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

[HeidiGW]

hey, I am pulling my kids out of school a day early, so we can go to the MK on a "light" day with you!!! (Two teen-age girls and an 8-year-old boy will be dragging me out kicking and screaming at 3 a.m.)
Trust me, there will be plenty of Christmas items for you to spend your money!!! (I have always loved the Contemporary's gift shop.) The only time I have heard about holiday items being "sold out," per se, is about party-specific/only available goods.
Good Luck and have a blast!

 

[MulanMom]

Get back your happy! There's a reason people visit WDW over the holidays...even at the busiest time they are able to enjoy visiting the parks. When we didn't have kids and before they were school age, we always went during the off-season. We dreaded going to WDW when everyone else was going during school breaks and the summer. Actually, I kind of like it better. The parks are fully running, long park hours, some extra entertainment thrown in...some seasonal rides running to absorb some of the crowds (Carousel of Progress). It helps spread the guests out. You have to try it for yourself.

You seem bummed that you missed the Very Merry Christmas party. Did you realize that all the entertainment offered during that special ticket event becomes regular park entertainment over the holidays? As for merchandise, maybe merchandise that's specific to the MVMCP might be picked over, but two years ago when we were there for Xmas week, there was plenty of Holiday stuff to be had.

You have so much to celebrate. Don't let the naysayers get you down. Plan enough so that you get some favorite rides in, but leave yourself open to experiencing the Xmas magic in the parks. It's awesome! Best of luck to you!

 

[disneydude365]

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.

I love the contemporary have stayed there before its my favorite resort! I agree its fun to ride the monorail late at night and explore!

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.

I will defiantly keep my app handy closer to the trip and see if anything pulls up thanks for the tip!

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!

I know the Disney blues well, thank you for for the congrats I sincerely appreciate it! *I can understand being slight bummed about not getting late nights I love the mk during the nights best and yay no Bums believe me it really stinks and is just awkward at times lol no pun intended lol

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!

I'll defiantly keep refreshing the app and checking I'm glad to hear they won't run out of all the best stuff! *I love haunted mansion!

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!!!!

That's actually nice to hear that' it's not predicted to be unbearable! Thanks!!

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!

I agre knowing is better than walking in blindly and getting slapped, and true about the party. *But I think they could have said the things nicer.

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!

That's awesome I'm excited to try the fast pass when we receive the tickets and link them up and see what pulls up!

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.

Thank you as said before I'm hoping that the last minute will pull up a few gems lol *


Thank you everyone offering suggestions and help I truly appreciate it!

 

[disneydude365]

hey, I am pulling my kids out of school a day early, so we can go to the MK on a "light" day with you!!! (Two teen-age girls and an 8-year-old boy will be dragging me out kicking and screaming at 3 a.m.)
Trust me, there will be plenty of Christmas items for you to spend your money!!! (I have always loved the Contemporary's gift shop.) The only time I have heard about holiday items being "sold out," per se, is about party-specific/only available goods.
Good Luck and have a blast!

Oh I can see how that makes sense about party merchandise! And oh that's so fun a best trip for Christmas in my opinion!! I hope y'all have a wonderful trip as well!

Get back your happy! *There's a reason people visit WDW over the holidays...even at the busiest time they are able to enjoy visiting the parks. *When we didn't have kids and before they were school age, we always went during the off-season. *We dreaded going to WDW when everyone else was going during school breaks and the summer. *Actually, I kind of like it better. *The parks are fully running, long park hours, some extra entertainment thrown in...some seasonal rides running to absorb some of the crowds (Carousel of Progress). *It helps spread the guests out. *You have to try it for yourself. *

You seem bummed that you missed the Very Merry Christmas party. *Did you realize that all the entertainment offered during that special ticket event becomes regular park entertainment over the holidays? *As for merchandise, maybe merchandise that's specific to the MVMCP might be picked over, but two years ago when we were there for Xmas week, there was plenty of Holiday stuff to be had.

You have so much to celebrate. *Don't let the naysayers get you down. *Plan enough so that you get some favorite rides in, but leave yourself open to experiencing the Xmas magic in the parks. *It's awesome! *Best of luck to you!

