*** OFFICIAL January 2013 Thread ***

[SL30]

Hope this helps!

Thanks! It is very helpful! My other question is how do I know schedule of shows at HS, etc and how do I know where to watch parades?

 

[forever-maria]

Schedule of shows: wdwent.com

Where to watch parades: search disboards for best place for (parade)

I've been trying to make a schedule to fit in all the shows at DHS in one day!

 

[SL30]

Schedule of shows: wdwent.com

Where to watch parades: search disboards for best place for (parade)

I've been trying to make a schedule to fit in all the shows at DHS in one day!

I know I almost want to plan 2 days at DHS because I know my kids will love the theming there!

Thanks so much!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Thanks! It is very helpful! My other question is how do I know schedule of shows at HS, etc and how do I know where to watch parades?

Yes, what the PP just said. wdwent.com lists the current schedules based on the Times Guides and they usually are little to no variations from week to week. Take a glance a week before your travels to make sure there are no major variations in the showtimes.

Just in case you haven't heard, Disney Jr Live (to our kids' disappointment ) goes on refurb in mid January and will not be available for the week you and I will be there.

Parade routes are indicated on the pdf file maps (labeled on the lower part of the webpage as "Download Maps") which are the copies of the fold-out maps you get from the park from the Disney website (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/maps/). Best viewing locations depends on your personal preference. The trickier decision for parade viewing spot will be MSEP since you have to take into account whether you'll be viewing Wishes from the same spot 30-40 minutes later. If you are watching Wishes from the same spot, then your parade viewing locations will be limited along Main Street and the Hub. In general, for MK parades, Frontierland will be the least crowded.

 

[dawnhaze]

I know I almost want to plan 2 days at DHS because I know my kids will love the theming there!

DHS gets a bad rap around here, I think, but I love it. I'll probably go at least three times on my January trip!

 

[SL30]

Yes, what the PP just said. wdwent.com lists the current schedules based on the Times Guides and they usually are little to no variations from week to week. Take a glance a week before your travels to make sure there are no major variations in the showtimes.

Just in case you haven't heard, Disney Jr Live (to our kids' disappointment ) goes on refurb in mid January and will not be available for the week you and I will be there.

Oh this makes me VERY sad

 

[Marshay]

I'm waiting to pull show info until second week in Jan just bc if you pull now, I assume there are extra shows due to the Christmas and NYE crowds.

But either way, wdwent is the prime site for show info!

 

[newbie2013]

Love the info re shows at Dhs

Well we r in Florida already and dd4 had fever day 1 and 2 then hubby stepped in sewing needle in apartment we r staying in then dd 8 months has fever and hubby is being prepped for surgery to remove the other 1/2 inch of needle from his foot - all in all I'm not a happy camper on my trip that we have planned for a year now - Disney happening jan 4th fingers crossed
Sorry the a downer!
Argh and a harumf!!!!!

 

[Marshay]

Love the info re shows at Dhs

Well we r in Florida already and dd4 had fever day 1 and 2 then hubby stepped in sewing needle in apartment we r staying in then dd 8 months has fever and hubby is being prepped for surgery to remove the other 1/2 inch of needle from his foot - all in all I'm not a happy camper on my trip that we have planned for a year now - Disney happening jan 4th fingers crossed
Sorry the a downer!
Argh and a harumf!!!!!

Oh my goodness! I am soooo very sorry for you all. I hope the fevers go away soon, you stay healthy and your husband's surgery goes well.

Just take it easy at Disney...definitely get a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) at each park for your DH.

Use this trip as just a taste of WDW has to offer and don't try to do it all.

I hope/trust next week will be better!

 

[newbie2013]

Thanks!

What's a guest assistance card? Just spoke to the surgeon and they got the needle out but he will be in a surgical boot - how are we going to do Disney?!?! And me pushing a double stroller too - oh my goodness - I was already overwhelmed and now it is all feeling pretty impossible - great first trip

 

[Marshay]

Thanks!

What's a guest assistance card? Just spoke to the surgeon and they got the needle out but he will be in a surgical boot - how are we going to do Disney?!?! And me pushing a double stroller too - oh my goodness - I was already overwhelmed and now it is all feeling pretty impossible - great first trip

First, if you can afford it, you need to rent a scooter for him. Disney has a list of approved Scooter Companies that can deliver a scooter to your resort (prior to your arrival). Call up your resort and speak to them. You will also need to switch to a handicap room if you can, or at least a 1st floor room, if possible, or near an elevator. There is also probably a list on DIS, if you have time to search.

There is no way you will be able to push a stroller and wheelchair, so don't even try ... and DH's arms will get blistered and sore if he tries to do it manually. Skip some meals if that means you will be able to afford the scooter.

Second, have your doctor write a note that says your DH cannot stand in lines and cannot walk long distances (or something to that affect). Show that note to the Guest Services (Courthouse in MK) at each park and ask for a GAC card (They might give you one card for the entire time you are there, too). This card will allow you to use alternatives entries onto a ride or special seating for parades/shows. As you approach a ride, show it to the CM at the entrance and they will direct you where to go. Your DH will need to be there so they can see he is immobile. but then you will generally use the FastPass entrance. The GAC card is good for up to 5 or 6 people so your family should be covered.

The GAC card can be a real timesaver, so think of this as a good thing.

Third -- tell yourself to "keep calm" ... about every 3 minutes!! This will become a GREAT story to tell your friends and family and kids when they are bigger! Remember that in advance and maybe you'll be able to laugh at all the other things that will go wrong ... and yes, they will go wrong. But there is not much you can control ... except your attitude.

