Never challenge a DISer to find a deal--a Nov/Dec PTR 11/26: Today's the day!!!

[Tinkermom76]

We have 9 with 7 credits as well... I figure I will pay OOP for Kona and the Plaza because I don't want to cancel any. My problem is if I get an ADR for candlelight Processional I will cancel my Le Cellier but I will still have to find another one to pay for

 

[stephielela]

Hey! Your parties look AWESOME! You did a great job!

Can you tell me more about picking up your package tickets early? We are staying at CR our first night and then CBR the rest, and don't have park tickets attached to our CR reservation, so I thought we had to go all the way over to CBR in the morning to check in and get them... but if that's not the case...

 

[moparop]

We have 9 with 7 credits as well... I figure I will pay OOP for Kona and the Plaza because I don't want to cancel any. My problem is if I get an ADR for candlelight Processional I will cancel my Le Cellier but I will still have to find another one to pay for

Plaza is definitely a great one to pay for OOP. We did that the last trip and got the meals and drinks. We went next store to the bakery and got dessert with our snack credits and felt like we missed nothing. Which meal are you doing at Kona? Their dinner is my favorite on property!

Hey! Your parties look AWESOME! You did a great job!

Can you tell me more about picking up your package tickets early? We are staying at CR our first night and then CBR the rest, and don't have park tickets attached to our CR reservation, so I thought we had to go all the way over to CBR in the morning to check in and get them... but if that's not the case...

Thanks for the party compliments! It was so fun thinking of the little details that pulled it all together!

Here's the scoop on the tickets. Like I had said, I knew nothing about this until I read about it in someone else's trip report. At first I was skeptical, but Cheshire Figment works in ticketing and wrote all about in his ticketing thread on the theme park board. The link to his post is here. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684 Here's a C&P of his info:

I. Picking up Package Tickets Prior To Start Of Package

In cases where Walt Disney World Resort Guests would like to begin using their Package Tickets prior to the day of check-in (up to three days in advance), the Guests will be directed to visit any Theme Park Guest Relations location and request Early Ticket Pick-Up.

It is only valid for people with packages at a Walt Disney World owned and operated Resort. You can be staying off-property at the time you pick up the tickets.

There is a possibility that if your package and the stay prior to the package are at the same Resort that you will be able to get the tickets at the Resort and not have to go to a Park Guest Relations Office.

And the tickets issued will be valid for the entire stay; they will not receive valid tickets when they actually check-in to their resort. There is a strong possibility that the tickets you have received prior to check-in cannot be added to your KTTW on or after check-in.

So, it sounds like you go to the park you want to attend that day, and tell them you want an early ticket pick-up. They issue you paper tickets and you are on your way. This will not work, from my understanding, if you are using the DDP. For that, you'll have to check in to get those credits.

HTH!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Do you think she'll be at all distracted by the show going on, that might help keep her settled in the chair more at the HDDR? It's a tough one to let go, I'm sure - it looks like so much fun!

 

[moparop]

Talk to me Goose!

Did you get the cheesy 80s movie reference? I have to admit in 1986 I had a major crush on Tom Cruise and was so excited when this came out on VHS! Anyone else want to confess that you rewound the volleyball scene and watched it more than once? Yeah, I sure did! Anyway, that line is one of my favorites from the movie and will often use it when I need to get info from people.

I've been trying to work through some nuts and bolts of our trip and before I make commitments, I want to hear your thoughts. And so...
"Talk to me goose"

1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks.

3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

5. Shoes for kids? What do your nonstroller riding kids like on their feet at Disney? Doug has ridden our last two trips and this year we are expecting him to pull his own weight.

6. Any readers into customs? I am trying to mentally figure out a balance between cute handmade Disney outfits and regular clothes, especially for Aileen. I want to make her things, but I have a really hard time with an outfit made to be worn only once...

I think that's it! Thanks for the help!

 

[PetersonFamily]

Hello Moparop!! I made it over to your PTR and love reading about all of your plans -- resort, ADR's and your kids are adorable! So sweet! As far as autograph ideas, a co-worker of mine went to Home Depot and got quite a few of the paint swatches from the Disney line (w/ the Mickey heads). She cut the heads out, punched a hole in them and put them on a small, colorful metal ring. We will probably do this also. I plan on putting the signed Mickey heads into the kids' scrapbooks.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love Top Gun!! In fact, the reason I love it so much is that my brother was obsessed with that movie growing up. He can still quote pretty much the whole thing. Last weekend while we were on the lake on the boat, he was saying "Talk to Me Goose" when we were trying to anchor on a sand bar.

