**Official December 2010 Thread!!**

[PrincessSuzanne]

I feel silly asking this question:

Do any of go to character dining even if you don't have children with you at Disney?

I ask this weird question because my fiance and I don't have children but yet I want to go to character dining. I have this feeling I'm going to feel like the odd ball .

Eh oh well.. I'm still excited..

No, we love the character meals and we don't have children, that is most of what our ADR's consist of.

I prefer to do Character meals than stand in line, but I will do that too, sometimes.

Suzanne

 

[kimis]

When DH and I went in March with out the kids we did character meals and we even stood in line for Characters. I only felt awkward when we went to see Mickey at Toon Town. I think it was because the family in front of us kept giving us dirty looks and making comments. Then when we went into the room to see Mickey the handler made a big deal of our matching anniversary shirts and the Mom in front of us got really aggitated. I kinda felt bad because I felt I was taking away from the kids but then I wasn't the one who made a big deal of anything so its not like it was my fault. The character meals were awesome though. They spent the same amount of time with us as they did with everyone else.

My dh and I always do character meals and we always stand in line to meet the characters. Our adult kids laugh when they see the pictures but the grandkids love it. Enjoy!

 

[Vickis3js]

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

UGHHH YEAH!! I even picked a few things up today.

Right now I just have a box and a bag. The box has all the kids goodies, autograph books, pens, pins, shirts that I made and ponchos. The bag has all my toiletries, organizer for bathroom, coffee packets, and laundry stuff.

I am thinking about putting some of the kids shorts in one of our suitcases instead of in totes so all I have to do is take the suitcase down and wash them and then repack them instead of searching through the million totes to find a few pairs of shorts.

 

[Marblies]

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

The only nut job? I think not! As sole planner in our family, the responsibility is immense. Thanks to advice from fellow disers, I saved all of the necessities (ponchos, bandaids etc.) in a box from last year. To this I have begun to add laundry soap, quarters, additional medicinal items, batteries, special surprises... Anything that will save me OOP when we get there and will still fit in our luggage. Then of course, there are autograph books to print up using the pics taken with characters over the last few years, lists to import into my phone and, yes, laminate in pocketsize as a backup. Dis boards to pour over, where to eat, what to see, tips and hints, calendars and schedules! Thank goodness no ADR's to worry about! It all adds to the excitement for me!

 

[AllergyMama]

We are headed to WDW December 26-31 for our first trip ever. Staying at AKL. We are so excited!!

So many people have told me that I picked a horrible week to go because it will be so crowded, but my daughter is allergic to the sun, so this was the best time for her.

Are the crowds so horrible at this time of year that we will be miserable?

Thanks,
Christie

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

I wanted to start packing since it's time to put away the summer clothes anyway. DH said that's gross b/c it will need to be re-washed. Oh well. I have started my packing list though so you're definitely not the only one.

 

[PoppyGirl]

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

What? Only a box? I have a Disney CLOSET!!! Seriously. It all started when we went on our Disney cruise.....

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We are headed to WDW December 26-31 for our first trip ever. Staying at AKL. We are so excited!!

So many people have told me that I picked a horrible week to go because it will be so crowded, but my daughter is allergic to the sun, so this was the best time for her.

Are the crowds so horrible at this time of year that we will be miserable?

Thanks,
Christie

It is quite possible. We were there Dec 22 to Dec 27, 2009 and it was not as horrible as I have read about here, but the weather wasn't great and neither was the economy, but I read here that it got even worse from Dec 27 until after the 1st of January. We are doing it again though, but I wouldn't if I had children.


I keep a toiletry bag with stuff in it at all times and just replace when necessary. I have become very proficient with packing with so many trips that we have been on. I will probably finish packing the weekend before we leave. We have been going about twice a year, so we decided to buy a small fridge to take back and forth instead of renting one, since DH has to have his Coke, but hates dealing with refilling a cooler daily, it saves a ton.

Suzanne

 

[BDL]

I once went to WDW Dec 27-Jan2 a few years ago. And I didn't notice any unbearable lines. We were even able to walk into a few TS restaurants. Maybe it was luck. Maybey we just happened to go to the non-popular parks of that day. Not sure. But I hope this makes you feel a little better.

On a side note, that vacation, I went to Pleasure Island for New Year's Eve and had a BLAST! I miss Pleasure Island

 

[Kathy Z]

I feel silly asking this question:

Do any of go to character dining even if you don't have children with you at Disney?

I ask this weird question because my fiance and I don't have children but yet I want to go to character dining. I have this feeling I'm going to feel like the odd ball .

Eh oh well.. I'm still excited..

Add us to the list of adults going with no children who have 2 character meals planned this December. Last year in May when we took our granddaughters we did 3 character meals; CP lunch, Akershus princess lunch and Ohana breakfast. DH & I didn't do any in December when we went for our first Christmas visit in recent years. But this next time we're doing CP early dinner on the one day we'll be in MK and Donald's Safari breakfast at TH to get into AK one morning before the park opens. I'm really looking forward to walking through the Oasis without any crowds.

