***Official Planning Thread -DECEMBER 2024 - Welcome all!***

[Princess Michele]

Great!
I booked the rest of our trip this morning too and felt very strange about how easy it was. It has never been this easy. The amount of choices I had for every reservation we had planned almost overwhelmed me. I had to call DH over to pick exact times because everything was open. I thought for sure Christmas Day at MK would be tough, but Crystal Palace was completely open.

Today was our day to book our dining and like you it felt strange how easy it was complared to previous trips. Hopefully this is a good sign for great trips.

Got everything we wanted. We knew Space220 lounge wouldn’t be available for our Epcot days (earlier in the trip). Might check day of but we have the festival of the holidays. We did book the lounge on our HS day but will most likely cancel (LLMP doesn’t work great with park hopping and ADRs) and we only booked 1 HS day (most stressful park for us).

Was able to get Fantasmic Dining for Sci fi at 4:55 pm (only first show available; so maybe more will be added later). That was the latest ADR. Bad value on the dining plan but teen wanted it (quiet and love the shakes) and we have so many buffets booked. The package wouldn’t show up on the app on my phone so had to use desktop and search doesn’t work either. Had to go to the Fantasmic page and then click on dining package. Sometimes my days would load other times they wouldn’t. Topolinos was 60+7 so wide open.

STK71 was hard to book (12/23 60+2). No availability at all Dec 24-27 (maybe blocked for onsite guests). Couldn’t get a table for 5 around 5 pm so booked for 4. Will check in early and we’re ok if one of us sits at the lounge. Dessert parties have been released but we are going to Mk on 12/30 so booked earlier show (younger kids).

Bibbidi bobbidi was wide open. Overall not bad but did have a few glitches and had to enter my phone number every time (credit card was stored and sped up things; previously had to manually enter despite it being on my profile). It seems like they’re limiting the number of devices using the same account. Phone would freeze if I was scrolling on the desktop.

I got everything we wanted also but Ohana was our difficult one. We wanted it for our 2nd day but the time we wanted was not available so I took an earlier time. I was able to get the time we wanted on our 6th night so we will need to decide which one to keep.

Not sure what is going on with STK71. We wanted lunch on 12/26 but picked 12/23 instead. Will keep an eye out to see if they release ADR's for the 24-27th.

Waiting also to see if Yak & Yeti will add additional hours on 12/25 since it will be EEH at AK. I made a 4:45 ADR but I think we would prefer something a little later. I might call them this week and see.

It's exciting that everyone has been able to get their ADR's this year compared to other times.

 

[jenna1212]

For those there over Christmas and New Years, are you planning to buy the LLMP or going without? Is anyone planning to park hop? I haven't been over Christmas in years, so I'm really not sure what to expect any more - except BUSY.

 

[Disturbia]

For those there over Christmas and New Years, are you planning to buy the LLMP or going without? Is anyone planning to park hop? I haven't been over Christmas in years, so I'm really not sure what to expect any more - except BUSY.

Yes we will buy the LLMP even if we get approved for DAS. We will buy more of the LLSP/VQ for 12/25 and 12/30 as even LLs will have really long waits and we booked activities instead. We will park hop on 12/25 because AK has EETPH that day (will change to 7-9 most likely).

On 12/30 I have to research if MK ever reached capacity. We might go to Epcot, break and then come back to MK. It will be a busy day for us (BBB, dessert party for earlier show and CRT). We will try VQ at MK and Epcot. We don’t rope drop.

A lot of 5 pm ADRs were booked; everyone is anticipating park hours to be added.

If you’re going on 12/31, I would stay in MK and utilize LLMP+SP+VQ. You can’t really leave the park and come back. Also after 6:30 the dance parties are awesome (hub is extremely crowded and sometimes at a standstill; watch previous year videos).

 

[Thoreauaway]

For those there over Christmas and New Years, are you planning to buy the LLMP or going without? Is anyone planning to park hop? I haven't been over Christmas in years, so I'm really not sure what to expect any more - except BUSY.

Will definitely buy LLMP for MK & DHS (family of four).
Will probably forgo Epcot as it's the park we're spending two days in, and probably forgo AK as well. (Luckily, my entire family holds the collective unpopular opinion that Flight of Passage is just ok, so that makes our AK strategy WAY easier.) Likely not buying any LLSP either.
We are aiming to rope drop though usually fall short of early entry lol... some of us just desperately aren't morning people.

