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

[PrincessAurora27]

If you can do all day at BGW you can definitely do all day at Disney... that is from experience at both! Just take you time at MK don't rush to every attraction.

Also just curious, have you done the new ride at BGW, the one that replaced Big Bad Wolf?? I would really like a review, we are hoping next summer with DD being 3 we can go back to BGW. We both love it and 3 summers without it has been killer.

I love BGW. It's gorgeous and OMG! the SHOPPING!!! The last time I was there was August 2010. I would like a review on the new ride too. I think I'm going to try for a long weekend trip there in the spring, hitting King's Dominion on the way back. I really miss the huge pieces of cake in Das Festhaus. I love when they are still partially frozen.

I figure we can sit and people watch if we don't want to go back to BWI. I tend to mosey and shop as I walk from attraction to attraction. As well as have a leisurely late lunch.

 

[jwgm2012]

Trying to figure out a way to save a bit more money. Had an unexpected expense come up & have to pull some from the trip budget!

So my thinking, since my 16 year old is now coming with us, is to not upgrade to the DxDDP & just pay OOP for breakfast each morning. I realize we lose the extra credits & the extra snack but last trip we had 4 snack credits left over & used them on Goofy's Candy Co bags to bring home. We'll also lose our apps with our TS meals but my DH will probably be the only one who cares about that, as long as I get to keep my dessert, i could care less about an app! Or we could pay OOP for 1 or 2 just for him. I already have it QS lunch & TS dinners, so that's no big deal at all. I'll just get rid of one of our 2 TS credit dinners, we have 2 booked.

Anyone know if AllEars menus have the up to date prices on their menus?

If so, I could keep most of our breakfast ADRs:
Crystal Palace
Hollywood & Vine
Tusker House
Akershus
Then we could do 2 QS breakfasts, one at Sunshine Seasons & one at Pop.

With AllEars prices, OOP for breakfasts & even extra snacks, is around $1050-$1100.

To upgrade from DDP to DxDDP it's $1586 for the 6 of us.

WWYD?

I wouldn't upgrade and just pay for some OOP. When you look at the difference of what it would cost you (if I'm reading the above correctly) that's still about $400 difference. That a considerable amount of change... the DDP is actually quite a bit of food and whatever you end up buying would still be a savings compared to the upgrade. Another point to consider is even though you upgrade there will undoubtedly still be some OOP expenses for snacks or drinks that you can't plan for...

just my 2 pennies

 

[jwgm2012]

Wow, just got back from being on the Disney Wonder for a week and the new thread is 43 pages in!! Guess I've got some reading to do ... need to see my ticket now to know how much longer until I can get my next Disney fix ...

The good news is while on board I went to some of the DVC presentations ... and at the second one I won $300 On Board Credit (non-refundable use-or-lose). So I got refunded my gratuities, and had some to spare ... after buying DS5 a few toys and smoothies, still had some non-refundable credit leftover. They let me spend it on a few Disney Park gift cards! More for the December trip! Yay! Its so weird coming home from a DCL cruise with more money than I left with ...

Really?! Ms. I-just-got-back-from-a-Disney-vacation... open wound, salt, pour... nice... LOL just jealous that's all. Sounds like you had an awesome vacation!

 

[molitva]

I was able to get an ADR for CP for 12/14 at 9:55. That's the same day we are doing Tomorrowland Dessert Party and MVMCP. It's just BF and I. Is that too long of a day?

What's everyone's thoughts? I've been known to spend 12+ hours at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

I agree with everyone else-it's not too much! I'll be touring with just my BF and I figure we're young and healthy so we should burn the candle on both ends while we can.

Wow, just got back from being on the Disney Wonder for a week and the new thread is 43 pages in!! Guess I've got some reading to do ... need to see my ticket now to know how much longer until I can get my next Disney fix ...

The good news is while on board I went to some of the DVC presentations ... and at the second one I won $300 On Board Credit (non-refundable use-or-lose). So I got refunded my gratuities, and had some to spare ... after buying DS5 a few toys and smoothies, still had some non-refundable credit leftover. They let me spend it on a few Disney Park gift cards! More for the December trip! Yay! Its so weird coming home from a DCL cruise with more money than I left with ...

Welcome back!! I can't keep up with the thread and I've been here every day Congrats on the on-board credit! Holy cow! I'd have been over the moon. Coming home with more $ than I left with after a cruise doesn't happen......it would be almost like coming home from the casino with more $ than I left with. It just doesn't happen!

