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

[stephielela]

1) Anyone have any suggestions for eating at Downtown Disney? We are definitely eating at EoS but I'm still trying to decide between T-Rex, Fulton's, Planet Hollywood, or somewhere else. Suggestions are appreciated! (if you have food pics, I'd love to see them too!)

*We have a T-Rex here in KC, (am I right in thinking it's the only other one?) and we ate there a few weeks ago and LOVED it! DS loved it too, and even my parents were happy. We had been to the Rainforest Cafe several times before, and while the theming was great, I was NOT a fan of most of their food. I didn't have high expectations for T-Rex, but they were blown away!

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?
*I personally love the decor at the Boardwalk, and at Grand Floridian. My parents have tons of pics of me and my sister with all the red poinsettias at BW, and how can you pass up the giant Gingerbread house at GF? I haven't ever bought any gingerbread there, but I hear it's fabulous!

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)
*I am a big fan of the Unofficial Guide. It's the only guide book I feel the need to buy every year (even if I don't have a trip planned) It has resort travel times in a table in the section about resorts. Other than that I'm not sure.
5) What exactly do you do with your stroller at the airport? Take it with you until you board & then hand it off to someone? (Sorry, this process really has me confused!)
*With Southwest, they have you get a tag for it prior to boarding, but you can still hold onto it all the way up until the door of the plane, as the PP noted. I'm not sure if all airlines do that, since I only have used SW with DS.

6) Any pics you have of CBR are appreciated! You can PM them to me if you don't want to post them on here.
*Oh, me too me too!

7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?
*We are going, even though my mom wasn't sure she wanted to. I know it's pricey, but since we are short on time, having the extra hours with fewer guests will help us get everything done. The rest of us really enjoyed it last time, and since we are not really going to celebrate Christmas at home this year, this will be our big to-do.

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?
*I'm not sure how the crowds are affected by Fantasmic showings, I do know that in order to get a decent seat you either need the dining package or you need to be there when they open the theater, which involves quite a wait. We have done it everytime, except this past time, and we weren't really sad to miss it. I think for younger kids, it can be intimidating, and of the nighttime entertainment offered at the parks, it's my least fave. Of course it's all a matter of opinion, and if it is showing the night we are at DHS we will probably try to do it, but we aren't going to strain ourselves to do so. I do think it's worth seeing if you haven't, but if your DS might get scared, it might be best to sit in the back on the end, so you can try and exit the arena. It is VERY dark though. Oh, and it's all metal bleacher type seating, which is probably another reason I am not a huge fan, cold hard benches with no backs and extra waiting, lol.

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!
*Layers! We were there in '07 and we swam the first day and probably could have the last day as well, but the days in between got chilly. People talk about how AK alwys seems hotter than any other park, but to me it was the coldest! Probably because of the shade. I wore a sweater and a puffer vest and my Ugg boots and was cold all day. The rest of the days were fine, but by night it was pretty cool, we wore sweathsirts and scarves once or twice. I'd say be ready for everything!!

Hope that helps!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Since I don't have an update, I thought I would just list more questions & see what replies I will get!

2) Suggestions on where to buy Vinylmations (who has the biggest selection or do all the shops have the same amount?). I saw a store on someone's trip report this morning with hundreds & hundreds of them for sale, but my computer shut-down & I have no idea what I was reading!

I never went in there, but I've heard that D-Street in DTD has the largest selection of them.

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?

If I had to list my favorites they would be Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Beach Club & Boardwalk. We never made it over to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but from pictures I've seen it's very nice as well.

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)

You would catch a bus to the park closest to the resort you are going to, then take the monorail, boat or another bus to the resort you are visiting - the time that all of this takes is the tricky part! If we have gone back to the resort for a break and then are going to another resort for dinner a lot of times we'll take a cab, it's just so much easier! If you are just wanting to go to see the decorations, I'd do it from a park and not from your resort. You can easily walk to the BWI, BC/YC from the International Gateway in Epcot, so visit them on an Epcot day. The GF, Poly & CR are on the monorail loop from the MK so they are easy to get to. The WL is just a short boat ride from the MK. I feel like I'm rambling here, so I'll stop

6) Any pics you have of CBR are appreciated! You can PM them to me if you don't want to post them on here.

I think I've got some uploaded in my photobucket - I'll check and post them for you.

7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?

Haven't been, but I have been to MNSSHP and loved it! If MVMCP is as much fun then definitely go. I'd try and stay away from weekend nights if you can, they tend to be more crowded.

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?

We use the strategy of going to DHS on a non Fantasmic day to hopefully have a lower crowd level. I'll be honest, I haven't seen the Fantasmic at WDW, just DL, but if they are the same, then there are parts of it that might be kind of scary for your little guy.

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!