*
Thank u and you're right there's already so much going on just to celebrate and the best way to Disney is let the magic find you I guess so to say! Thanks!!*

I've done the party once before and it was fun, but like I said above I'm glad to know the merchandise being sold out is restricted to the party and that we get some of the holiday flare! I'd love to try the holiday themed rides!

My happiness and Disney spark are finally coming back I guess I just hit a nerve trying to make everything great and then a negative nancy came along and sent me off edge. I'm agreeing withe eveyrone if you try to make it perfect it will fail faster than anyone could imagine

I just want it to be special magical, and memorable

 

[lugnut33]

Hope the OP is feeling better about the trip coming up. Glad to see the Dis come through and offer up some great tips.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Ok so our trip is the 17th-21st and we are being given 2 complimentary tickets from the MPS society conference for Saturday the 20th the rest of the week it's a game of Tetris with the time schedule so I've managed to book the fireworks pirates and palls hoping to get some garunteed time with character.
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.

I just feel like its gonna be stressful trip at times with ppl I can be claustrophobic thanks to staying on site at Contemprary we will get the additional two hours so 1pm-3am in Magic kingdom.

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.

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

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

Crowds on the 20th will be a bit higher, but they won't be anywere near Christmas Day crazy. Go, I was there in July where it was at least comparable if not more crowded and I was able to get on everything I wanted.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I'm honestly trying to not over think I just have OCD lol and want everything to go smoothly but I understand that getting too worked up I'll ruin my trip. Usually though once I'm there a lot of my walls go down and I'm a lot more loose and go with the flow*



Thank you and I agree don't want to miss the big picture making myself sick a over little details just sometimes I get wound up lol



I'd like to meet at least a couple characters lol in the park, and I'm hoping you're right about the crowds thinning out around later evening an we are planning on staying till close. I'll have to talk with my friend about skipping fireworks I go to WDW quite often but it's been forever since he's been so I'll be offering he make the hit or miss decisions.*

And I agree about the table service I just thought one would be fun since I've personally never experienced one. *I'm just hoping it to be a great trip since i haven't seen my friend in 5 months so I was hoping for some Disney magic extra along with the conference*


Honestly thank you to everyone trying to help unnerve me I know I seem high strung I'm honestly not just ready for the magic to begin I'm gonna try going in with the right attitude

I am 47, single and a year into dialysis. Despite that I will be making my third vacation (two to Disney) December 13-21. Just go and enjoy yourself. Just being in Disney is a great day!

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

One thing I have learned battling kidney disease (I have been on dialysis since October of 2013) is that every day is a gift. As serious as my situation is, sounded like yours was even more so. The fact you are 22 and was told by doctors you wouldn't live past 11 is incredible. You are doing something that the "experts" thought you wouldn't be able to do. Two actually, walk and even breathe. I am down there the same time as you and I'm thinking of starting rumors that Disney is closed that week

 

[lugnut33]

Let's say OP gets to the park at 1 pm on a busy day, what should he/she do upon arriving at a busy park?

IMHO, it's still possible to do tons of great things if you arrive late at a busy park, especially if the park is open late like it is for the OP. I'm not sure i'd even waste your time with FP+.

There are tons of attractions you can take in that will have minimal waits. Yeah, they are not the headliners, but you'll still get a chance to hit some of those up if you wait until late to ride them. The attractions that come to mind that you should have no problem with are:
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Tiki Room
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Carousel of Progress
TTA
Stitch
Tea Cups
Dumbo
Philharmagic

Don't forget that you'll also have the entertainment options available like the parades, fireworks and castle shows.