 

[Tltorrez]

Hello everyone,

I am what I guess you could call a DIS creeper! I have been a member for a few years and have a few posts but mostly come on here to read what others have to say.

I was at the “World” last October and have recently gotten the urge to go back. Of course my two little girls (6 and 8) asking constantly when we are going again has something to do with it. So after doing some research on prices and airfare, I have booked a trip for THIS December. I am so beyond excited. I am usually a planner and have planned all my other trips a year or so in advance. So this is a very spontaneous, out of character thing for me to. I love Christmas time and all the decorations and lights so this is double the fun.

We will be heading to Disney on 12/12/12 (and just NOW realized that date) through Dec 18th. We are currently booked at the Beach Club (with free dining). And now I am second guessing whether that is the right choice for this trip. I have 2 days planned at the Magic Kingdom and plan to do the MVMCP on the 13th. Then one day each at Epcot, HS and AK. We will do the whole back to the resort at midday to play at the pool etc but now I am worrying about the weather and if it will be too cold to actually enjoy the pool and I’m wondering if I should switch to a monorail resort for this trip and try the beach club when it’s a warmer time of year. The prices at Contemporary are so high but Poly seems reasonable. Oh man. Well I have until Oct 28th to decide and get the final payment in. I guess I will hem and haw about it for a while, haha. DH is no help he says “just tell me where to be” lol and we have decided to surprise the girls with this trip so cant really get their input either. Though I know one would say BC the other would say Contemporary. LOL
Do you guys have any thoughts on this?

I have a bunch of ADRs made. Still holding out hope of getting Ohana’s since its DHs favorite but have some pretty good ones otherwise. I even scored a Crystal Palace for pre-park opening breakfast one day.

I look forward to chatting with you all.
Kelly

Welcome!

I've been wanting to try BC but we've always gone in Oct, Dec or Jan and it doesn't seem worth it if we're not using SAB. So we always end up at BWV because prices are usual a bit lower and discounts more plentiful. Our first trip we wanted a monorail resort, but now that we've stayed on the Boardwalk, I have a hard time choosing anything else. It's just such a great price fir the value. Either way though, you'll have a great time. Where did you stay before? Also, did you check the prices on FD vs Room Only discount. Often for Deluxe the RO discount is a better deal.

 

[SAT887]

With an early close I'm not sure MK would be worth it. What about popping over to HS or Epcot for a bit?

I like Epcot as a first day park if you fly in that day. To me it's more relaxing than MK and a good place to hang out. However there is something to be said about MK!!!

We had the opposite. The original plan was to rush over to AK. But now we are going to leisurely do DTD and then go to Epcot in the evening if we want. Crowds should be lower since it is a party night, but at 4:00 you will have the party goers start coming in. You could certainly get a few rides and dinner and see the Castle Lighting if you wanted. Will your son be upset to leave after just a couple hours?? Since you are doing QS either way, you could always keep it open and see how everyone feels after the travel. I know, "keeping it open" is like blasphemy to us planners.

Hahaha "keeping it open" you're hilarious!

Hang in there! We waited a couple years for the planets to align job/money-wise for our last move. It was worth the wait. We are so happy now where we are. Good luck! :

Its been tough for a lot of people, trust me I really know what you are going through .... just remember, the light IS at the end of the tunnel x

I understand and I am sure it will work out for the better in the end.

Good for you!

Meh, I treat family drama like a movie - I just observe it and it allow it to entertain me. Whilst they are flapping and gobbing off I'm eating popcorn Its really rather therapeutic

I try to do the same with my family but they drag me into it. I moved out first chance I could but can't seem to get away from them!

Right now, here it is a seller's market too. Very few houses on the market around us. Plus interest rates are so low. I think the housing market will stay good for awhile and Spring is always best.

In about a month it's no ones market where I live. Once the snow flies it's done...

HA! My mom is a soap opera all unto herself! I just watch the mess from the sidelines, keep my mouth shut & thank God my life is normal!

I think the same way - except for my family we're "normal". Just happy, loving, caring people. I always tell my husband if we ever split up I would need visitation rights to his family. It's so nice that they aren't drama filled.

Hi all!

I'm Gretchen. My mom and I will be traveling December 17-21, staying at Wilderness Lodge for the first time-courtyard view.

I did the Disney college program earlier this year, so was there from January-August. We've also been in October, but never December! Very excited for all the holiday stuff! I have a PTR started, link is in my sig, and I'd love it if you'd come read it!

