Our First WDW Trip as Parents! December 2012 PTR - 12/19 TR LINK!

[Leshaface]

Calvin is going to be a cutie!

Jill in CO

Hi Jill! Thanks for joining in!

Congrats on your upcoming addition!! Congrats on becoming DVC members......I wish we could!!

We'll be there during the same time you are but staying at the POFQ. So are you changing resorts because of necessity or so you can try out a bunch of places?? We may end up with 3 as well, but that's because we can fly cheaper if we come in the night before our package & stay the night we were planning on going home.....so we'll stay at Pop for the first night & AofA for our last night.....but our package will all be at the FQ. I'm freaking out at the thought of moving luggage around for 7 of us!!

Hi! We're doing split stays mostly because my DH wanted to try out a few resorts. At first I heard it was going to be a little tough making all the switches, then I started talking to someone who's done it a bunch of times, and said it really isn't as bad as it seems. The CM's are really helpful in getting your luggage where it needs to be. And your situation is also why we decided to fly in earlier. It was slightly cheaper to fly in one day earlier, even though it's costing us 'additional' DVC points for that night...but we weren't going to be using those points anytime soon so let's do it! Oooh when I heard abous AofA, I was excited to try and stay there. Not sure when that's going to happen now that we're members! Maybe i'll see you around!

I'm here for the new adventure Your plans sounds great! I know you'd really like BLT, but with BWVs you're going to be right near YC and BC which have amazing Christmas decorations, not to mention Epcot, so whatever way it works out I'm sure it'll be great.

Hi Pam thanks for joining! I'm excited for either one. To be honest, if it were completely my choice, i'd choose to stay at BWV. I like how close it is to Epcot and DHS. I'm really looking forward to checking out the decorations there!

Subscribing! Looking forward to seeing how your trip comes together : .. not long at all until ADR day too!


Emma x

Hi Emma! Thanks for coming over! I know! ADR is coming up too quick! AHHH!

I'm here!

Aww..you guys picked the name Calvin. So cute! And his "picture" is so neat!

How exciting for DVC! We've been members for a few years now and wish we had done it sooner!

Hey girlie! Thanks for coming over! I think the name Calvin is so cute. DH's co-workers don't like that name. They keep asking, "Why are you naming him a 'White' persons name?" We're both Hispanic and he works in a highly Hispanic population so they're wondering why we're not naming him Juan or Jose.

Congrats on the baby! We're staying at AKL around that same time for our little one's first birthday. It's our first Christmas time trip too.

If you're doing quick service when you're at AKL you may not be interested, but we really loved the food at Sanaa.

Hi there! Aww that's awesome! Have you taken your baby to WDW before? I'm thinking about checking out Sanaa. I know the first day we get there, we're not having any plans, so we may just do that for food!

I'm here! We are doing our first Christmas Time trip too but missing you guys by 5 days

Very excited to read all about your plans.

Thanks for coming over! Aw, no way! It seems that a lot of people are going at or around this time. I'm hoping that's a good sign. DISer's know when to hit the World, so i'm hoping we chose a good time to go.

Hi Alicia,

Congrats on becoming DVC members, I am sure you will love ALK, we sure did

I love the name Calvin Davis!

Six months pregnant - wow! It feels like you pregnancy is flying by!

Hope you're feeling well

Hi!

I can't believe how quickly my pregnancy is going. It feels like we just told everyone that I was pregnant back in January and now it's June!

Congrats on..well..everything!

Going to WDW around Christmas time is just as amazing as the pictures make it look.

I just started our PTR too, we'll be there around the same time as you guys, maybe we'll bump into each other. Enjoy!!!

Hi! I'll hop on over to your PTR too!

I'm in!!

Woot woot welcome!

I'm here too! Yay for having a plan! You won't be too disappointed if you stay at BWV, I know why you chose that as a back up. ESPN zone!

Just be careful of the Boardwalk sweets, very addicting! You're right near Flying Fish....Epcot and Hey! The YACHSTMAN!!!!!

Perhaps they'll let you in after you stood them up last time!