Attractions with medium waits (I consider medium waits to be no more than a half hour) that you'll be able to hit up if you wish:
Pirates (actual wait time is often 10-15 less than posted wait)
Haunted Mansion
BTMRR (you'd be surprised, this attraction now often has med. waits)
Small World
Pooh
Little Mermaid (if you see line 1/2 full it's less than half hour wait)
Prince Charming Carousel

Now, if you are looking for the major headliners you'll still be able to get on most of them. If you're interested in Splash Mtn ride it after 10 PM and I promise you the line will be almost walk-on, especially if it's cold (bring along a rain poncho so you don't get wet and cold). I think Space Mountain is even doable after midnight (line could still be long though). As for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, if it's a must do it as late as you can, but no matter what he line will be long. If you jump in line around midnight I'd think your wait should be under an hour.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Let's say OP gets to the park at 1 pm on a busy day, what should he/she do upon arriving at a busy park?

IMHO, it's still possible to do tons of great things if you arrive late at a busy park, especially if the park is open late like it is for the OP. I'm not sure i'd even waste your time with FP+.

There are tons of attractions you can take in that will have minimal waits. Yeah, they are not the headliners, but you'll still get a chance to hit some of those up if you wait until late to ride them. The attractions that come to mind that you should have no problem with are:
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Tiki Room
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Carousel of Progress
TTA
Stitch
Tea Cups
Dumbo
Philharmagic

Don't forget that you'll also have the entertainment options available like the parades, fireworks and castle shows.

Attractions with medium waits (I consider medium waits to be no more than a half hour) that you'll be able to hit up if you wish:
Pirates (actual wait time is often 10-15 less than posted wait)
Haunted Mansion
BTMRR (you'd be surprised, this attraction now often has med. waits)
Small World
Pooh
Little Mermaid (if you see line 1/2 full it's less than half hour wait)
Prince Charming Carousel

Now, if you are looking for the major headliners you'll still be able to get on most of them. If you're interested in Splash Mtn ride it after 10 PM and I promise you the line will be almost walk-on, especially if it's cold (bring along a rain poncho so you don't get wet and cold). I think Space Mountain is even doable after midnight (line could still be long though). As for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, if it's a must do it as late as you can, but no matter what he line will be long. If you jump in line around midnight I'd think your wait should be under an hour.

This. Though I am thinking on the 20th it will be crowded but not overly so.

 

[Liljo22]

I do not agree that the trip is screwed up. We moved from Florida to Houston 7 years ago. We used to be able to go to Disney when every we wanted. Now we squeeze a day in the week between Christmas and New Years when we come back to visit family.

Its the most crowded week of the year and my wife is never in a rush to get there. We usually show up right before they shut down the gates.

All this said, I am just happy to be there. I try to squeeze as many rides at MK in as we can but if I do not ride something I am ok. Just make the best of it. A Disney day is better than a no Disney day.

 

[Boo Bear]

I'm glad to see that you've worked through some of your fears with the amazing people on here. You're going to have a magical trip no matter what. You've already conquered so much in your life, you've got this! Just focus on spending quality time with your friend and make the most of it. Focusing on the lack of complete control won't help you at all. I did a last minute day trip with DBF in September and we arrived late to the parks, but we were able to do a lot and we just had a great time. Enjoy yourself! pixie dust:

ps. and don't listen to anybody who says things like you're not going to be able to get the merchandise you want and the crowds will be crazy, etc. Just know you're going to have fun!

 

[AaronInWI]

I don't have too much to add, except to say that this thread is great. I am getting all kinds of happy feelings reading the wonderful replies from everyone. This is truly what a Disney community is all about!

P.S. -- Have a WONDERFUL time! Honestly, some of my favorite Disney memories are of doing nothing but taking a step back and soaking in the atmosphere.

 

[robinb]

Dude, you say that you are no longer in a wheelchair but you still may be eligible for a DAS card that will essentially save a place for you in a standby line and allow you to come back later to ride when the standby time has elapsed. If I recall correctly you can also bring a certain number of friends and family with you. Check over on the DISabilities board for more information.

 

[johde]

Is the trip going to be perfect? No. But I don't think I've ever had a perfect WDW trip. That doesn't mean it can't be wonderful. A lot of my advice is reiterating what other people have said. If you haven't set up a MDE account go ahead and set it up now. As soon as you get tickets link them to the account and make FP+ reservations. You probably won't get something like 7DMT but you should get 3 good rides.