HA! This is the million dollar question! We took everything, mostly the weather we had was cool during the day and actually cold a couple of nights. We did have a couple of days that were warm enough for shorts and swimming though too. You do truly have to be prepared for anything.

I know I have more questions, so next time I have nothing to write in an update, I'll ask more ????

Thanks guys for all of the help! I seriously couldn't plan this trip without all of you!!!

Hope this helps a little!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Since I don't have an update, I thought I would just list more questions & see what replies I will get!

(I'm trying to work on my ADR's but just haven't had enough time to sit down & work on them...)

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?

Grand Floridian for sure and the Beach club lobby was beautiful

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/default.aspx

Click on planning tools on the left then OLP WDW transportation Wiz


7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?

We had a blast last year and are doing it again this year so if you can afford it go for it

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?

we were not going to see it last year but we decided since we had time till out TSM FP time we might as well. We walked in 5 min before the show and we were in the back but we could see fine, and it made for an easy escape after the show

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!

A little of everything

I know I have more questions, so next time I have nothing to write in an update, I'll ask more ????

Thanks guys for all of the help! I seriously couldn't plan this trip without all of you!!!

Hope that helps

 

[photographymom517]

5) What exactly do you do with your stroller at the airport? Take it with you until you board & then hand it off to someone? (Sorry, this process really has me confused!)You push your child in it till you get to the door of the plane , where you will fold it down and a baggage handler will take it and put it in the belly of the plane. When you are getting off the plane it should be waiting there for you. They pull them out usually before they open the doors to get off...If not U may wait a minute, no biggie. This is very convienant especially since pushing your son to baggage is easier then carrying!

7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?
No doubt I recommend this. It's less busy cause of tickets sold and you walk on rides after 7pm. Wonderful fun! Go on the 5th...we are....
9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!I wear shorts but come prepared with some jeans and sweatshirts...not one for everyday but a few in case.

Thanks for the information!

Thanks for explaining about the stroller, I think you actually already explained it to me once or twice. LOL I have no idea why I'm so paranoid about it. Probably just because I've never taken the stroller on a plane before & since I'm the "planner" of the family, I'm expected to have it all figured out!

As you can see, I'm still confused about MVMCP. I think I'm just going to schedule it in & then once we have our final trip dates, I'll purchase tickets then. I talked it over with my husband after typing up these questions & he really wants to go. He thinks our son will really enjoy the special evening!

I actually am going to look at the Disney Store for a few hoodies for my son. I already have a few I can bring with me (for myself) & I also purchased one for myself that I'm going to put a Disney decal on the back. I found a really nice design on someone else's trip report & I want to try to find that in the DISigns on here. If not, its no big deal because I like the hoodie the way it is too.

Thanks again for all the info!

 

[photographymom517]

1) Anyone have any suggestions for eating at Downtown Disney? We are definitely eating at EoS but I'm still trying to decide between T-Rex, Fulton's, Planet Hollywood, or somewhere else. Suggestions are appreciated! (if you have food pics, I'd love to see them too!)

*We have a T-Rex here in KC, (am I right in thinking it's the only other one?) and we ate there a few weeks ago and LOVED it! DS loved it too, and even my parents were happy. We had been to the Rainforest Cafe several times before, and while the theming was great, I was NOT a fan of most of their food. I didn't have high expectations for T-Rex, but they were blown away!

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?
*I personally love the decor at the Boardwalk, and at Grand Floridian. My parents have tons of pics of me and my sister with all the red poinsettias at BW, and how can you pass up the giant Gingerbread house at GF? I haven't ever bought any gingerbread there, but I hear it's fabulous!

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)
*I am a big fan of the Unofficial Guide. It's the only guide book I feel the need to buy every year (even if I don't have a trip planned) It has resort travel times in a table in the section about resorts. Other than that I'm not sure.
5) What exactly do you do with your stroller at the airport? Take it with you until you board & then hand it off to someone? (Sorry, this process really has me confused!)
*With Southwest, they have you get a tag for it prior to boarding, but you can still hold onto it all the way up until the door of the plane, as the PP noted. I'm not sure if all airlines do that, since I only have used SW with DS.

6) Any pics you have of CBR are appreciated! You can PM them to me if you don't want to post them on here.
*Oh, me too me too!

7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?
*We are going, even though my mom wasn't sure she wanted to. I know it's pricey, but since we are short on time, having the extra hours with fewer guests will help us get everything done. The rest of us really enjoyed it last time, and since we are not really going to celebrate Christmas at home this year, this will be our big to-do.

