Nothing to See Here...

[kaoden39]

You know that's ironic. When I saw Kurt Russell was the one to be there those dates I thought that those would be the dates I would want to go if I was. Sigh. But, I have a pretty new door!

 

[Sherry E]

You know that's ironic. When I saw Kurt Russell was the one to be there those dates I thought that those would be the dates I would want to go if I was. Sigh. But, I have a pretty new door!

Hi, Michele!


Yay for new shiny doors!

Yes, Kurt is a good pick for a narrator, isn't he? It makes perfect sense, as does Dick Van Dyke.

There are a few reasons why I may not be able to catch Kurt in action at the CP:

1. If the CP's for those nights sell out (because these will be the very first dates that the CP becomes available to the general public and not "invitation only" and the crowds could go wild!);

2. If whatever crazy price Disney is charging for the CP is too ridiculous and I can't buy a ticket; or

3. If I have to switch my dates because I find out that "M" is going to be at DLR during the same week. I will have to switch to another week.

​

OH! How could I have forgotten to mention this? When DLR e-mailed me my confirmation for the reservation today, in the section with my name and address it said:

Los Angeles, California, 90XXX, AFGHANISTAN.

 

[kaoden39]

Hi, Michele!


Yay for new shiny doors!

Yes, Kurt is a good pick for a narrator, isn't he? It makes perfect sense, as does Dick Van Dyke.

There are a few reasons why I may not be able to catch Kurt in action at the CP:

1. If the CP's for those nights sell out (because these will be the very first dates that the CP becomes available to the general public and not "invitation only" and the crowds could go wild!);

2. If whatever crazy price Disney is charging for the CP is too ridiculous and I can't buy a ticket; or

3. If I have to switch my dates because I find out that "M" is going to be at DLR during the same week. I will have to switch to another week.

​

OH! How could I have forgotten to mention this? When DLR e-mailed me my confirmation for the reservation today, in the section with my name and address it said:

Los Angeles, California, 90XXX, AFGHANISTAN.

He may just sell out. When haven't their prices been crazy? Afghanistan?

 

[Virgoinab]

Imagine that, you get two trips.

Here let me smack you one again with some pixie dust


muwhaaaaa

 

[PHXscuba]

Sherry, the Disney Store did have Tinkerbell bodywash/perfume/spray for awhile because my Tink-loving DD10 got some for Christmas a year or two ago. It seems to be gone now. I believe there was shimmer involved.

I am super excited for you that the trip is ON!! It's worth at least a couple dancing bananas!! Even better that you'll be able to get some of the whirlwind "business" touring done on your November day and have some time to relax on your do-over trip.

I had a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard today at Dairy Queen. I have to go to Flagstaff tomorrow evening and it's supposed to get below freezing!! Maybe between them I will finally believe summer is over!

PHXscuba

 

[6Smiles]

Sherry -

I am so excited that you get your do over trip! The candlelight processional is out of the question for us cause a ridiculous price times 6 = way too much money on an already modified trip, but that is okay since I get to go and enjoy Christmastime at Disney. Now if Dick Van Dyke was there I would tell my hubby and kids to enjoy the parks without me as momma was gonna get her Christmas present early (Laurie is so lucky and so I will have to live posthumously through her for this event). I too am hesitant to get too excited as we have had to modify our trip so many times already. But I am trying to remain optimistic since I already have our tickets which expire at the end of the year. I'm not thrilled by this 4 day hopper and longer ticket lines but figure it should be ironed out by the time we get there.

I am lurking even when I'm not posting on your report to see what is happening generally I am running a couple weeks behind.

Kris

 

[azdisneylover]

Yeah for Sherry!

So happy to read you are going to DL! I hope you are able to see Kurt Russell, even though Lou Diamond Phillips is a good actor. Kurt grew up making Disney movies.

Can't wait to see the pics from when you go!

 

[Sherry E]

He may just sell out. When haven't their prices been crazy? Afghanistan?

Michele -

I have no clue how Los Angeles, CA ended up in Afghanistan! I was very surprised to see it on my e-mail confirmation notice. However, the reason I scrolled down the page and checked my name and address to begin with is because there have been some other odd things that have popped up on previous e-mail confirmations (nothing quite so odd as that, but still odd). One time I even got another person's e-mail confirmation! For some reason, there's something screwy that happens in the Reservations system that always botches up something.