We've never park hopped but seriously contemplated it this time as the tickets would've only been an extra $85pp. In the end we didn't just because of the hassle of commuting between parks during the busiest season of the year.

 

[DenaRox]

I wouldn't mind low 80s w/sunshine if humidity is low! I want it to be a little warm while we are there. It will be cold at home, that's enough for me.

It was 26 here today, and I still wore my flip flops and my Disneyland zip up, clinging to the last bits of decent weather because winter is coming lol so I’m totally with you on the warmth. 75-80 with lower humidity would be a much deserved treat

 

[Disturbia]

Has Magic Kingdom hit capacity on NYEE 12/30? I know 12/31 it hits capacity mid morning. We were hoping for a mid day break on 12/30. I know ADRs won’t help. We would go 9-12 and be back around 4:30.

FYI: Lines were 80-150 mins on 12/30 and last year park passes+limited park hopping was used to control crowds

 

[japanese maple]

Leggings under your dresses maybe? (If it will work with the style?) I did this a few years ago, worked great for me when needing some extra warmth or coverage. And layers are definitely your friend--even though days may feel warm and you'll be moving around a lot, nights can catch you off-guard. I always carry a lightweight neck gaiter with me, for both protection against chills and sun.

As long a day temps are at least in the higher 60s I can wear dress with a light jacket and be fine w/bare legs. Then I'll just change at night into jeans. Each day we are back at hotel before we head out for evening, so definitely a chance to change.
And leave sunglasses in room! I forget it will be dark pretty early too!

We never travel during this time, I'm so lost!

And honestly if it's that cold at night when I'd need my puffer jacket, I'll be in the bar.

But really, the best I can do is wait for when I see a forecast. A cold snap will show up in the forecast before we leave and then I can pivot to a warmer jacket. I'll be bummed if no pool time, but on the bright side, my crazy curly hair will be well behaved! And maybe animals will be more active at the hotel.

Putting on my weather nerd hat, this is supposed to be a La Nina winter which normally means warmer than normal conditions in Florida and Midwest (and it's certainly warmer here, still summer like) so fingers crossed that holds true. But I looked at weather from 2020 for the first week of December and quite frankly that did not look pleasant!

 

[Disturbia]

Dining is down today and resort reservations aren’t showing. I started noticing the app glitching last night (kept refreshing automatically instead of searching)

 

[Disturbia]

App and website came back up half an hour ago. Phew.

 

[diskids2]

For those there over Christmas and New Years, are you planning to buy the LLMP or going without? Is anyone planning to park hop? I haven't been over Christmas in years, so I'm really not sure what to expect any more - except BUSY.

I'm buying LLMP and I'm not park hopping on either the eve's or Christmas Day. I've been a few times during this week and it is super busy. But with a plan and strategy - it's awesome!

Besides the potential "at capacity" issues, I have always found the transportation to be the most challenging part of these days. I would not go to Disney Springs on Christmas or New Years Eve ever again!

 

[Disturbia]

I'm buying LLMP and I'm not park hopping on either the eve's or Christmas Day. I've been a few times during this week and it is super busy. But with a plan and strategy - it's awesome!

Besides the potential "at capacity" issues, I have always found the transportation to be the most challenging part of these days. I would not go to Disney Springs on Christmas or New Years Eve ever again!

Do you know if 12/30 MK has capacity issues? I know 12/31 does and you need to be in the park mid morning and not leave.

Most vlogs I’ve seen are post COVID where the park pass reservation system was in place.

On 12/25 we will purchase LLSP and VQ and then hop to AK after a mid day break (extended evening 7-9 pm).

They should bring back 2 VQ for MK if not add another.

 

[Joe Ryan]

42 days out and soooo pumped, along with the fam. Trying to score Topolinos on 12/5 for breakfast and not seeing anything. Hounding the site too

 

[Disturbia]

42 days out and soooo pumped, along with the fam. Trying to score Topolinos on 12/5 for breakfast and not seeing anything. Hounding the site too

I would setup a dining alert. A few days leading up to Christmas breakfast is open until 1 pm. Also keep an eye on the Dec cancelled ADR thread

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...idelines-in-first-post.3953270/#post-65780120

We have the dining plan and we will pay out of pocket for Topolinos because of the menu. Our son has dairy/egg allergies and they offer him muffins, vegan eggs, vegan pancakes. We are going at least twice on our trip. Service has always been great as well.