Hi Alison! How could you possibly know that about ESPN!? Actually it was because of you and Bonnie that I really wanted to stay there. Well, either Beach Club or BWV were my choices. I think BWV was cheaper.

I was telling Dan how upset I was going to be that Flying Fish was right there and we won't be going there Mom hates fish. ....But I think you're going to be proud of me..stay tuned!

Congrats on becoming DVC members and for becoming parents-to-be.

We are going the same time as you guys... its our first time to see the Christmas Decorations and as DVC members as well. We will be at BWV unless our waitlist for BLT comes through...

Can not wait to hear more of your plans!!!!

Wow! We have pretty much the exact same plan! How exciting!

YAY!! Joining in!!

Hi Gina! Good to see you here!

YAY x4 for all of your firsts!!!

It was your WDW TR that first got me hooked on all of your threads so I'm super excited for this one! Especially since I won't be going back for the foreseeable future... So I'll be living through you

It sounds like it is going to be amazing from what you have planned so far...not to mention all of the things that are going to make it extra special!

Thanks for joining Heather!

Ugh, i'm so disappointed that you won't be going to WDW anytime soon. I love reading your TR's. You're such a great writer with good pics.

joining in

Hi thanks for joining in!

Congratulations on all the firsts! Looking forward to hearing more!
Good luck with the Bay Lake, I've always wanted to stay there!

Hi and thank you! Yeah, we're pretty much going to need all the luck we can get. It's a popular resort and I can see why!

You are going to LOVE the Christmas decor!! It's so amazing! And having een to WDW with a toddler several times now, yes, a baby will be way easier!

Hi Steph! Thanks for securing more confidence in me that it will be easier with a baby. These are the things i'm needing to hear right now, since i'm hearing so much more of the opposite it's ridiculous.

 

[Leshaface]

So this is what the plan looks like...as of now of course, since I love modifying things at any given time:


Saturday, December 8, 2012
Leave LAX @ 7am United
Arrive in MCO @ 2:43 pm
Check in @ Kidani Village – 1 Bedroom Standard View
Dinner at The Mara (Jambo House) – quick service dining
No park

Sunday, December 9, 2012
Check out of 1 Bedroom, check into Kidani Village Studio Savannah
Quick Service Plan in effect
Magic Kingdom? Epcot later?

Monday, December 10, 2012
Epcot

Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Animal Kingdom
MVMCP?

Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Check out of AKV, Check into BWV
Deluxe Dining Plan in effect
Hollywood Studios

Thursday, December 13, 2012
Epcot

Friday, December 14, 2012
Magic Kingdom

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Epcot or Animal Kingdom
Flight out of MCO @ 4:45pm



I chose the parks based off of what EasyWDW said. I was going to check out Touring Plans, then I realized they started charging. EasyWDW is free and is pretty reputable, so I'll try this out.

POLL TIME! Now I have a question for you all. Since this is our first time going during Christmas, should we look into Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?? For DVC members it's $54.99 per person, so not sure if it's worth it or not. Or should we invest that money elsewhere? I would have to make a decision very soon, since these tickets have been available since May, so help me out by voting!!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi! We're doing split stays mostly because my DH wanted to try out a few resorts. At first I heard it was going to be a little tough making all the switches, then I started talking to someone who's done it a bunch of times, and said it really isn't as bad as it seems. The CM's are really helpful in getting your luggage where it needs to be. And your situation is also why we decided to fly in earlier. It was slightly cheaper to fly in one day earlier, even though it's costing us 'additional' DVC points for that night...but we weren't going to be using those points anytime soon so let's do it! Oooh when I heard abous AofA, I was excited to try and stay there. Not sure when that's going to happen now that we're members! Maybe i'll see you around!

I'm thrilled at the thought of staying at different resorts!! We already have time put aside to resort hop for holiday decorations.....but going to the "value" resorts wasn't scheduled in & now we'll get to do 2 of them!!!

Its amazing what one day will do to the price of flights.......glad you were able to take advantage of that!!

