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

[Tltorrez]

I haven't caught up on posts yet, but DBF just got back from getting a hair cut and look what he brought me!!!

Oh, how sweet!

 

[Tltorrez]

I'm sad

I didn't notice this when I first saw it.

MK is opening at 8am instead of 9am on 12/8 .... I had booked a breakfast at CRT for 8am mainly so we could get pictures on Main Street when it was relatively empty. I'd read that it was rare, when extending hours just before the date, that they extended hours before the park, but mainly at the end of the day.

So now, we won't get our piccies like I had planned.

Bum.

It's very rare - outside if MK in December. I didn't know either. But I'm taking a page out if your book on this one. Go with the flow.

 

[PrincessAurora27]

Yes - hopefully with in the year... We have to sell our house and hoping it sells this spring!!

The car is in the middle of negotiations but hopefully before we go away we get it back. They estimated the damage at $8200! we also have a rental that the ins company is paying for. So heading in the right direction!!

Darn Disney don't they know how we plan these things out???

Good Luck!!

$8200!! I'm glad they didn't total it and gave you a rental but

Oh, how sweet!

Yes, he can be.. Which is why I keep him around.. and in those moments that I want to strangle him, I try to remember things like this.


In 30 days I'll be on my train back to here.

 

[ciao_gina]

This is what I am hoping - its an American Institution as far as I'm concerned. You can ask anyone in the UK to name an American food and they will all say "TWINKIES!!" One of our December FB friends (is she on here, I get so confused between usernames & FB names ) has been greatly affected by this - her husband was laid off - so I hope another company buys it and re-employs him first

Didn't this happen back in 2004 or something



Love, love, love it! And super cute with the headband too!

And I love McVities! Not sure how you spell it but they are sooo good.

 

[ciao_gina]

Anyone know if the Countdown to Fun parade replaced Pixar Pals? Trying to update my spreadsheet with these changes.

 

[PrincessAurora27]

Anyone know if the Countdown to Fun parade replaced Pixar Pals? Trying to update my spreadsheet with these changes.

In the calendar it's listed as: Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! 3pm

 

[summerw]

It's funny. I've been to both WDW and DL a few times, and I've found that the "magic" happens much, much more at WDW.

I can't say if you're right or not as this is our first trip to WDW. There definitely is a teenage/college contingent who works there, but after we got late FPs for the Carsland Racers and my son was starting to get my cold, I asked the CM if there was any way we could ride an hour early and she let us! Even the sassy SC teens and 20s believe in the magic sometimes.

And I'm kinda scrapbooky, in a kind of non traditional way. I just started posting some pictures of the book I made after I got back from my last trip in 2010 (way too long ago).

Ok, now I have to get back to reading and trying to catch up!
Thanks for the warm welcomes guys!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your book.

I'm sad

I didn't notice this when I first saw it.

MK is opening at 8am instead of 9am on 12/8 .... I had booked a breakfast at CRT for 8am mainly so we could get pictures on Main Street when it was relatively empty. I'd read that it was rare, when extending hours just before the date, that they extended hours before the park, but mainly at the end of the day.

So now, we won't get our piccies like I had planned.

Bum.

Happened to my CRT too when they moved the morning EMH to Dec 4. Sorry. Hopefully you can still get pics though since they have to let you in early to get to check in on time.

I'm feeling bummed too with the fact that Wishes is at 8. I made the ADR for Narcoossee's at 9 so we would be there for Wishes. Still don't know what I want to do.

That's the same day I was hoping they'd move the closing til 10. Ugh. I think if you grab a bottle of champagne, watch the fireworks either from the dock or the beach at the Poly then head to your reservation, you will have a super romantic night.

 

[Valgoof]

Hopefully Valgoof gets her answers in a few days.

I was on here earlier and I told DH I was just going to read and not talk. I was in a bit of a funk with all of the uncertainty. But I got over that. I am still going to Disney. I just dont know which week or if DH is going with me.

Everything matches jeans, so I don't plan. But I do plan DS's clothes.

This made me laugh. I always wear jeans!!! I had on my black yoga pants yesterday around the house and then I was getting dressed to go do some stuff last night. I kept putting on shirts, but didnt like how they looked with the pants, so I ended up putting on jeans.

Darn Disney don't they know how we plan these things out???