I wasn't sure how Disney would handle the CP pricing this year (and I guess we'll find out on 11/3-ish when the Parks Blog releases the info). In the past - when the CP used to be available to the general public several years ago - they sold dinner packages. However, at that time the CP was only taking place for 2 nights. I wasn't sure if holding the CP for 18 nights in December (I'm not counting the first 2 nights, as those are by invitation only) meant that they would lower the prices a bit - or perhaps sell tickets only, without the dinner.

All I know is that I have a feeling that the first week in December is going to be much more of a madhouse this year than it was last year, because the CP will be available to the public - and next year it may become part of a separate Christmas party. People will probably want to see it before it becomes a party exclusive.

I think it is no accident or coincidence that suddenly all of these rooms at the hotels became available yesterday - the same day the CP narrators were announced. I suspect that Disney holds some rooms back - and it looks as though the hotels are booked up, according to the website. When the CP info begins to trickle out, all of these available rooms magically appear at all 3 hotels (when they were not available just a few days ago). Very clever on Disney's part. They know that many people will choose their trip dates based on who is narrating the CP. No one wants to be stuck with a narrator they don't care for. So DLR has to keep a block of rooms available at each hotel to cover those sudden CP-going trip planners! Sneaky!

One tip I have learned (and the CM who booked my PPH room said the same thing) - even when it looks like there is no availability at the hotels for the dates you want, according to the website or hotel calendar, don't give up. Call Reservations anyway, because they have the most updated information - and they may know of certain rooms becoming available or unavailable before the info gets to the website!

Imagine that, you get two trips.

Here let me smack you one again with some pixie dust


muwhaaaaa

Virgoinab -



Yep - two trips! One day in November (in a couple of weeks) and a few days in December - about 6 weeks away.

Honestly, if not for the fact that this season is the first season for the Cars Land/Buena Vista Street holiday decorations and for the Jamboree (which is taking the place of the Reindeer Round-Up), I would just wait until December to go. I don't really need to be there on the season opening day or opening weekend as a rule, unless there is something particularly noteworthy to see. I really prefer my holiday trips to be in December!

This time, because of these new things in DCA, I am making a point of going to DLR to gather info and photos to bring back to the Christmas Superthread, and so I will be up-to-date on the latest happenings when podcast team does another call-in show. I can talk all day about previous years' holiday seasons and what there is to see, but much of what people will want to know is what's going on this year in the new DCA - and there's a lot, or so it seems!

Next year might be a bit different - I think it will be noteworthy as well, but for the opposite reasons. Instead of an abundance of activities/decorations all season long, things may appear rather sparse (holiday entertainment-wise) for a while, as the main holiday highlights will probably be exclusive to a party. So, in 2013, it may be interesting to go check out what's there...just to see what isn't there - if that makes sense!

Sherry, the Disney Store did have Tinkerbell bodywash/perfume/spray for awhile because my Tink-loving DD10 got some for Christmas a year or two ago. It seems to be gone now. I believe there was shimmer involved.

I am super excited for you that the trip is ON!! It's worth at least a couple dancing bananas!! Even better that you'll be able to get some of the whirlwind "business" touring done on your November day and have some time to relax on your do-over trip.

I had a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard today at Dairy Queen. I have to go to Flagstaff tomorrow evening and it's supposed to get below freezing!! Maybe between them I will finally believe summer is over!

PHXscuba

PHX -

Below freezing in Flagstaff? Yikes! Well, it sure is not like that here - we're still at 90 degrees. It got crazy windy for about a day and it finally seemed like October. It was around 68 degrees for a day or two as well. And then right back up to 90. This is ridiculous. What kind of Halloween weather is this?

However, the overall 'feel' is different. It doesn't feel like 90 degrees feels in August. It is less harsh. Still, it would be nice if we could finally drop down to the 60's and stay there!

I've never had a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard! We don't have any Dairy Queens in my immediate area. Is that holiday Blizzard any good? And do they also do a peppermint version for Christmas?

