**Official December 2010 Thread!!**

[tookie]

We are going December the 4th to the 12th too!!!! It is one of the only times that my DH and I are not super swamped at work. I am sooooo excited to see all of the Christmas decorations and Gingerbread houses! Maybe we will see you around!! Can't Wait!!!

 

[Brazilmom]

One more for December!!!!!

After almost 3 years of hoping and planning we have finally closed the deal on plane tickets (the main reason we haven't made it to Disney before - boy is it expensive from our neck of the woods!!!)!

Yay,I get to stop lurking all over the DIS and start joining in the fun!! We will be at the Coronado Springs from Dec 7th to 17th - me, DH, DS (7) and DD (5). We booked everything over the weekend, nice mother's day gift for me...

So... Hi to everyone on the December thread and Happy Mother's Day to all!

Juli
---------------

 

[vladimir10]

Add us to the December trip list - 11th to the 18th at BCV!

 

[Vickis3js]

Any of the Dec. DVC members have any luck switching or getting somehting they wanted at 7 months? I still have a week to try for BLT or to see if my waitlist for AKL CL comes through. Getting ansty!

Vicki

 

[wbl2745]

I got half of what I wanted at AKV from 12/1 to 12/7 and am waitlisted for the rest. We have a backup plan in case the rest doesn't show up.

 

[exwdwcm]

Happy Mothers day as well!

Happily, there is still time to work out details, and taking someone who might not otherwise be able to go is always a great idea. Either way, best wishes for a favorable outcome for all involved!

Thank you!! yeah, i am hoping he is out of the picture given what happened, but you never know with these things....

Family drama always adds SO much fun to any outing, doesn't it? I hope it works out for you.

it sure does. it never fails!!!

Any of the Dec. DVC members have any luck switching or getting somehting they wanted at 7 months? I still have a week to try for BLT or to see if my waitlist for AKL CL comes through. Getting ansty!

Vicki

We didn't waitlist for anything, but i have a few friends still waiting, one for BLT. I am curious to hear how/if and what opens up. I hope you get what you want Vicki! being new to DVC, i am not all that familiar with the process, but I am sure I will experience it next year- since we might try and stay somewhere other than BLT- i really want to try an Epcot resort- so BWV or BCV. I know they are hard to get.

 

[exwdwcm]

Also- anyone have any idea on when they typically announce the Candlelight Processional narrators? Now that they've changed the ADRs and hours release back to 180 days, i know this will make it hard for some of us- and I can't imagine they will know that schedule that far out??? I guess I won't be too picky on the narrators, it will be more about fitting my schedule.

has anyone done the dining package for it and would you recommend the first, second or third viewing?

 

[disneybarbie]

Also- anyone have any idea on when they typically announce the Candlelight Processional narrators? Now that they've changed the ADRs and hours release back to 180 days, i know this will make it hard for some of us- and I can't imagine they will know that schedule that far out??? I guess I won't be too picky on the narrators, it will be more about fitting my schedule.

has anyone done the dining package for it and would you recommend the first, second or third viewing?

Hi!
I went to CLP last year - I think the list of narrators came out late July/August but it changed several times... in fact we were supposed to have Vanessa Williams but just days before she had to cancel due to a family crisis - we had Chita Rivera instead who was very good!! (but as a big Ugly Betty fan, I had excited about seeing Vanessa!)

I would definitely recommend getting a Dining Package if you can - the line for CLP is HUGE - even if you have a package (we joined the back of the line in Morocco pavillion!), but you are guaranteed a seat if you have the DP.
We had a meal at Teppan Edo at 5.30pm for the 8.30pm CLP (third show)- the DP includes a reserved area for Illuminations afterwards too (at 9.30pm) but as the show didn't end til 9.15pm, we didn't quite make it to the reserved area before the fireworks started! so maybe it would be better to see an earlier show

Hope that helps!!