Let's see...

Autographs. I haven't done this but I have seen it on a few trips and I think it's a great idea. What they do is get one of those small photo albums. You know the 4x6 ones at Walmart? (I have also seen bigger ones but since you have 3 kids, smaller and compact is probably better if you want to do one for each). ANYWAYS, what they do is have the character sign on the blank photo album page and when they get home they add the picture of the character. I think that is such a great idea. I'm toying with doing it myself this year. I think it makes a cute and easy souvenir. You have to make sure you are aware of which way the camera is going but since most of the time with characters you take pictures vertical, it shouldn't be a big problem.

My favorite park bag has been Vera Bradley. Let's see, I've use the mail bag, the saddle up bag and a messenger sling. A bag that I've had in the past that I didn't bring into the park because I just didn't need that much room was the cargo sling. I think that would be the perfect size for you. Usually you can find a good deal on ebay on Vera Bradley bags. I also love that the Vera's have fabric straps, much easier on my shoulders when the bag starts to get a bit heavy.

Pin Trading. Wow. I'm awfully chatty this morning. If you are going to do pin trading I highly recommend getting pins off of ebay. They are much cheaper than in the parks, most of the time you can find pin lots for about $1 a pin. I've bought them from many different sellers and have never had a problem about getting "fakes" or anything like that. I don't keep my pins on a lanyard but I'm sure you can find those on ebay too if you want them.

I love the customs for kids. What if you do a few tshirts, I know they are not as fancy but I've gotten some really cute appliques from Etsy and at least they can wear the tshirts at home. Maybe you should just do one really cute custom for Aileen.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

*Don't have kids but thought I would add my own thoughts


1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?
*My mom and dad would buy ours the first day we got there. Of course they are super fancy now with the inserts where you can put the pics and they wish they had those when we were little! We still have our books and look at them from time to time. My mom was never crafty so I don't think she would have attempted to make them on her own.

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks.

*I use a Vera Bradley (once again don't carry diapers so I don't know?) I know they have the actual backpack bags but I use the smaller one. If not, I'll use one of the little WDW drawstring bags but both are super easy to throw in the wash after a trip!

3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

*Never traded sorry

4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

*MK: Castle lighting and parade + fireworks (MVMCP)
Epcot: Seeing the different santas around WS. Germany is my fav!! CLP shows (although, I'm not sure if DD would be able to sit through it?) It would be nice to walk by and take a glance for future years!! And the FIREWORKS of course, it's Illuminations + every other fireworks that they could find and shoot off!!
DHS: Osbourne lights!
AK: The parade is cute, they use some of the same floats as the regular parade but change the music and add smelly effects! I wouldn't go out of the way to see if but if you are there it's nice to catch!

5. Shoes for kids? What do your nonstroller riding kids like on their feet at Disney? Doug has ridden our last two trips and this year we are expecting him to pull his own weight.

*I wear Crocs, Nike Flip Flops and sometimes tennis shoes so I'm not a very good helper in this question!



I think that's it! Thanks for the help![/COLOR][/QUOTE]

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Did you get the cheesy 80s movie reference?

Totally!

1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?

On our first trip it was a surprise for the kids and was technically Alex's birthday present. We'd bought him a Mickey book to use as a trip journal but quickly realized it was perfect as an autograph book which, pre-DIS, I hadn't known to bring.

Donald was slightly annoyed Mickey's face was on every page so he intentionally signed over it.

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks.

We got our park bag by accident. Again on our first trip we'd not factored in bringing home souvies so we ran out of room in the suitcases we'd brought. A quick trip to the Pop gift shop and I found this baby that has come with us since on each trip. It hangs easily on our stroller, zippers shut and holds a TON of stuff. It's not fancy but it works for me. Sorry the pic is a bit teeny but it's actually quite big.

3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

Not a stretch at all, pin trading and autographs are fantastic ways to practice. Go with LL's advice for the eBay lots. We love pin trading!

4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

All of the decorations everywhere are sure to choke me up over and over and MVMCP is something I am very much looking forward to.