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?
*I'm not sure how the crowds are affected by Fantasmic showings, I do know that in order to get a decent seat you either need the dining package or you need to be there when they open the theater, which involves quite a wait. We have done it everytime, except this past time, and we weren't really sad to miss it. I think for younger kids, it can be intimidating, and of the nighttime entertainment offered at the parks, it's my least fave. Of course it's all a matter of opinion, and if it is showing the night we are at DHS we will probably try to do it, but we aren't going to strain ourselves to do so. I do think it's worth seeing if you haven't, but if your DS might get scared, it might be best to sit in the back on the end, so you can try and exit the arena. It is VERY dark though. Oh, and it's all metal bleacher type seating, which is probably another reason I am not a huge fan, cold hard benches with no backs and extra waiting, lol.

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!
*Layers! We were there in '07 and we swam the first day and probably could have the last day as well, but the days in between got chilly. People talk about how AK alwys seems hotter than any other park, but to me it was the coldest! Probably because of the shade. I wore a sweater and a puffer vest and my Ugg boots and was cold all day. The rest of the days were fine, but by night it was pretty cool, we wore sweathsirts and scarves once or twice. I'd say be ready for everything!!Hope that helps!

Thanks! Your information was very helpful!!!

I am glad you enjoyed T-Rex & the food there. I had family eat at the Rainforest Cafe & they weren't impressed either. I've heard T-Rex is much better than Rainforest.

I definitely want to see the gingerbread house at GF! We are also scheduling our Private Photo Session for the GF so I will definitely be visiting the resort at least once, maybe twice!

I have a copy of last year's "Unofficial Guide to WDW" that I purchased from ebay. I didn't even realize it had a transportation table.

Thanks for the stroller/plane info. I am about 90% sure we are flying Southwest so your information will be helpful!

Hopefully someone will post some CBR pics so we can see them!

I understand what you mean about MVMCP. It will definitely be nice to have shorter lines for rides & character greetings! I think I'll really enjoy the smaller crowds in the park since they limit the number of tickets sold.

I don't think we will see Fantasmic. After reading everyone's responses so far, I think my son would be afraid. He definitely doesn't like dark places. He was terrified last year of Philarmagic (which I love & will be sad to miss this year!)

I'm hoping the weather allows us to swim at least 2 days. My son will probably spend our entire "free day" in the pool! (He was actually in his little toddler pool all afternoon today!) I don't mind cooler evenings or mornings...I'm just hoping its not freezing! We have enough of that weather back home, we don't need it on vacation as well!

 

[photographymom517]

Since I don't have an update, I thought I would just list more questions & see what replies I will get!

2) Suggestions on where to buy Vinylmations (who has the biggest selection or do all the shops have the same amount?). I saw a store on someone's trip report this morning with hundreds & hundreds of them for sale, but my computer shut-down & I have no idea what I was reading!

I never went in there, but I've heard that D-Street in DTD has the largest selection of them.

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?

If I had to list my favorites they would be Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Beach Club & Boardwalk. We never made it over to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but from pictures I've seen it's very nice as well.

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)

You would catch a bus to the park closest to the resort you are going to, then take the monorail, boat or another bus to the resort you are visiting - the time that all of this takes is the tricky part! If we have gone back to the resort for a break and then are going to another resort for dinner a lot of times we'll take a cab, it's just so much easier! If you are just wanting to go to see the decorations, I'd do it from a park and not from your resort. You can easily walk to the BWI, BC/YC from the International Gateway in Epcot, so visit them on an Epcot day. The GF, Poly & CR are on the monorail loop from the MK so they are easy to get to. The WL is just a short boat ride from the MK. I feel like I'm rambling here, so I'll stop

6) Any pics you have of CBR are appreciated! You can PM them to me if you don't want to post them on here.

I think I've got some uploaded in my photobucket - I'll check and post them for you.

7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?

Haven't been, but I have been to MNSSHP and loved it! If MVMCP is as much fun then definitely go. I'd try and stay away from weekend nights if you can, they tend to be more crowded.

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?

We use the strategy of going to DHS on a non Fantasmic day to hopefully have a lower crowd level. I'll be honest, I haven't seen the Fantasmic at WDW, just DL, but if they are the same, then there are parts of it that might be kind of scary for your little guy.

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!

HA! This is the million dollar question! We took everything, mostly the weather we had was cool during the day and actually cold a couple of nights. We did have a couple of days that were warm enough for shorts and swimming though too. You do truly have to be prepared for anything.

I know I have more questions, so next time I have nothing to write in an update, I'll ask more ????

Thanks guys for all of the help! I seriously couldn't plan this trip without all of you!!! Hope this helps a little!

D-Street...that was the store! I couldn't remember which store it was until you mentioned it! Thanks for helping me remember!

Thanks for your suggestions about MVMCP & also the resorts to see Christmas decor! I definitely have alot of those resorts on my list!

