Oh Come All Ye Faithful... DIS TR Addicts... UPDATE 4/19

[2xcited2sleep]

Love your resort photos -- especially those Beach Club ones!

I am very excited that I will get to "see" AKL and the Castle lights through your eyes this year!

It is so beautiful! Last year we went before it got dark so we could see the castle color transformation.

Oooh they are so pretty!! I can't wait to see them next year.

I can't wait to see them! Chuck only got to see them from the boat last year!

I'm on board!

By the way, the castle lights were turned on on Sunday! We were at MK both Saturday night and Sunday night. On Saturday they weren't on. On Sunday they weren't on when we got to the park but about 20 minutes later, I look over and guess what? The lights were on!

I cannot wait to see this either! It looks so awesome! Don't you fear... there will be plenty of pictures!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Are you going to be there on the 15th???? I think so if I figured your ticker right

Anyhoo.... I got a AP holder email today.... on the 15th they're doing AP tours of the CASTLE SUITE!!!! You have to sign up... I bet it will fill fast....

That is so exciting!!!! I want to go!!!! Do it Do it!!!!

Paula

I just tried to sign up and it's full!

Awwww bummer!

Nuts!!! Disney needs a "ding" for these super cool things!! Where's the suggestion box?????

I know!! Big bummer! I wonder how many spots there were in the first place? It looks like the email came through ~3:30 and I didn't get home until just after 7 and that was the first thing I did. Oh well. It says to check back in case more spots open up so that's what I'll do. There is also a behind the scenes at the new American Idol that is also full. I wasn't interested in that one but I wanted to check to see if it was as popular. Stupid work foils my Disney obsession again. Really... something needs to be done about this.

 

[winkers]

I love your title!...........now, I'm going back to read.

 

[askelton]

Anyhoo.... I got a AP holder email today.... on the 15th they're doing AP tours of the CASTLE SUITE!!!! You have to sign up... I bet it will fill fast....

30 minutes after I got the email, it was full! Are there really that many AP holders that will be there on a Monday in December.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I love your title!...........now, I'm going back to read.

Thanks and welcome! Right back at ya on the title. "Please pass the prozac" sounds intriguing!! I'm off to check that out now!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

30 minutes after I got the email, it was full! Are there really that many AP holders that will be there on a Monday in December.

Thanks. That makes me feel better (not that you didn't get in, of course!). I was upset b/c I'd stayed late at work but it sounds like even if I'd left a little early I wouldn't have gotten in. Maybe it's b/c it's a Mousefest Monday? Or maybe there is just a ridiculously small # of ppl who can participate? Oh well... so close and yet so far.

 

[nts4wdw]

Man! I was hoping you would get it! Our APs are not activated, so we aren't eligible! I definitely could have gotten Chuck to stay another day for that!!

 

[askelton]

This was in the paper today. I didn't get the email until 5.45pm which makes me even more annoyed. Oh well. Maybe this means there will be other tours though.



There are a lot of discouraged Disney enthusiasts venting on Disboards.com since a very special Disney passholder offer appeared on the Web site yesterday. Tours of the Cinderella Castle Suite were being offered for one day in December -- a fantastic perk, right? But judging from the complaints online, many passholders didn't receive the email notice until 3 p.m. and the reservations opened up at 10 a.m. That is, if they got an email at all.
And there was no mention of this magical opportunity in the Mickey Monitor, the quarterly passholder brochure that usually promotes such events. Once the passholders all tried to access the site, the system locked up, leaving some lucky ones who secured reservations unable to print or confirm.
Evidently, a beautiful offer turned into a disappointing and frustrating experience for many passholders. This is not the first time I've heard these kinds of complaints. Surely there is a way for Disney to improve the reservation process, or at least its communication with passholders.

 

[Donald is #1]

This was in the paper today. I didn't get the email until 5.45pm which makes me even more annoyed. Oh well. Maybe this means there will be other tours though.



There are a lot of discouraged Disney enthusiasts venting on Disboards.com since a very special Disney passholder offer appeared on the Web site yesterday. Tours of the Cinderella Castle Suite were being offered for one day in December -- a fantastic perk, right? But judging from the complaints online, many passholders didn't receive the email notice until 3 p.m. and the reservations opened up at 10 a.m. That is, if they got an email at all.
And there was no mention of this magical opportunity in the Mickey Monitor, the quarterly passholder brochure that usually promotes such events. Once the passholders all tried to access the site, the system locked up, leaving some lucky ones who secured reservations unable to print or confirm.
Evidently, a beautiful offer turned into a disappointing and frustrating experience for many passholders. This is not the first time I've heard these kinds of complaints. Surely there is a way for Disney to improve the reservation process, or at least its communication with passholders.