It really is crazy. We make ADRs at 180 days out, but then the park hours change a few weeks before the trip.

 

[mom2rtk]

I did expect there to be some surprises to the calendar since we travel the second week of December a lot. To those of you worried that you early ADR will make you miss the first hour of rides, there's not much I can offer you. To those of you worried about missing your empty Main Street photos, I can help. They should still let the early ADR folks in before rope drop. You won't have a TON of time, but there should be ample time for a quick photo in front of the castle before they let the crowd in. We took a series of photos at variuos stops along Main Street last year right ahead of the crowds.

We have a BBB appt on 12/15 at 8 AM, and yes the opening time did just change to 8 AM. The difference for us this year is that I expected the change, so this time am not sweating it.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I'm sad

I didn't notice this when I first saw it.

MK is opening at 8am instead of 9am on 12/8 .... I had booked a breakfast at CRT for 8am mainly so we could get pictures on Main Street when it was relatively empty. I'd read that it was rare, when extending hours just before the date, that they extended hours before the park, but mainly at the end of the day.

So now, we won't get our piccies like I had planned.

Bum.

Noticed it's been mentioned, but you will still get in before everyone else so just get the quick picture then head to CRT.

Barring sudden change or doctor prohibition, Plan A is on.

My brain is still spinning as I try to process this. Will post details shortly.

Yay! Glad for you, and for your FIL since he must be feeling good!

 

[Tltorrez]

Ok, so just to bring everyone up to speed - this is our first Christmas trip and my in-laws first trip ever. Then a couple months ago, FIL fell and fractured three vertebrae in his neck. He had surgery and began a slow recovery. He's currently in a neck brace.

I immediately started making contingencies plans and eventually split the whole plan into A (with inlaws) and B (without inlaws). At first I focused on A and just did the bare minimum for B. Then a couple weeks ago MIL told us the recovery was going slowly and FIL was frustrated. She said they see the doctor on the 27th and they would make a final decision then. But it sounded like, barring a miracle, he wouldn't be up for it. So I started focusing on Plan B.

So totally bizarre side note - this morning I had this really vivid dream. I dreamed we'd been at Hershey park for a few hours. And it was the next day and FIL was telling me how he was fine and had lots of energy to go back, so he'd be fine at Disney. And in the dream I realized I had to shift my thinking back to Plan A. Then I woke up and was really confused. Amusing foreshadowing there.

So they came home from their FL house this week. Family get together today. (We took the kids to see Wreck-It-Ralph.) So FIL told me about his current state. He is steadier ( though the brace still affects movement and he can't see his feet.) but his stamina is low. But he described how he can walk around the grocery and how he can go most of the day before he wears down. During this description it became very clear to me that he wants to go. Really wants to go. But he wouldn't make it half a day in MK. So then I threw out the wheelchair idea. DH and I had discussed this option, but knowing how frustrated he is when he's not independent, we didn't think he'd go for it. But once I explained it, he totally jumped on it. And MIL explained that she'd been pushing him around a lot in FL and was comfortable doing it. With three able-bodied adults we can handle two wheelchairs. So that combined with afternoon naps and an already slow pace should make it work. He also made it clear that when he needs to go back for a nap or skip something, he doesn't expect the rest of us to stop. And really surprising - MIL piped up and said she would accompany him back to the resort, but then join us back in the park. Remember, this is the same woman who "doesn't do rides" and I wasn't sure even wanted to go.

One other thing came up - they may shorten the trip. I told them that was fine as long as they did it before the trip ( by the 27th) so that I could make appropriate changes. If they do that, I will probably tell them about the split stay. Just so they know what they're giving up.

We talked about how the plan differed from A to B. I think MIL was worried we would be doing things for them we didn't really want to do. But I reassured them with the example of DHS. We aren't fond of DHS, but FIL being a big movie buff, we're looking forward to seeing it through his eyes. I also admitted how much I had stressed myself out trying to make the trip perfect. So we all really cleared the air and agreed that there will be other trips. So in theory, we're going to go with the plan and adjust as needed. In theory. In reality, I need to review Plan A for the updated hours and some other adjustments i've made over the past couple weeks. I'm also thinking I should generally lighten the plan even more than it is.

Honestly, just writing this post took me two hours. I had to keep stopping to absorb. I came home from my SIL's by myself to get things done. But now I'm just so tired. Tomorrow I'm sure Ill be excited but now Im just drained.

