**Official December 2010 Thread!!**

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Thanks! I wanted to book Le Cellier for the CP package since they have my favorite appetizer/entree/dessert combo on property.

Would you recommend booking a regular ressie for Le Cellier that day and then hope to "convert" it when CP packages come out? The other restaurant I want to eat at (at Epcot) is Coral Reef. I assume this one would be easier to book for the CP package, is that accurate?

Or should I book Le Cellier for sometime later that week? that way we have some sort of Le Cellier reservation booked and I can always book Coral Reef on the day we don't eat at Le Cellier. Does that make any sense? I think I may have confused myself lol!

Ok, a couple of things. One, it may not be possible to convert a previously booked ressie to a CP ressie. So try not to rely on going that route if you truly want to eat at a certain location!

Second, although we assume that previous CP restaurants (like Le Cellier or Coral Reef) will remain the same, it could change. And as for Coral Reef being easier to book, I would just say it can definitely vary.

My suggestion would be this: if there are restaurants you know you want to eat at, I would secure a reservation separate from the CP. When you finally call to book a CP package, if you get a restaurant you already booked, then just cancel the other reservation. I would hate to see you not eat at a favorite restaurant in the hopes that a reservation can be converted or in the hopes that a certain reservation may be easier to come by than another. You know what I mean?

So I would second your motion to book Le Cellier later in the week to secure it. When you call for the CP package, if Coral Reef is available, take it. If Coral Reef is unavailable, see if Le Cellier is open. Since your ADR date is so soon, I would secure what you can now!

 

[exwdwcm]

We are going to be at Bay Lake Towers from Dec.5th-12th.

woo hoo- welcome to the BLT club! we will be there 4th- 11th- what type of room? we got a 1bd lake view. our first DVC stay and can't wait!

exwdwcm-We are all adults between 25-40...no children so I think we will be fine in terms of being able to do long days. Our first night is going to be more "play by ear" in case we are all too tired! I think we will be fine for the MVMCP day, we are all very "theme park familier" and I don't forsee us having any problems. Of course we may change our mind that day and leave AK earlier if people are feeling like they need a break before MVMCP! Our biggest concern is seeing as much as possible. I am taking 3 first timers who want to see/do it all

rachaface-I am SOOOOOO excited to see HPland as well. I am such a huge fan of the books/movies and cannot wait to see it brought to life!
I must have read the travel agent's schedule wrong the first time. Looking at it now, it only lists the Jammin' Jungle Parade at 345 daily. My guess is that they will change it to the Jingle Jungle Parade once it gets closer....but I have been wrong before


So is anyone else worried about the week of Dec 3rd-11th? I have been 4 times before but I feel like a TON of people on this disboards are going this year, these dates. Plus a new PIN offer is blocked out for those dates. I am hoping it is just because of Pop Warner, so they expect the hotels to be full. That is OK with me, but I do NOT want the parks to be packed like sardines! Any thoughts??

not that nervous- i know the first week of dec is a highly popular time for DVCers. many are either young families that don't have to worry about kids in school or perhaps empty nesters, also no kids in school. plus it is value season in terms of points, great weather, and holiday decor. it's become one of the most popular weeks i hear for DVC. which i think means you have a lot more 'educated' disney travellers- i.e. folks on this board and folks that know WDW well.........so i think we tend to hear from these people more often than we do from others, since they are bigger disney fans, which makes it sound like it is really crowded... that is what i am telling myself anyhow. a few years back, we loved this week and had no issues with POP or crowds really at all. i don't expect it to be crazy crowded and i know going in with knowledge of going to the parks early, using FP and smart touring techniques, it will be just fine no matter what.