Your responses just gave me an idea I hadn't thought of before! I purchased 4-day park tickets but I also have 1 from the Give A Day promotion. I was originally going to call Disney to change it to 3-day tickets (plus 1 GAD) to equal 4 total, but decided to keep it...to go to EPCOT on 2 days instead of only one! Then after reading your response, I thought of an idea. On our second EPCOT day, we will take the boat to BWI & BC/YC to see the Christmas decor in the evening before going back to our resort! I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but thank you for giving me the great idea!

I think the majority of people feel the same about Fantasmic & thats what I had assumed as well. I think my son will definitely be afraid of it, so we will use your strategy & go to DHS on a non-Fantasmic day.

As I said to someone else, I'm really hoping the weather will cooperate so my son can swim at least a few days! He has loved swimming since he was only a few months old! I know he will want to swim alot so it will be nice for him to be able to swim in the village pool if the main pool is too crowded.

Thanks again for all the answers! Very helpful!

 

[photographymom517]

Originally Posted by photographymom517
Since I don't have an update, I thought I would just list more questions & see what replies I will get!

(I'm trying to work on my ADR's but just haven't had enough time to sit down & work on them...)

3) Which resorts have the best Christmas decor?

Grand Floridian for sure and the Beach club lobby was beautiful

4) How do you find out how to get from your resort to other resorts? And how much time it will take? I found a website that showed this, but can't find it now (I have about 500 Disney websites saved & don't feel like searching thru all of them...lol)

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/default.aspx

Click on planning tools on the left then OLP WDW transportation Wiz


7) MVMCP...still debating...should we go or not? Anyone know which dates sell out?

We had a blast last year and are doing it again this year so if you can afford it go for it

8) What about Fantasmic? I've never been... Should I plan our park day for an evening when they have it or try to avoid the park due to excess crowds?

we were not going to see it last year but we decided since we had time till out TSM FP time we might as well. We walked in 5 min before the show and we were in the back but we could see fine, and it made for an easy escape after the show

9) How do you dress in December? I've heard its all over the place, so any advice is appreciated!

A little of everything

I know I have more questions, so next time I have nothing to write in an update, I'll ask more ????

Thanks guys for all of the help! I seriously couldn't plan this trip without all of you!!! Hope that helps

Great -- we will be visiting both the GF and BC resorts! We are having our pictures taken for our PPS at GF and will be visiting BC/YC on our 2nd EPCOT day!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU & THANK YOU AGAIN!!! That website you gave me was exactly what I've been searching for since I started my planning! I have sooo many Disney sites saved, but didn't have that one. I already visited the site & love how it shows you how to get there & also how long it will take. Of course being the OCD planner that I am, I will definitely allow at least 30 extra minutes, but that site really gives me a good idea of how much time to allow for each transfer!

After talking to my husband, we did decide to attend MVMCP. I am really looking forward to seeing my son's face when he sees the special parade, fireworks, and shows! I am also excited to see the characters in their Christmas outfits & of course the short lines!

Thanks again, appreciate the info!!!

 

[stephielela]

I just checked out that website too, and it is perfect! It answers a few questions I actually couldn't find here on DIS

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

hope--- also think of this. If you plan on returning again before a yr's time has passed, think about trading your give a day ticket for money off an annual pass and it might be cheaper.... I mean if you are gonna return and u can save then thats a bonus.

 

[photographymom517]

I just checked out that website too, and it is perfect! It answers a few questions I actually couldn't find here on DIS

I know, I found some good stuff on there too!!!

hope--- also think of this. If you plan on returning again before a yr's time has passed, think about trading your give a day ticket for money off an annual pass and it might be cheaper.... I mean if you are gonna return and u can save then thats a bonus.

You are right about that! Thanks for the suggestion! I doubt that we will return again within a year, but I can always dream, right?!?

 

[photographymom517]

This might sound crazy, but as I was typing that title, I became so upset that now I don't even remember what the "good news" is!!!

Maybe I'll remember as I type...

Well, unfortunately, I do remember the bad news. My bad news is that I am officially done planning my trip. I have had enough. Every single day I get into a huge fight with my husband. He gets mad & yells & says that I should understand how his job works. I should understand that there's no way for us to know ahead of time when we can go on vacation. I should know better than to plan an entire trip. I should know...I should understand...blah blah blah...

So, be honest with me...tell me how bad my trip is going to be with NO planning...tell me the truth about how bad my trip will be whenever I have to change the dates a week before we go...and then change it again...and then change it again...

Tell me how bad it will be with no ADR's...

Tell me how bad it will be with no Character Meals for my 2 year old son...

Tell me how bad it will be when I have to call to book my Private Photo Session the day before I need it...

Tell me how bad it will be when I have to order a cake for my son a day before I need it...

Tell me how bad it will be when I can't get my airfare until the week before I need it...then I have to cancel it...then I have to change the dates...then I have to cancel it again...

