**Official December 2010 Thread!!**

[PrincessSuzanne]

I can't wait for December! I am really enjoying reading all your pre trip reports and other trip reports that are at that time of year.
A little question- can you hear the processional if you are nearby or only if you actually make it into the theater? I heard it is an outdoor theater so I thought if we couldn't get in that maybe we could sit somewhere close by and relax while just listening to it. Is that possible?

You sure can hear it from anywhere around the theatre. You can see it if you stand in the back, alot of people do that. The year we did the CP package, we had to wait in the line a long time and we heard the show before ours. This is the reason we aren't going to book a package, we can just stand in the back if we want to watch it. We hvae even listened to it while waiting at the railing for Illuminations.

Suzanne

 

[annegirl]

You sure can hear it from anywhere around the theatre. You can see it if you stand in the back, alot of people do that. The year we did the CP package, we had to wait in the line a long time and we heard the show before ours. This is the reason we aren't going to book a package, we can just stand in the back if we want to watch it. We hvae even listened to it while waiting at the railing for Illuminations.

Suzanne

Yay! Thank you so much! I have been so tempted to get the package, especially since I found out it would be Steven Curtis Chapman. I loved him back in my high school days. But with a 5 year old and a one year old I just wasn't sure if we would do well in the theater anyway as opposed to having a spot somewhere where we could hear it but the kids could play quietly or rest. This is great news.

 

[exwdwcm]

Hello, I am going to WDW for the holidays and am so excited that I can't seem to get anything else done for looking at Disney sites.
Am new to this forum and have only been to Disney twice and never at the Holiday time and have heard it is terribly crowded, but love the holidays so we are going to try it.
We have 3 grown children who are all married and have children. When our children were small, we didn't think we could afford to take them to Disney, so for Christmas we are taking just our children, 38 yr old DD, 36 yr old DD and 34 yr old DS....they are leaving their spouses & children at home!! My daughters have never been and wanted to go once without their little ones, so I am going to show them what little I know of Disney before they take their families.
We are arriving on the 17th of Dec., and leaving on the 23rd..staying at the French Qtr., Port Orleans. I will be checking for any tips anyone has for a calmer stay and ways to fight the crowds..we are attending the Mickey Christmas party, but that is the only thing so far we have decided on.

Welcome to the boards!

What a great trip- so just the immediate family- leaving spouses and grandkids at home? sounds fun!!! We still vacation with my parents too - just went this past December. We did bring the kiddos, but we did have a babysitter two nights to enjoy some adult time together too! You guys will have a ball. As far the crowds, they do start to get heavier as schools let out- so really that first saturday, the 18th is when you will really start to notice it. it will get increasingly more crowded. so my advice is to plan- do early mornings since a lot of people sleep in- hit the big attractions first thing in the am (mtns at MK, EE/safari at AK, TSM, TOT, RNR at HS and Soarin/TT at Epcot). Save shows for later in the afternoons when it is most crowded. book meals for 'off times', same for fast food meals- lines are lowest in the off times- say a very early or very late dinner. have a great time!

Hey all, just wanted to let anyone know who is interested. I have an extra ticket for the MVMCP on December 14. I bought one for one of the guests in my party, but she just got one as a gift on Friday night for her birthday. Of course they are non-refundable. If anyone is interested in a ticket, send me a PM

i had the same thing happen last year and posted up here and found someone to give it to! I am sure you will have some takers.

I can't wait for December! I am really enjoying reading all your pre trip reports and other trip reports that are at that time of year.
A little question- can you hear the processional if you are nearby or only if you actually make it into the theater? I heard it is an outdoor theater so I thought if we couldn't get in that maybe we could sit somewhere close by and relax while just listening to it. Is that possible?

yes, you can hear it just standing back there as you pass by. it isn't super loud, but loud enough to hear!

Okay, so the countdown to august 26th begins! what is everyone planning to book for the CP package? We want it i think on 12/8 or 12/9 for Le Cellier. I think we will do the late show- hoping my DS (will be 3 when we go) will be more tired and apt to behave for the later show (maybe even sleep!)

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Yay! Thank you so much! I have been so tempted to get the package, especially since I found out it would be Steven Curtis Chapman. I loved him back in my high school days. But with a 5 year old and a one year old I just wasn't sure if we would do well in the theater anyway as opposed to having a spot somewhere where we could hear it but the kids could play quietly or rest. This is great news.

