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

[ksromack]

We made it! Spending the evening at the Studios then up early tomorrow for EMH at the MK! Will try to post more later!

Yeah! You are there!

We are no longer day(s) away from getting on a plane. We are exactly 23 hrs and 45 min from boarding our JetBlue flight and on our escape from reality. Reading a few of the reports of people who are already reminded me of something. I can't wait to see the expession on BDLssil and BDLslil when they see the Christmas tree at MCO. Then, I get to tell them, that it will probably be the least jaw dropping moment of the next 7 days.

Getting the "excited 6 yr old kid at 3am on Christmas morning" feeling . I will be doubly stoked, if our POR rooms are ready early on Friday. That way, responsibility goes completely out the window.

Remember... Keep an eye out for a 6' / 300 lbs guy wearing Bruins or Patriots gear, with 3 ladies. Then you've found me.

Oh, now I'm excited to see the MCO christmas tree! We'll probably only have on our St. Louis sporting attire when we fly in on saturday but we won't be at POR until sunday afternoon......we are bringing our Blues jersey, though...if the temps are low enough we'll wear those!

We hit the road in about 3 - 3:30 hours. Hope everyone is well and if your leaving soon have a safe and magical trip.

Oh yeah I will be wearing a brown crossbody bag with Brevard Family written on the front in blue. And an attached LGMH please say hi!

You are sure to be on the road as I type this! Fun!

Apparently it works fine for Disney GC. I'll be trying it in a bit so I'll let you know how it worked.

Well, Mickey is even helping me take care of my poor pup. She got her cast off today and everything is going well (whew). Staples come out the day before we leave! Anyway, I had run out of turkey (finally!) that I was using to hide her giant pills in, cheese won't work fool her any more, and I looked in the freezer and found a bag of Mickey Head chicken nuggets! Yay Mickey! She gulped them all right down.

I plan on stocking up on WDW gift cards on friday! I could only get 2 coupons, though......the kids are gone with their laptops and our desk top doesn't have a printer attached to it

Please let me know if it does. I was just at target last night but I will gladly go back if the coupon works! I got dh the yoda holiday shirt as well as a jack skellington shirt. And they were on sale!

I wonder if dh would like the jack shirt? I have a small list of things I want to pick up before our vacation. I need to have some food in the house for when ds gets done with finals

 

[QueenElinor]

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.

Veuve Cliquot was the last thing I bought on our trip last summer- had to get rid of those last few Euros in the duty-free shop at Charles de Gaulle. I still have the pretty orange box it came in but the champagne is long gone!

What was the offer from The Flying Fish?

 

[ksromack]

Belle was the longest. I recommend doing that at opening. LM moves fast so not a huge line. The characters were 20 minutes each. Barnstormer was a breeze. Gaston meets in the corner next to his tavern. It was super fun!

That's my plan on one of our MK rope drop mornings. One of the other early mornings we already have FP+ for (and that's in Tomorrowland).

You are too funny! Who cares...we'll all be in WDW, where it should be 80 and sunny...and here it will be 30-40 and who know what...sunny, rainy, SNOWY?!?

Supposed to snow here on Monday. I'm praying for no rain in Epcot! That's our CP night AND our Illuminations cruise. Do they ever cancel either of those?

Yes, that is in HOURS & MINUTES until we are at WDW!!

All I want to know is why does everything always happen the day before vacation?!? I mean, seriously, I was busier today than I have been for weeks! Blah! But who cares, my out of office messages are on and I'm going to Disney

Now I really better get packing!

That gave me a lump in my throat! The picture......and the fact that you haven't packed yet! I have one more day of work, which is tomorrow....and I have a lot of paperwork I want to get done before I leave. We have 2 people off our of our 6 person dept, which means I probably won't get lunch

 

[QueenElinor]

I plan on stocking up on WDW gift cards on friday! I could only get 2 coupons, though......the kids are gone with their laptops and our desk top doesn't have a printer attached to it

Word has it that the barcode does not change each time you print out a coupon, so technically you could just copy the ones you have. But some DISers on the budget board say that wouldn't be legal.

 

[mom2travel]

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!!

Ain't that the truth!

 

[mom2travel]

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?

Most definitely you are getting it out of your system! : Hope y'all feel better very soon!!

 

[mom2travel]

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.

I actually think you have many great meals in there. Fun character meals at some. Yummy food at others. Not bad at all for last minute

 

[mom2travel]

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

Yahoo!!

 

[ksromack]

Oh man. I have a friend leaving in the morning and I just tried to help her un-nut her schedule. She is trying to do way, way too much IMO. I tried to help and told her no matter what, that if they got tired or one of the kids was going to have a melt down, to just take a break. Miss something. It's worth it.

I offered to help months ago and I think it just crept up on her and smacked her in the face. I really hope they can just have a good time, but I'm worried.

I've packed quite a bit into our vacation too.....but it's just us two adults so hopefully we'll be okay and not too stressed.

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.

I'll be doing the same......I don't know why we can't just do it ourselves online.......like I did when I paid off our balance for our package. Doesn't that make more sense?

I am so excited!!!

