So basically I've screwed up this trip!?!?

[disneydude365]

Sounds like you had a bad talk with a negative Nancy ( sorry to all the Nancys out there) and you just need to get back your Disney Magic feeling. It will be great! If you hate crowds consider going later. I have been at MK on busy days with EMH until 3am and most rides are practically walk on after midnight. Maybe take a nap in the afternoon then head over and stay until close. You are in the BEST spot! Monorail to MK= awesome! It will be great. And there will be plenty of Christmas merchandise. It will be great!

Don't let the Debbie Downers rob you of your joy. Look at what you have to celebrate, and revel in the fact that you are NOT in a wheelchair forced to look at everyone's butts!

I think I honestly get some mean spirited advice they also informed me there was a good chance I would not even get in the park, luckily I called Disney and they confirmed that resort guests have access to admission of parks so that was relief

And yes not staring at butts all day I'm totally looking forward this will be first trip with no wheelchair I'm actually excited I won't have to get myself out of chair for pictures praying I don't fall over onto the character (has happened and no they didn't take that pic lol) so I just want it to be the best trip it can be lol*


My magic spirit is coming back thanks to all these posts honestly calming me back down.*

 

[staceyeileen]

What TS are you trying to get? If you are really finding nothing available in all of WDW, I think you might be doing something wrong in your search?

 

[tinkerbee]

They do tier closings and even at some points resort guests can not get in, so the CM you talked to was not 100% saying this.

 

[sharonabe]

They do tier closings and even at some points resort guests can not get in, so the CM you talked to was not 100% saying this.

But HIGHLY unlikely on the 20th. On Dec 25th, yes, I would be concerned. I've not seen any kind of closing on that Sat before.

OP, if you can stay until 3:00 a.m., you will have a blast from midnight on. Muddle through until EMH knowing it's going to just keep getting better the later it gets.

 

[tinkerbee]

But HIGHLY unlikely on the 20th. On Dec 25th, yes, I would be concerned. I've not seen any kind of closing on that Sat before.

OP, if you can stay until 3:00 a.m., you will have a blast from midnight on. Muddle through until EMH knowing it's going to just keep getting better the later it gets.

Yes I agree highly unlikely but for a CM to give out wrong information is not right.

 

[ZoZo]

I think I honestly get some mean spirited advice they also informed me there was a good chance I would not even get in the park, luckily I called Disney and they confirmed that resort guests have access to admission of parks so that was relief

And yes not staring at butts all day I'm totally looking forward this will be first trip with no wheelchair I'm actually excited I won't have to get myself out of chair for pictures praying I don't fall over onto the character (has happened and no they didn't take that pic lol) so I just want it to be the best trip it can be lol*

My magic spirit is coming back thanks to all these posts honestly calming me back down.*

Hi! I'm so excited for you to take this special trip. I sure hope your friend can go with you - that will make it even more magical. Now here comes a little advice - beware, I'm going to have to "mom" you a little.

First, stop talking to this negative person who's given you bad advice about your trip!! Between the misinformation you've gotten from him/her, and the negative attitude , your best bet is to avoid talking WDW. If he/she brings it up, just change the subject. Believe me, I can get "wound up" with the best of them, and being around such a negative person can suck the fun out of any trip.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on all of the wonderful, positive, fun things you're going to get to do! You'll be at Disney! There isn't anything you can do about some things - you know there will be some crowds, and you already know you have a little bit of a tendency to be claustrophobic. You sound like you've had some experience with WDW trips yourself, so you've got a definite advantage over lots of folks. You already know you can take advantage of the late-night hours (and rope-drop) to ride rides, avoid crowds, and soak in the wonderful atmosphere. Developing a strategy, including taking breaks when you need them, will help you a lot. You can do things like sit and people-watch to take a mini-break. And lean on your good friend to help calm you down if you get stressed.

One thing I'll caution you against, though, is trying to make the trip "perfect." That can be a recipe for disaster! No trip is perfect, and no matter how much you plan, you'll likely hit a glitch or two. By focusing on making the trip "special" instead of "perfect", you'll have a much better time.

Please don't worry so much. You'll have a wonderful time. Focus on the good, and don't listen to those "negative Nancys"!

