School's Closing Early? Let's Do Disney in December! 12-10

[Queenofallthings]

I love the storytellers in Epcot....when I saw your picture it sure took me back! Haven't been there since 2002 to see them....I really need to plan at "Christmas time" trip!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I love the storytellers in Epcot....when I saw your picture it sure took me back! Haven't been there since 2002 to see them....I really need to plan at "Christmas time" trip!

I think anytime from 12/17/11 through 12/20/11 would be nice...

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

(Photo by Don Sullivan posted on Dad's guide to wdw)

I am excited about this. I think walking around listening to stories from various "Santas" sounds awesome. However, it is highly unlike that this would be extremely exciting to my nine year olds... Apparently, some of the storytellers are intentionally funny.


I asked dh if he would be interested; he gave me an interesting look, and said, I'll listen to one. I might be spending an evening in Epcot alone.

I just told dbf we're going to listen to the storytellers! I didnt give him a choice! I think they look sooo neat! I'm looking forward to them almost as much as I am looking forward to MVMCP!

 

[MisplacedTexan]

I just told dbf we're going to listen to the storytellers! I didnt give him a choice! I think they look sooo neat! I'm looking forward to them almost as much as I am looking forward to MVMCP!

This something that hubby and I are going to do on our date night. I had forgotten about it too. We saw Edward James Olmos last time and my little one yells our: " Daddy are you crying?????" Needless to say, hubby "manned up" and sat just a little bit straighter after that, lol.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

This something that hubby and I are going to do on our date night. I had forgotten about it too. We saw Edward James Olmos last time and my little one yells our: " Daddy are you crying?????" Needless to say, hubby "manned up" and sat just a little bit straighter after that, lol.

oh young children always know the best things to say!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Wow Epcot at Christmas sounds amazing! It's pretty any day but having all those extras makes it seem that bit much more special.

Lol at DHs comment to the story tellers - I hope you get to listen to more than one.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Thanks for posting the info for the days! I've looked at it on my iPad ap as well! We are doing the dining package for CLP so we don't have to wait in line for a "maybe" seat. We always go to the 6:45pm show because by then it's nearly dark (the atmosphere as you said) and you don't have to rush to get to the fireworks viewing afterwards. We are paying OOP (using Disney Visa Reward Dollars) but are doing QS DDP Can't wait to read more of your plans! We'll be at EMH DHS on that Sat!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Wow Epcot at Christmas sounds amazing! It's pretty any day but having all those extras makes it seem that bit much more special.

Lol at DHs comment to the story tellers - I hope you get to listen to more than one.

Oh, no worries there...I will just stroll Epcot while dh takes a kid or two and rides some rides... (My one daughter says she wants to listen to all of them...I don't think she will last longer than her father though...

I just told dbf we're going to listen to the storytellers! I didnt give him a choice! I think they look sooo neat! I'm looking forward to them almost as much as I am looking forward to MVMCP!

I think they seem very cool too. I am just trying to figure out how I will fit all of the Christmas events in...

This something that hubby and I are going to do on our date night. I had forgotten about it too. We saw Edward James Olmos last time and my little one yells our: " Daddy are you crying?????" Needless to say, hubby "manned up" and sat just a little bit straighter after that, lol.

I think I might be solo for this too. It's okay though. I have learned that if others aren't going to enjoy it, it stresses me out. I will just enjoy it myself, while they have fun elsewhere...

oh young children always know the best things to say!

They are great for a laugh...

Thanks for posting the info for the days! I've looked at it on my iPad ap as well! We are doing the dining package for CLP so we don't have to wait in line for a "maybe" seat. We always go to the 6:45pm show because by then it's nearly dark (the atmosphere as you said) and you don't have to rush to get to the fireworks viewing afterwards. We are paying OOP (using Disney Visa Reward Dollars) but are doing QS DDP Can't wait to read more of your plans! We'll be at EMH DHS on that Sat!

I will probably go early (5:15) to not worry about the crowds. Good point about the fireworks...How on earth will I fit this all in??

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So the news is that beginning Oct 26, Disney will charge $10 a head for missed reservations. I better get busy booking ressies before then. (I am not worried about booking multiple reservations, I just don't want the hastle of entering my cc in to make the reservations.

Right now, we have a couple that I know we are going to change, but I always cancel and change them around a month out if not sooner.