MIL did remind me when I left that they still could cancel. Final decision is still Tuesday. But right now it looks like Plan A is the choice so Im running with it.

 

[summerw]

Finally took pics of my crafty project. I am not crafty at all. I can't even cut paper in a straight line. My sister says my wrapping paper rolls look like the dog chewed them. However, my MIL let me borrow her Cricut and I liked it so much, I bought a Silhouette (solves the paper cutting problem for sure). Here's what I made in a combination between the Cricut and Silhouette. All of the restaurant name "logos" I designed in Silhouette. I'm happy to share the files with anyone. Just pm me.

My son is 3 and I wanted to give him an invitation that he could understand for most of the things we're doing.

 

[Valgoof]

Terri---so glad your FIL is doing better and wants to go!! Back to Plan A. Or at least a slightly modified Plan A.

Summerw---your invites are so cute!

 

[Tltorrez]

Finally took pics of my crafty project. I am not crafty at all. I can't even cut paper in a straight line. My sister says my wrapping paper rolls look like the dog chewed them. However, my MIL let me borrow her Cricut and I liked it so much, I bought a Silhouette (solves the paper cutting problem for sure). Here's what I made in a combination between the Cricut and Silhouette. All of the restaurant name "logos" I designed in Silhouette. I'm happy to share the files with anyone. Just pm me.

Cool. And for as much as I love paper rafting, I can't wrap a package to save my life. Fortunately DSis is good at.

 

[mom2rtk]

Cool. And for as much as I love paper rafting, I can't wrap a package to save my life. Fortunately DSis is good at.

Wow. Paper rafting. Doesn't sound safe at all.

Thought maybe you could use a laugh.

So glad your FIL is doing better. Fingers crossed things work out.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Tltorrez: I'm glad your FIL is feeling better and is okay with the wheelchair idea. I hope they do decide to come so you can all enjoy it.

Summerw: Those are so cute!!

 

[summerw]

Cool. And for as much as I love paper rafting, I can't wrap a package to save my life. Fortunately DSis is good at.

My DSis is awesome at it too. Maybe that's natures way of keeping the balance. Sorry the changes are overwhelming. I'm so glad they in laws are looking forward to it. I always think that as long as you have people excited about going to Disney, you will have a great trip, even if there is some tired drama. I will have my mom on a scooter and DS3 in a stroller. I anticipate a lot of logistical drama. I think since we're preparing for it, we'll be fine. I know you'll have an amazing trip getting to bring someone who almost didn't get to go due to their health.

And thanks, everyone!

 

[SAT887]

Ok, so just to bring everyone up to speed - this is our first Christmas trip and my in-laws first trip ever. Then a couple months ago, FIL fell and fractured three vertebrae in his neck. He had surgery and began a slow recovery. He's currently in a neck brace.

I immediately started making contingencies plans and eventually split the whole plan into A (with inlaws) and B (without inlaws). At first I focused on A and just did the bare minimum for B. Then a couple weeks ago MIL told us the recovery was going slowly and FIL was frustrated. She said they see the doctor on the 27th and they would make a final decision then. But it sounded like, barring a miracle, he wouldn't be up for it. So I started focusing on Plan B.

So totally bizarre side note - this morning I had this really vivid dream. I dreamed we'd been at Hershey park for a few hours. And it was the next day and FIL was telling me how he was fine and had lots of energy to go back, so he'd be fine at Disney. And in the dream I realized I had to shift my thinking back to Plan A. Then I woke up and was really confused. Amusing foreshadowing there.

So they came home from their FL house this week. Family get together today. (We took the kids to see Wreck-It-Ralph.) So FIL told me about his current state. He is steadier ( though the brace still affects movement and he can't see his feet.) but his stamina is low. But he described how he can walk around the grocery and how he can go most of the day before he wears down. During this description it became very clear to me that he wants to go. Really wants to go. But he wouldn't make it half a day in MK. So then I threw out the wheelchair idea. DH and I had discussed this option, but knowing how frustrated he is when he's not independent, we didn't think he'd go for it. But once I explained it, he totally jumped on it. And MIL explained that she'd been pushing him around a lot in FL and was comfortable doing it. With three able-bodied adults we can handle two wheelchairs. So that combined with afternoon naps and an already slow pace should make it work. He also made it clear that when he needs to go back for a nap or skip something, he doesn't expect the rest of us to stop. And really surprising - MIL piped up and said she would accompany him back to the resort, but then join us back in the park. Remember, this is the same woman who "doesn't do rides" and I wasn't sure even wanted to go.