5. Shoes for kids? What do your nonstroller riding kids like on their feet at Disney? Doug has ridden our last two trips and this year we are expecting him to pull his own weight.

(knock on wood) We've been super lucky and never had to worry about specialized shoes or inserts or anything. Sandals are all we've ever worn but not sure about Nov/Dec...?

6. Any readers into customs? I am trying to mentally figure out a balance between cute handmade Disney outfits and regular clothes, especially for Aileen. I want to make her things, but I have a really hard time with an outfit made to be worn only once...

What if you put cute Disney things on everyday wear that you could easily remove once home?

 

[stephielela]

So, it sounds like you go to the park you want to attend that day, and tell them you want an early ticket pick-up. They issue you paper tickets and you are on your way. This will not work, from my understanding, if you are using the DDP. For that, you'll have to check in to get those credits.

HTH!!

That is awesome! thanks so much for the info!

 

[starnightstarsky2000]

Talk to me Goose!

1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks

3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

5. Shoes for kids? What do your nonstroller riding kids like on their feet at Disney? Doug has ridden our last two trips and this year we are expecting him to pull his own weight.

6. Any readers into customs? I am trying to mentally figure out a balance between cute handmade Disney outfits and regular clothes, especially for Aileen. I want to make her things, but I have a really hard time with an outfit made to be worn only once...

I think that's it! Thanks for the help!

1.) In the past we have just brought the autograph books at Disney but this year I had another Disers on here make my son a special birthday autograph cover and I am going to hit wallie or $store and get 4x6 album and take it apart and redo it using the custom cover as well as add blank sign paper on one side and the photo pocket on the other.

2.) We actually use a camel back water bag which has extra space and since we only have a 9 soon to be 10 it works great for snacks and of course trading pins and the camera

3.) Actually it is a great idea and an even better one is talk to your sons about the Green lanyards which CM wear who can only trade with children as this way he doesn't have to wait behind adults wanting to trade with the CMs which might make him more nervous.
And as others have said hit ebay for example right now there are quite a few who have 200 pins for $135 which is a super deal when you realize that pins are $7-$50 at the world.

4.) LOL we always go in the fall so MNSSHP is our fav and we love it!!!

5.) Well broken in shoes are we we go with it we normally buy new tennis shoes a couple months before we go and everyone wears those shoes a couple days a week to break them in and yet still keep them in nice shape. While both our son and I prefer sandals the fact is that some of the rides at the world require closed shoes

6.) We normally hit the Disney Store sales and pick up t-shirts/shorts/swimming suits when they are on sale. Last year I found a sale of #3 shirts for $9 but then again my son loves to wear anything Disney so I knew they would get worn to heck and back.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Plaza is definitely a great one to pay for OOP. We did that the last trip and got the meals and drinks. We went next store to the bakery and got dessert with our snack credits and felt like we missed nothing. Which meal are you doing at Kona? Their dinner is my favorite on property!

We are doing breakfast.. since we are staying there it will be an easy morning

Talk to me Goose!

Did you get the cheesy 80s movie reference? I have to admit in 1986 I had a major crush on Tom Cruise and was so excited when this came out on VHS! Anyone else want to confess that you rewound the volleyball scene and watched it more than once? Yeah, I sure did! Anyway, that line is one of my favorites from the movie and will often use it when I need to get info from people.

I've been trying to work through some nuts and bolts of our trip and before I make commitments, I want to hear your thoughts. And so...
"Talk to me goose"

1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?

We used the autograph books you buy at the park, the ones that you sign on one side and put a pic on the other. Last trip we filled 1 and a half so I am making a list of who we have and only getting more on this trip if we don't have them

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks.

I am bringing a tote bag cause the one I had last year I hated.. it was a Heys bag


3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

We don't pin trade.. too expensive


4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

Kinda weird since I live in Canada but I love the snow on Main St and the Osbourne lights are amazing... can't wait to see the Candlelight Processional this year

5. Shoes for kids? What do your nonstroller riding kids like on their feet at Disney? Doug has ridden our last two trips and this year we are expecting him to pull his own weight.

Last year my girls both wore Crocs and I don't think they ever complained about their feet and we only had a stroller one day for Emma who was 5


6. Any readers into customs? I am trying to mentally figure out a balance between cute handmade Disney outfits and regular clothes, especially for Aileen. I want to make her things, but I have a really hard time with an outfit made to be worn only once...