I thought I'd seen some Tinkerbell bath/beauty products at some point! Pixie Dust Face Wash sounds like it would be a top seller!

Thanks for the kind words, PHX! I'm pretty happy about it all too! Yes, the November trip is a 'mission.' "Business" is a good word for it. It's going to be all about observation and note-taking, if I can remember. It will be a 'let me zero in on what's new; what's gone; what's been scaled back; are the hotels decorated at all; is there any especially cool new merchandise; are there are new holiday treats (or the same old ones) and where can they be found; is Ghirardelli giving out its peppermint samples; where are the characters in holiday sweaters located, etc.' trip. It going to mainly be a mission to gather info.

The December trip, as you said, will be much more relaxed. I can take my time with trying to come up with new photo ideas. I can spend time leisurely lingering in the areas I want to go. I don't necessarily have to rush back and forth from Point A to Point B, and then back again. like I could be doing in November.

Sherry -

I am so excited that you get your do over trip! The candlelight processional is out of the question for us cause a ridiculous price times 6 = way too much money on an already modified trip, but that is okay since I get to go and enjoy Christmastime at Disney. Now if Dick Van Dyke was there I would tell my hubby and kids to enjoy the parks without me as momma was gonna get her Christmas present early (Laurie is so lucky and so I will have to live posthumously through her for this event). I too am hesitant to get too excited as we have had to modify our trip so many times already. But I am trying to remain optimistic since I already have our tickets which expire at the end of the year. I'm not thrilled by this 4 day hopper and longer ticket lines but figure it should be ironed out by the time we get there.

I am lurking even when I'm not posting on your report to see what is happening generally I am running a couple weeks behind.

Kris

Thank you so much, Kris! I'm glad to know you're often lurking and following along, even when not posting!

I sure need a do-over after last December's mess!

That's exactly why I fear I will end up having to skip the CP - the price. I'm not sure what the price is just yet, but even with an AP discount it may be too much.

While Dick Van Dyke would be great to see, I'd be perfectly happy with Kurt Russell too.

I wonder who will end up in that "TBA" spot! What if it's someone like...Julie Andrews (even though her voice is not what it once was)? Those CP's would be SOLD OUT right away!

You know who would be a good choice for a narrator (because of her Disney background)? Jodie Foster!

Actually, I think that Lou Diamond Phillips will do a fine job of narrating, too - he seems to take on a lot of different tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. I think he will be great.

I have the same issue about being hesitant to get excited about the trip. I have had to modify trips in the past. I've had to cut back. I've had to skip going altogether. I've had to rearrange things. I've had to literally figure out how to scrape up money until the night before my trip was about to take place. It's stressful. It would be nice to know that we can plan trips and enjoy the planning process, and that no modifications will have to be made...that everything is taken care of and nothing will have to change. But how often does that happen for anyone, really?

Yeah for Sherry!

So happy to read you are going to DL! I hope you are able to see Kurt Russell, even though Lou Diamond Phillips is a good actor. Kurt grew up making Disney movies.

Can't wait to see the pics from when you go!

Linda -

I knew you'd be happy that I'm going in December (and November too, of course)! You're always so kind and supportive. I really didn't think a multi-night stay would be possible this year. But...I'm going to do it. As I said, Christmas magic is in the air! The hotel is taken care of - and that was the biggest expense of the whole trip.

I would be fine with Kurt or Lou as narrator - and, in fact, I think Kurt's nights will be more crowded because those are the first nights the CP is available to everyone - but I just have to see what kind of price I'm looking at and how feasible it is for me to do it.

 

[tksbaskets]

Such a happy thread with TWO trips coming up over the holidays!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm back Sherry and trying to catch up. Had a fabulous 12 day trip to WDW; just got back late Wednesday night. See tr link in signature.

Time to catch up here. I can't believe how close the holidays at Disneyland are. I wish so badly we were going this year. You're getting to go so I will have to live through you and your peppermint ice cream. I know I don't need to remind you but please take window display pics- they are my favorite. Oh and IASW too. And the MH NBC overlay. And and and....

 

[Sherry E]

Okay...I am clearly slipping in my Disney holiday news.