Any news on the CP dinner packages yet? My ADR date is 6/6 and I don't know what to do if they haven't released CP packages to book. Any suggestios?

my strategy is going to be book all the meals i want---we plan to eat at epcot at least for 3 sit down meals- we just love the choices there. one of those will end up being a CP package. my plan will be to book all of those meals and then later book the CP package in place of one and cancel the original meal. Not sure which restaurant i will use for our CP package though...... i know we for sure want Chefs de france for lunch (Remy) and Le Cellier (lunch or dinner). still deciding on the third- new mexico restaurant, tutto italia- not sure yet. we are not on the dining plan, so also trying to figure out which one would be the best value for us. we don't normally order appetizers or desserts.......but i do love the cheese soup and chocolate mousse at LC. hmmmmmmmmm. decisions, decisions.

I think our ADR date is june 7 or 8th- i need to doublecheck the ADR calculator. i am heading to san fran for business on wednesday and back on thursday (talk about a beating- coming from dallas- for just one night!) and hoping i can spend some time on the plane playing with my itinerary a bit more!

Happy memorial day all and special thanks and love to all our service members, past and present and their families.

 

[Vickis3js]

What does the CP package cover? Can you use the DDP for it? Just curious. CP is not something I think DH would want to do due to the religious aspect of it but I my DD may find it interesting. Just wondering if the CP package is worth it.

TIA

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

What does the CP package cover? Can you use the DDP for it? Just curious. CP is not something I think DH would want to do due to the religious aspect of it but I my DD may find it interesting. Just wondering if the CP package is worth it.

TIA

The package includes lunch or dinner at a restaurant in Epcot, guaranteed seating at the Candlelight Processional, and a reserved viewing section at the Illuminations show. Here are some links:

http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm
http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/candlelight_processional.htm

Last year, you could use 2 table service credits from the DDP to purchase a package. It's a wonderful event full of Christmas music and I think the package is a great way to go!

 

[Katie & Glen]

Ok DISers, I need some help. I remember reading before about some of the resorts being nicely decorated around the holidays. The only one that comes to mind other than AKL is Boardwalk. Which other resorts are a must see around this time of year?

 

[Tinkermom76]

Ok DISers, I need some help. I remember reading before about some of the resorts being nicely decorated around the holidays. The only one that comes to mind other than AKL is Boardwalk. Which other resorts are a must see around this time of year?

Grand Floridian for the giant gingerbread house and the Beach Club is really nice too and there is a chocolate and gingerbread carousel

 

[Katie & Glen]

Grand Floridian for the giant gingerbread house and the Beach Club is really nice too and there is a chocolate and gingerbread carousel

Thank you!! I was drawing such a blank!

 

[eecteacher82]

Just a little FYI that I have recently discovered...My ADR date is June 8th, but since I have a package booked, it is letting me make reservations through Dec 8th as of today so that means tomorrow I can book for the 9th and then Thursday I can book for our last day the 10th....you might want to check! We are staying Dec 4-10th....

 

[aharbin88]

Think my ADR day is June 21st also, but using the new Beta version for Booking reservations seems to let those with confirmed trip reservation to make ADR's even sooner.
I think I can make reservations for 12/19 in two weeks on June 19th????? But would have to book on-line so no Fantasmic Dinner packages... might just be better to wait to call on the 21st.

Where do you find the Beta version for making reservations? Is that the one on the official Disney website? Also, you say "those with confirmed trip reservations." Isn't anyone with reservations confirmed? Or is there another designation that lets some people make reservations earlier?

We are coming Dec. 1st thru 5th. We are staying at SSR Grand Villa. Can't wait....we usually stay on the Monorail so I am a little nervous about staying somewhere diffrent but also excited staying somewhere new!!

We're staying in a SSR GV, too! We'll be in one starting the 3rd. Maybe we'll pass you in the halls!

 

[aharbin88]

Just a little FYI that I have recently discovered...My ADR date is June 8th, but since I have a package booked, it is letting me make reservations through Dec 8th as of today so that means tomorrow I can book for the 9th and then Thursday I can book for our last day the 10th....you might want to check! We are staying Dec 4-10th....

I am staying DVC. Are you saying that only those who book a package through Disney can make reservations early?