I didn't get the email until after 3 either. But for me, it doesn't matter since I will be heading for home on the 24th.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Man! I was hoping you would get it! Our APs are not activated, so we aren't eligible! I definitely could have gotten Chuck to stay another day for that!!

This was in the paper today. I didn't get the email until 5.45pm which makes me even more annoyed. Oh well. Maybe this means there will be other tours though.



There are a lot of discouraged Disney enthusiasts venting on Disboards.com since a very special Disney passholder offer appeared on the Web site yesterday. Tours of the Cinderella Castle Suite were being offered for one day in December -- a fantastic perk, right? But judging from the complaints online, many passholders didn't receive the email notice until 3 p.m. and the reservations opened up at 10 a.m. That is, if they got an email at all.
And there was no mention of this magical opportunity in the Mickey Monitor, the quarterly passholder brochure that usually promotes such events. Once the passholders all tried to access the site, the system locked up, leaving some lucky ones who secured reservations unable to print or confirm.
Evidently, a beautiful offer turned into a disappointing and frustrating experience for many passholders. This is not the first time I've heard these kinds of complaints. Surely there is a way for Disney to improve the reservation process, or at least its communication with passholders.

I didn't get the email until after 3 either. But for me, it doesn't matter since I will be heading for home on the 24th.

Well this didn't work out (yet... I still have hope!) but I will be participating in two other pretty cool "limited attendance" meets during mousefest so all in all I am going to consider myself pretty lucky!! But I am going to cross my fingers that they open up some more times for this tour!! Or that I just win a night in the castle. But if they're offering tours perhaps they are no longer granting nights in the castle? That's ok... I'd be willing to accept DVC membership as a prize.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So as I mentioned, I thought I made too many ADRs in October and didn’t get to all of them. I’m trying to be a bit more balanced this time.

Thursday arrival day – no plans (yet). Possibly the Wave? Anyone been there yet? I think the menu looks pretty good. Particularly the desserts. .

Friday – lunch at Brown Derby. 'Nuff said. LOVE it. Glass of wine. Cobb salad. Grapefruit cake. Repeat. Well maybe just the wine. Heaven.

Saturday – no plans (yet). I'm thinking about maybe lunch over at Beaches 'n Cream. I dream of that cheeseburger! Or maybe somewhere in World Showcase.

Sunday – candlelight processional dinner package– late lunch at Chefs de France followed by 5:00 Candlelight Processional narrated by Monique Coleman of High School Musical fame. I’d really been hoping for Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie/Barney) but unfortunately he is earlier in the month. Oh well… I’m sure it will be great. I was originally at Rose & Crown on Saturday but developed a conflict with something I'll be doing on Saturday night now (stay tuned); then I switched to Sunday at San Angel but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to try something new.

Monday – LATE (~9pm!) dinner at Jiko. That’s all I could get but between the photos of the steak with the macaroni and cheese and being right there staying at AKL I couldn’t resist. I’m hoping a singleton can sneak in early. I believe there is a bar there that I might be able to get a seat at??

Tuesday – no plans yet but I think I may try for a character breakfast somewhere? Suggestions? Where is your breakfast spot? I have to admit I am not a big buffet fan...

I suppose I may have to think through my plans a bit more to figure out the ADR's... stay tuned!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Those all look really good. Doesn't Spoodles do breakfast?

I am hoping for Neil Patrick Harris next year for Candlelight Processional. We are playing it by ear to see who the narrators are for next year.

 

[askelton]

Thursday arrival day – no plans (yet). Possibly the Wave? Anyone been there yet? I think the menu looks pretty good. Particularly the desserts. .

I'm going to The Wave Dec 4 with a friend who loved it so much, she had to go back. I'll let you know.

Tuesday – no plans yet but I think I may try for a character breakfast somewhere? Suggestions? Where is your breakfast spot? I have to admit I am not a big buffet fan...

We ate at CRT for breakfast and I loved it! Of course, you probably can't get in now. The only other character meals were for lunch, but I love Kona for breakfast. Tonga Toast.

 

[Charleston Princess]

The only suggestion that I was going to make was that you needed to be sure to eat at AKL while you are staying there -- but then I saw your reservation for Jiko, so it's all good!