How...tell me HOW...it is that I somehow missed hearing the news that registered AP holders will not have to pay to see the Candlelight Processional (unless they want dining packages, of course)?

Well, that is a rhetorical question. I know how it happened. When the original Disney Parks Blog article on the CP came out in August (the one that announced that there would be 20 nights), there was nothing to indicate how it would all be set up. So I posted the link to that Blog in my Christmas Superthread and left it alone.

Just a few minutes ago I pulled up that same CP blog from August and noticed that it had been updated. At the top of the article it said "Update..." or some such thing, and it went on to explain that registered AP holders would not have to pay to see the Candlelight Processional! I'm sure that everyone else has seen it and I am the last to know about it!

I am guessing that this means that what I suspected would happen is what's happening. They are probably going to do a lottery-type thing (like they did for the Cars Land preview and the Little Mermaid/Star Tours preview) in which we select the CP date and time that we want (there will be 2 performances per night, up through December 20th), and then we wait to hear from Disney to find out if we got the slot we asked for.

So, now that I know that the AP holders do not have to pay (I don't need a dining package - I just want to see the ceremony), then you know what this means....

Heck yeah, I'm going to see the Candlelight Processional
with Kurt Russell as narrator!!!!​

The only reason I would not have seen the CP is because I thought we'd all be stuck paying. If it's free and I can reserve a spot with my AP for the first or second night, then of course I am going to see the CP! I wouldn't miss it! I have been waiting to see the Candlelight Processional for years! Just once in my life I wanted to see it!

I guess, as soon as the CP info comes out (which I think will be by this coming Friday, 11/2 or by next Monday, 11/5), I will put in the request and see what happens! I'm not even going to tempt fate and try to ask for more than 1 or 2 spots. That's just asking to be turned down. Sticking with a low number of guests is best - there are more chances to get in that way if this is going to be conducted in a lottery-type situation.

I am assuming that what will happen is that the non-paying AP holders will get put in a 'holding area' (standing only), while the people who buy the dinner packages will get seats, of course. I don't mind standing as long as I can see the ceremony. If there is a 9-foot tall individual in front of me, I will not be amused.

This means that I will be one of the people standing there in the inevitable masses squished into Town Square...which will be strangely reminiscent of my day at the US Festival (a multi-day rock concert/Woodstock-type of event) back in 1983. But I digress...

I have a feeling that those first couple of CP nights - especially with AP people not having to pay - will be a madhouse. Plus, there will be all sorts of non-AP holders and non-dining package people who will be trying to crowd the perimeters of the CP area to see the show.

Nonetheless, mayhem or not, I am doing it! I have my PPH room booked. I just have to wait for the CP sign-up info to come out and I will jump on it - and then I will get to see the CP for the first time ever! I cannot wait! That will be a wonderful Christmasy thing to do! Plus, if I can make it into the first available night of the CP (12/3), that will be newsworthy.

Such a happy thread with TWO trips coming up over the holidays!

TK -

Yep! A day trip, a hotel trip and now a Candlelight Processional to throw in the mix too!

I'm back Sherry and trying to catch up. Had a fabulous 12 day trip to WDW; just got back late Wednesday night. See tr link in signature.

Time to catch up here. I can't believe how close the holidays at Disneyland are. I wish so badly we were going this year. You're getting to go so I will have to live through you and your peppermint ice cream. I know I don't need to remind you but please take window display pics- they are my favorite. Oh and IASW too. And the MH NBC overlay. And and and....

Hi, Jenny!

Welcome back! I'm glad you made it back over here.

I will mosey over and check out your TR. I've been peeking in on Bret's TR-in-progress, and it looks like he's already been doing some great things at WDW/F&W. That Party for the Senses looks awesome!

I can't believe the holidays are almost here. Thanksgiving will be in a few more weeks!

I didn't know if you ever got to the end of my last TR, in which I explained the 'crying on the bench in DCA' episode. In any case, these upcoming trips should be much happier ones, by far!

I've got the one-day trip coming up on either 11/11 or 11/12 - and that is mainly to be there for the holiday season opening day/opening weekend, for the purpose of catching all the new DCA decorations and the Jamboree in Disneyland (formerly the Reindeer Round-Up).