As it stands, I am just unsure of where to eat... I want to get the bang out of the dining plan, so I know buffets are our best bet. However, I am not overly excited by buffets...(only breakfast ones, and I can't see using all credits on those...)

So, Teppan Edo looks good (not buffet of course)

Dh loves 1900 breakfast , but we are staying at BC, so Cape May is a better location. However, we haven't had Tusker House in a while...


Maybe a late lunch at LeCellier?

I have to head out to soccer practice...I will be planning there. I'll report back soon.

 

[westonkamom]

I will probably go early (5:15) to not worry about the crowds. Good point about the fireworks...How on earth will I fit this all in??

Great PTR! Can't wait to follow along!

You might be surprised at the length of the line, even at this time! Last year we went from 12/11-12/20 and towards the end of our trip, on an Epcot day, I asked someone how long they'd been waiting in the standby line....2 hours! and I believe that was for the 6:45 show, which meant they were also in line for the 5:15 and didn't get in. This year we're going 11/29-12/9 and I made sure to book the CP package just to keep the wait time down in line.

Also, my children (DS10 and DD5, 9 and 4 at the time) loved the storytellers last year. I believe their favorite was a woman in Italy who told the story of La Befana, even I was enchanted by her story, lol. There had to of been at least 50 children sitting on the ground mesmerized by her story!

Also, it was FREEZING last year! We were so happy to have kept our warm MN coats on when we got to the airport in Minneapolis b/c we needed them all but 2 days. We're hoping to have beautiful warm weather this time

 

[Charleston Princess]

The storytellers will be fun to listen to!

I used one of your stories the other night! Charles has been badgering us to watch African Cats, and neither Chelsea nor I want to see it. I told him about your DD calling it the Circle of Death. Then, Chelsea said, "It doesn't even have a plot, it's just animals dying." He hasn't worn us down yet.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I agree with you, I don't mind the $10, it's just added time when trying to make the ADR's!

Tusker House and Boma were my favorite buffets...I would absolutely book TH again on an AK morning for us! A late Le Cellier lunch would be great, then you're only using 1TS instead of 2 for dinner.

Can't wait to see what you end up booking!

 

[MeMom]

Lucky you, staying at Beach Club!
All Star Music has a pretty tree, too, for your first day.

We're doing Christmas morning at Jill's, then flying out at lunchtime. We'll go over to Magic Kingdom just to be in the park for a little while on Christmas Day. We've done the Christmas to New Year's trip before, and it gets to be an 11 out of 10 sometimes! They have closed parks several times. We still do our rope drop routine, though, and we make it just fine.

We've seen the storytellers a few times. La Befana is one of our favorites.

The Christmas parade is great, but with all that I've read about the Christmas party, I don't know that I would pay for it.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I don't think the $10 charge for missed reservations is going to have much impact on people booking more then they want either.

Looking forward to hearing where you are going to be eating on your trip

 

[wishing4PA]

Hi, I am subbing!
I've got a bad case of gotta-get-back-to-Disneyitis, and I don't know if I can work this out any time soon.
So I will just vicariously enjoy your trip, and your life in my favorite state of Pennsylvania, too!

So far, your trip sounds wonderful!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Great PTR! Can't wait to follow along!

You might be surprised at the length of the line, even at this time! Last year we went from 12/11-12/20 and towards the end of our trip, on an Epcot day, I asked someone how long they'd been waiting in the standby line....2 hours! and I believe that was for the 6:45 show, which meant they were also in line for the 5:15 and didn't get in. This year we're going 11/29-12/9 and I made sure to book the CP package just to keep the wait time down in line.

Also, my children (DS10 and DD5, 9 and 4 at the time) loved the storytellers last year. I believe their favorite was a woman in Italy who told the story of La Befana, even I was enchanted by her story, lol. There had to of been at least 50 children sitting on the ground mesmerized by her story!

Also, it was FREEZING last year! We were so happy to have kept our warm MN coats on when we got to the airport in Minneapolis b/c we needed them all but 2 days. We're hoping to have beautiful warm weather this time

Now I am worried about CP! I am going to try to build it in on a weeknight. I considered doing the dining package, but it is just for me so I can't justify the cost or the two credits. I did consider having lunch alone... but since I think I might be checking off my Christmas must do's often without my thrill seeking family...