 

[Pinkocto]

I voted no because there's already so much extra to see. I went back and forth last year about going to the party and I'm glad we didn't. There are still so many things we missed. Some people really like it though.

 

[franandaj]

I voted other because I think you should do a resort tour. Since you've never been, there is enough to see without the party. I would plan a monorail resort tour. I've heard the GF gingerbread house is amazing! You could also do an Epcot resort tour. The lobbies of the hotels each have their own unique decorations.

Don't rule out Flying Fish just because your mother doesn't eat fish. They have a steak, pasta, and I'm pretty sure a chicken dish. I've seen lots of non fish appetizers too. I'd recheck the menu.

 

[sica1799]

Hiiii!!!
Congrats on your baby boy! I have two and I love them! I loved your cake reveal video! I was dying with anticipation!!

I am not going to WDW soon but I will someday & I've been following you already so here I am! I am hoping to go maybe when our youngest is 5 or older. We took our oldest when he was 5 to DL for the first time. They have to be old enough to keep up with momma!

When we did go to DL for DS (at the time 5), the other DS was only 3 months. He was a breeeezzzeee! At DL as long as baby is in a strap on baby carrier then they could go on a lot of the rides. He even went on POC! (I highly suggest getting one-lately I've heard good things about the "ergo"). Also make sure to check into getting stroller passes for whoever stays behind with baby in a ride line.

Excited to hear more!!

Congrats again!!

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi Lesha,

Your plans look great!

For MVMCP... I've been twice and loved it, it's so festive and the fireworks & shows are lovely.. although, having your son with you might make it a little harder as I guess he'll be asleep for most of it?

Make sure you definitely take some time to look around all the Disney resorts at the decorations too! Grand Floridian, Yacht Club, Beach Club and the Wilderness Lodge are amazing, as well as Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge!



Hope everything is well with you, DH and baby bump!


Emma x

 

[CandleontheWater]

Hi there! Congrats on the baby, the DVC membership and the trip! You guys are going to have so much fun, WDW is magical at Christmas! I took my DS for his first trip at 4 months, and it was super easy. The only thing we found difficult was sitdown meals, since he would get fussy and one of us would have to take him outside. We had good luck with being able to bring the stroller into the restaurant, so we'd have a place to put him when we were trying to eat, but I've heard that is hit or miss. Some people have no problems dining with an infant, but just some food for thought.

You guys are going to love AKL and BWI, they are two of our favorites! It will be fun to try out different resorts, its one of the best parts of being DVC

 

[stephielela]

I voted yes! Now, I've done both, and in 2010 I did both in the same year, and the MNSSHP is better IMO. But there is something magical about the MVMCP and the "snow" on Main Street and the parade and fireworks are different. We've done it twice and we probably won't do it agian for a while, just because I like the fall time frame better.

I would also recommend touring the various resorts, they are all beautiful for the holidays, and DEFINITELY the Osborne lights at DHS. I would also recommend the Candlelight Processional WITH the dining package.

 

[Leshaface]

I'm thrilled at the thought of staying at different resorts!! We already have time put aside to resort hop for holiday decorations.....but going to the "value" resorts wasn't scheduled in & now we'll get to do 2 of them!!!

Its amazing what one day will do to the price of flights.......glad you were able to take advantage of that!!

I'm REALLY looking forward to checking out the hotels during the holidays! Since we're getting in earlier than planned on Saturday, and if we feel up to it, I'm thinking about possibly doing a little tour of some resorts. That depends on how we all feel.

I voted no because there's already so much extra to see. I went back and forth last year about going to the party and I'm glad we didn't. There are still so many things we missed. Some people really like it though.

Thanks for your opinion Pam. I think we started to think about going, because the MK closes early everyday we are there (8pm) with one day, I believe having Extra Evening Hours, which we could take advantage of...

I voted other because I think you should do a resort tour. Since you've never been, there is enough to see without the party. I would plan a monorail resort tour. I've heard the GF gingerbread house is amazing! You could also do an Epcot resort tour. The lobbies of the hotels each have their own unique decorations.