My hotel ressie puzzle has finally been completed!! We only decided a few weeks ago to visit over Xmas/New Years week and as a result we had to piece a DVC reservation together over 3 DVC hotels + 1 offsite. I have been slowly whittling away at the reservation trying to limit the # of check ins/out.

I am so happy to say that the final piece fell into place today and we are now at AKV Jambo for the entire time!! We managed to get a Value Studio from Dec 25-29 and a Standard from 29-Jan 6.

I have also been trying to nail down my ADRs. I have been frantically searching the reservation site trying to find some good ones as they pop up. Once the site is back up, I am hoping to post my ADRs so far and get your advice to see if you all can recommend any changes.

Yay!!

Isn't it great when plans come together?



I'm guessing Wedgie is getting her packing done?

 

[Shir Kahn]

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

Oh wow, this would be awesome! I'm green with envy!

 

[levenhopper]

Is the website where you log in to view reservations down for anyone else? I've been trying to get in all night so I can do my online check in, but the page keeps saying it's down for maintenance. Refreshing my reservations doesn't do anything, either.

 

[ksromack]

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 don't know for sure......I guess you can always give it a go?

I did that once with a baseball player. However, in fairness I was scrapping his previous visit to Baltimore - a complete game shutout. And I made a page for him too and had it framed.

That's a really nice gesture!

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.

It's got to be crazy hard to deal with all the excitement. I halfway expect to have my own type of meltdown at some point of our trip!

 

[ksromack]

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?

Get rid of all that pestilence! You are right, though.....better now than later...and good that most of you seem to be experiencing it this week.

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.

I think those look great, esp considering the late date and time of year!

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Oh wow, this would be awesome! I'm green with envy!

Yeah - I really lucked into it. I had a 3:45 booked at Liberty Tree but I realized there was no way I would be able to check into the hotel, get to the park, be actually let in (we all know it will close for crowds) AND get to dinner. I went to cancel it and VOILA there was a late ADR for Crystal Palace The odds have been in my favor so far

 

[ksromack]

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.

Heck, I don't think it's a half bad idea to pack MY clothes in ziplocs!

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.

It was me! Is any of the wine cold, by any chance? That'll make a difference whether or not I have to buy it the day before and chill it myself.....it would be much easier to buy it cold.....does anyone know if the store at the campgrounds sells wine? That would be the easiest yet since it's for the Sleigh Ride.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Isn't it great when plans come together?

Definitely! The last hold out was I could not get a standard @ Jambo on Jan 2. First I had it at an offsite hotel, then in a standard at Kidani, then a savannah at Jambo, then a value. I had pretty much given up as I realized any cancellations people made now would go into holding so I would not likely see many more openings pop up. Low and behold I happened to check the site tonight after supper and there it was! I had it waitlisted, but it did not come through - I found it first....

I am just glad we don't have to change rooms for just one night - that would have been annoying

 

[ksromack]

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

Woot!

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?

I have a Canon......can you look under one of the menus? Okay, I googled it and this is what they say: Hit the 'play button' so you see the single image (with histogram). Then hit the 'up' or 'down' buttons on the wheel on the right side of the back of the camera. That cycles through two information screens, histogram and regular display. I had the same issue eariler!

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.

I don't know what this is but it sounds good to me!

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...

I bet there will be all kinds of famous people there!

 

[WedgieSock]

Is the website where you log in to view reservations down for anyone else? I've been trying to get in all night so I can do my online check in, but the page keeps saying it's down for maintenance. Refreshing my reservations doesn't do anything, either.

Down for updating - I need to print off all my ressie numbers.

Ok, so I'm almost packed, not quite but getting there. I've typed up the info sheet for my housesitter. Kitchen looks like a bomb went off in there so still have that to do.

All the dogs food is cooked, bagged in portions and in the freezer.

Camera is charging.

Not really sure what else to do at the moment.

Oh, LMGH are ready to be printed in the morning.

Chocolate still hasn't been found. There must be some in this house somewhere! Need it.

 

[QueenElinor]

I've packed quite a bit into our vacation too.....but it's just us two adults so hopefully we'll be okay and not too stressed.



I'll be doing the same......I don't know why we can't just do it ourselves online.......like I did when I paid off our balance for our package. Doesn't that make more sense?

I have no idea why we can't- perhaps because the balance isn't actually due until the day we are scheduled to arrive? However, I believe you can call Disney and give them the card numbers over the phone. It seems cumbersome but saves precious Disney time!

 

[QueenElinor]

Down for updating - I need to print off all my ressie numbers.

Ok, so I'm almost packed, not quite but getting there. I've typed up the info sheet for my housesitter. Kitchen looks like a bomb went off in there so still have that to do.

All the dogs food is cooked, bagged in portions and in the freezer.

Camera is charging.

Not really sure what else to do at the moment.

Oh, LMGH are ready to be printed in the morning.

Chocolate still hasn't been found. There must be some in this house somewhere! Need it.

If you have a smartphone or tablet you can email all of your ressies (including resort & activities) to yourself. In your browser under "file" there should be a command to email contents of the page. That saved me a ton of time, and then they're easy to carry!

Regarding the chocolate, I have been known to get into the chocolate chips out of desperation. Never tried the baking chocolate, though. Not yet!