Emma x

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Also- anyone have any idea on when they typically announce the Candlelight Processional narrators? Now that they've changed the ADRs and hours release back to 180 days, i know this will make it hard for some of us- and I can't imagine they will know that schedule that far out??? I guess I won't be too picky on the narrators, it will be more about fitting my schedule.

has anyone done the dining package for it and would you recommend the first, second or third viewing?

Last year, they announced the narrators at the end of July. However, that was when ADRs were 90 days out. Now that ADRs are at 180 days, I've read that they are expected to be announced in late spring (I guess that could be this month). The overall dates are from November 26 to December 30th. The only narrator I know of is Steven Curtis Chapman from December 12-15 (as listed on his personal website, but schedules can change).

As for packages, I would highly recommend one. I've only seen the show from standing outside the theater, and it's not preferable, unless you only care to watch for a few minutes. The standby line to get in without reservations is enormous and it's hard to wait there (with a young child) with no guarantee of getting a seat. As for viewing times, although the first viewing is cheaper (if paying OOP versus using meal credits), remember that it may not be dark by that time. So the effect of choir members holding candlelight may not be as dramatic. And as the other poster mentioned, you may not have sufficient time to get setup for Illuminations (if that matters to you), if you choose the third viewing. Personally, I would get a package for the second viewing, although your own cost and schedule considerations may warrant a different choice!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Has anybody seen the reports of Disney's quarterly profits? The Disney Parks blog wrote, "The company said it expects to cease widespread discounting beginning this fall."

Grrr....they better not mess with the free dining promotion! I'm holding out hope that it gets extended into December!

 

[mrsksomeday]

I am holding out hope they will release the narrators list soon, we are going no matter who is speaking but it would be nice to know who is going to be there. I think we are doing the lunch reservation and doing the first seating.

Where is the fireworks reserved seating for those doing the CLP dining package? Bill is in a wheelchair, we will probably just go to the normal wheelchair section. I am excited to get to go to the CLP.

There might be a chance of more discounts in the fall, look at all the ones for the summer, that has to mean they aren't getting as many guests as usual. Thank goodness for our 40% off code.

 

[Vickis3js]

Has anybody seen the reports of Disney's quarterly profits? The Disney Parks blog wrote, "The company said it expects to cease widespread discounting beginning this fall."

Grrr....they better not mess with the free dining promotion! I'm holding out hope that it gets extended into December!

I haven't seen them but I had heard on one of the blogs or shows I watch that Disney is doing well. I know they just annouced that they will be building a new Value resort so thats a huge sign of improvement. I know they had talked about reducing discounts slowly to wean people from them. Not quit sure they will be doing it this year but I could see them doing it next year. They have too much competition coming this year.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I haven't seen them but I had heard on one of the blogs or shows I watch that Disney is doing well. I know they just annouced that they will be building a new Value resort so thats a huge sign of improvement. I know they had talked about reducing discounts slowly to wean people from them. Not quit sure they will be doing it this year but I could see them doing it next year. They have too much competition coming this year.

Yeah, I'm assuming they will continue having special offers, just not the deeply discounted special offers we've seen. Too bad!

I know, I am so excited for the new hotel. I've already added it to my signature! haha....how's that for wishful thinking!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Where is the fireworks reserved seating for those doing the CLP dining package? Bill is in a wheelchair, we will probably just go to the normal wheelchair section. I am excited to get to go to the CLP.

Good question! I've searched for an answer online, but can't find out an exact location. Perhaps someone who has been there knows the specifics.

 

[exwdwcm]

double post? sorry

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi!
I went to CLP last year - I think the list of narrators came out late July/August but it changed several times... in fact we were supposed to have Vanessa Williams but just days before she had to cancel due to a family crisis - we had Chita Rivera instead who was very good!! (but as a big Ugly Betty fan, I had excited about seeing Vanessa!)

I would definitely recommend getting a Dining Package if you can - the line for CLP is HUGE - even if you have a package (we joined the back of the line in Morocco pavillion!), but you are guaranteed a seat if you have the DP.
We had a meal at Teppan Edo at 5.30pm for the 8.30pm CLP (third show)- the DP includes a reserved area for Illuminations afterwards too (at 9.30pm) but as the show didn't end til 9.15pm, we didn't quite make it to the reserved area before the fireworks started! so maybe it would be better to see an earlier show

Hope that helps!!