As others have mentioned, you should be fine listening to it outside the theater. However, just know that viewing from outside may be a little difficult. We previously saw Steven Curtis Chapman from outside the theater and it wasn't really a preferable situation. I was right at the ropes and had a great spot, but there was constant bumping and chatter with others trying to nudge in closer. I eventually gave up after a little while because it wasn't worth it to stand there for 45 minutes with others who weren't so courteous. It's similar to viewing a parade--if you manage to get a good spot, there are always those who want to compete you for it!

But with two young kids, I can understand about not necessarily wanting a package. We have a 5 year old and 1 year old, too, and are planning on getting the package this year to see Steven. If the 1 year old can't sit still (who will be 2 at the time of the trip), my DH was fine with removing her and taking her somewhere else.

 

[exwdwcm]

Made updates to the list, including all the new PTR links! enjoy!

UPDATED DECEMBER TRIPPERS LIST!

 

[mstinson14]

just wanted to post this again

december 11-14 open in our port orleans pay it forward swap

link in my siggy

 

[momcloud]

My husband and I are celebrating our 22nd Anniversary and staying at Coronado Springs Dec. 9-12th. Also our first trip to DW in December and w/o kids.

 

[Tink Mick Koda Miles]

just wanted to post this again

december 11-14 open in our port orleans pay it forward swap

link in my siggy

what is this about?

 

[exwdwcm]

what is this about?

i think it is a 'grab bag' swap. So basically any prepackaged/unopened snacks, toiletries etc. you have leftover, you leave for another guest that is coming in to stay. heck, even small christmas trees and decorations----sort of passing it on to the next person coming to vacation. definitely fun.

there are also stroller and fridge swaps on these boards too.
someone buys a cheap umbrella stroller adn they leave it at the resort (usually bell services) for the next guest that signed up for the swap. paying it forward..........

 

[Tink Mick Koda Miles]

i think it is a 'grab bag' swap. So basically any prepackaged/unopened snacks, toiletries etc. you have leftover, you leave for another guest that is coming in to stay. heck, even small christmas trees and decorations----sort of passing it on to the next person coming to vacation. definitely fun.

there are also stroller and fridge swaps on these boards too.
someone buys a cheap umbrella stroller adn they leave it at the resort (usually bell services) for the next guest that signed up for the swap. paying it forward..........

thats so fun!

 

[mstinson14]

i think it is a 'grab bag' swap. So basically any prepackaged/unopened snacks, toiletries etc. you have leftover, you leave for another guest that is coming in to stay. heck, even small christmas trees and decorations----sort of passing it on to the next person coming to vacation. definitely fun.

yep that is what it is

 

[mstinson14]

just wanted to post this again

december 11-14 open in our port orleans pay it forward swap

link in my siggy

The pop century pay it forward swap is also in my siggy

 

[Tinker_Tam]

The pop century pay it forward swap is also in my siggy

Darn! That looks like fun! To bad someone already has it the 1st through the 12th.

 

[Tink Mick Koda Miles]

is there one for Saratoga or AK?

 

[sophie832]

I just realized how dependant I am on these boards to help me get through my work days.

...annoying co-workers on a Monday morning.....time for a disboards break
...frustrated with gathering reports.....time for a disboards break
...just walked into my office....time for a disboards break

This is totally me too! Our Dec. vacation is the light at the end of a long work tunnel. Going to the disboards helps me get through each workday.

 

[TruBlu]

is there one for Saratoga or AK?

I was wondering the same thing. Is there one at AKL? It really does sound fun.

 

[TruBlu]

I just realized how dependant I am on these boards to help me get through my work days.

...annoying co-workers on a Monday morning.....time for a disboards break
...frustrated with gathering reports.....time for a disboards break
...just walked into my office....time for a disboards break

This is totally me too! Our Dec. vacation is the light at the end of a long work tunnel. Going to the disboards helps me get through each workday.

ME TOO!

The DIS just got me thru my first day back at work after 8 weeks out for surgery.... just 4 months to go...

 

[TruBlu]

I saw this on the November Thread. Looks like some great info.!

Just happened upon a thread here on the DIS mentioning easywdw.com, it is an interesting site, the calendar combines, crowd levels, weather parks to avoid etc - being all on one is a nice feature

If your interested in checking it out here is the link
http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/

 

[Kathy Z]

Thanks TruBlu. I just checked the calendar and it confirmed that the park choices I made a few months ago are great ones. I hope we get to meet at AKL!

 

[TruBlu]

WOW! I think they opened up more tables at Le Cellier!!!!! I just got 2 dinners at GREAT times!!!