The multi-night trip in early December (now with a Candlelight Processional thrown into the mix!) is going to be the one where I really do the intensive window display/IASWH/etc. picture-taking! I won't let you down! If history repeats, then I should get on a photo-taking roll, as I did in 2010 when I had 2 entire days and nights to roam free (by myself) in DLR.

 

[PHXscuba]

I found it!! Just for you, Sherry ...

http://www.disneystore.com/pixie-dust-disney-store-body-wash/mp/1294095/1007301/



PHXscuba

 

[tksbaskets]

Big smiles and here for you! We'll have to compare CP notes Shaping up to be a fine holiday season indeed.

 

[rentayenta]

I read your other report with your *friend* M. I'm so happy you'll get a do over trip.

 

[Sherry E]

I hadn't been certain whether or not I was going to renew my Annual Pass, but since I will have to show an AP when I check into the PPH in December (it's an AP rate, hideous though it may be), and it sounds as though I will need my AP to get in on that Candlelight Processional action, I guess I must renew!

Seeing that my monthly payment date for the last year has been either the 31st or the 1st of each month, I will just stick with the same date again so it is easy to remember - which means I will renew the AP tomorrow, on Halloween!

The Candlelight Processional details (meaning how to see it with or without a dining package) should be coming out in the next few days. The funny thing is, I think I will have to sign up for the CP using my existing AP (which doesn't expire until 11/13), and that is the AP # that will be registered in the Disney system...and yet, by the time the trip takes place and the CP happens, I will have a different AP. I hope that won't somehow mess things up and confuse the system into thinking that I am not the same AP holder who signed up for the CP.

Oh...and I should mention... Pssst! The Hallmark Channel Christmas movie weekend marathons begin in 4 days!! Woo hoo!

I found it!! Just for you, Sherry ...

http://www.disneystore.com/pixie-dust-disney-store-body-wash/mp/1294095/1007301/



PHXscuba

Thanks, PHX!

The tag line for that product should be, "For those moments when you just need to smash yourself in the face..."

Big smiles and here for you! We'll have to compare CP notes Shaping up to be a fine holiday season indeed.

TK -

Yes, it certainly is! I wanted to see the Gary Sinise CP at DLR last year, but it was still just invitation only. So I am a bit envious that you will get the "Lieutenant Dan" Candlelight Processional, but I think that my Kurt Russell CP will be fine. It just looks like such a lovely ceremony - perfect for anyone who truly loves the holiday and holiday music.

I read your other report with your *friend* M. I'm so happy you'll get a do over trip.

Jenny -

...Yes, my "friend," who ruined all of our plans and then marched past me as I sat on the DCA bench, pretending not to know me (or whatever the heck she was doing), leaving me in tears. You know what they say - with friends like that, who needs enemies?

I'm happy to have a do-over holiday trip too. This one will be much better, and I hope I can avoid getting sick mid-trip again.

Have you caught any of the "Love Actually" airings on HBO lately? I know that you love that movie too, just as I do (and I keep telling everyone in this thread to watch "Love Actually" - they will not be disappointed!). I recall that you and I were discussing in the Christmas Superthread last year how much fun it is to stumble upon a movie on TV, even if we already own it or have seen it 150 times! I've been doing that with "Love Actually." I have no clue how many times I've seen it, but I still watch it every time I catch it in the HBO line-up, which has been quite often lately.

 

[bumbershoot]

Congrats on the trips! Oh I'm so happy for you.

 

[Sherry E]

Congrats on the trips! Oh I'm so happy for you.

Thanks, Molly!

Out of curiosity, do you have any idea how the AP thing would work (which I explained on the previous page)?

If I sign up for the Candlelight Processional with my existing AP (which is already registered with Disney), but then have my new AP with me by the time the CP actually takes place, do you think it would cause a problem or confusion?

I don't want to wait to sign up/register for the CP until I get the new AP. I think a lot of people will register for my CP night (because the AP holders can see it for free without a dining package). I am renewing the AP tomorrow - it should be here within a week or so, but the CP registration info will probably come out between now and 11/3 (before I get the new AP) and I want to jump on it when it does.