Tell me how messed up my reservations are going to be & how my luggage will get lost...all because I changed the trip dates five times...

And the saddest of all...tell me how incredibly sad I am going to be when I will not be able to see Disney for the Christmas holidays...you don't need to tell me that, I can already feel that one myself...

I usually do not give up, I do not give in, I do not quit...but this time, sadly, I have no other option.

This may be the most depressing pre-trip report post ever written...and I apologize for that...but I do really need to hear the truth. How hard is it to get ADR's at the restaurants I'd like to eat at & character meals at the very last minute??? I've heard its near impossible. Can anyone give me some small bit of hope?

So, when are my new trip dates? I have absolutely no idea. I asked him before if we could definitely go for Christmas...sometime, anytime, between November and January. His response was "yes, I can definitely do that." Now, we talked this morning & he claims he never said that...and that I KNOW how it works with his job...there are no definites...no promises...no guarantees...no planning ahead...

So, sadly, my trip dates are...get this...UNKNOWN! I will be going to Disney...I already made the deposit. But I have no idea when. I suppose its safe to say, sometime between now and next February since thats when I booked the trip. Don't you have to go within a year of when you booked? Right now, I'm making a list of questions. I'm planning to call Customer Service in the morning & talk to them. I also have a friend who works for Disney so I want to talk to her & see if she can give me some small bit of hope!

The good news is...I will be going to Disney...I have to focus on the good right now! I will be spending 10 days at Disney with my family. I will have an amazing time. I will enjoy myself regardless of no character meals and no ADR's and no plans. This is hard...I have OCD...bad...ask anyone who knows me! Or ask any of you! Can't you tell from reading my PTR how OCD I am?!?

So, now, I am asking you this...please stick with me...plans or no plans...

I still have sooo many questions! Probably more now than I did before!

Oh...good news, good news...I remember now!!!

The good news is last night I ordered 5 Disney books on Amazon.com and should be receiving them by next Saturday!!! Woohoo!!!

The second good news is that I will still be following along with all of your pre-trip reports & can live through the holidays at Disney through all of you!!!

So please keep me in your thoughts & whenever you are at Disney in December, think of me stuck back in PA with no trip dates! Normally I hate pity...but when it comes to being obsessed with Disney & planning...and I can't have either...I think I deserve at least a little pity! lol

Any advice is appreciated! Any support is appreciated! Yes, I know that worse things in the world happen & I know its not the end of the world! But whenever you have OCD and are completely obsessed with Disney & revolve your entire life around planning a trip...its a complete let-down whenever you find out you can't make any plans!

For those of you who are as obsessed as me...I think you can understand at least a little bit!

I will be back in a few days to catch-up with all of your pre-trip reports & for those who don't have one, I will still keep in touch via PM. Of course, I will still be posting on my PTR...it just might get a little confusing and/or complicated without having dates!

Another small bit of good news...I think now that I have absolutely no trip dates & no plans & can't plan...I think I seriously deserve my Disney Dooney early! What do you guys think?!?

As I'm sitting here typing this & feeling all sorry for myself...and sorry for my son that I can't plan the perfect trip for him...my little guy walks into my office & picks up his Build a Bear. I took him right before his 2nd birthday to get his very first Build a Bear. He picked out this cute dog & put 2 hearts inside him. He sat in his stroller & held onto the dog the entire way from the store to the car. We had to walk clear across the entire mall to get to the car & the entire time, he just sat & stared at his dog. He just loved him so much & he said "thank you" to me & laughed/smiled. He held him in the car the whole way home & made puppy noises until he finally fell asleep & even then, he was still holding the puppy. The whole day was so special for me.

So I just sat here with tears in my eyes remembering the day I went with him...and I think he just taught me an important lesson...because regardless of plans or no plans, I will at least get to have a trip to Disney with my family & I will at least be able to see his little face light up during special moments of the trip.

Dates or no dates, nothing can take away my memories!

 

[photographymom517]

I apologize for the very depressing post from earlier today! I went outside & took a little walk. When I came back to the house, I sat out on the porch & watched my son play in his sandbox. I just kept thinking...and reading Disney articles online...and realized something...

...When Life Hands You Lemons...Make Lemonade!!!

I know, I know...it sounds so corny! But honestly, when you think about it, its probably one of the best strategies to keep a positive attitude! Facing reality, there is absolutely nothing I can do about my husband's work situation. All I can do, is keep my head up (as my dad always tells me!) and keep moving forward with my plans.

You didn't seriously think I was GIVING UP PLANNING, did you???

So...I logged on to the ADR website tonight & I created 4 different vacation plans. Unfortunately, only 1 will be for Christmas time (so far...I still have 3 December plans!)

My dates are:
July 6th-July 15th
July 14th-July 23rd
August 25th-September 3rd
November 10th-19th

 

[BippityBoo]

HI!! I am joining your PTR! We are going during Christmas too!!

