Mickey's Not So Merry Christmas Party??

[LottieDah]

You are welcome! Out of Lexington, you can also fly Allegiant pretty cheaply BUT the dates are sometimes limited and they don't fly into MCO but into Sanford so you then need transportation to WDW. If you are already planning to rent a car (we don't), then that option may work out. If not, we found that the money we would save on the flight would just go into the rental car or whatever to get ourselves to WDW. Plus, we just love the experience of Magical Express.

If we can manage to fly, we might rent a car in Orlando for a day or two to try it out since the rates are lower in Orlando. For instance, we're planning to go to Hoop-Dee-Doo one evening and it would come in useful then (or we might just take a cab).

But for the most part, I think we can safely rely on Disney transportation as long as we remember to always give ourselves plenty of time for bus travel. While I'm thinking about it, any suggestions on what time to leave our resort to make rope drop? I was thinking 8, is that early enough or do the buses take even longer?

I have tried super hard to think of everything (even though I know this is impossible) to make it easier on us. However, since we've never been, and are unfamiliar with the area, I know we will run up on stumbling blocks. It's to be expected.

*This is the part where I hear Pete chanting in my head to "BE FLEXIBLE".*

I've resigned myself that if we don't get a certain Fast Pass, or if Hoop-Dee-Doo is all booked up that week, or if Big Thunder is down for refurb, I won't DIE. haha I'm just gonna be super stoked to be there! And something like that is only an excuse for me to pester the DH (who is not jazzed about this trip at all) to bring me back again.

 

[LottieDah]

Plus, we just love the experience of Magical Express.

I also have tons of questions about the ME and flying. We've never flown before and I know NOTHING about airports. (What a country bumpkin, right?) But that's way off topic and there's probably a thread on here somewhere that will explain some things...I hope. Now where did I put my copy of Idiot's Guide to Airports.....

 

[LottieDah]

As for airfare, try a site like Kayak that lists all of the different airlines prices and you can even pick to fly out of a nearby airport for better price options. Good luck!

I will definitely try that site. Thank you!

 

[jimandami]

I also have tons of questions about the ME and flying. We've never flown before and I know NOTHING about airports. (What a country bumpkin, right?) But that's way off topic and there's probably a thread on here somewhere that will explain some things...I hope. Now where did I put my copy of Idiot's Guide to Airports.....

That's why I love ME...they make it so easy! You put the yellow tags on your bags and check them in at your departure airport. When you get to MCO, you just go downstairs and get on the ME bus and it takes you to your resort. Your bags will arrive in your room around 3 hours after you check-in. When it's time to leave, you can USUALLY check your bags at your hotel in the morning and then take ME back to the airport. Easy peasy!! As far as renting a car, we really like the convenience of just using Disney transportation. Sure, occasionally you have to wait but so what, it's vacation!

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

As for the heat in October, we were there the last two weeks in October this past year. The first week there were a couple days/nights that were sweltering. Well above 90, super humid, and not a lick of breeze (which was really the worst part). On the other hand, a couple of days later it was pretty chilly. I had to wear a sweater in the morning and the evening. Then it got quite warm again, tank tops in the morning. So, what am I saying? It's really luck of the draw. It could be super hot, it could be chilly. It could be all of the above!

The thing I was most thankful for was that there wasn't a drop of rain the entire two weeks. I feel like it was karma making up for our last trip in May 09 when it poured the entire time we were there.

 

[letsgoreds]

Personally, I wouldn't try to do both parties....it means that you are signing up to do the last Halloween parties of the year (busiest, often sell out), and the first Christmas parties of the year (again, busiest, often sell out).

I would shoot for early December. The week after Thanksgiving + next week have always been our golden weeks. Over the past 5 years, they have become busier, as many have discovered their combination of lower crowds + lower rates + great weather (cooler, but can swim if want to, but don't NEED to).

It is apparently some of the busiest DVC time too, so if you are renting points (GREAT idea if you are tight with your $, but want onsite), put in your request for David's or stalk individual owners to get in right at 11 months.

 

[LottieDah]

It is apparently some of the busiest DVC time too, so if you are renting points (GREAT idea if you are tight with your $, but want onsite), put in your request for David's or stalk individual owners to get in right at 11 months.

I've heard about this but was nervous to try it out. It's a lot of money and subsequently requires a lot of trust. Is it possible to get DVC as cheap as Pop?

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

That's why I love ME...they make it so easy! You put the yellow tags on your bags and check them in at your departure airport. When you get to MCO, you just go downstairs and get on the ME bus and it takes you to your resort. Your bags will arrive in your room around 3 hours after you check-in. When it's time to leave, you can USUALLY check your bags at your hotel in the morning and then take ME back to the airport. Easy peasy!! As far as renting a car, we really like the convenience of just using Disney transportation. Sure, occasionally you have to wait but so what, it's vacation!