I am hoping it isn't freezing when we are there. One January, it was about 35 Deg at the bus stop, and we were cold! (kids in shorts and sweatshirts- it did warm up to 70...) I called my mom and she informed me that it was -10 in PA. I suddenly felt warm...

The storytellers will be fun to listen to!

I used one of your stories the other night! Charles has been badgering us to watch African Cats, and neither Chelsea nor I want to see it. I told him about your DD calling it the Circle of Death. Then, Chelsea said, "It doesn't even have a plot, it's just animals dying." He hasn't worn us down yet.

I am excited about the story tellers.

See, our poor kids who talk in figurative language and identify plot structure... Glad he hasn't worn you down. At least now, you will be more likely to watch Avatar though...

I agree with you, I don't mind the $10, it's just added time when trying to make the ADR's!

Tusker House and Boma were my favorite buffets...I would absolutely book TH again on an AK morning for us! A late Le Cellier lunch would be great, then you're only using 1TS instead of 2 for dinner.

Can't wait to see what you end up booking!

I am still deliberating on the dining... Tusker House is in the running...not sure if I can arrange Le Cellier with the timing though...

Lucky you, staying at Beach Club!
All Star Music has a pretty tree, too, for your first day.

We're doing Christmas morning at Jill's, then flying out at lunchtime. We'll go over to Magic Kingdom just to be in the park for a little while on Christmas Day. We've done the Christmas to New Year's trip before, and it gets to be an 11 out of 10 sometimes! They have closed parks several times. We still do our rope drop routine, though, and we make it just fine.

We've seen the storytellers a few times. La Befana is one of our favorites.

The Christmas parade is great, but with all that I've read about the Christmas party, I don't know that I would pay for it.

It's good to know about the tree at All Star Music. I might try to call Disney today to see if Pop is available with the public discount. I really want to stay there. Music is a good price with the AP discount, though.

How exciting to fly out Christmas day! I agree that the rope drop routine would make the difference. The other factor, which is nice, is that you aren't there just for the rides and attractions. The magic is enough!

La Befana will be at the top of our list! From what I've read, I get to experience the parade without having to attend the party since we will be there after the last party date. Has that been your experience? Also, does the Christmas parade run instead of the 3:00 parade? Do they run it more than once a day?

I don't think the $10 charge for missed reservations is going to have much impact on people booking more then they want either.

Looking forward to hearing where you are going to be eating on your trip

The $10 is actually per person, so if we missed a meal, it would cost us $40! I always play with reservations before going, but I do make sure I cancel them about a month before the trip if I have changed our plans so others have a chance.

I am working on dining, but I am struggling. The idea of using the dining plan as the best value is getting in my way. Buffets are clearly the best value. However, dh and I can't eat like that several days in a row. Don't get me wrong, I can eat a lot of food, but I don't tend to do it in one sitting. Dh can certainly pack it away in one sitting, but since he typically eats fairly healthy, it does a number on how he feels.

Hi, I am subbing!
I've got a bad case of gotta-get-back-to-Disneyitis, and I don't know if I can work this out any time soon.
So I will just vicariously enjoy your trip, and your life in my favorite state of Pennsylvania, too!

So far, your trip sounds wonderful!

Welcome!! I am so excited that this fall seems to be flying by. (I don't know where the first two weeks of October went!) It is only over six weeks till we are there.

I have to look back at your signature to see when you were there last...any trips possibly on the horizon? Have you been in December before?

I don't think PA is a place many get home sick for...Of course, I would because of family. Do you have family here? Where in PA do you miss? We live near the DE border, but 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Dh is from Delaware. His sister is currently living in CA and she is just home sick for the East Coast.

 

[wishing4PA]

I have to look back at your signature to see when you were there last...any trips possibly on the horizon? Have you been in December before?

I don't think PA is a place many get home sick for...Of course, I would because of family. Do you have family here? Where in PA do you miss? We live near the DE border, but 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Dh is from Delaware. His sister is currently living in CA and she is just home sick for the East Coast.