 

[kschafer]

I'm in, I'm in!!

I'm really enjoying your TR and look forward to hear the plans and adventures of your December trip. When they announced free dining for that week, I looked at the calendar and realized I give my final exam on that Monday, I could be in Disney on Tuesday and be home with plenty of time for Christmas. Unfortunately, the credit cards are still carrying a balance from our June trip so no go for now

I went to Disney at Christmas several times as a kid and can't wait to make it back someday

 

[ILuvCrush]

Well you said your not a big Buffet fan... i can totally understand that. But that said, my 2 favorite Bfasts are.....

Boma

and

1900 Park Fair


Both are absolutely delicious!! 1900 park fair has characters, and IMHO the better food of the 2, but I'd do Boma again in a heartbeat.

Paula

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Those all look really good. Doesn't Spoodles do breakfast?

I am hoping for Neil Patrick Harris next year for Candlelight Processional. We are playing it by ear to see who the narrators are for next year.

Good call! Spoodles for breakfast may be just the ticket. And that will take me back to my beloved boardwalk/beach club area and the international gateway. You are a genius, LL!!

I'm going to The Wave Dec 4 with a friend who loved it so much, she had to go back. I'll let you know.

We ate at CRT for breakfast and I loved it! Of course, you probably can't get in now. The only other character meals were for lunch, but I love Kona for breakfast. Tonga Toast.

I've heard so much about Tonga Toast but I can't say the descriptions have ever done much for me. BUT the lure of Kona coffee is strong. Please let me know what you think of the Wave!

The only suggestion that I was going to make was that you needed to be sure to eat at AKL while you are staying there -- but then I saw your reservation for Jiko, so it's all good!

Hopefully they can fit me in earlier than 9pm!

I'm in, I'm in!!

I'm really enjoying your TR and look forward to hear the plans and adventures of your December trip. When they announced free dining for that week, I looked at the calendar and realized I give my final exam on that Monday, I could be in Disney on Tuesday and be home with plenty of time for Christmas. Unfortunately, the credit cards are still carrying a balance from our June trip so no go for now

I went to Disney at Christmas several times as a kid and can't wait to make it back someday

Hi Katie! So nice to have you here!! Darn those credit cards! It would be great if you could make a quick trip! I've never been for Christmas and am so looking forward to it!

Well you said your not a big Buffet fan... i can totally understand that. But that said, my 2 favorite Bfasts are.....

Boma

and

1900 Park Fair


Both are absolutely delicious!! 1900 park fair has characters, and IMHO the better food of the 2, but I'd do Boma again in a heartbeat.

Paula

The first time I read this I thought, "what does the fact that I'm not a big Jimmy Buffet fan have anything to do with this?" Thanks for the recommendations. I'll keep both of these in mind!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So 25 days to go! I’d better get going on some semblance of an itinerary!! As you know, mousefest is also going on at the same time so I'm trying to plan for the "perfect" blend of meets and solo time. And I expect just like October I'll get an itinerary all set and then just go with what I feel like when the time comes. So here we go...

I’m taking the same flight I took in October so with any luck will be at the resort by noon. I have to confess that I am dreading the bus to Pop. I just envision masses of people. I know… it’s terrible. I’m a spoiled snob. I can’t help it. Cross your fingers for me. It’s only two nights until AKL. And I may still change the first two nights…

So here’s the plan:
Check –in (assume room won’t be ready).

Hop on a bus to MK/Contemporary

Mousefest 101 meet at 12 noon in the Contemporary.

New to MouseFest? Not sure where to start? Start here! Join Mark Goldhaber of MousePlanet.com and Mike Scopa of AllEars.net as they host a gathering to help you feel more comfortable with MouseFest, all of the various events and the thousands of people in attendance. Scheduled to start before the festivities really get underway, this meet will help you to navigate your way through the various possibilities and familiarize yourself with what to expect. ​

Not sure I’ll be able to make that in time.

If not, then straight to MK for lunch at Pecos Bills (that fixings bar!). If yes, then attend 101 meet and then maybe lunch at the Wave?

