PART FIVE!! *December 2012 Roll Call* Holidays, FLE & MVMCP!! A very, merry thread!

[Tltorrez]

I just did online check-in!!! I am going to Disney World!!!

Woo hoo! I am so happy this all worked out for you.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

How was your trip?

It was great, though I was a bit under the weather the whole time. Not enough to be truly sick, just enough to slow me down and tire me out faster than usual. But I still had lots of fun!

Excited for everyone who is getting ready to go!!!!

 

[QueenElinor]

That pup was just meant to be yours

And don't feel bad, I still haven't packed any clothes for me & I leave at 9am!!

That sounds familiar! And then, if you forget something or are running behind, the rest of the family is like, "Hey, mom, how come you're not ready?" Never mind the fact that you got all their stuff ready FIRST!!

 

[Tltorrez]

My husband and I were just talking about how weird it is to sit in our hotel! Normally he calls me the Disney Nazi because of how busy I keep us. (hopefully no one takes offense there!) it's against our nature to sit & watch TV here. But nightmare Before Christmas just came on at least! We have dinner reservations at Animal Kingdom lodge tonight so he'll have to get up sooner than later!

This is the part I've been struggling with still - downtime in the hotel. I'm still not totally unpacked and I haven't dumped my camera cards yet. We've been taking the parks slow but we only ended up with about two hours downtime today and I was hoping for most of the afternoon.

Just a quick update - DS is fine but struggled today. His ADHD is always worse the second day after not-enough-sleep. We did DHS rope drop this morning rode TSM twice plus Muppets, Star Tours (closed on our last trip) and One Man's Dream. Also saw Wreck It Ralph. Ralph and Vanellope don't sign but you get souvenir trading card things.

Then we went to Beaches & Cream for lunch and sundaes as big as your head. Then decorations at Beach & Yacht and downtime at our resort. I managed to nap for 10 whole minutes before DS woke me. Then Fantasmic. Then dinner at Flying Fish. I bailed early from dinner to get DS in bed. Now trying to get things done.

Early day at Epcot tomorrow. Then we get a real day off.

 

[1stvisit0909]

Quick question. I would love to live tweet but I am Canadian and do not feel like paying the crazy rates my carrier charges for US packages and roaming rates.

I understand that the parks actually have free wifi now. Does anyone have any experience using it? Does it work everywhere or just in certain hotspots?

I had friends at the world over thanksgiving, she told me park wifi was VERY spotty.


In other news, I have now started running a fever.
DD11 is still running a fever of 102 if we let her meds wear off. DH is complaining of a headache. At this rate DD7 may have to be the nurse.
BUT my WDW silver lining is we are all getting it THIS week, with plenty of time to recover before we leave. Right?

 

[Tltorrez]

Quick question. I would love to live tweet but I am Canadian and do not feel like paying the crazy rates my carrier charges for US packages and roaming rates.

I understand that the parks actually have free wifi now. Does anyone have any experience using it? Does it work everywhere or just in certain hotspots?

I haven't had any trouble using it at MK, Epcot and DHS. Sometimes it drops but picks right back up. Also used it at Boardwalk and Beach/Yacht Club. It's got a pretty good range. Only dropped for a few minutes when I walked between the resorts.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Okay, I was finally able to access my ADRs online (I have been trying all day). Our travel party is myself, my DH, and DS (9) and we fly in at noon on 12/25.

We have eaten everywhere below before except for 'Ohana, Tusker House, and Cape May. I'd love to snag a Le Cellier lunch while they are still 1 credit and a Be Our Guest!

Here is what I have so far. What do you think? Keep in mind there is skim pickings right now

Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Location: Crystal Palace
Time: 8:00 p.m

Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Location: Teppan Edo
Time: 5:50 p.m.

Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012
Location: Whispering Canyon Cafe
Time: 6:15 p.m

Date: Friday, December 28, 2012
Location: Hollywood & Vine
Time: 5:10 p.m.

Date: Saturday, December 29, 2012
Location: Boma
Time: 5:35 p.m.

Date: Sunday, December 30, 2012
Location: 'Ohana
Time: 5:55 p.m.

Date: Monday, December 31, 2012 - this one is a lunch b/c we are going to the Heat/Magic game at 5PM
Location: Tusker House Restaurant
Time: 1:45 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Location: The Garden Grill Restaurant
Time: 7:15 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Location: Cape May Cafe
Time: 5:25 p.m.

Date: Thursday, January 3, 2013
Location: Chef Mickey's
Time: 5:35 p.m.

Date: Friday, January 4, 2013
Location: La Hacienda de San Angel
Time: 6:15 p.m.

Date: Saturday, January 5, 2013
Location: Liberty Tavern
Time: 4:25 p.m.

 

[M&MGirl1]

Yep, it worked. I gave the checkout lady the GC and coupon, and she handed me a $10 Target gift card. I paid with the Red Card, checked the receipt and the GC was $48.00. They're going to be pretty tired of me after I go down to the desk at the YC and say, "Hey, can you please put these 20 GC on my account?" But, for 24% off everything we eat and buy, I'm willing to do it.

That's what I do, as well. Lots of times I'll park it in an area where we're going to be in & out of places and I just don't want to deal with it. But it made a HUGE difference for me, once I got over having to rent one in the first place.

That's great to know about the Target coupon! Guess I will be making a run there tomorrow. With the DxDDP I estimate we will have over $100 in tips and I will definitely stand in line at the front desk at AoA looking like an idiot to save 24% on our expenses!