Don't rule out Flying Fish just because your mother doesn't eat fish. They have a steak, pasta, and I'm pretty sure a chicken dish. I've seen lots of non fish appetizers too. I'd recheck the menu.

Oh we are totally doing a resort tour. For sure of the GF, WL, BC/YC, and any others that have great decorations. Depending on how we feel when we arrive, i'm thinking about maybe hitting up a few resorts...now this just made me think about DTD..I didn't even think about heading down there Now to see where to fit that in at, since we MUST take mom down there to show her how much different it is than our DTD.

Hiiii!!!
Congrats on your baby boy! I have two and I love them! I loved your cake reveal video! I was dying with anticipation!!

I am not going to WDW soon but I will someday & I've been following you already so here I am! I am hoping to go maybe when our youngest is 5 or older. We took our oldest when he was 5 to DL for the first time. They have to be old enough to keep up with momma!

When we did go to DL for DS (at the time 5), the other DS was only 3 months. He was a breeeezzzeee! At DL as long as baby is in a strap on baby carrier then they could go on a lot of the rides. He even went on POC! (I highly suggest getting one-lately I've heard good things about the "ergo"). Also make sure to check into getting stroller passes for whoever stays behind with baby in a ride line.

Excited to hear more!!

Congrats again!!

Thanks! I'm still going back and forth between what type of wrap/baby carrier to buy for the rides. I really like the ergo, but it's $100+. Over course, I could just add that to my baby shower registry (which I still need to do). I'm also thinking about the moby wrap or the k'tan wrap. I know I just need the wrap/carrier to be able to transfer easily to my DH if he wants to hold him.

Hi Lesha,

Your plans look great!

For MVMCP... I've been twice and loved it, it's so festive and the fireworks & shows are lovely.. although, having your son with you might make it a little harder as I guess he'll be asleep for most of it?

Make sure you definitely take some time to look around all the Disney resorts at the decorations too! Grand Floridian, Yacht Club, Beach Club and the Wilderness Lodge are amazing, as well as Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge!



Hope everything is well with you, DH and baby bump!


Emma x

Hi Emma!

I asked my mom if this was something she was interested in and she said, no, but that she would watching the baby back at the hotel, if we wanted to do this for ourselves, which she totally didn't mind.

You brought up all the Resorts I was planning on looking at! What about the Poly for decorations? Do they have some good ones too?

Hi there! Congrats on the baby, the DVC membership and the trip! You guys are going to have so much fun, WDW is magical at Christmas! I took my DS for his first trip at 4 months, and it was super easy. The only thing we found difficult was sitdown meals, since he would get fussy and one of us would have to take him outside. We had good luck with being able to bring the stroller into the restaurant, so we'd have a place to put him when we were trying to eat, but I've heard that is hit or miss. Some people have no problems dining with an infant, but just some food for thought.

You guys are going to love AKL and BWI, they are two of our favorites! It will be fun to try out different resorts, its one of the best parts of being DVC

Thanks for your input. That's pretty much one of the main things i'm concerned about, is the meal situation (and of course the flying) since we're not bring a car seat, all we can rely on really is the stroller and a wrap/carrier.

I voted yes! Now, I've done both, and in 2010 I did both in the same year, and the MNSSHP is better IMO. But there is something magical about the MVMCP and the "snow" on Main Street and the parade and fireworks are different. We've done it twice and we probably won't do it agian for a while, just because I like the fall time frame better.

I would also recommend touring the various resorts, they are all beautiful for the holidays, and DEFINITELY the Osborne lights at DHS. I would also recommend the Candlelight Processional WITH the dining package.

The snow on Main street...does this only happen during MVMCP? Or does it happen every night regardless of if there is a party.

Oh we are SO doing the Osborne Lights! In fact, that was the first thing out of my mouth when the thought of a Christmas trip to the world was even brought up! I'm really looking forward to seeing that.

