MVMCP - My Very Merry Chistmas Pre-Trip Report

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I had a friend that went with her grand kids recently- I tried to tell them "stuff" but you know the travel agent knows more then what I am talking about.
They PAID for their dining and thought that they can only eat the meals in the Pop Century food court-- even spent their snack credits there- came home with all the table service credits since there was no place available for them to eat.
They got to the parks about 11:30- noon because the kids wanted to swim- so of course they arrived while the parks are at the hottest--let along more crowded.
Then they tried to stay late with 2 little kids---
(Scarey is the word) why do people put out that kind of money and expect miracles?

They paid for the Dining plan, then only ate at the resort? Are they mentally deficient in some way? I guess people don't realize that a Disney vacation is not like most other vacations. Most other vacations you would probably make dining plans a month or two in advance, but you would be eating at some odd hours at Disney if you did that.

Reminds me of our last trip. We went to Crystal Palace for our Lunch reservation. There was a guy complaining that all these people who arrived after him were getting seated before him. I asked if he had a reservation, and he said "No". My initial thought was "ARE YOU STUPID!", but I bit my tongue and said people make reservations 6 months in advance for restaurants in Disney, expecting to get into a character meal quickly by just walking up is unreasonable. Then I walked away, I'm sure he wasn't very happy with my explanation.

 

[therussells08]

Your last update had me cracking up! The description of your DD's phone call with Mickey was hysterical! I bet that would win the AFV grand prize!!

When I start planning my next Disney trip, even if it's over a year away, it's always all I want to talk about but nobody else around me seems to share my enthusiasm. What is with these non-DISers?

 

[LBollengier]

I just found an interesting site that lists the best weeks to travel to Disney. Dec 4th is tops on the list for the week to check in, Dec 11th is third on the list. Using the link below you can see the 2010 and the 2011 rankings.

**************.net

I like this report!! The week of the 4th of Dec being the 1st and "mostest bestest"!!! We have never been "off season" before and are really looking forward to the time we are there Dec. 2 - 13th!! Just need a res. to Le Cellier for CP and our vacation will be perfect!! Who cares about Pop Warner???

If you have time to check out my PTR - tell me what you think, I never tried to do anything like this before and I fear it is terribly boring... I'd love some suggestions to make it more interesting like yours!!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

THanks for the link!!! From the looks of things I am hitting the 2 best weeks possible!!! We are going Nov 30-Dec10!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I like this report!! The week of the 4th of Dec being the 1st and "mostest bestest"!!! We have never been "off season" before and are really looking forward to the time we are there Dec. 2 - 13th!! Just need a res. to Le Cellier for CP and our vacation will be perfect!! Who cares about Pop Warner???

If you have time to check out my PTR - tell me what you think, I never tried to do anything like this before and I fear it is terribly boring... I'd love some suggestions to make it more interesting like yours!!

I don't see anything wrong with your PTR. You covered the whole trip in your first post, but now you should go back in time and do the prequels. An entry for early on ideas, figuring out the dates, what went into deciding which parks on which days, etc... Just be yourself, and everything should come out just fine.

I don't think you need to worry about Pop Warner. They aren't at the parks during the day, and won't be staying at the AKL, so you will most likely not even notice them. Great pics of the family.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Your last update had me cracking up! The description of your DD's phone call with Mickey was hysterical! I bet that would win the AFV grand prize!!

When I start planning my next Disney trip, even if it's over a year away, it's always all I want to talk about but nobody else around me seems to share my enthusiasm. What is with these non-DISers?

It's quite hilarious in hindsight, especially when you see in the video her leaning to the side to look around me, but man was I annoyed when trying to film it. Of course, I had no clue that Dora was on the tv or I would have paused it immediately. Just goes to show the best laid plans still aren't foolproof.
I am amazed at the lack of excitement I get from my family. My boss at work is going down September 12th. I was like "Great, which parks are you going to on which days, where are you eating, where are you staying, have you booked your flights yet..." I got a less than enthusiastic, "my wife is planning it." It is a little over a month away, he doesn't know what parks he is going to when, where he is eating, I asked him yesterday and he doesn't even know where he is staying... What is wrong with people? You're going to Disney. The happiest place on earth. How can you not be excited?

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

THanks for the link!!! From the looks of things I am hitting the 2 best weeks possible!!! We are going Nov 30-Dec10!