 

[Sherry E]

Crickets. Crickets. Crickets. (We're starting to get into that territory in which I ask questions in my replies to people, and they never answer. It's happened a few times recently! Lol.)


Side note:


This is my second favorite holiday of the year, and I did nothing for Halloween the entire season. But I just renewed my AP. That was scary - so at least I got a good fright out of this holiday. (Even at the payment plan, it still hurt.)


So about this TR:

Well, here's the thing...right now, almost anyone that I might hope would be actively following me in this TR and commenting/responding is probably involved in writing their own or reading other TR's. Deej has a TR. PHX has a Pre-TR. Jenny has a TR. Bret is at WDW right now, but when he comes back he will once again be heading to DLR and will have a TR for that, as well as the WDW TR to complete. Laurie has a Pre-TR. Molly has a TR. Marie hasn't posted in this TR since the "Aunt Betty" tale was still in its early stages, but she has a Pre-TR (as well as a Webshots photo downloading nightmare on her hands).

And TK is pretty much stuck in the middle of it all! I would like to keep up with at least a couple of these other DIS-friends' TR's, but it's so hard to find the time and try to work on my own TR too, as well as do other non-DIS things.

So...what to do, what to do...

One of the reasons I did not start my TR very soon after the December 2011 trip was over (aside from being ill) is that a similar situation was occurring. There were a lot of TR's taking place at one time and I couldn't try to keep mine active and keep up with the other TR's too.

Let's face it - unless we all have endless time in the day to just stay online and do nothing else, it's very hard to put time into our own TR's and also actively follow several others. I can't do it. I'm not sure who can.

Plus, in my case, I have other threads I need to 'work' on here. I have been intending to start some other informational/photo threads in the SoCal forum for a long while. I have been meaning to do some rearranging/reorganizing of some of the info in my Halloween & Christmas Superthreads. Not to mention the fact that I am kicking my Theme Week Countdown in the Christmas Superthread into high gear when I switch to a full week of daily themes beginning in 5 days!

Hmmm...I'll have to think on this. I just don't have time for everything. I may post a highlight reel of Cars Land/Buena Vista Street holiday pictures in another 12 or 13 days (after I get back from the "business" day trip to DLR!). It will depend on what kinds of photos I get (and if they are any good!). Then I can do an actual TR for the December 2-5, 2012 trip next year (assuming the world has not ended), after some of my other friends' TR's are complete. I'm not sure. I don't know what I can manage. I feel overwhelmed. I'll have to ponder it all.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Sherry,
Yes, you are a busy woman! I'll be ready to read your report/look at your pictures whenever you post. No need to stress.

I am indeed caught in the middle of several glorious TRs. I'm very happy to get my fix from you, Bret, Deej, and PHX.

I'll probably do a WDW TR after we return although thre isn't as much action on the WDW TR boards to be sure. It is a fun way to relive our trip. Not that TR visitors isn't a lot more fun

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Sherry,
Yes, you are a busy woman! I'll be ready to read your report/look at your pictures whenever you post. No need to stress.

I am indeed caught in the middle of several glorious TRs. I'm very happy to get my fix from you, Bret, Deej, and PHX.

I'll probably do a WDW TR after we return although thre isn't as much action on the WDW TR boards to be sure. It is a fun way to relive our trip. Not that TR visitors isn't a lot more fun

TK -

At least PHX isn't going to DLR until next year, so I still have time to actively follow that Pre-TR. But Deej was just there; Jenny was just at WDW; and Bret, Marie and Laurie are all about to head back to DLR for holiday trips (Bret's trip will be right after my November day trip; then comes Marie's Thanksgiving trip; then comes my early December trip; then comes Laurie's December trip).

I was just talking about your "Lieutenant Dan" Candlelight Processional yesterday or the day before in this TR. You may have missed it. I would hope you'd do a TR!

I don't like waiting until the following year to do a TR for the previous holiday season because it seems irrelevant or old news by then, and people have already seen 50,000 holiday pictures at that point. But looking ahead at the work involved in trying to actively keep up with this TR while there many other holiday TR's going on (even from people I have not yet mentioned) seems daunting. So that's where my quandary resides.

Anyway, I'll have to mull it over.