 

[Leshaface]

**I asked my mom if MVMCP is something she would be interested in doing and she said not really, but that she wouldn't mind watching the baby back at the hotel if DH and I wanted to go. Which would make the party a little easier to navigate (and cheaper now). AGGH! So much to think about! We are definitely going to be doing a Resort Tour of the decorations and doing the Osborne Lights at DHS. Does anyone know if the snow happens ONLY during MVMCP or does it happen every night? Honestly, this is something that I really want to see. The snow fall is gorgeous at DL, I couldn't even being to imagine what it would be like at WDW This could be a determining factor. I know it's a very small factor (and an expensive one at that) but it's something I would love to see.**

My DH and I sat down this weekend to go over restaurants we would like to go to and ones that my mom would enjoy. My mom is not at all adventurous when it comes to food and hates all seafood. Also, we have 3, yep you read that right, THREE resort reservations because we added an additional day after I had made our reservations. So this is what is happening, after a long discussion..

Saturday - Check into One Bedroom(AKL) - No dining Plan
Sunday - Check into Savannah View Studio(AKL) - Quick Service Dining Plan
Wednesday - Check into One Bedroom View(BWV) - Deluxe Dining Plan

Why are we adding dining plans when we have small kitchens to work with? DH really enjoys the restaurants and dining at WDW and it's something I don't want to have to take away from him just to save money. This is his vacation too, after all. So it may not seem so budget, but for our first DVC trip, I think we should do the DDP. Any trips after this, we'll be doing half cooking/half DDP.

On to the ADR's!

Saturday, December 8 - Pick up a quick service meal somewhere (OOP)
Saturday, December 9 - Quick Service restaurants at Parks/Resorts/DTD
Wednesday, December 12 - Table Service Lunch and Signature Dinners:

Wednesday - Lunch @ Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater @ 11:45am. We picked this because we KNOW my mom would enjoy the atmosphere. She's a sci-fi FANATIC so she'll enjoy the clips and the set up of the restaurant.
- Dinner @ California Grill @ 5:50pm. This is DH's favorite restaurant and we think my mom will enjoy the view. Hopefully she'll like the food too

Thursday - Lunch @ Via Napoli @ 11:30am. I've heard AMAZING things about this place, so i'm really looking forward to this one. Not sure how the DDP works with the food here, but i'm sure i'll be able to do some research.
- Dinner @ Yachtsman Steakhouse @ 6:45pm. Now, if you read my last TR, you'll know that we had an ADR here but there was a bit of a 'problem'. A problem named La Cava De Tequila/Rose & Crown Pub/Crew's Cup Lounge Soooo, here's our chance to redeem ourselves. Plus, my mom LOVES steak, so this should satisfy her.

Friday - Lunch @ Les Chefs De France @ 12:00pm (DH's choice). I'm actually quite surprised that he chose this as his TS. I think it's because of the escargot.
- Dinner @ Artist Point @ 6:20pm. This one was tough. And honestly, it may change. We LOVED Artist Point for the atmosphere and the food, however, we also love Jiko, AND Citricos. But for now we'll keep this ADR and see what changes may happen over time.

So what do you guys think?

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi Lesha,

Oh ok if your Mom is going to look after baby then I'd definitely recommend MVMCP! From what I know, they don't have the 'snow' on non-party nights... but they do use the same effect on The Streets of America during the Osborne Family Lights

We did go to the Polynesian during our December 2010 trip for dinner at Kona - but I can't really remember alot of Christmas theming, there was a tree in the lobby I think.
Another cute place to look at is Camp Minnie Mickey in Animal Kingdom, there are Christmas trees themed to Pluto, Mickey, Nemo etc... really nice to see!

Great ADR choices! You have picked some lovely places to eat at, and sure your Mom will find something she likes... I've heard also, that if there isn't something on the menu that you want, you can talk to your server and the chef will just prepare a plain steak, chicken or pasta dish

We are trying Via Napoli in October and I cannot wait!



Emma x

 

[Leshaface]

Hi Lesha,

Oh ok if your Mom is going to look after baby then I'd definitely recommend MVMCP! From what I know, they don't have the 'snow' on non-party nights... but they do use the same effect on The Streets of America during the Osborne Family Lights

We did go to the Polynesian during our December 2010 trip for dinner at Kona - but I can't really remember alot of Christmas theming, there was a tree in the lobby I think.
Another cute place to look at is Camp Minnie Mickey in Animal Kingdom, there are Christmas trees themed to Pluto, Mickey, Nemo etc... really nice to see!