Emma x

thank you for the info. i've seen the CLP, but it was in 1996 while on my CP, so it's been a while!We did stop briefly in Dec to watch from the walkway for a few minutes. I didn't realize there was a reserved Illuminations viewing area either- that sounds great! We definitely will do the dining package.

Last year, they announced the narrators at the end of July. However, that was when ADRs were 90 days out. Now that ADRs are at 180 days, I've read that they are expected to be announced in late spring (I guess that could be this month). The overall dates are from November 26 to December 30th. The only narrator I know of is Steven Curtis Chapman from December 12-15 (as listed on his personal website, but schedules can change).

As for packages, I would highly recommend one. I've only seen the show from standing outside the theater, and it's not preferable, unless you only care to watch for a few minutes. The standby line to get in without reservations is enormous and it's hard to wait there (with a young child) with no guarantee of getting a seat. As for viewing times, although the first viewing is cheaper (if paying OOP versus using meal credits), remember that it may not be dark by that time. So the effect of choir members holding candlelight may not be as dramatic. And as the other poster mentioned, you may not have sufficient time to get setup for Illuminations (if that matters to you), if you choose the third viewing. Personally, I would get a package for the second viewing, although your own cost and schedule considerations may warrant a different choice!

sounds like viewing #2 is ideal (and probably most popular!). I think we will shoot for that one. i really think i will get a sitter for this one night maybe. just not sure our son will make it standing in that long line and sitting through the show. jsut would make life easier on all of us if we get a sitter. even wtih the package!

Has anybody seen the reports of Disney's quarterly profits? The Disney Parks blog wrote, "The company said it expects to cease widespread discounting beginning this fall."

Grrr....they better not mess with the free dining promotion! I'm holding out hope that it gets extended into December!

Yes, i saw that. but people are already getting pin codes for dining and steep room discounts for the fall (through Dec). Maybe they are talking 'general public' discount (like free dining extension). I think they dug themselves a hole with this one----we are like spoiled children, they've offered great things for so long, we come to expect them now and many people will simply not book until a good discount comes along- they trained us that way. now that I am DVC, the discounts don't matter as much to me since I can't always use them anyway, but i know they make a huge difference to many- and are often the deciding factor on whether a family can afford to go or not.

maybe they are 'making this statement' in hopes that the folks 'waiting' for a good deal will just go ahead and book now anyhow, since they've been told no deals are coming? who konws?

I am holding out hope they will release the narrators list soon, we are going no matter who is speaking but it would be nice to know who is going to be there. I think we are doing the lunch reservation and doing the first seating.

Where is the fireworks reserved seating for those doing the CLP dining package? Bill is in a wheelchair, we will probably just go to the normal wheelchair section. I am excited to get to go to the CLP.

There might be a chance of more discounts in the fall, look at all the ones for the summer, that has to mean they aren't getting as many guests as usual. Thank goodness for our 40% off code.

that would be great if they release the list soon. we can hope, right! Yes, where is teh reserved area for Illuminations?

 

[disneybarbie]

The reserved area for Illluminations for our CLP package was right at the entrance to World Showcase, near the large Christmas tree? .. I'm not sure if that's always the spot they use though

Emma x

 

[exwdwcm]

So help me plan our AK and HS days.

Dec 4-11th
We will have DS 3 with us and my MIL and not sure who our fifth person will be.