I thought the same thing. It's a pretty interesting site. Doesn't really tell me much I didn't already know, but if you are planning a trip for the first time it would be fantastic.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I don't see anything wrong with your PTR. You covered the whole trip in your first post, but now you should go back in time and do the prequels. An entry for early on ideas, figuring out the dates, what went into deciding which parks on which days, etc... Just be yourself, and everything should come out just fine.

I don't think you need to worry about Pop Warner. They aren't at the parks during the day, and won't be staying at the AKL, so you will most likely not even notice them. Great pics of the family.

Just want to second the whole Pop Warner thing!! No need to worry! This will be our 2nd trip in Dec during pop warner week and I swear the only time we saw them was at the airport, DTD at night and a few times in the parks (mostly at night too)... They compete during the day so you will rarely see them during the day unless you are staying at a resort they are staying at. Being you are are AKL don't stress!

 

[DavidHobart]

I thought the same thing. It's a pretty interesting site. Doesn't really tell me much I didn't already know, but if you are planning a trip for the first time it would be fantastic.

Thanks for the "fantastic"!! Dave

 

[serene56]

I am amazed at the lack of excitement I get from my family. My boss at work is going down September 12th. I was like "Great, which parks are you going to on which days, where are you eating, where are you staying, have you booked your flights yet..." I got a less than enthusiastic, "my wife is planning it." It is a little over a month away, he doesn't know what parks he is going to when, where he is eating, I asked him yesterday and he doesn't even know where he is staying... What is wrong with people? You're going to Disney. The happiest place on earth. How can you not be excited?

you are describing my family- if you ask any of them tomorrow where they are going or what they are eating they will tell you to go ask me-
If you ask Jada-- you might be lucky to hear who we are eating with.
But to be quite honest-- I bet not one of them have a clue.

 

[stephielela]

Loving your TR, it cracks me up. I thought the Osbourne lights were Ozzy too until we went! I also agree about the public transportation, though my family likes to rent a car as well. I think I have managed to talk them out of that this year... The CP is nice, very spiritual, but it's not something that would be easy with kids. I think the package with dining is almost essential. We are doing it because it means a lot to my mom, but I am not sure how my DS is going to fare...

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Thanks for the "fantastic"!! Dave

You are very welcome. I assume you are the Dave that runs the site. I was at a party today, and met someone who is planning a trip for April, and had never been to Disney. I recommended they check out your site.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Loving your TR, it cracks me up. I thought the Osbourne lights were Ozzy too until we went! I also agree about the public transportation, though my family likes to rent a car as well. I think I have managed to talk them out of that this year... The CP is nice, very spiritual, but it's not something that would be easy with kids. I think the package with dining is almost essential. We are doing it because it means a lot to my mom, but I am not sure how my DS is going to fare...

Glad you are enjoying the report. Thanks for confirming my thoughts about CP, and renting a car. I would rent a car but I would only use it for going to DTD so it isn't worth the money.

 

[coteau_chick]

Subbing I followed you here from my pre-trip report. I can't wait to hear more of your plans.

 

[coteau_chick]

I tried to make a ticker. Mine says the same as yours. When are ya'll going? I thought you were going Dec. 4th. We are going Dec. 11 and my ticker has the same countdown as you. I am confused.................nothing new about that though.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

I tried to make a ticker. Mine says the same as yours. When are ya'll going? I thought you were going Dec. 4th. We are going Dec. 11 and my ticker has the same countdown as you. I am confused.................nothing new about that though.

I don't mean to confuse you. I said we are going on Dec 4th, and nothing would change that, which at that time last year was the truth. The next edition should clear up you confusion. I am heading out to my Mom's with the kids to go swimming for the day, and seeing my cousin, Serene56. Should be a fun day of swimming and talking about Disney. I have to get her countdown working on her Facebook page. If I have time, well actually, if I have the energy, I will add an update tonight.

Oh, and to my PTR, just realized I didn't you properly.

 

[stephielela]

I wish my extended family was into Disney. A day at the pool discussing Disney plans sounds heavenly! Lucky you!

 

[DavidHobart]

You are very welcome. I assume you are the Dave that runs the site. I was at a party today, and met someone who is planning a trip for April, and had never been to Disney. I recommended they check out your site.

