are so cute! You guys did such a good job!

I'm dying to go to Disney around Christmas. I want to see the Osborne lights and go to MVMCP. Your ADRs look good! I really, really want to try Coral Reef sometime, but aside from my sister being super picky, my dad is allergic to shrimp and lobster. He LOVES other kinds of seafood and I'm sure they'd accommodate his allergy, but I'd still be super anxious.

EoS is one of my favorites. My dad and my sister ate there for the first time on our trip last month, and they loved it! Katie informed me that there is an EoS in Logan Airport, which I never realized. I need to find out if it's past any gates because I am not past hopping on the T to Logan to get it.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

The blankets are so cute! You guys did such a good job!

I'm dying to go to Disney around Christmas. I want to see the Osborne lights and go to MVMCP. Your ADRs look good! I really, really want to try Coral Reef sometime, but aside from my sister being super picky, my dad is allergic to shrimp and lobster. He LOVES other kinds of seafood and I'm sure they'd accommodate his allergy, but I'd still be super anxious.

EoS is one of my favorites. My dad and my sister ate there for the first time on our trip last month, and they loved it! Katie informed me that there is an EoS in Logan Airport, which I never realized. I need to find out if it's past any gates because I am not past hopping on the T to Logan to get it.

Hi there! Wanted to chim in and let you know that I have a allergy to shellfish too and I have to say that Coral Reef has one of the best steaks that I have eaten on property aside from LeCellier, so I think that your dad would be ok. Also, I call Disney dining all the time before my trips and make sure that they note on ALL my ressies that I have a shell fish allergy. It has worked out very well for me.

p.s. Disney during the holidays is absolutely amazing... If you get the chance GO!!! You will not be disappointed!

 

[photographymom517]

Hello I am new to your PTR and have since caught up. Cute shirts! ADRs: the only ones off your list that I have been to is CR and Fulton's--I think that is all of them. We make ADRs on Monday and there are several on your list that made it onto my final list. It is oh so much fun planning, than changing and planning some more!

I am going to start working on baby blankets for Project Linus in my area.

Hi! Welcome...glad you were able to catch up! I don't have much posted yet but will hopefully finish more planning this week & update my PTR! I have been to CR before & it is my FAVORITE! We each picked a restaurant for our trip so that was my pick! I am really looking forward to going to Fulton's...although I may have to change it because I have T-Rex planned for dinner the day we go to DTD for my son who loves dinosaurs! Hopefully we will make it to DTD two days so I can go to Fulton's! Yes, I know what you mean...I will probably change my plans a million times before I make my ADR's in June!

The blanket project is a really good cause! I'm glad to hear you are working on some for Project Linus...I heard of that group as well & almost volunteered for them but found Binky Project first. I plan on volunteering again in the future so I will keep them both in mind!

The blankets are so cute! You guys did such a good job!

I'm dying to go to Disney around Christmas. I want to see the Osborne lights and go to MVMCP. Your ADRs look good! I really, really want to try Coral Reef sometime, but aside from my sister being super picky, my dad is allergic to shrimp and lobster. He LOVES other kinds of seafood and I'm sure they'd accommodate his allergy, but I'd still be super anxious.

EoS is one of my favorites. My dad and my sister ate there for the first time on our trip last month, and they loved it! Katie informed me that there is an EoS in Logan Airport, which I never realized. I need to find out if it's past any gates because I am not past hopping on the T to Logan to get it.

Thank you for saying our blankets are cute! It took my mom and I along time to finish them but we had fun! We kept going to the store thinking we made enough but then my son & nephew each wanted one, so we had to go buy more fleece!

I cannot wait to go for Christmas!!! It has been a dream of mine since I was probably 5 years old!!! I never ever in a milliion years thought that it would actually happen! I think I will probably end up acting like a small child running around, dancing, screaming, being super excited, etc. the entire trip! My husband will probably get mad...lol...but oh well! I have an entire day planned just for "Christmas festivities"...I probably didn't write that on my schedule...I think I've changed it a few times since I posted it on here! I can't wait to see the decorations at the resorts, the parks, and DTD. I will be so excited just to see all the characters in their holiday outfits! Cannot wait to see the holiday parades & fireworks & especially MVMCP!!! (Can you tell how excited I am???)

Coral Reef is absolutely delicious!!! My husband does not like seafood, but he got the pork...I think it was ribs? Not sure, but I do have the menu. I know many people have said the steak is delicious as well. If you decide to go, I would definitely call ahead to remind them of your dad's allergies & make sure to tell your waitress as well. I think Disney does a great job of accomodating people's allergies...but I can completely see why you would still be nervous! No one wants to have an allergic reaction when trying to enjoy a vacation, especially at Disney when you want to enjoy every single moment!

I have not ever been to DTD or EoS so I am really looking forward to that! My husband also loves sandwiches (I think its his favorite meal...lol) so I'm sure we will all enjoy it! I printed all of the menus the other night & am trying to decide what sandwich I want. I think I narrowed it down to four!

 

[Megablocks]

Thank you, and thank you DevonsDisneyMom, SO much for the food allergy info! It's really really good to know.

I definitely did some of the running around and squealing on our last trip -- I seriously turn into such a little kid when we are there! There were several times that I clapped my hands because I was so excited and I just could not help myself! I cried at Wishes (it gets me every time ) and I was so excited when Tink flew right over our heads. I am dying to go at Christmas and see the castle all lit up because I cannot imagine how amazing it is in person. I'd love to go to MVMCP, too. Fall is another time I'd want to go because I want to see MNSSHP. I want to do both! I'm dying to see the Christmas festivities you have planned.