 

[Katie & Glen]

Glad I'm not the only one! Well, really its 2 overflowing totes. I figured I would start the suitcase this weekend when my stepson is with us.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Glad I'm not the only one! Well, really its 2 overflowing totes. I figured I would start the suitcase this weekend when my stepson is with us.

See now, do you feel the clothes have to be re-washed when packed? I figured instead of putting the summer clothes in the bin in the attic, I would just pack what we need and put the suitcase in my closet. DH says they'll stink by the time we leave.

 

[MiceFan]

See now, do you feel the clothes have to be re-washed when packed? I figured instead of putting the summer clothes in the bin in the attic, I would just pack what we need and put the suitcase in my closet. DH says they'll stink by the time we leave.

I wouldn't think they would stink unless the suitcase already stinks...and I'm all about clean clothes. After 13 years, DH still rolls his eyes when I cut the tags off of our new stuff and throw it in the washing machine.
Some things may need a quick ironing or at least to be hung up during a steamy shower, but that might be better than the extra trips to the attic.
Maybe you could throw a dryer sheet in the suitcase for a freshly washed smell.

 

[exwdwcm]

I feel silly asking this question:

Do any of go to character dining even if you don't have children with you at Disney?

I ask this weird question because my fiance and I don't have children but yet I want to go to character dining. I have this feeling I'm going to feel like the odd ball .

Eh oh well.. I'm still excited..

not weird at all. Heck, i've done more character meals withOUT kids than i have with kids. We've done family trips (as all adults before we had kids) and always did 2 character meals at least. Crystal Palace is a favorite. We even had our own autograph books. I've seen tons of adults dining- many couples and even solo adults at character meals. nothing strange at all- disney brings out the kid in all of us!

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

I have a disney container- like a big storage one. started last year when mom got us each one and she kept giving us more gifts each month in the year leading up to our trip last december. Now i started my own- it has some tolietries as i find them on sale, ponchos, my lanyard and autograph books, backpack, bag of goodies for my DS and bag of goodies for my MIL (first trip). Heck, i am already starting to make a grocery online order list.

We are headed to WDW December 26-31 for our first trip ever. Staying at AKL. We are so excited!!

So many people have told me that I picked a horrible week to go because it will be so crowded, but my daughter is allergic to the sun, so this was the best time for her.

Are the crowds so horrible at this time of year that we will be miserable?

Thanks,
Christie

it is a bad week, but with some proper planning and know how, you can make the most of it. Just be prepared for crowds and don't have expectations that you can see and do it all (you can't even when it is less busy). Know which rides to hit first at rope drop (and go early at opening). do less busy attractions (like shows etc) during the afternoon when it gets most crowded. I would never 'choose' to go then, but i know it is often the only time folks can manage with school and other schedules. I recommend being sure you know how fastpass works, get there at rope drop and be sure you and your family have a list of the must do things for this trip and put together a schedule best you can. You will love the holiday spirit there though!

 

[Marblies]

Dryer sheet works great!

 

[pumpkinfish]

So just out of curiosity, has anyone else started a packing list or a Disney box? It's ok if you tell me I'm the only nut job here.

Thank goodness for Owner's Locker so I don't have a typical "Disney" box any longer. I do have a dedicated area of my closet for my disney-themed tees and tanks. Since we are going in winter I will be adding tot hat collection with some warmer duds I feel. When will the disney site start selling Christmas items?

 

[Zuzu03]

Does anybody remember the advertisement Disney used last year for Christmas. They have a small part of the video on the website, but here is the whole thing.

Joy to the Small World

I remember finding it last year and sending it to someone who was going near Christmas. Made me want to go so bad, but soon it will be us.

Thank you for posting that link! I'd never seen it before and it made me want to cry! I'm a sap when it comes to the Disney commercials!! Can't wait!!!!

 

[Zuzu03]

I feel silly asking this question:

Do any of go to character dining even if you don't have children with you at Disney?

I ask this weird question because my fiance and I don't have children but yet I want to go to character dining. I have this feeling I'm going to feel like the odd ball .

Eh oh well.. I'm still excited..

YES, for sure. DH and I go even when DD isn't with us (if she's with her dad). I even went by myself to CP when I was there at a conference. It was awesome and not weird at all. The characters are really good about feeling out if you want some attention or not. We've got Garden Grove and CP scheduled for this Xmas! Enjoy!!!!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

We are headed to WDW December 26-31 for our first trip ever. Staying at AKL. We are so excited!!

So many people have told me that I picked a horrible week to go because it will be so crowded, but my daughter is allergic to the sun, so this was the best time for her.

Are the crowds so horrible at this time of year that we will be miserable?

Thanks,
Christie

You'll be at Disney! I wouldn't consider that miserable at all!

Yes, there will be crowds. But frankly, I would rather stand in lines in cooler December weather than the blazing heat of the summer! Grab some fast passes, visit the less popular rides often, and enjoy! Disney at Christmas time is awesome and AKL is beautiful (we stayed there last year). And there are plenty of places outside the parks that you can explore if the parks get too busy at a particular time or day. You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[Daddio]

We'll be there from December 7 to 14 at BLT. We plan on doing the DVC Member meeting on December 9.

We will be going back at the end of December to spend NYE at the Magic Kingdom, also staying at BLT.

David