Good to know about the EVC too, sissy found out from the podiatrist today that she tore her plantar fascia. She's in a boot now and SHOULD be ok by the time we leave in 2 weeks, but if it still hurts her to walk I will be renting her an EVC regardless of her being worried others in the park will just think she's lazy. Funny thing is, my littlest niece broke her foot three days before our 2010 family trip and was in a wheelchair the whole time!

 

[WedgieSock]

WOO-HOO FOR VALGOOF AND ONLINE CHECK-IN

YOU ARE GOING TO DISNEY!!!!

So glad after all your 'will we, won't we' recently

 

[phins_jazy]

Yep, it worked. I gave the checkout lady the GC and coupon, and she handed me a $10 Target gift card. I paid with the Red Card, checked the receipt and the GC was $48.00. They're going to be pretty tired of me after I go down to the desk at the YC and say, "Hey, can you please put these 20 GC on my account?" But, for 24% off everything we eat and buy, I'm willing to do it.

Just back from Target and they didn't even bat an eye. DH went with me and we were able to do 4 transactions. So tomorrow I need to find another computer to print off of and get another $50 card and then I'll have $50 in Target GC and turn around and put that onto yet another $50 disney card!!! Woohoo! $300 in gift cards for $250. I can handle that!

One and a half days!::

I put DD's outfits in labeled Ziplocs tonight, took out what I didn't think she'd need, and practically had to sit on the suitcase to close it! I told her, under no circumstances are you to open that suitcase! LOL

I have one more load of laundry to do. I packed all of DH's undies, and he says he's going commando.

The stomach bug is still going around our school. One of the teachers suggested Airborne and Emergen-C, so I'll go out tomorrow to try to find those.

lol! I thought I was the only one who packed their kiddos in ziplocs. My SIL thinks I'm nuts but one day when she has kids she'll understand.

AND ...........

I'M STILL NOT PACKED

OMG!!!! I am breaking out in hives just thinking about that!!! STRESS!!!!! Go pack already!!!!!

 

[WedgieSock]

That pup was just meant to be yours

And don't feel bad, I still haven't packed any clothes for me & I leave at 9am!!

HA! Thank you, that is very comforting

OMG!!!! I am breaking out in hives just thinking about that!!! STRESS!!!!! Go pack already!!!!!

Honestly, I think I love the chaos ..... I might pack in a minute ....

 

[Tltorrez]

Don't know if everyone else knew this but I just noticed that the Castle light show runs twice - just before and just after Wishes (on nights with two parades).

 

[Tltorrez]

Kathy, was it you that asked about wine for sale? I just saw a few bottles for sale in our resort store (Boardwalk). Might be an option to check for a quick bottle.

 

[M&MGirl1]

AND ...........

I'M STILL NOT PACKED

Ok, you KNOW I'm going to have nightmares over this now, don't you!!!!!!!

 

[RooRach0906]

We are driving down 95 right now!!!! Horray!!!!!!

 

[QueenElinor]

That's great to know about the Target coupon! Guess I will be making a run there tomorrow. With the DxDDP I estimate we will have over $100 in tips and I will definitely stand in line at the front desk at AoA looking like an idiot to save 24% on our expenses!

Good to know about the EVC too, sissy found out from the podiatrist today that she tore her plantar fascia. She's in a boot now and SHOULD be ok by the time we leave in 2 weeks, but if it still hurts her to walk I will be renting her an EVC regardless of her being worried others in the park will just think she's lazy. Funny thing is, my littlest niece broke her foot three days before our 2010 family trip and was in a wheelchair the whole time!

There is a sticky thread over in the disABILITIES forum all about ECV rentals, which have changed somewhat- only three companies deliver to the Disney resorts' bell services now (many of them did previously) so you don't have to be there when they drop it off. I'm renting from Apple, I believe beatlesblonde is as well. As for looking lazy, I don't look sick either, but I don't really feel like I get the stink eye from anyone. People seem pretty nice about it, I guess they figure I have my reasons.

 

[Tltorrez]

Aargh! Just realized The camera card reader is in the bedroom. And I'm afraid to go in there in case DS isn't totally asleep. *sigh* the trip is huge fun so far. Just wish I didn't feel quite so frazzled. I clearly need more sleep.

Unrelated question - I have a Nikon D40 and I accidentally turned on the histograms. Now when I look at the pics I took they're completely covered and I can't figure out how to turn it off. No idea what I even hit. Any ideas?

 

[Tltorrez]

Another random note - got an email today from Flying Fish about a Veuve Cliquot (champagne maker) wine dinner. We get these all the time but since we live in DC they're not particularly useful. But this one is next Friday. Our last night.

 

[Wendimn]

Jordin Sparks ‏@JordinSparks
I'm so excited to be celebrating & singing for the new New Fantasyland expansion tomorrow at @WaltDisneyWorld! The fun starts at 9 am!
Retweeted by Walt Disney World

I love her...soooo wish I could be there...

 

[ksromack]

We're here! Most of our stay is in a Cars suite at Art of Animation and it is amazing! We all love it! It is seriously a magical resort! I highly recommend it! I think we finally or the youngest down for a nap so my oldest & I are off to explore!

I'm sure that's where my sister will want to stay when she takes her brood....how many can the suites sleep?

OK - finally packed, told DH I was packed. He went into bedroom and picked up suitcase without checking if it were zipped. Guess what? It wasn't!!!!! Had to repack everything. Now I'm done. And suitcase is zipped shut!!!

Oops.....

What about an almost 40 yr old man from New England in a bikini?

Yeah... That's right. Drink it all in. All 300 lbs.

Give me a fair warning if you decide to swim at one of the pools at POR, mkay?

Cute!

FYI - I saw a decorated balcony at BWV today. Right above the DVC model. So Im assuming they don't mind. Saw some doors too.

Doesn't that put you in a happy mood?