 

[disneydude365]

I agree cm giving out not completely accurate info isn't right however hope y'all are right and it is unlikely, but good to know its a possibility so not walking in blindly and getting smacked in the face lol

Defiantly plus I love magicked kingdom after dark it's just more special !

Table service was looking at aloha? The LILO and stitch breakfast, chef Mickey, be our guest, 1900 park fare,

And I have some favorite quick service starlight cafe, Casey's corner, and Pinocchio village and honestly all Disney food in my opinion is great I have yet to try something I didn't enjoy, with a few table service you get character
S not all though I know lol

 

[SoarinSC]

Let me say I love I'm getting inside WDW gates but I was hoping this trip to be extra special the conference is over 40 years of research, and I'm celebrating that I'm 22 and wasn't supposed to live past 11. And that I'm no longer in a wheel chair but use a walker or a cane. Plus my best friend is hopefully getting to go with us

Dude, think about what you just said right here...I understand disappointment, but your life sounds like nothing but a bunch of victories and triumphs as is...this isn't going to ruin you...my most magical experiences at the parks have been unplanned ones...just relax, have a good time, let the magic come to you...you're gonna have a great time!

 

[IamGroot]

While it was a different time of year, I went to WDW in February while I was in Florida for the Daytona 500. I literally arrived to the park around 2/3-ish pm after getting off the plane, and still had a blast.

Even 6 hours in the MK is amazing if you dont do it regularly, nonetheless getting to stay till at least midnight. Just enjoy yourself!

 

[Planogirl]

If you have to eat counterservice then so be it. You at least know of a few places that you like.

You can have fun in MK without even riding the headliners. We love to ride the train, the people mover, see Philharmagic, ride the Haunted Mansion and so on. I bet that when it gets late that some of the lines will decrease plus you can see the parade and fireworks before then. That sounds pretty good to me.

As for merchandise, I'll just say "meh" to most of it. It's fun to poke around in the Emporium and the Christmas shop plus now you have the new Haunted Mansion store if you like that sort of thing.

 

[disneydude365]

Hi! I'm so excited for you to take this special trip. I sure hope your friend can go with you - that will make it even more magical. Now here comes a little advice - beware, I'm going to have to "mom" you a little.

First, stop talking to this negative person who's given you bad advice about your trip!! Between the misinformation you've gotten from him/her, and the negative attitude , your best bet is to avoid talking WDW. If he/she brings it up, just change the subject. Believe me, I can get "wound up" with the best of them, and being around such a negative person can suck the fun out of any trip.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on all of the wonderful, positive, fun things you're going to get to do! You'll be at Disney! There isn't anything you can do about some things - you know there will be some crowds, and you already know you have a little bit of a tendency to be claustrophobic. You sound like you've had some experience with WDW trips yourself, so you've got a definite advantage over lots of folks. You already know you can take advantage of the late-night hours (and rope-drop) to ride rides, avoid crowds, and soak in the wonderful atmosphere. Developing a strategy, including taking breaks when you need them, will help you a lot. You can do things like sit and people-watch to take a mini-break. And lean on your good friend to help calm you down if you get stressed.

One thing I'll caution you against, though, is trying to make the trip "perfect." That can be a recipe for disaster! No trip is perfect, and no matter how much you plan, you'll likely hit a glitch or two. By focusing on making the trip "special" instead of "perfect", you'll have a much better time.

Please don't worry so much. You'll have a wonderful time. Focus on the good, and don't listen to those "negative Nancys"!

Wow thank you so much that honestly is something I needed to hear, and I admit I need to switch gears from trying for perfect to special there is a thin line but I definitely want it to be a special trip over a perfect one

And I'll defiantly be stoked if my friend gets to come as well as lean on him when I'm stressed and legs start getting sore lol

I honestly appreciate yours and everyone's comment on this thread!

 

[hopemax]

Much of the current WDW merchandise actually gets added to Disneystore.com So I'd check the website out NOW. Look for the items that are marked "Disney Parks Authentic."

 

[kathy884]

A little off topic, but conferences at the Contemporary are great. It's such a fun place to stay at -- so close to the Magic Kingdom and so much fun to be right on the monorail.