I read just a little of the above post...I HATE when I have to re-do Disney Plans. I feel your pain Everything usually works out for the best! I am off to read your report from the beginning.

Join my PTR if you would like
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2466251

 

[stephielela]

I'm sorry your plans have to be so fluid! I know it must be hard, it was hard for me just when we didn't know which 6 days oout of a a 2 week period we'd be going! The beautiful thing is, while Christmas is a great time to go, there's never a bad time to be at Disney! And from what I have heard, early December isn't bad for crowds, so mayb eyou could still get some of the ADR's you want! Plus never underestimate the power of a walk up reservation! Try for lunch at 11 right when places open, or dinner at 4! And maybe you can get a reservation at a "hidden treasure" type place, one where you'll be amazed at how much you like it! Plus, worst case scenario, there are lots of great QS places, and with a young one, not having to sit at a table for 2 hours might be a blessing! Plus since you are going for 10 days, the odds of you being able to get an ADR you really want is higher, since you can be flexible. Plus you can take it slow, so you don't have to have a commando style touring plan, just pick a park for a day, and cross off anything you really DON'T want to do, and take it from there! Like you said, it's still Disney with your family. Characther meals are nice, but there are character spots all over the place, and at least DS won't have food all over his fave in character pics liek mine would! I think you have the right attitude, and as aggrivating as it is, you don't want to take a vacation and have to fight with DH everyday till it starts! It will take the magic out of the time you have there! Youd dad is right, keep your head up, everything will work out!

 

[Tinkermom76]

I'm sorry that this isn't working out the way you want it to.

Just remember lots of people choose to go to WDW with the QS dining plan and some don't even know you have to make ADR's and still have a great time.

As long as you are together as a family in the happiest place on earth you will have great time and remember you DS know nothing about restaurants and character dining, so just make it special for him!

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Hope, Hope, Hope----from one OCD to another.....take a chill pill.....

Ok so who cares if you get ADR's or a QS...it's food! It will go in one end & out the other the same way regardless...
Focus on the place u wanna stay, what u absolutely want to see at each park....after that don't worry. We have gone to Disney plenty and never make ADR's.....I think it's way to much to have them daily. I would pick 2 musts that have your son's fav characters and pray u can get those. Honestly he won't care, as long as he gets food he'll be fine, come on, you know how kids are...LOL

I'll trade u , I will go with ur DH whenever for 9 days and u can go with mine for the 2 days I get......which do u want?

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hope Honey.... I'm so sorry!!! Relax thou! You are right at least you will at some point be spending 10 glorious days with your family in Disney World! Life always seems to throw curve balls doesn't it! Take a deep breath and I'll tell you a quick story!!!


So back in Oct 2007 I was suppose to get married... Well as you can see that NEVER happened!!! Anyway, I knew it was for the best, but as the date got closer, it was still hard not to think of what could have been! Well, my parents knew I was hurting and really know how much I love Disney... So in late August sitting on my parents patio, my dad hands me a card!!! In that card was a note, that still makes me cry thinking about it from my parents telling me how special I was and how much they loved me and at the end it read... "Happy Unwedding... Pack your bags you and Devon are going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep! My totally awesome parents sent Devon and I to Disney world the week that I was suppose to be married! It was the best trip ever and I was still able to get all the ADR's I wanted in such a short time! Moral of the story... You CAN and WILL have a GREAT trip with little planning time!!!

 

[photographymom517]

HI!! I am joining your PTR! We are going during Christmas too!!

I read just a little of the above post...I HATE when I have to re-do Disney Plans. I feel your pain Everything usually works out for the best! I am off to read your report from the beginning.

Join my PTR if you would like
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2466251

Hi Katie!

Thanks for joining my PTR...sorry you found it at such a low-point of my report! lol But I think I am starting to really look on the bright side & really appreciate the support & advice from everyone!

I found your PTR through your siggie & will be reading it as soon as I finish writing back to everyone on here!

I'm sorry your plans have to be so fluid! I know it must be hard, it was hard for me just when we didn't know which 6 days oout of a a 2 week period we'd be going! The beautiful thing is, while Christmas is a great time to go, there's never a bad time to be at Disney! And from what I have heard, early December isn't bad for crowds, so mayb eyou could still get some of the ADR's you want! Plus never underestimate the power of a walk up reservation! Try for lunch at 11 right when places open, or dinner at 4! And maybe you can get a reservation at a "hidden treasure" type place, one where you'll be amazed at how much you like it! Plus, worst case scenario, there are lots of great QS places, and with a young one, not having to sit at a table for 2 hours might be a blessing! Plus since you are going for 10 days, the odds of you being able to get an ADR you really want is higher, since you can be flexible. Plus you can take it slow, so you don't have to have a commando style touring plan, just pick a park for a day, and cross off anything you really DON'T want to do, and take it from there! Like you said, it's still Disney with your family. Characther meals are nice, but there are character spots all over the place, and at least DS won't have food all over his fave in character pics liek mine would! I think you have the right attitude, and as aggrivating as it is, you don't want to take a vacation and have to fight with DH everyday till it starts! It will take the magic out of the time you have there! Youd dad is right, keep your head up, everything will work out!