Yup--I run it, write it, and every night after everyone has left, clean and re-stack all the used electrons!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Dave

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

OK, time for another entry. I guess we will see how long or short it is by the end. I am thinking it will be short, but once you start writing you never know how it is going to turn out.

So, when last we left our super heroes, wait, that’s cartoon not a PTR.

On the last entry we figured out that we are traveling from the 4th – 11th, and the plan is to stay at the AKL. All I need is a pin code from Disney so I can afford it. I set up the pricing in my spreadsheet to show what the trip to AKL would cost if I had free dining, what it would be at 40% off, and what it would be with a buy 4 nights get 3 free deal like they were running last year. Obviously the buy 4 get 3 free is the best deal, 40% is just a notch below, and Free Dining leaves the price a bit high, so I may have to make other plans. It’s early though, so we will see what we get.

So I wait. And wait, and wait. I get something in the mail, but it has my Mom’s name. We took her last time, so it seems like Disney has my Mom’s name associated with my address. So if I paid last time, why am I getting mail in her name at my address? Then it dawns on me. I need to create another account with Disney using my name. No problem, create a second email account with Verizon, and create a new Disney account. Make a few itineraries, price out a couple different trips and hope that I can get a PIN Code from Disney.

Well, it is now getting close to being 180 days out, and still no pin codes. I check out the DISBoards, and see others are getting this Monster Pin from Disney. I wait and wait. Finally, I get home and check the mail, and WOOHOO GOT MY OWN MONSTER PIN.

Have we got a monster deal for you—one that makes it easy to experience everything from the special events to the amazing attractions you’ll find during select times in 2010. Plus, because the lines may be shorter and the weather more comfortable, many of these dates are also the times when you could enjoy the Walt Disney World experience most.
Save 40% for stays most nights during these select weeks
9/1–10/9/10 • 10/24–10/30/10 • 11/14–11/20/10
11/28–12/4/10 • 12/12–12/18/10
At any of the following Resort categories:
Disney Value Resorts
Disney Moderate Resorts
Disney Deluxe Resorts
Disney Deluxe Villla Resorts
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The number of rooms available at this savings is limited. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room in Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer is nontransferable. Offer excludes suites and three-bedroom villas.

I wait until the wife get’s home to share the big news. We are going to get 40% off on our trip to Disney. Then I get to thinking, AKL is kind of far away from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. I wonder if I can do a split stay. Spend the first 3 days at AKL, and then 4 days at the Poly. I do the math, and I think we can do this as long as we only get the garden view room at the Poly, we can still get the Savannah view at the AKL. I think this is definitely doable.

OK, everything is set, I have all my pricing, I know how much it is going to cost, and….

Wait a minute. Save 40% on most nights during these select weeks…

WHERE IS MY WEEK? I see the week before and the week after, but not MY WEEK!!!

I’m sure you remember my other entry in this PTR where I said

”It is decided. We are definitely going down on the 4th-11th. Nothing is going to change that.”

Yea, looks like something is going to change that.
OK, OK, let’s think this through. When I was planning last year I narrowed it down to two weeks. The week of the 4th, or the week of the 11th. I can still do the week of the 11th, I just need a room only that first night since it is blacked out, or I can go the week after Thanksgiving. OK, let me just do a little bit of checking on airfare.
HOLY CRAP, it costs that much to fly the weekend after Thanksgiving, well forget that week. We are going on the 11th, no way am I wasting the money I am saving with the 40% off pin code to pay $500 more for airfare going a week early.

OK, it is decided, we are going to go down on the 11th, and return on the 18th. That should explain why coteau_chick's and my tickers show the same times, we will at the World at at the same time.

Now I just need to call Disney and book it. That fiasco will be in my next entry. It won’t be a long entry, but I figure a 2 hour phone call is definitely deserving of it’s own entry. Then again, I didn’t think this was going to be a long entry which is why I have to modify my PTR outline to include another entry just for the phone call. That was supposed to be included in this entry.

 

[francis6306]

Yikes... a fiasco? Always a scary set up for the next entry! I have been blessed so far in the Russian Roulette of CM's at the reservation desk. Only one time did I have an issue, so I just hung up and basically called right back. I KNEW what I wanted, she was just too ditsy to help me!

So we will be there the same time!! Should be fun! Oh... and I totally asked my friend Shelley about the Osbourn's and the light thing. I think it happens more often than not!