Exactly!

We love just using Disney Transportation for a myriad of reasons.

It's one of the main components of being in the "Disney Bubble".

 

[ses1230]

I've heard about this but was nervous to try it out. It's a lot of money and subsequently requires a lot of trust. Is it possible to get DVC as cheap as Pop?

DVC uses a point system. How many point you need depends on the time of year, the resort, and the size accommodations that you want.

The DVC brokers charge (I believe) $14 per point. Renting privately from an owner you can find $11-12 per point.

Just so you know, there is no daily mousekeeping when staying on points, you can't take advantage of special offers (Free Dining) and there is generally no changes to the reservation or cancellations allowed.

 

[JennyDrake]

JUST speaking about crowds, you are going during a very busy time of year. With F&W, school fall breaks and a federal holiday, you will encounter numerous cooties.

Is the first week of December an option?

 

[monique5]

If we can manage to fly, we might rent a car in Orlando for a day or two to try it out since the rates are lower in Orlando. For instance, we're planning to go to Hoop-Dee-Doo one evening and it would come in useful then (or we might just take a cab).

But for the most part, I think we can safely rely on Disney transportation as long as we remember to always give ourselves plenty of time for bus travel. While I'm thinking about it, any suggestions on what time to leave our resort to make rope drop? I was thinking 8, is that early enough or do the buses take even longer?

I have tried super hard to think of everything (even though I know this is impossible) to make it easier on us. However, since we've never been, and are unfamiliar with the area, I know we will run up on stumbling blocks. It's to be expected.

*This is the part where I hear Pete chanting in my head to "BE FLEXIBLE".*

I've resigned myself that if we don't get a certain Fast Pass, or if Hoop-Dee-Doo is all booked up that week, or if Big Thunder is down for refurb, I won't DIE. haha I'm just gonna be super stoked to be there! And something like that is only an excuse for me to pester the DH (who is not jazzed about this trip at all) to bring me back again.

I wouldn't rent car just for HDDR. Consider time to pick-up & return time. You can take boat from MK & it literally puts you right @ HDDR. Buses take time, but is doable. Just remember to allow yourself time. We were running behind & took taxi, 4ppl for $20. However, still had to use Disney FWL internal transportation @ resort due to how far taxi can go. I believe that would be the same scenario for car rental. If MK day, boat is best bet. If not MK day, probably quicker to go to TTC @ MK & take boat.

 

[LottieDah]

DVC uses a point system. How many point you need depends on the time of year, the resort, and the size accommodations that you want.

The DVC brokers charge (I believe) $14 per point. Renting privately from an owner you can find $11-12 per point.

Just so you know, there is no daily mousekeeping when staying on points, you can't take advantage of special offers (Free Dining) and there is generally no changes to the reservation or cancellations allowed.

UGH! So much to consider it boggles the mind... As sure as I commit to something like this Free Dining will come out. lol And if I don't, they won't have it, or they'll have it for the week after I leave.

 

[LottieDah]

If MK day, boat is best bet. If not MK day, probably quicker to go to TTC @ MK & take boat.

Right now I have it planned for AK day. Figured we'd rest up then go to the later HDDR show. Do I have to have a park ticket to get into MK to take the boat? I had planned, since we're staying for just over a week, to not add on a park hopper.

 

[LottieDah]

JUST speaking about crowds, you are going during a very busy time of year. With F&W, school fall breaks and a federal holiday, you will encounter numerous cooties.

Is the first week of December an option?

It is an option... I've just gone back and forth with it a hundred times because I am so intrigued by the Halloween party. It looks like such a blast. But if you're about to tell me the crowds are light and the weather is fantastic in December, I can be swayed! hahaha

 

[Minniekins]

I'd definitely check out SW, they always seem to have the lowest prices for me(fly to Orlando out of Chicago). Plus, you can check two bags free per person! Most others charge about $25 per first bag, and more for a second, (35 when I checked last night when comparing fares for someone last night). So, those bag fees definitely add up quickly and the definitely make SW fares look even better! Even if other fares are similar, add on bag fees and those flights are much more expensive! You might be able to find more info on flying and ME over on the transportation board.

I've been renting DVC points for about the last four years and it's been great! I've found DVC owners who are renting their points here on the DVC board and each time, it's worked out really great! Saved lots of money, staying in a Deluxe resort for what a value or mod might cost. Usually go during the second lowest value season, early to mid Dec. The weather the last few years has been pretty good, and really great this past Dec! The owner is the only one who can make any changes to your ressie, but the ones I've used have been very helpful. They will make your arrangements for ME, and can put requests on for you such as what floor you want, or near the elevator, for example(never guaranteed, of course). They can book their home resort for you at 11 months out, and the other DVC resorts at 7 months out. You get minimal housekeeping, I think it's every 4th day, though I think you can pay for service for each day(maybe $30?). They can add on dining for you, also, but you can't get free dining. But, I look at the 'discount' on the resort room is where I save my money! If I was in a regular room with free dining, I'd be paying rack rate, since you can only get one type of discount - free dining, or maybe a discount off or pin code. We've really loved staying deluxe by renting DVC points, couldn't stay deluxe otherwise! It is a commitment, though, for sure. Oh, and after they book the ressie for you and you have your confirmation number, you can set up your MDE account and do all that on your own.