We will plan to arrive AK at RD or shortly thereafter on a non EMH day. We will only have a 3/4 day here. I have a lot I want to do- help!

we must do in order of importance to us:

• EE (will child swap)
• Safari (prefer to do early to see most animals)
• Primeval Whirl (DH will skip and can take DS on the triceratop spin, one of my favorites and missed it last trip)
• Boneyard for our son (we missed last time- i know he needs at least 30 minutes here to enjoy- i guess we can do dino/PW while he does this and swap?)
• Dinosaur (child swap)
• Rafiki's Planet Watch (missed this last time too)
• EITHER the Lion King or NEMO show (I've seen LK many times, never Nemo). not sure we can fit both in, so trying for at least one. (we missed both last time too)
• ITTBAB
• parade if we make it without a breakdown from DS that long!

we do NOT plan to do Kali, just get too wet and the ride is so short usually with a long line. We did it in Dec and are fine missing this year. We also did the trails in Dec, so are okay skipping those this trip too. we are fine missing flights of wonder too. So what order would you try and do these in? We do use fastpass (and child swap) when necessary. We plan to stay until about 4pm probably that day. We will eat in our room at BLT and eat a fast food lunch at Yak and Yeti.

For HS- we will plan to do a morning there and an evening- so one day combined. Again, arrive RD for the morning- we will probably spend 9am-3pm on our morning there and then probably 5:30pm-11pm on an EMH night for our evening there. We are considering possibly a sit down lunch at Sci Fi on our morning there. fast food for our evening there (or in room before we go).

here are the must do's- what order????

• Osborne lights
• TSM (wait and then get FP?)
• ToT (child swap/FP)
• RnR (child swap/FP)
• Playhouse disney for DS
• GMR
• Star Tours
• Muppets
• mermaid
• animation tour- take it or leave it, Ds won't sit through the drawing class, but i know DH would enjoy it probably.
• Indiana Jones and B&B- we could take them or leave them, depending on how much time we have.

things we can skip-

• LIghts Motor Action- saw this in Dec.
• backlot tour- waste of time! just not like it used to be
• american idol- could care less
• sounds dangerous

any help on which order to do these in to avoid crowds and lines the most?

 

[disneybarbie]

Sorry, double post.. see below!!

 

[disneybarbie]

So help me plan our AK and HS days.

Dec 4-11th
We will have DS 3 with us and my MIL and not sure who our fifth person will be.

We will plan to arrive AK at RD or shortly thereafter on a non EMH day. We will only have a 3/4 day here. I have a lot I want to do- help!

we must do in order of importance to us:
......
any help on which order to do these in to avoid crowds and lines the most?

ok.. i'll try! ..

AK

I would start with safari at rope drop - lots of animals out & about.. then over to EE, get a FP first (to use later in the day, if you want it!) then get in the standby line, I've never waited more than 10 mins at this time of day

next.. walk around to Dinoland USA to ride Dinosaur & Primeval Whirl - spend some time at the Boneyard too.

There is usually an early Nemo show at about 10.45am - this could be a good one to see as there's usually plenty of seating unlike later performances!

Next to see Flik at ITTBAB

Then to Rafiki's planet watch.. I love the little train ride over there & the Pocahontas audio show - you might spend a while there if your DS likes the petting zoo & exhibits.

By now it might be time for EE (with the FPs) and some lunch at Y&Y - maybe an afternoon performance of Festival of the Lion Kingand time at Camp Minnie Mickey .... later the parade if DS makes it!

DHS

First things first... Toy Story Midway Mania!! I would go to standby line first (in my experience the long line that forms is for the FP machines & not the actual line?! ) .. after riding it get a FP if you want to ride it again in the afternoon.

Over to Sunset boulevard to do ToT and RnRC

(I like to take a break here to have a light breakfast at Starring Rolls! )

Next the Muppets & Star Tours (if line is too long, leave this for your EMH evening?)

B&B/Playhouse Disney, checking show times.. then it should be about time for your Sci Fi lunch!

Use your FPs to TSMM if you have them.. Bloc Party Bash is on at 3pm if that's of interest to you just before leaving the park!

For the EMH..

(Star Tours)
Indiana Jones (think there'd be a 5.30pm show?)
Little Mermaid
Animation Tour

Osbourne Lights

counter service dinner on Sunset Boulevard...

then at 10.50pm (!) check in at the Hollywood Tower Hotel (I love this ride even more at night!)


Did I get everything?! That was quite fun to do lol

Emma x