Our long planned trip finally booked!

[Hobbitmomma]

Hi to all. I'm kind of new but not really. I've been lurking for years and only post once in a while. So here's the deal. We had planned a Christmas vacation cruise on DCL last year and had booked over a year in advance. Then the economy tanked and hubby's bonus and raise went up in smoke. So did our cruise. So a few months ago, he told me that all is well this year and we can plan something for this December. Well, it became quickly apparent that a cruise wasn't going to work for both timing and financial reasons. So we started looking at WDW. We took the kids on a surprise land/sea package in 2006. They were 6 and 8 at that time and loved it. So after much research and price comparing, we booked 12/27 - 1/2 at CSR!! We are doing deluxe dining as well. (Hubby likes sit down meals for breakfast and dinner.) So, we're really excited, but there is also some trepidation. I'm worried that it will be so crowded we'll get frustrated and the kids will melt down. They will be 10 and 12 and we'll be celebrating our daughter's 10th birthday which is on Dec. 24th. (We celebrated my son's birthday on the cruise so it seems only fair.) So please tell me that even though we're going at the busiest time of the year, we'll have a great time. (Last time we went the last week of August. Hot but relatively empty.) I'm concerned about ADR's as well. I'm worried I'll call at my 180 day mark and nothing will be available. This is our first vacation in two years, so we'd really like it to be relaxed and fun. I'm sure I'm worrying for nothing.

Hubby and I are also hoping for one adult dinner just the two of us. Don't know where yet. But has anyone used the babysitting at the resorts? Opinions?

Also, I would love suggestions from anyone regarding surprising the kids. Last time we did a scavanger hunt of sorts on the plane. Even the flight attendant helped. It was great. This time, we want to surprise them Christmas morning. If it had been a cruise, I was going to wrap up snorkel equipment, dress clothes and other hint, but for the World, I'm not sure what to do. If they open anything obviously "Mickey" right away, they'll guess too soon. Any thoughts??

Anyway, we can't wait.

 

[BelleChick]

Glad to hear you are going again!!! Sorry I can't help you with crowd levels then...I have never been at Christmas, but I am sure that you guys will have fun regardless of the crowds!

 

[MODisneyfan]

How about a map of the World, a stuffed animals (like an elephant or lion) and some "glitter" AKA Pixie dust or something that has to do with your resorts

 

[Hobbitmomma]

Ooh, I like the glitter idea. I want to give them a few presents as hints that won't totally give it away, then maybe end with a video of some sort. I don't know.