Which sandwiches at EoS have you narrowed your choices down to? Both times I have been there, I got the hawaiian BBQ (ham, chicken, pineapple, swiss cheese, and BBQ sauce) and it was amazing. My dad had the same and loved it. My sister had the BLT (she's not super adventurous) and my mom has had the veggie sandwich and I believe the italian sandwich. I really need to figure out where the one in the Boston airport is because I want to try a couple more, but I loved the BBQ one so much I don't want to stray from it...

 

[Nancy F]

And TVMCP is soooo much fun. I can't wait for the tickets to go on sale. We'll be there Dec. 3RD to the 8TH. And we're staying at BLT. We've been going every year since Dec.05 and have stayed at the Grand Floridian. I'm really going to miss staying there now that we are DVC owners at BLT.

Looking forward to your next pre-trip report.
Nancy

 

[photographymom517]

Thank you, and thank you DevonsDisneyMom, SO much for the food allergy info! It's really really good to know.

I definitely did some of the running around and squealing on our last trip -- I seriously turn into such a little kid when we are there! There were several times that I clapped my hands because I was so excited and I just could not help myself! I cried at Wishes (it gets me every time ) and I was so excited when Tink flew right over our heads. I am dying to go at Christmas and see the castle all lit up because I cannot imagine how amazing it is in person. I'd love to go to MVMCP, too. Fall is another time I'd want to go because I want to see MNSSHP. I want to do both! I'm dying to see the Christmas festivities you have planned.

Which sandwiches at EoS have you narrowed your choices down to? Both times I have been there, I got the hawaiian BBQ (ham, chicken, pineapple, swiss cheese, and BBQ sauce) and it was amazing. My dad had the same and loved it. My sister had the BLT (she's not super adventurous) and my mom has had the veggie sandwich and I believe the italian sandwich. I really need to figure out where the one in the Boston airport is because I want to try a couple more, but I loved the BBQ one so much I don't want to stray from it...

I know...I am super excited!!! I actually have been spending way too much time looking at videos of all the parades, fireworks, Christmas party, character meals, etc. all on YouTube! Its amazing how much info you can get from just seeing the videos...I've learned so much! I've also added tons to my list of "things to do!" You should look at the videos...I just went onto YouTube and searched for whatever I was looking for (like "Wishes Fireworks") and you will get a hundred results to choose from! Its definitely bittersweet because it makes me sad because I want to be there sooo badly...like right now...lol...but its also great to watch the videos & look forward to the end of this year!

I am sooo glad you mentioned that sandwich at EoS!!! As I said, I had it narrowed down to 4...the Hawaiian BBQ was my #1 choice...so now that you said its so delicious, I am definitely getting it! Thanks for the help! I hope you are able to find the one at the airport...that would be great to be able to eat there without having to wait to get to Orlando! I wish our airport had one!

And TVMCP is soooo much fun. I can't wait for the tickets to go on sale. We'll be there Dec. 3RD to the 8TH. And we're staying at BLT. We've been going every year since Dec.05 and have stayed at the Grand Floridian. I'm really going to miss staying there now that we are DVC owners at BLT.

Looking forward to your next pre-trip report.
Nancy

Do you know when exactly the MVMCP tickets will be on sale? I think they said sometime in May? I can't wait to get our tickets, but I wish the park hours would come out first...that would help me with planning the days we are going to each park. I want to go to the MVMCP on a "free day" so we are able to really enjoy the party without being exhausted from a long day!

I've seen a lot of reports on BLT. Please let me know what its like after you have stayed there! The pics I've seen looked gorgeous! I would love to stay at GF sometime! I will definitely be visiting this year to see the Christmas decor there, especially the lobby! Hopefully I will post another update soon!

 

[MPS516]

Apparently the Tix are offered in "late spring", we just have to figure out when exactly that is. We are doing our 16th WDW visit but our 1st Christmas, can't wait.

Any repeater's have special tips ?

 

[photographymom517]

Apparently the Tix are offered in "late spring", we just have to figure out when exactly that is. We are doing our 16th WDW visit but our 1st Christmas, can't wait.

Any repeater's have special tips ?

I'm not 100% sure but I believe the tickets for MVMCP go on sale around mid-May sometime. Someone else would have to verify that. It may be May 1st, I can't remember.

This will be our first visit to WDW for Christmas as well! I am sooo excited & cannot wait! Make sure to take the monorail or buses to visit all the resorts & see their decor! I've seen pictures & am not going to miss out on that!

 

[Nancy F]

The tickets went on sale May 1ST last year. Here's some info for those that have never been. We go every years and love it.

http://allears.net/tp/hol_mk.htm

Nancy

 

[photographymom517]

The tickets went on sale May 1ST last year. Here's some info for those that have never been. We go every years and love it.

http://allears.net/tp/hol_mk.htm

Nancy

Thank you for the link to the site! I use allears.net all the time for info but haven't read the MVMCP stuff yet! I will take a look at it right now. I thought it was May 1st, I'm glad you clarified that!

I am very excited to go this year! I can't wait to go to the party & see all of the decor at the resorts! Is there anything in particular you would suggest to definitely see or do?