Second, like others have said, even if you don't get into the parks until 1:00 you'll still have 14 hours in the park. You just need to plan your day in reverse compared to the RD people. At 3:30 is the Christmas Parade (the same parade people paid extra for with MVMCP). The afternoon is going to be busy so you want to do attractions that handle crowds well: The Tiki Room, Country Bears, Carousel of Progress etc. As the evening progresses you can start doing bigger and bigger attractions.

To give you hope let me show you a picture.

This picture was taken NEW YEARS DAY 2013 at 11:30 P.M. and when you are there the park is open until 3:00 a.m. Once the fireworks are over the crowds leave. The key is to not get warn out and frazzled when the crowds are there.

 

[disneydude365]

One thing I have learned battling kidney disease (I have been on dialysis since October of 2013) is that every day is a gift. As serious as my situation is, sounded like yours was even more so. The fact you are 22 and was told by doctors you wouldn't live past 11 is incredible. You are doing something that the "experts" thought you wouldn't be able to do. Two actually, walk and even breathe. I am down there the same time as you and I'm thinking of starting rumors that Disney is closed that week

I agree that every day is a gift I currently receive treatment myself weekly to control my illness, and enzyme replacement therapy.*
Our situations are similar in ways , we definitely need to get to work on that rumor lol.*

Let's say OP gets to the park at 1 pm on a busy day, what should he/she do upon arriving at a busy park? *

IMHO, it's still possible to do tons of great things if you arrive late at a busy park, especially if the park is open late like it is for the OP. *I'm not sure i'd even waste your time with FP+.

There are tons of attractions you can take in that will have minimal waits. *Yeah, they are not the headliners, but you'll still get a chance to hit some of those up if you wait until late to ride them. *The attractions that come to mind that you should have no problem with are:
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Tiki Room
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Carousel of Progress
TTA
Stitch
Tea Cups
Dumbo
Philharmagic

Don't forget that you'll also have the entertainment options available like the parades, fireworks and castle shows.*

Attractions with medium waits (I consider medium waits to be no more than a half hour) that you'll be able to hit up if you wish:
Pirates (actual wait time is often 10-15 less than posted wait)
Haunted Mansion*
BTMRR (you'd be surprised, this attraction now often has med. waits)
Small World
Pooh
Little Mermaid (if you see line 1/2 full it's less than half hour wait)
Prince Charming Carousel

Now, if you are looking for the major headliners you'll still be able to get on most of them. *If you're interested in Splash Mtn ride it after 10 PM and I promise you the line will be almost walk-on, especially if it's cold (bring along a rain poncho so you don't get wet and cold). *I think Space Mountain is even doable after midnight (line could still be long though). *As for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, if it's a must do it as late as you can, but no matter what he line will be long. *If you jump in line around midnight I'd think your wait should be under an hour.

I'm hoping we can squeeze in all the mountains at least lol and enjoy some slower rides to but classics like small world and peters flight. Thank you for all the research will defiantly help strategizing our day some! Also wouldn't mind trying some sorcerers of the MK*

I do not agree that the trip is screwed up. *We moved from Florida to Houston 7 years ago. *We used to be able to go to Disney when every we wanted. *Now we squeeze a day in the week between Christmas and New Years when we come back to visit family. *

Its the most crowded week of the year and my wife is never in a rush to get there. *We usually show up right before they shut down the gates. *

All this said, I am just happy to be there. *I try to squeeze as many rides at MK in as we can but if I do not ride something I am ok. *Just make the best of it. *A Disney day is better than a no Disney day.

I'm hoping it's not unbearable so close to Christmas but ppl seem to be saying the Saturday before won't be awful I've went one time in the summer.. Lol while I was in wheelchair bum bumbum. Attack of the bums lol

I'm glad to see that you've worked through some of your fears with the amazing people on here. *You're going to have a magical trip no matter what. *You've already conquered so much in your life, you've got this! *Just focus on spending quality time with your friend and make the most of it. *Focusing on the lack of complete control won't help you at all. *I did a last minute day trip with DBF in September and we arrived late to the parks, but we were able to do a lot and we just had a great time. *Enjoy yourself! pixie dust:

ps. and don't listen to anybody who says things like you're not going to be able to get the merchandise you want and the crowds will be crazy, etc. *Just know you're going to have fun!