Great ADR choices! You have picked some lovely places to eat at, and sure your Mom will find something she likes... I've heard also, that if there isn't something on the menu that you want, you can talk to your server and the chef will just prepare a plain steak, chicken or pasta dish

We are trying Via Napoli in October and I cannot wait!



Emma x

Ok so no snow on non-party nights. I think i'm going to lean towards going now, just for that reason.

We may be heading over to the Poly anyway (i've got to try that Lapu Lapu. I missed it the last two times, so third times a charm!). I've never really heard anything about their decorations anyway, mostly GF and the others.

Ooh, good! I'll be able to get another review of Via Napoli before I go!

 

[mnrhannah07]

Hey....

Dining plans sound good..We love Sci-fi, my MIL loved it too, she thought it was really neat..this is from our last trip, can you see how blurry DS is? He would not sit down here! lol

 

[stinksmom]

Sounds like you have a great trip all planned out! We love love love BWV! Our home resort is Old Key West, where we've only stayed once, but we stay at BWV if its available. AK is also awesome! But BWV wins every time as favorite place to stay because of the location. We love to spend the day at whatever park we want and then at night we walk to Epcot for dinner.

I've never been to MVMCP but if we had the chance to go I would definitely do it! My DH is a teacher too but we can never get to DW before December 21st or so and the parties are over by then. But we still love DW at Christmas time - every park and resort look beautiful!

You will have a great trip and I look forward to following your TR.

 

[Leshaface]

Hey....

Dining plans sound good..We love Sci-fi, my MIL loved it too, she thought it was really neat..this is from our last trip, can you see how blurry DS is? He would not sit down here! lol

Cute pic! We enjoyed Sci-Fi too. We were originally supposed to be going to Tutto Italia over at Epcot, and this was towards the end of our 9 day trip and we were tired of 'fancy' food and just wanted some burgers. So we called the dining reservation line and asked what was available within an hour and they said 50's Prime Time and Sci-fi. Had never even considered either one so I picked Sci-fi and was so glad that we did!

Sounds like you have a great trip all planned out! We love love love BWV! Our home resort is Old Key West, where we've only stayed once, but we stay at BWV if its available. AK is also awesome! But BWV wins every time as favorite place to stay because of the location. We love to spend the day at whatever park we want and then at night we walk to Epcot for dinner.

I've never been to MVMCP but if we had the chance to go I would definitely do it! My DH is a teacher too but we can never get to DW before December 21st or so and the parties are over by then. But we still love DW at Christmas time - every park and resort look beautiful!

You will have a great trip and I look forward to following your TR.

BWV was my first choice actually! So I won't be disappointed at all if BLT doesn't come through. However, I know one person that may be a little sad

I'm really leaning towards going to the party. I haven't looked to see if there are tickets still available, but if there are, that's a sign that I should go! Especially since, from what I heard, they sell very quick.

 

[RooRach0906]

Your ADRs sound great!

We love Yachtsman Steakhouse, we went there on our anniversary in 2009 and it was fantastic!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Delicious ADRs planned! If you ever have the chance 50's Prime Time is very fun and great food. I think your mom would probably enjoy Artist Point more than Jiko if she's not an adventuresome eater. Jiko puts a lot of different flavors together.

The decorations at the Poly were not enough for us to go back for. They don't have a grand setup like at the other deluxes, just a bunch of trees and garland scattered around the resort. But it suits the resort, anything more would probably look out of place.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Your ADR's look great & what a nice offer from your mom to watch the baby so you can go to the MVMCP!!! I'm concerned about the twins (and the money we'll be paying for their tickets) but it's the only way we get to see the special parade & fireworks, etc.

 

[CandleontheWater]

If your mom will watch the baby, I'd go to MVMCP. I think it would be a lot of fun for you and your DH to have some time alone without the baby.

Your ADRs look yummy!