You will need to dig down deep and be the strong person for your DH and your kids.

This is NOT what you planned. This is NOT what any of you wanted. But it IS the hand you were dealt.

I'm not sure if you are a praying person, but if you are, ask God for help...thank Him (when you can) for these circumstances and ask Him to show you the blessings hidden inside these sicknesses/surgeries and major inconveniences.

Then also think about planning another trip!

I hope this helps!

I am praying for you and your family!

 

[Chocolab23]

Getting excited, got our luggage tags!

But I am overwhelmed....and I probably have posted this before but...

What should my plan be as a first timer? Just take maps and highlight the things we really want to ride/see and go with the flow for the rest of the trip?

I don't want to overplan and be miserable!

I am going against crowd calendar for MK because we of course need to see MSEP...is this a mistake or won't it be too big of a deal with crowd levels of 2 or 3?

I just need someone to plan for me!

My plan so far is:
Sun Jan 27: Hollywood Studios
Mon Jan 28: MK
Tues Jan 29: AK character bf at Tusker House
Wed Jan 30: EP
Thurs Jan 31: MK
Fri Feb 1: Kids choice

On our first trip we went with the flow. We decided each night which park we were going to the next day(we had no adrs so it didn't really mess up any plans). We rode the rides we wanted to ride and hope to ride the rest this time. We also met characters as we saw them. For this trip, we all have our favorites now and know what we want to see. We have made adrs and have each day planned. Even though we have some basic plans, we plan to do what we think is good at the time.(We're eating at Tusker House on Tuesday morning too, when is your ressie?)

 

[SL30]

On our first trip we went with the flow. We decided each night which park we were going to the next day(we had no adrs so it didn't really mess up any plans). We rode the rides we wanted to ride and hope to ride the rest this time. We also met characters as we saw them. For this trip, we all have our favorites now and know what we want to see. We have made adrs and have each day planned. Even though we have some basic plans, we plan to do what we think is good at the time.(We're eating at Tusker House on Tuesday morning too, when is your ressie?)

Thanks! I am feeling better now and more reassured especially since the crowd levels are so low.

Our ressie is at 8! It is ds 4th birthday that day so we are excited to celebrate with a character meal!

 

[3Paige14]

Just over a week away from our trip! Getting excited.

 

[Chocolab23]

Our ressie is at 8! It is ds 4th birthday that day so we are excited to celebrate with a character meal!

Thats cool, our ressie is at 8:20 that morning. Happy early birthday to your DS, seems like a lot of people will be celebrating birthdays that week !

 

[kennethsrib]

A snowy day here with not much to do... except pack for Florida! One daughter is recovering from stomach bug and Strep, so second daughter and I packed our stuff! The excitement is building! January 11th!

 

[newbie2013]

First, if you can afford it, you need to rent a scooter for him. Disney has a list of approved Scooter Companies that can deliver a scooter to your resort (prior to your arrival). Call up your resort and speak to them. You will also need to switch to a handicap room if you can, or at least a 1st floor room, if possible, or near an elevator. There is also probably a list on DIS, if you have time to search.

There is no way you will be able to push a stroller and wheelchair, so don't even try ... and DH's arms will get blistered and sore if he tries to do it manually. Skip some meals if that means you will be able to afford the scooter.

Second, have your doctor write a note that says your DH cannot stand in lines and cannot walk long distances (or something to that affect). Show that note to the Guest Services (Courthouse in MK) at each park and ask for a GAC card (They might give you one card for the entire time you are there, too). This card will allow you to use alternatives entries onto a ride or special seating for parades/shows. As you approach a ride, show it to the CM at the entrance and they will direct you where to go. Your DH will need to be there so they can see he is immobile. but then you will generally use the FastPass entrance. The GAC card is good for up to 5 or 6 people so your family should be covered.

The GAC card can be a real timesaver, so think of this as a good thing.

Third -- tell yourself to "keep calm" ... about every 3 minutes!! This will become a GREAT story to tell your friends and family and kids when they are bigger! Remember that in advance and maybe you'll be able to laugh at all the other things that will go wrong ... and yes, they will go wrong. But there is not much you can control ... except your attitude.

You will need to dig down deep and be the strong person for your DH and your kids.

This is NOT what you planned. This is NOT what any of you wanted. But it IS the hand you were dealt.

I'm not sure if you are a praying person, but if you are, ask God for help...thank Him (when you can) for these circumstances and ask Him to show you the blessings hidden inside these sicknesses/surgeries and major inconveniences.

Then also think about planning another trip!

I hope this helps!

I am praying for you and your family!

Thanks marshay!

DH is home - in pain but home (ad minus he needle to boot) hopefully he will be able to walk next week in Disney - fingers crossed

 

[heimlichfan]

Hi~

SIL is going with a group of friends to WDW for marathon weekend. One of the friends is no longer able to go (work related, nothing horrible thank goodness) so I get to take her place! Shortest wait for a trip ever... only 14 days!


Thanks for letting me share...

 

[Marshay]

Thanks marshay!

DH is home - in pain but home (ad minus he needle to boot) hopefully he will be able to walk next week in Disney - fingers crossed

Glad he is home now!

 

[Marshay]

Hi~

SIL is going with a group of friends to WDW for marathon weekend. One of the friends is no longer able to go (work related, nothing horrible thank goodness) so I get to take her place! Shortest wait for a trip ever... only 14 days!

Thanks for letting me share...

Wow! What a great surprise!