Sorry to be so wordy, hope some of the info has been helpful!

 

[monique5]

Right now I have it planned for AK day. Figured we'd rest up then go to the later HDDR show. Do I have to have a park ticket to get into MK to take the boat? I had planned, since we're staying for just over a week, to not add on a park hopper.

You do not need ticket. Boat dock outside of gates/ park entrance.

 

[Missyrose]

The week between the last Halloween party and the first Christmas party has been super crowded that past couple of years. That is also the last week of the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. So if you're looking for lesser crowds, that definitely isn't the week to go.

I would also advise that you not rent points on your first trip. It won't be as cheap as Pop (you can typically get a DVC villa for around the cost of a moderate resort). But, like PP said, there are often no changes or refunds on DVC point rentals. So if your dates change at all, you'd be out of luck. The time frame you're looking at is also the busiest time of year for DVC resorts, so you'd have to book at 11 months out to get what you want, which means paying most or all of your resort costs almost a year in advance.

My advice to you is simple, pick which party you'd rather attend and build either a late-October or November trip around that. The first thing a new Disney visitor has to learn is you can't do everything, no matter how many days you have for your trip. Heck, I'll be spending 25 days at Disney over the course of 2014 and there are still things I can't seem to fit in.

Take a deep breath, figure out what your priorities are and go from there.

 

[cammie810]

Just to add my 2 cents....
We have been the past two years in both October and December. Early Dec is definitely cooler. I love the Halloween party but on the whole I like the activities available in Dec. better. I dont usually go to the Christmas party but really enjoy the Osbourne lights, Candlelight processional, storytellers in Epcot and touring all of the hotels to see their decorations!! We usually plan on having dinner at one of the monorail resorts on a night that the Christmas party is scheduled. After dinner we watch the electric light water parade from the hotels beach or dock and then watch the special party fireworks w/out the crowds. If you do decide you want the Halloween party, think cool for your costumes. It can still be super warm at night and running around the party you get hot anyway. I have seen sooo many people sweltering in their long sleeve costumes. As far as airfare, I use ITA software to run a search for airfare. You can put in date ranges and even compare nearby airports to get the most economical fare.

 

[LottieDah]

Thanks so much to everyone for your tips.

After going over all the information, I took a few days to think and talk it over with my hubby. And taking into account my son's football schedule and all that, we've decided to aim for the Christmas season. This might be an easier choice than trying to plan Halloween costumes and having all that to drag along with us on our first trip. Plus the hubs gets really into Christmas and doesn't care for Halloween, so I'm thinking those lights are gonna blow his mind.

Same thing with the DVC rental...probably a bad idea for first timers. I'd rather wait until I feel more comfy.

That said...

I dug into Touring Plans and found two "down" periods as far as crowds. The period between November 14-21 (using this year's dates as example) and the first week or two in December. According to the crowd calendars, that week in November is less crowded than the December weeks.

What do you guys think? We have it narrowed down to those 2 choices. I'm thinking the weather won't be drastically different since we're talking about 2 or 3 weeks difference.

3rd week of November (right before the rates go up for turkey day) OR 1st-2nd week of December?

Thanks again! You guys are awesome-sauce!!!

 

[LottieDah]

I'd definitely check out SW, they always seem to have the lowest prices for me(fly to Orlando out of Chicago). Plus, you can check two bags free per person! Most others charge about $25 per first bag, and more for a second, (35 when I checked last night when comparing fares for someone last night). So, those bag fees definitely add up quickly and the definitely make SW fares look even better! Even if other fares are similar, add on bag fees and those flights are much more expensive! You might be able to find more info on flying and ME over on the transportation board.

Sorry to be so wordy, hope some of the info has been helpful!

After looking into this, SW is definitely the best way to go. I had no idea about the baggage fees, so thank you for pointing that out. That makes a big difference. Also, there are NO direct flights out of Lexington. There are only flights that you have to change planes, some with outrageous layovers. From Louisville we can fly direct and be there in 2 hours. Fantastic! When it gets closer to our dates, I will start watching those rates like a hawk and trying out the sites that have been recommended to me (like Kayak). From what I saw, SW is actually doable.

And don't apologize for being wordy! lol Having never been there, no matter how much research I do, there is still going to be a certain amount of running in the dark for me. Every little tidbit you guys care to share is going to help.

Thanks so much!