Thanks for the support! You are right about the "commando-style touring plan"...I made some ADR's last night for July & August just in case we go & I already cancelled a bunch! When I looked over the schedule, I just didn't want to have to be somewhere at a certain time every single day. Even though I am very, very much an OCD type person, I like to "go with the flow" on vacations! I feel its much more relaxing & more enjoyable when you aren't rushing around. I'm also worried about the time it will take us to travel across Disney property. I don't want to waste hours of our day on a bus/boat/monorail & tranferring multiple times.

I really enjoyed the character spots last time...you are right, they are everywhere! The reason I was scheduling so many character meals is because I wanted my son to be able to see some of his favorites! I have heard the lines for some of them are over an hour & I'm lucky if I can convince my DH to wait in line for 10 minutes! (I know, its hard to be at Disney with someone who doesn't wait in lines!) But I do have some hope...last trip, we had absolutely NO plans...and we went during "busy season" and guess what? We walked right into Coral Reef at 11am when they opened. We also do weird supper times, like 4 or 4:30pm, because thats what schedule my DH is used to at home. We also walked right up to Goofy at AK, Pooh/Tigger/Eeyore at AK, and a bunch of other characters. The only characters we waited for last trip were Mickey & Minnie at ToonTown.

I'm really starting to change my way of thinking. I mean, yes, I was looking forward to going for Christmas...but I was also worried about ToonTown being completely gone, not getting a Dooney if they're sold out by then, and it being ridiculously crowded. I already bought some clothes for my son & I to wear on the trip & now that I see the December temps, I'm worried they won't be appropriate (but they would work for summer/early fall trips). So, I guess all these "old sayings" are true! Underneath every cloud is a silver lining...and I've really found that to be true!

I'm sorry that this isn't working out the way you want it to.

Just remember lots of people choose to go to WDW with the QS dining plan and some don't even know you have to make ADR's and still have a great time.

As long as you are together as a family in the happiest place on earth you will have great time and remember you DS know nothing about restaurants and character dining, so just make it special for him!

Hi Natalie!!! Thanks for all the wonderful advice!

Everything you said is true! Last trip, we went before I knew about DIS and I didn't even know things like ADR's and Dining Plans existed! We happened to see Coral Reef when we went to EPCOT & were hungry...and I loooove seafood! My DH looked over the menu while I was taking some photographs around the area & he said he'd like to try it. We walked in when they first opened & they said it would be about 20 minutes but we waited less than 10! I went to the restroom right after sitting down & overheard the CM tell another lady the first opening they had was for dinner around 5 or 6pm! So, we got really, really lucky! I guess it was one of our magical moments & we didn't even realize it at the time!

I guess my point is that we ate at all Quick Service restaurants last trip & we had a wonderful time. The few sit-down meals we did have, we walked into the restaurant & happened to get right in. Since we were there during "busy season" I know now how lucky we were! But we're the type of people who get hungry & want to eat immediately! (Especially our son!) Honestly when I sit down to think about it, I can't see telling my DH & DS that we can eat, but first we need to get on the bus & then go to a park & transfer on the monorail & then wait 20 minutes to eat! They might go for that once or twice on our trip for "special meals" but I think they might get mad if I do it to them too many times! LOL I think I will limit it to 2 sit-down meals and 1 character meal...and if it turns out we don't get the ressies like I have planned, oh well! We will just have to eat somewhere else! What a change in me just from overnight, huh?

 

[photographymom517]

Hope, Hope, Hope----from one OCD to another.....take a chill pill.....

Ok so who cares if you get ADR's or a QS...it's food! It will go in one end & out the other the same way regardless...
Focus on the place u wanna stay, what u absolutely want to see at each park....after that don't worry. We have gone to Disney plenty and never make ADR's.....I think it's way to much to have them daily. I would pick 2 musts that have your son's fav characters and pray u can get those. Honestly he won't care, as long as he gets food he'll be fine, come on, you know how kids are...LOL

I'll trade u , I will go with ur DH whenever for 9 days and u can go with mine for the 2 days I get......which do u want?

Really? Can we trade???