Yes the people on here have been truly amazing it's nic eto have somewhere you can voice concerns and actually get some responses from ppl who actually care and have advice. I admit I need to stop listening to negative ppl

Dude, you say that you are no longer in a wheelchair but you still may be eligible for a DAS card that will essentially save a place for you in a standby line and allow you to come back later to ride when the standby time has elapsed. If I recall correctly you can also bring a certain number of friends and family with you. Check over on the DISabilities board for more information.

I'll have to check that out. I know it will be completely different from what I'm used to since they changed the rules between the last time I went. So now it works differentl, but it's defiantly worth looking into to see if I qualify for assistance.*

Because while I'm doing better I do get sore in my legs and easily lose balance standing still, lines that don't move I drain fast. Plus I'm nervous ppl will look at me funny if I have it but only use my cane or even walker because the sever stuff is not visible except I can't straighten my body fully, luckilynCM are usually nice and help me get good angles in photos so I look normal lol.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I agree that every day is a gift I currently receive treatment myself weekly to control my illness, and enzyme replacement therapy.*
Our situations are similar in ways , we definitely need to get to work on that rumor lol.*



I'm hoping we can squeeze in all the mountains at least lol and enjoy some slower rides to but classics like small world and peters flight. Thank you for all the research will defiantly help strategizing our day some! Also wouldn't mind trying some sorcerers of the MK*



I'm hoping it's not unbearable so close to Christmas but ppl seem to be saying the Saturday before won't be awful I've went one time in the summer.. Lol while I was in wheelchair bum bumbum. Attack of the bums lol



Yes the people on here have been truly amazing it's nic eto have somewhere you can voice concerns and actually get some responses from ppl who actually care and have advice. I admit I need to stop listening to negative ppl



I'll have to check that out. I know it will be completely different from what I'm used to since they changed the rules between the last time I went. So now it works differentl, but it's defiantly worth looking into to see if I qualify for assistance.*

Because while I'm doing better I do get sore in my legs and easily lose balance standing still, lines that don't move I drain fast. Plus I'm nervous ppl will look at me funny if I have it but only use my cane or even walker because the sever stuff is not visible except I can't straighten my body fully, luckilynCM are usually nice and help me get good angles in photos so I look normal lol.

My advice: Just look forward to a great time. You may not be able to do everything, but a day at Disney doing nothing is better than most days of "regular life". Just prioritize the things you really want to do and then if you have time work on the rest.

 

[disneydude365]

My advice: Just look forward to a great time. You may not be able to do everything, but a day at Disney doing nothing is better than most days of "regular life". Just prioritize the things you really want to do and then if you have time work on the rest.

You're honestly right it's just the first time we've stayed on site in 4 years, and now that I'm 22 I did most of the planning and setting things up. And even though I love it I think I let it add unnecessary pressure.

I love Disney during the Christmas holidays. I've got to losen back up and remember that Disney is all its own world and works best when you let it just surprise you a couple times

 

[Griffin226]

Don't over think this. You are going to have a fantastic time. We were there last year at Christmas and didn't find the merchandise picked over at all.

As for table service restaurants if you don't mind eating early go to where you want to eat at 4:30 and get in line. On Christmas day last year my parents ate at Victoria and Alberts without a reservation-they went when it opened and got seated right away.

If it were me I would forget about table service and just do quick service--maximize the time available for attractions.

It will be busy but still magical--we enjoyed being there at Christmas last year and would do it again.

 

[tinkerbesh]

Dude, just go. You'll have fun. Don't over think this..

Yes don't fret! I went December 21, 2010 and it was glorious! Especially midnight and later- streets were almost completely empty in the last few hours. You will have an amazing time! Go in with that attitude and I promise you will find magic easier.

ETA: it sounds like you are celebrating a few things- stop by guest services or at hotel check in tell them and get a button to wear that says "I'm celebrating" or I think there's one that says celebrating a personal triumph.