Mousefest welcome reception 2-3 (also at Contemporary)

MouseFest attendees are invited to a special meet to kick-off the MouseFestivities. Drop by to say hello, meet MouseFest community leaders, and mingle with your fellow MouseFest attendees. Includes complimentary light refreshments!​

Dole Whip Meet 3pm - Aloha Isle

Magic in Pixels photography 101 meet at 4:30 at Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

Tim Devine from The Magic in Pixels sits down with photography enthusiasts to teach you the basics of photography, from terminology, to camera modes, to basic rules of composition. If you ever wanted to improve your photography skills, this is a great place to start.Reservation requested, limited seating.​

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party meet 9pm. Not sure about this one. I haven’t bought a ticket yet. And my friends Lynn and Chuck (nuts4wdw) are having their own meet on the Poly beach so I’m not sure yet.

As I write this I wonder to myself… is there some time in there to head over to Kona for dinner? Hmmm?? What do you think? On one hand I’m heading in the direction of the Oct trip w/ too many ADRs and on the other hand there is a Lapu Lapu. Thoughts? Those of you who have dined there solo were you comfortable there?

Since it will be a MK day I plan to mix some ride favorites in there: Pirates, Jungle Cruise at night, Wedway People Mover, Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress.

 

[Lady Lallie]

So 25 days to go! I’d better get going on some semblance of an itinerary!! As you know, mousefest is also going on at the same time so I'm trying to plan for the "perfect" blend of meets and solo time. And I expect just like October I'll get an itinerary all set and then just go with what I feel like when the time comes. So here we go...

I’m taking the same flight I took in October so with any luck will be at the resort by noon. I have to confess that I am dreading the bus to Pop. I just envision masses of people. I know… it’s terrible. I’m a spoiled snob. I can’t help it. Cross your fingers for me. It’s only two nights until AKL. And I may still change the first two nights…

The bus to Pop was fine. It was crowded but I think there were more people for different resorts then Pop resort. Oh and Pop was the first stop for our ME bus.

Magic in Pixels photography 101 meet at 4:30 at Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

Tim Devine from The Magic in Pixels sits down with photography enthusiasts to teach you the basics of photography, from terminology, to camera modes, to basic rules of composition. If you ever wanted to improve your photography skills, this is a great place to start.Reservation requested, limited seating.​

This sounds AWESOME! I want to go! Take notes.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party meet 9pm. Not sure about this one. I haven’t bought a ticket yet. And my friends Lynn and Chuck (nuts4wdw) are having their own meet on the Poly beach so I’m not sure yet.

Are you not going to MVMCP at all?

As I write this I wonder to myself… is there some time in there to head over to Kona for dinner? Hmmm?? What do you think? On one hand I’m heading in the direction of the Oct trip w/ too many ADRs and on the other hand there is a Lapu Lapu. Thoughts? Those of you who have dined there solo were you comfortable there?

I didn't dine solo but I have an observation. Kona Cafe to me was a more relaxed place to eat. It's opened up to the Poly Lobby so I don't think it would be odd at all to grab a meal by yourself. Does that make any sense at all because I don't feel like I am explaining what I mean very well.

Since it will be a MK day I plan to mix some ride favorites in there: Pirates, Jungle Cruise at night, Wedway People Mover, Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress.

Oh delightful. JC at night is great. I plan to try that again in May. Your list are almost exactly the same ride favorites I have.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

The bus to Pop was fine. It was crowded but I think there were more people for different resorts then Pop resort. Oh and Pop was the first stop for our ME bus.

First stop sounds great. Beach Club was third, I think, and I was getting antsy! Do you know- are the stops fixed on ME (e.g. Pop is always first) or does it depend on who is on the bus and how many are staying where?

This sounds AWESOME! I want to go! Take notes.

Will do! I'm still trying to learn about "our" camera. Did you use the automatic settings most of the time or did you put it on manual?

Are you not going to MVMCP at all?

No, I think I'll go. I SO loved MNSSHP. And I've seen the Samatha Brown Travel Channel special enough that I feel like I have to be there. But maybe not on the first night. I don't know. I have to research the party a bit more to find out what is there. I know MNSSHP had the headless horseman in the parade, trick or treating, special Hallowishes... not sure what MVMCP has??

I didn't dine solo but I have an observation. Kona Cafe to me was a more relaxed place to eat. It's opened up to the Poly Lobby so I don't think it would be odd at all to grab a meal by yourself. Does that make any sense at all because I don't feel like I am explaining what I mean very well.

Great observation! I think you explained yourself fine! I think that is a vote for Kona!

Oh delightful. JC at night is great. I plan to try that again in May. Your list are almost exactly the same ride favorites I have.

Great minds think alike. We need to start planning Dec '09, afterall.