Point proven...the grass always seems greener on the other side! I know, I know...you are right! My DH actually drives me crazy because he wants to go back to the resort room everyday around 4pm & WATCH TV!!! Me personally, I'd love to stay at the park from opening to closing!!! I could shop, eat, ride, see shows, etc ALL day long! lol But not him, he has to go back to the room & stay there for the entire evening...no fun, no fun! So, sure, I'll trade ya!!! LOL (by the way, he actually PROMISED me that we wouldn't be going back to the resort everyday at 4 to watch tv...I made him promise before I booked the trip!)

Ok, ok...seriously now, I was just joking about the above! No need to trade! As much as he frustrates me sometimes, I wouldn't trade him for the world!

I really appreciate everything you said...you said exactly what I needed to hear! The truth & reality!!! So, thank you for that!!!

I loved how you said the food goes in one end & out the other, no matter what you eat...that was truly hilarious! I think I laughed for a good 20 minutes straight...

Honestly, I have just been putting so much time & effort into planning this trip. I'm at SaHM so I had alot of time this winter to just sit & research...and the more I read DIS, the more I learned. I just thought I had to plan the "perfect trip" & plan all these small details. But really, I think that planning the small details is stressing me out, too. If things don't go as planned, I tell myself that it won't be the end of the world & will be fine...but I know I'll be disappointed if something I plan doesn't work out. And who wants to be disappointed on vacation? At Disney?

There are so many bad things going on around me right now & I have had to be strong for all of them & be their support. I think that since I am so passionate (umm...maybe obsessed is a better term!) about Disney & planning the "perfect trip" for my son, I just had a breakdown last night after we fought about the trip dates. I have been so stressed the past few weeks & it has just all been building up! It makes perfect sense that I would have a breakdown eventually. I just apologize to all of my good DIS friends that I had the breakdown here! AND I also THANK YOU guys for all of the wonderful advice & support! And for really letting me hear reality...thats exactly what I needed!

Hope Honey.... I'm so sorry!!! Relax thou! You are right at least you will at some point be spending 10 glorious days with your family in Disney World! Life always seems to throw curve balls doesn't it! Take a deep breath and I'll tell you a quick story!!!


So back in Oct 2007 I was suppose to get married... Well as you can see that NEVER happened!!! Anyway, I knew it was for the best, but as the date got closer, it was still hard not to think of what could have been! Well, my parents knew I was hurting and really know how much I love Disney... So in late August sitting on my parents patio, my dad hands me a card!!! In that card was a note, that still makes me cry thinking about it from my parents telling me how special I was and how much they loved me and at the end it read... "Happy Unwedding... Pack your bags you and Devon are going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep! My totally awesome parents sent Devon and I to Disney world the week that I was suppose to be married! It was the best trip ever and I was still able to get all the ADR's I wanted in such a short time! Moral of the story... You CAN and WILL have a GREAT trip with little planning time!!!

Thanks Reese! I appreciate you sharing that story with me! It had a very good lesson to it...I should really just appreciate the fact that I am able to go to Disney for 10 days with my family & focus on all the positives & fun we will have! Plans or no plans!

I was actually very surprised last night when I tried making ADR's for July & August. I was able to get alot of what I wanted, even though I had to change around the days (which wasn't a big deal anyway!) I was also able to get some that I wanted originally but didn't think I could get...like Teppan Edo & Fulton's Crab House at DTD! You should SEE my calendar...its stressing me out just looking at it. There's writing all over with with restaurants, times, and dates. It just looks like a huge mess! So, I guess this whole experience taught me a very important lesson! I need to plan LESS not more!!! haha! Who would've thought?!?

So I am cutting down the meals & the specific times & dates for everything. I will limit it to 3 meals...one special one for each of us, which for me is Coral Reef, for my husband is probably San Angel (if we go in the fall when it reopens) and a Character Meal for our son. My husband's choice will be Sci-Fi Dine Inn if we go in July or August since San Angel is under refurb right now. I'd also like to schedule Shutters for the night we arrive at CBR but I'm afraid that our plane will be delayed or something & then...me all stressed out? No thanks! So I am definitely limiting. I guess I've learned through this that while ADR's are completely awesome for lots of families, they just aren't for us. Everyone has different views...heck I had friends who went a few years back & they let their child choose every meal...he of course picked McDonald's or other chain restaurants! And while it was kinda monotonous to eat the same thing everyday, they had a great time! They did what was important to them...they let their child choose what he wanted & it made their trip great! Not my choice of food on vacation, but it was definitely worth it to them! And I admire their choice for putting the child's needs above their own. That's what vacations are all about...family!

Thank you, Reese, and thank you to everyone for making me wake up & see what really matters! I appreciate it more than you know!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

hi hope! Glad that I could be of some help! You will have an awesome vacation no matter when you go and that is what counts!!! Sometimes all the planning makes us forget what the trip to Disney is really all about... Spending time with our family and making memories that will last a life time!!!