One other thing came up - they may shorten the trip. I told them that was fine as long as they did it before the trip ( by the 27th) so that I could make appropriate changes. If they do that, I will probably tell them about the split stay. Just so they know what they're giving up.

We talked about how the plan differed from A to B. I think MIL was worried we would be doing things for them we didn't really want to do. But I reassured them with the example of DHS. We aren't fond of DHS, but FIL being a big movie buff, we're looking forward to seeing it through his eyes. I also admitted how much I had stressed myself out trying to make the trip perfect. So we all really cleared the air and agreed that there will be other trips. So in theory, we're going to go with the plan and adjust as needed. In theory. In reality, I need to review Plan A for the updated hours and some other adjustments i've made over the past couple weeks. I'm also thinking I should generally lighten the plan even more than it is.

Honestly, just writing this post took me two hours. I had to keep stopping to absorb. I came home from my SIL's by myself to get things done. But now I'm just so tired. Tomorrow I'm sure Ill be excited but now Im just drained.

MIL did remind me when I left that they still could cancel. Final decision is still Tuesday. But right now it looks like Plan A is the choice so Im running with it.

This is really great to hear! Sounds like things are working out well for everyone.

 

[Tltorrez]

Wow. Paper rafting. Doesn't sound safe at all.

Thought maybe you could use a laugh.

So glad your FIL is doing better. Fingers crossed things work out.

*lol* Yeah, I needed a laugh. Thanks.

I'm going to wrap up DS's "pin trading kit" and then go to bed. I've been stalling because the book still isn't available but he's been begging me to call Disney to find out "what's taking so long." I have one for FIL too. I was going to wait until the final decision but now I think I'll give it to him on Thanksgiving.

 

[tmbowers]

I haven't caught up on posts yet, but DBF just got back from getting a hair cut and look what he brought me!!!

That is so sweet! And looks yummy!

Wow! You guys are a prolific group! I love it!



Thanks! We're starting out at Coronado Springs and then doing 2 nights at AoA:Little Mermaid at the end. We've only stayed at CR and Bay Lake before so I'm excited to check out some different resorts. I'm also a little nervous since Pop Warner will be at CSR for the first few nights of our stay, but I'm pretty determined not to let it bother me/us.




I have certainly been called crazy myself. And handcuffs and blindfolds can be the secret to a great time

And I'm kinda scrapbooky, in a kind of non traditional way. I just started posting some pictures of the book I made after I got back from my last trip in 2010 (way too long ago).

Ok, now I have to get back to reading and trying to catch up!
Thanks for the warm welcomes guys!

Love the book! And we are staying at CSR too - our first time there.

I'm sad

I didn't notice this when I first saw it.

MK is opening at 8am instead of 9am on 12/8 .... I had booked a breakfast at CRT for 8am mainly so we could get pictures on Main Street when it was relatively empty. I'd read that it was rare, when extending hours just before the date, that they extended hours before the park, but mainly at the end of the day.

So now, we won't get our piccies like I had planned.

Bum.

So sorry. But, hopefully you will still get in early enough to get some good pictures.

Barring sudden change or doctor prohibition, Plan A is on.

My brain is still spinning as I try to process this. Will post details shortly.

Saw your second post. Glad your fil is doing better and that it looks like your plan is a go!

Finally took pics of my crafty project. I am not crafty at all. I can't even cut paper in a straight line. My sister says my wrapping paper rolls look like the dog chewed them. However, my MIL let me borrow her Cricut and I liked it so much, I bought a Silhouette (solves the paper cutting problem for sure). Here's what I made in a combination between the Cricut and Silhouette. All of the restaurant name "logos" I designed in Silhouette. I'm happy to share the files with anyone. Just pm me.

My son is 3 and I wanted to give him an invitation that he could understand for most of the things we're doing.

Very cute!

Well, I have been busy all day but unfortunately did not get much accomplished for Disney. Although, I did get a small tree for the room and stockings for DDs. I have bought a few small pixie gifts for the stockings, too. I could really use a personal assistant about right now - or at least just a packing/gift wrapping assistant!