That sounds great!! How did you like DCP?

Wow, just got back from being on the Disney Wonder for a week and the new thread is 43 pages in!! Guess I've got some reading to do ... need to see my ticket now to know how much longer until I can get my next Disney fix ...

The good news is while on board I went to some of the DVC presentations ... and at the second one I won $300 On Board Credit (non-refundable use-or-lose). So I got refunded my gratuities, and had some to spare ... after buying DS5 a few toys and smoothies, still had some non-refundable credit leftover. They let me spend it on a few Disney Park gift cards! More for the December trip! Yay! Its so weird coming home from a DCL cruise with more money than I left with ...

That's great!!! Welcome back!

Trying to figure out a way to save a bit more money. Had an unexpected expense come up & have to pull some from the trip budget!

So my thinking, since my 16 year old is now coming with us, is to not upgrade to the DxDDP & just pay OOP for breakfast each morning. I realize we lose the extra credits & the extra snack but last trip we had 4 snack credits left over & used them on Goofy's Candy Co bags to bring home. We'll also lose our apps with our TS meals but my DH will probably be the only one who cares about that, as long as I get to keep my dessert, i could care less about an app! Or we could pay OOP for 1 or 2 just for him. I already have it QS lunch & TS dinners, so that's no big deal at all. I'll just get rid of one of our 2 TS credit dinners, we have 2 booked.

Anyone know if AllEars menus have the up to date prices on their menus?

If so, I could keep most of our breakfast ADRs:
Crystal Palace
Hollywood & Vine
Tusker House
Akershus
Then we could do 2 QS breakfasts, one at Sunshine Seasons & one at Pop.

With AllEars prices, OOP for breakfasts & even extra snacks, is around $1050-$1100.

To upgrade from DDP to DxDDP it's $1586 for the 6 of us.

WWYD?

I would down grade the dining plan. We are not big eaters in my house and Disney would make way too much money off of me if I bought the dining plan, however, food is a very controllable cost for me. Would you have anywhere else to cut from? Also, would all 6 of you be fully utilizing the extra food and snacks?

 

[Tltorrez]

Question about the Osborne Lights: I want to be there for the switch-flip - will WDW eventually put that time on the DHS park calendar? Is it possible to do both Fantasmic and OL on the same night?

It's possible to do both but not for switch-flip. You can do OL after Fantasmic. It stays open at least half an hour after park close.

 

[Tltorrez]

My grandmother was put into a rehab facility. On one hand, it's a relief as almost all of her 24 hour care seems to fall on me these days. On the other, kind of scary. But she's getting the care she needs that we can't really provide for her.

Any thoughts on Fantasmic? I know last year they added a 2nd showing almost every night at 8pm. Think they'll do the same this time around? I know they added some to November but not for the whole month. Trying to decide which show we'd want to go to & what time we should do dinner.

& last, my 16 year old did decide to come with!! Start the scramble to make the dogs a kennel reservation! It is such a good thing I kept all of the party of 6 ADRs!

TP had an analysis based on last year that is good for predicting extra Fantasmic days. its on their blog.

 

[1stvisit0909]

Going anywhere fun??

Her class went to watch Junie B Jones, the musical -something about first grade. Its was as fun as a childrens musical can me, when the theater is PACKED with kiddos. Then lunch at the park

THEY ARE LEGWARMERS!!!! (i googled them to see where I could get them)

Those huge furry pink yeti's are legwarmers!! Even better. That means they will be cheaper than I expected, easy to pack, warm & toasty, probably washable and versatile - you could put them on your arms if they were cold.

See. Many reasons why I should buy some.

You'd certainly be noticed

Not that I want to be an enabler BUT Disney Parks wants us to celebrate Disney's Days of Christmas by offering Free Shipping from Oct. 16-18th. Code is PARKFREE. To me free shipping means you can order extra stuff.

Someone forwarded that email to me. I cant believe I am about to go look at the site...AGAIN!

TP had an analysis based on last year that is good for predicting extra Fantasmic days. its on their blog.

EasyWDW does too!

Y'all did me proud, more than 10 pages since I left.

 

[Tltorrez]

Autograph books.

Are your kids interested? Do you buy the generic WDW ones or do you make your own?

I made Landon one last year on Shutterfly. I'm debating this year. It is a very nice keepsake, but it seemed to take up so much time & was kind of awkward.