Oh, last time was in July, but as much as I can't stand the heat, I grew up in Florida, so I can deal with it for a short visit to Disney World.
As for WDW at holiday season, I probably went around Christmas at least once as a teenager, but frankly, at that time I was more interested in the rides and my friends, so I'm sure I hardly noticed any lovely decorations, stories, etc. So sad...
Oh, and PA, well, the part I call "home" is the State College area. It is lovely, the people are about the nicest in the world, and I love the mountains and seasonal changes. I even enjoy blizzards! What can I say, I'm pretty strange. The way I look at it, my family isn't glued to the soil here, so we could all just pack up and move North. ... except for that little real estate market slump ... and hubby's preference for heat.
So, with no WDW trip in the future (unless my Disneyitis becomes life threatening), and missing PA, I'll look forward to hearing all about your trip, even if you get stuck in a blizzard on the way to the airport!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Oh, last time was in July, but as much as I can't stand the heat, I grew up in Florida, so I can deal with it for a short visit to Disney World.

We really don't mind it; it isn't too terribly different than PA for us.

As for WDW at holiday season, I probably went around Christmas at least once as a teenager, but frankly, at that time I was more interested in the rides and my friends, so I'm sure I hardly noticed any lovely decorations, stories, etc. So sad... Just means you need to visit again as an adult!

Oh, and PA, well, the part I call "home" is the State College area. It is lovely, the people are about the nicest in the world, and I love the mountains and seasonal changes. I even enjoy blizzards! What can I say, I'm pretty strange. I guess we are both strange...I wouldn't be able to move from my seasons any time soon!

The way I look at it, my family isn't glued to the soil here, so we could all just pack up and move North. ... except for that little real estate market slump ... and hubby's preference for heat. You could say we are pretty firmly planted. I can't imagine moving from my family and friends. Dh and I talk about retiring to Disney, but if my daughters plant themselves here, I can't imagine I will move...we will just vacation more often.
So, with no WDW trip in the future (unless my Disneyitis becomes life threatening), and missing PA, I'll look forward to hearing all about your trip, even if you get stuck in a blizzard on the way to the airport!You didn't happen to read my Jan tr, did you?

=)

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Last night I decided I wanted to call Disney. What better way to add some magic into your life?

So, I dialed the number and went through the series of prompts with the lady with the wonderful voice (of course if they are taping my responses they are less enthusiatic... Have you been to "YES" Have you been more than five "YESsss" I can't stand that process...)

Then the delightful CM (the live one) began "How can I add some magic to your day?" or something equally as wonderful...

I'd like to change my reservation from Music to Pop with the general room discount if it's available... Sure...at a couple of minutes, he can't find my Music reservation...he tries something else...nope. Well, there is a passholder room at Pop available.

Thank goodness I called...so for whatever reason, I didn't have a room for Music. I know I gave the CM my cc info and everything was taken care of. Can you imagine- I wouldn't have learned this until I called about magical express...oh, yeah I need to do this. Another reason to call Disney!

So new plan - Staying at Pop our first night!

So my friends who've stayed at Pop, which building do I request? Remember, we are arriving around 10 and leaving to hit HS for 8 am rope drop, after checking our bags for transport to BCV...So I think I need a building close to the lobby.

Also, any suggestions for a building for my friend, her dh and their nearly 5 year old. They are staying all week. They will need to return to their rooms each day for a break before heading back out at night.

While I am planning, I will share current dining. These may change though...


Sun - just my family (look at my little babes- only 7 here!)

Mon
We have this booked for all of us... (my family hasn't eaten here. dh wants to try it...we don't play along well )

picture found through google images


Tues. and we have this for all of us.

picture found through google images


another clue?

picture found through google images

 

[mgsmom]

Hey Deb!!

I'm here! Gosh, and you're already 4 pages in!

I'm so jealous that you're going for Christmas. My very first visit was over Christmas. It was back in the day - no ADRs - no planning, really. We stayed at CR for several days, including Christmas, and honestly I don't even think we so much as looked at a map. The FPs were a "new" thing and we could call dining every morning and make a reservation for that very evening. NO problem. Can you imagine? But it was soooooo magical. We just stumbled upon everything - parades, fireworks, characters - nothing planned but that one meal a day.

I do remember on Christmas morning, we decided to go to Epcot. On the monorail on the way over we passed the MK entrance and saw the mass of humanity trying to get in. We were SO glad we decided on Epcot!

We also packed terribly. All I took were short sleeves and shorts, and one pair of jeans. Guess what I ended up wearing EVERY DAY?! And the sweatshirt I bought the day we got there.

I am so excited to hear about your stay at Pop - it's totally on my radar if we get to do a vacation this year! I think DD would flip out over all the super-Disney stuff!

I can't wait to see how your girls enjoy all the magic. Your family is going to have the best Christmas trip EVER!!!