 

[Ametista]

Since we don't get tickets till day of or before we aren't able to use fast pass+ and we've been tying to book Table service restaurant at least one night for the past 3-4 months and our time windows are never available.

It will be magical, of course. The secret to getting dining reservations, at for instance Chef Mickeys since you will be at the Contemporary, is to wait until you are 3 days out from when you will be there. Then you start checking every 15 minutes or so, even if you have to have your laptop on your lap while you watch tv at night. Just decide which restaurant you want and the time and keep rechecking. Because people tend to book up extra dining reservations and then realize they can't do that many, or can't afford them, and they dump them as the time draws near. They will get charged full price for the res if they don't cancel at least 24 hours in advance, so believe me, if you watch the availability for the popular (expensive) table service meals the day or two before you want to go there you will see a lot of reservations pop up, you just have to be on the ball and catch them.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I do hope you have the best time. I just got back yesterday. I've got the Disney blues. Had a great trip but since I was with kiddos that need sleep, we didn't have late nights at any of the parks. I am slightly bummed I didn't get to ride Peoplemover at night. Many congrats on overcoming obstacles too....not staring at bums all day....that is something to be happy about for sure!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Positive thinking! One thing to remember is that people have a 24 hour reservation cancellation so never fear, you will find something. The Contemporary, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian have some wonderful restaurants. I always play a game where I'm trying to make dining reservations for 1, 2, 3, 4 (etc) days from now just to see what pops up. You'd be surprised at what people choose to drop at the last minute. Same with fast passes. You can't book 2 separate parks so I'm sure there will be passes available, plus there's always the kiosk. I have been there at very busy times and believe me the parks clear out early. If you are able to stay until 3 am, you should pretty much have lots of space to do what you want. As for merchandise, there's plenty to go around.
Go, and have a wonderful time. You'll be there when they reopen the Haunted Mansion, too!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Magic Kingdom is rated a 7 for crowd level on the 20th. Really that's not bad at all! You will have a great time! Fireworks from behind the castle in front of the beast castle area is awesome! It is not as crowded and you will have more space! Get in line for the Mine train at closing it's much better at night! The ride will state longer waits then what they actually are it usually says an 80 minute wait when it's really about 20 to 30! Have fun your going to Disney!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

I've had people in person tell me I was in for a bad trip at the park being so close to Christmas with crowds being Major heavy and mostly just standing in a crowd all day.

As for merchandise same person told me that the special holiday merchandise that is exclusive to the season will be mostly picked through being so close to Christmas.
...
And in person I've had so many ppl talking down to me stating how everything won't be magical and I'm just like... Hurt

Just stop talking about it with them.

Though actually, maybe at some point send off a thanks to them. Most people in MY life say things like "oh having mom in a wheelchair was great, we went right to the front of the line on every ride!" (no lie, from a trip THIS summer, she insisted that this was happening), or would say "nah, no one goes for the holidays, they are at home with family! it'll be a breeze", and things like that. People in my life would tell you how totally easy it's going to be, and then you would freak out at the 7/10 crowds.

This way you went to find the truth and it'll be better than expected.


And, gosh, at least it was NOT a party night, since you couldn't afford a ticket. Then the park would have closed at 7!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Ok, so I just did a quick run through, pretending I'm at WDW and looking for what's available tomorrow and on the 5th.
For dining, I saw, Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, Tony's (both days) O'Hana, Liberty Tree, Spirit of Aloha, Hoop De Doo, The Plaza, Whispering Canyon to name some that were available.
For fps I saw Wishes, Seven Dwarfs (both days) all the mountains, Peter Pan, Festival of Fantasy 1 day, pretty much everything but Main Street Electrical Parade and Anna & Elsa. Just went back and looked and 7 Dwarfs is gone now, but if you keep looking, you can get some pretty good stuff. I'm not sure but Be Our Guest has standby lunch or you could try for a last minute fast pass.
Lots you can do!

 

[mitchwebb]

You said you won't get your tickets until a couple or day ahead but you can still make some FP+. MK has the most available and you will be there for hours. When you get your tickets link them and see what you can get you might be surprised.

Have a great trip.