 

[Vickis3js]

Ok DISers, I need some help. I remember reading before about some of the resorts being nicely decorated around the holidays. The only one that comes to mind other than AKL is Boardwalk. Which other resorts are a must see around this time of year?

Wilderness Lodge is amazing. The tree is HUGE. We also made sure to check out the contemporary. Either last year or the year before they had a cool chocolate scene. Plus the huge Mickey wreath at the entrance to the monorail is a must see!

 

[eecteacher82]

Where do you find the Beta version for making reservations? Is that the one on the official Disney website? Also, you say "those with confirmed trip reservations." Isn't anyone with reservations confirmed? Or is there another designation that lets some people make reservations earlier?

Yep, it is the one on the Disney site...Sorry for the confusion, you have to be staying at a Disney resort to be able to book ADRs extra early (not for anyone staying offsite). When I picked a date so far out, they asked for my resort confirmation info. Hope this cleared it up a bit!

 

[Vickis3js]

I am staying DVC. Are you saying that only those who book a package through Disney can make reservations early?

From what I am reading and understanding its anyone staying on site not just package people. Its also not just 2-3 days early. They are letting you book at 190 days out BUT you can only book one day at a time. So my check in date is Dec 18. Before I could book my entire trip on June 21st. Now I can book Dec 18 on June 11th, Dec 19th on the 12 and so on until I have all of my trip booked. Some are saying its a glitch and some are saying its done on purpose. Dinner shows and CRT are the only exception that they have found that still need to be booked at 180 days.

Also they said you kinda have to trick the system by putting in an early check in date then what you are actually checking in. Because of that some are fearing if they do catch it they may or could cancel the early ADRs but that is doubted.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Ok DISers, I need some help. I remember reading before about some of the resorts being nicely decorated around the holidays. The only one that comes to mind other than AKL is Boardwalk. Which other resorts are a must see around this time of year?

My votes are for Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian!! They both have great Christmas trees and the Grand Floridian has a life-size gingerbread house!

 

[Katie & Glen]

Ok, got more ??'s!

So, we want to try and get a ressie @ CRT one morning for around 8am. 1)When I make the ADR I have to give cc info even if I'm on the dining plan? 2) Are photopass photographers in the area of the castle before opening to take pictures (say around 8:30am on a 9am opening day)?

 

[pooksma]

List us among the 'crazies' going Dec.25-Dec.28. Pre-cruise trip!

 

[PoppyGirl]

I scrapbooked Disney pictures all weekend...and now I am SO ready for our trip...and only 6 months to go!

 

[taylor3297]

Ok, got more ??'s!

So, we want to try and get a ressie @ CRT one morning for around 8am. 1)When I make the ADR I have to give cc info even if I'm on the dining plan? 2) Are photopass photographers in the area of the castle before opening to take pictures (say around 8:30am on a 9am opening day)?

Yes you do have to give a CC number for CRT even if you are on the dining plan.

 

[disneybarbie]

Ok, got more ??'s!

So, we want to try and get a ressie @ CRT one morning for around 8am. 1)When I make the ADR I have to give cc info even if I'm on the dining plan? 2) Are photopass photographers in the area of the castle before opening to take pictures (say around 8:30am on a 9am opening day)?

Hi!

Yes there will be photopass photographers on Main Street before park opening - they were there when I did the KTTK tour last year, we were in the park from about 8.10am



Just wondering.. has anyone done a sleigh ride at either Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge?
I am planning an ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe and would love to surprise DF with a sleigh ride afterwards!! I've heard the decorations at FW are fantastic


Emma x

ps - I had a look at wdw dining website at work today, unfortunately it is too advanced for the work PCs so I can't get onto the new version!! (it says my version of internet explorer isn't up to date) so now I won't be sneaking onto WDW website to book ADRs in a week or so!

x

 

[goofy&tigger2]

Has anybody heard if the Free Dining Program is going to be extended through the beginning weeks of Dec? Was it last year?