I cut 4x6 white card stock, punch a hole in the corner and put it on a key ring. Every day I take off the signed cards and add new blanks as needed. Super easy and convenient to carry.

Then I just keep adding them to a couple 6x6 scrap book albums with the pics. I had pics of the albums on the Part 2 thread. I'll dig those out.

 

[1stvisit0909]

I cut 4x6 white card stock, punch a hole in the corner and put it on a key ring. Every day I take off the signed cards and add new blanks as needed. Super easy and convenient to carry.

Then I just keep adding them to a couple 6x6 scrap book albums with the pics. I had pics of the albums on the Part 2 thread. I'll dig those out.

Awesome idea that I am totally going to steal.

 

[M&MGirl1]

I wouldn't upgrade and just pay for some OOP. When you look at the difference of what it would cost you (if I'm reading the above correctly) that's still about $400 difference. That a considerable amount of change... the DDP is actually quite a bit of food and whatever you end up buying would still be a savings compared to the upgrade. Another point to consider is even though you upgrade there will undoubtedly still be some OOP expenses for snacks or drinks that you can't plan for...

just my 2 pennies

I totally agree That's a LOT of money you're saving by not upgrading. And really since you already had 1 QS and 1 TS planned per day you aren't losing much food doing the regular vs. the deluxe plan, just the second snack and the apps on the TS meals.

 

[jwgm2012]

It's possible to do both but not for switch-flip. You can do OL after Fantasmic. It stays open at least half an hour after park close.

Based on this, I'm thinking the switch-flip should happen first and save Fantasmic for the next night...

Now the question at hand is whether or not to book the Fantasmic Dinner package... We're having Via Napoli the next night, so Mama Melrose's is out and I'm thinking Brown Derby might be too heavy of a meal. Those are my only options for Dec. 3.

 

[tofubeast]

With AllEars prices, OOP for breakfasts & even extra snacks, is around $1050-$1100.

To upgrade from DDP to DxDDP it's $1586 for the 6 of us.

WWYD?

I would not upgrade to Dx.

 

[ksromack]

Someone, anyone recommend a QS for lunch in DHS! I've never been a huge fan of food in DHS but we'll have to eat....of course, Starring Rolls is there, we could do a cupcake lunch!

I see nothing wrong with this

 

[DisneyGuess]

Yup, not upgrading! I can use that $400 somewhere else, like spending!

I'm trying to find other ways to cut costs but not sure what else to do. We're already staying value, free QSDP upgraded to DDP. Tips & some spending, that's about it!

& yea, I think my lunch on DHS day is going to be a cupcake, lol. Red Velvet to be exact!

Help me choose my 2 TS credit meal. Should I keep Le Cellier or Narcoossee's?

 

[ksromack]

So looking forward to this trip. I have a 16 year old girl that I love very much but has been very difficult lately . Not in your going to get yourself killed or overdose or end up jail or get pregnant kind of difficulty. But the mood, we are stupid, back talk, mean to us and brother kind of kid. She has been wiping me out everyday. Anyway, to those with teenage girls it can really suck.

Anyway, this trip is without any kids or husbands Can't wait.

Word. Mother of a 21 yo dd. she's out of the house and in an apt....and I really like her now

 

[DisneyGuess]

On AllEars, are their prices pretty accurate if the date they were last updated was in 2012? I like that most of their's have the tax added in.
I asked on the Restaurant board & was given a link to wdwinfo menus but wow, some of them are way different!
Like AllEars has breakfast at CP starting around $26 per adult, wdwinfo has $37?

 

[DisneyGuess]

Word. Mother of a 21 yo dd. she's out of the house and in an apt....and I really like her now

I hope to have that kind of like for my ODS when he's out of the house too!

 

[RooRach0906]

I love BGW. It's gorgeous and OMG! the SHOPPING!!! The last time I was there was August 2010. I would like a review on the new ride too. I think I'm going to try for a long weekend trip there in the spring, hitting King's Dominion on the way back. I really miss the huge pieces of cake in Das Festhaus. I love when they are still partially frozen.

I figure we can sit and people watch if we don't want to go back to BWI. I tend to mosey and shop as I walk from attraction to attraction. As well as have a leisurely late lunch.

Mmmm I love those cheesy potatoes at Das Festhaus along with the cake. I haven't been to KD in 3 summers either and this is after 10 summers of having season pass at one of the two of them.

That is a good plan for the day at MK.