They really need to have better food quality at QS restaurants at deluxe resorts. We used to love the fish sandwich at Gasparilla grill (taken off the menu). Ohana has the worst cuts of beef and captain cooks is just ok. Kona had really bad food with long waits 2 years ago. We will avoid at all costs.

There was a great shrimp curry that was offered (special) at ABC commissary which we never saw again.

 

[OldDisFan]

I see that Sam's Club has $200 email Disney gift cards going on sale for $180 beginning Nov 1. Does anyone buy these gift cards and use them to pay down the balance due on their resort stay ahead of their check in?

 

[japanese maple]

12/5 Christmas party is sold out! First post updated.

Yikes, that's our party!!!

 

[japanese maple]

Here are all the restaurants for Candlelight Processional! Tax not included:

Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion)​

• Adults: $71.00
• Children (ages 3 to 9): $38.00

Chefs de France (France Pavilion)​

• Adults: $66.00
• Children: $37.00

Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas)​

• Adults: $78.00
• Children: $32.00

Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land Pavilion)​

Breakfast​

• Adults: $71.00
• Children: $43.00

Lunch/Dinner​

• Adults: $84.00
• Children: $52.00

La Crêperie de Paris (France Pavilion)​

• Adults: $53.00
• Children: $27.00

La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico Pavilion)​

• Adults: $86.00
• Children: $37.00

Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion)​

• Adults: $104.00
• Children: $42.00

Nine Dragons Restaurant (China Pavilion)​

• Adults: $65.00
• Children: $28.00

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (American Adventure Pavilion)​

• Same-day dining packages only:
• Adults: $41.00
• Children: $24.00

Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion)​

• Adults: $66.00
• Children: $29.00

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Japan Pavilion)​

• Adults: $105.00
• Children: $60.00

Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion)​

• Adults: $61.00
• Children: $24.00

Teppan Edo (Japan Pavilion)​

• Adults: $105.00
• Children: $60.00

Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy Pavilion)​

• Adults: $75.00
• Children: $28.00

Via Napoli Ristorante (Italy Pavilion)​

• Adults: $63.00
• Children: $27.00

 

[chiburple]

As long a day temps are at least in the higher 60s I can wear dress with a light jacket and be fine w/bare legs. Then I'll just change at night into jeans. Each day we are back at hotel before we head out for evening, so definitely a chance to change.
And leave sunglasses in room! I forget it will be dark pretty early too!

We never travel during this time, I'm so lost!

And honestly if it's that cold at night when I'd need my puffer jacket, I'll be in the bar.

But really, the best I can do is wait for when I see a forecast. A cold snap will show up in the forecast before we leave and then I can pivot to a warmer jacket. I'll be bummed if no pool time, but on the bright side, my crazy curly hair will be well behaved! And maybe animals will be more active at the hotel.

Putting on my weather nerd hat, this is supposed to be a La Nina winter which normally means warmer than normal conditions in Florida and Midwest (and it's certainly warmer here, still summer like) so fingers crossed that holds true. But I looked at weather from 2020 for the first week of December and quite frankly that did not look pleasant!

For anyone who wants hints about the weather, you can follow Eric Burris. He does a weather live stream every morning and he's already giving hints about late November. Of course, there are no guarantees this far out, but it's some information at least.

12/5 Christmas party is sold out! First post updated.

Yikes, that's our party!!!

Ours too! Looks like it sold out much earlier this year than last year too. Yikes!

 

[cattycat2]

I currently have the DDP but debating whether I should keep it or pay OOP. Will Disney go up on food prices before December trip? Or have they already? Paying OOP for appetizers and tips makes it even more. Any thoughts? Are you using DDP? Why or why not?

 

[japanese maple]

For anyone who wants hints about the weather, you can follow Eric Burris. He does a weather live stream every morning and he's already giving hints about late November. Of course, there are no guarantees this far out, but it's some information at least.



Ours too! Looks like it sold out much earlier this year than last year too. Yikes!

I don't know what to make of it. Getting ADRS for that week was ridiculously easy (still a ton available), so who knows!

 

[chiburple]

I don't know what to make of it. Getting ADRS for that week was ridiculously easy (still a ton available), so who knows!

Very true. I guess we'll find out when we go