I am thinking of making shirts but not full outfits

I think that's it! Thanks for the help!

 

[brookelizabeth]

1. Autographs? Do you or your kids collect them? Where do you have them sign? A book? Premade? Make your own?

You might remember from my PTR, but this is the first trip we are doing autographs. Henry is very, very excited about meeting the characters. We are using that Character Encyclopedia book; however, that could get pricey per kid! I LOVE the idea of the photo album with a signature on one side and a picture on the other. That is what I have wanted to do - but haven't found an album I like yet (though, I haven't looked much ); so I'll do one or the other for Henry this trip, then do the other next trip.

2. Park bag? What's your favorite? I did a baggalini the last few times and to quote Liam "I didn't love it very much". I am looking for something else that can hold enough for a small army (or 5 people) one of whom is in diapers and can last for a day in the parks.

Can't help ya here....I'm a Baggalini gal. The Vera Bradley seem to be VERY popular amongst DISers though.

3. Pin trading? I am hoping to get the boys into pin trading on this trip as Liam especially has a really hard time walking up to adults and starting a conversation. I thought this would make Disney a great structured environment to practice language skills. How's that for a stretch?

Not a stretch at all! We are waiting until Henry discovers pin trading on his own due to the expense. He he.

4. Holidays at Disney: I know many of you have been before or are planning to go this year. What stands out in your mind as one thing that you loved or are looking forward to seeing? If you've never been and are not going this year, what would you like to see if you were going?

THE CASTLE. Seriously, sooooooooooo beautiful in all those lights! With Wishes exploding behind it... The Osborne Lights are a close second for me.

 

[moparop]

Holding...

Since we have those two days at Pop with the room only ressie, I was very anxious about a room only discount that was scheduled to come out this AM. I was stalking various places this morning so I didn't have to spend all day on the phone. Unfortunately, I forgot to stalk the codes board (DUH!) and saw it at about 7:04. I called immediately after I saw it and my hold time was said to be "over 30 minutes". They were not kidding!! I keep hoping someone is going to pick up, but so far, not so much. I decided to price it out while on hold on the WDW website and it looks like the current offer will save us right around $30. And that's at least a QS meal, right? Heck, maybe with my savvy DISing, I can convince DH we should keep one of those extra ressies!! (Yeah I didn't think so either )

Once I no longer have a phone attached to my ear, I'll go back and comment on your responses to my questions. There are so so many great ideas there and have me totally excited for our upcoming trip! You folks rock!!

 

[MeMom]

Holding...


Once I no longer have a phone attached to my ear, I'll go back and comment on your responses to my questions. There are so so many great ideas there and have me totally excited for our upcoming trip! You folks rock!!

We have all been where you are - on hold with Disney, hoping no major catastrophes occur while we are waiting, as we would not be able to give up our spot in line to go and attent to them.

$30 is $30. Every penny counts when it comes to saving for a Disney vacation.

Holidays - resort hopping to see the different decor and the castle lighting, of course. Going over to Fort Wilderness to see the elaborate displays the campers fix up was fun. We have done that twice. Candlelight Processional - you can hear it from the back, if you can't get a seat, and then just leave when the kids get restless. With the age of your kids, I wouldn't pay for a package.

I am hoping we can do Hoop De Doo next summer. I thik Brooklynn would really enjoy it, and Bella will be able to enjoy it a little, as well. She loves to dance.

Have a great Monday, Mop Family!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Patiently waiting to see if you got any mega deals.

 

[moparop]

Patiently waiting to see if you got any mega deals.

Well, we did do ok. I had the two night of room only reservations at Pop for Nov. 26 and 27. Nov. 27th was one of the room only discount days. So, I was able to get 25% off of that night anyhow. In the end, it saved me about $40!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Well, we did do ok. I had the two night of room only reservations at Pop for Nov. 26 and 27. Nov. 27th was one of the room only discount days. So, I was able to get 25% off of that night anyhow. In the end, it saved me about $40!

Woo Hoo! That's great. $40 is $40.

 

[brookelizabeth]

for saving $40!!!

 

[moparop]

Woo Hoo! That's great. $40 is $40.

Right!! I am already mentally spending that money on souvenirs or ADRs. Ryan would say that we should do something practical with the money like put it in savings.

for saving $40!!!

I know!! I am amazed that Disney is offering discounts Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. You know they are bummed about resort bookings if that's the case!