So this is what mid-life crisis feels like? Dec 2011 PTR

[Monknmom]

Catching up so please don't mind all of the all over speak!
How great is it that she got 5 awards??? Cograts to her- this is becoming a really great academic year for her! Ad before I could even say anything about things it all came together! Very happy for you! Is there a way if you call they will let you switch your MVMCP dates? If you let them know the situation?

 

[shocky5]

Loved reading along! Your PTR caught my eye because our dates are the same! We are going from Dec. 16-24th too! We also work in education so there aren't alot of other options to beat the heat in Florida! Now i feel really behind as I haven't done much planning!! I'll keep checking in to see what I should be doing!!

The more the merrier! We are excited about our Christmas trip! There are several of us on here that have PTR's going as well for December trips and have some great ideas!!! Join in the fun with us!!

 

[shocky5]

So glad today has gone from to !

You are so not kidding!

 

[KatieCollette]

4) I am also considering registering for the marathon weekend in Jan 2012. Will save that story for another day. But if that comes to be a reality, then I will add that journey in here as well.

I'm in! I want to run the marathon weekend, probably in 2013 though. Reading about others doing it is my inspiration.

Now off to read the rest of this thread!

 

[shocky5]

Catching up so please don't mind all of the all over speak!
How great is it that she got 5 awards??? Cograts to her- this is becoming a really great academic year for her! Ad before I could even say anything about things it all came together! Very happy for you! Is there a way if you call they will let you switch your MVMCP dates? If you let them know the situation?

Thank you for the congrats for DD. She has had a great year. I was worried about middle school because - well - kids are mean and it seems to be the worst at that age and she seems to be fairing pretty well so that's a relief to this ole mom.

As for the MVMCP dates - the 18th is the last one of the season and DH won't be there until the 20th so that's a bust. But it's okay. I would really consider donating it to someone - so if there's an appropriate way to do that - you all just lead me in that direction. I hate to see anything go unused... If you all know of anyone, they can private message me on here to sort it out.

 

[shocky5]

I'm in! I want to run the marathon weekend, probably in 2013 though. Reading about others doing it is my inspiration.

Now off to read the rest of this thread!

Yeah! I'm getting ready to test out the foot (which you will read about in the thread) with more than just walking so I'm hopeful to be going by July when registration comes out. If not... it may be 2013 for me as well!!

 

[veggiemama]

So much stuff going on this week! Lots of ups and downs.

I'm glad that things seem to be working out and that your trip will still be fun. yay for Dh's who are willing to change plans and even willing to admit they *like* disney!

Congrats to your dd! Can you get some of that academic pixie dust to rain on my dd! I teach piano and children's music and guess who's dd failed band the first 2 semesters! Funny now, but trust me I was not laughing then!!

I've always wanted to run a marathon. I way too out of shape right now but again, one of those dreams would be to run the marathon at WDW. My sister in law has done it a couple of times. Someday I will do it! But first I have to lose the weight and exercise consistently!

 

[shocky5]

Okay - preliminary "new plans" since the changes with DH's schedule....

Day 1 - arrive in the evening - nothing planned, check in at resort and get kids settled in since I will be solo parenting... Please pray for us.

Day 2 - DHS - only table service I have planned this day is Sci Fi Diner - the kids love it... this could change though... it was DH's request but since he won't be there... And he said when he got there he didn't need to go to this park... Plan on leaving this park before too late in the evening and get back to Poly and watch fireworks, etc. from our room. Let the kids swim if they want and if it's not too cold!

Day 3 - This is our MVMCP day - I'm going to do it... we are going to go to the MK in the morning and enjoy the predicted low crowds. Then I'd like to leave and take the kids to 1900 Park Fare for earliest dinner we can get so we can get back before the party begins and enjoy all the party has to offer. We had previously toyed with doing something else during the day but I'm not sure what that would be?

Day 4 - Epcot for the majority of the day - no table service plans here as of yet... then head to DHS for Fantasmic - hope to do a dinner package at Hollywood and Vine and then after Fantasmic, catch the xmas light show. Trying to fit this in - we've never seen Fantasmic and since DH didn't want to go to this park on his days... I need to fit it in and this seemed like a good spot. The kids and I won't have a hard time leaving Epcot early... they don't like the World Showcase as much as future world and we are coming back to Epcot with DH.

Day 5 - Animal Kingdom - no table service plans yet - just enjoy the park from rope drop til early afternoon. By then, my kids will be ready to go back and swim at the resort. I do plan on catching the Lion King Show though... must do for me this trip and DH won't care if he sees it or not. Hang out at the resort when we get back and wait for DH to arrive!

Day 6 - Back to Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Tuskers. Spend the day in the park doing repeat requests by the kids and whatever DH would like to do. Dinner at Boma's that night. Back to resort to catch fireworks over MK.

Day 7 - Epcot - Table service plans - "I think" is to get a candlelight processional package for Le Cellier (lunch), go to the 5 p.m. CP showing, go to Cape May's Cafe at Beach Club for dinner and back to Epcot for Illuminations. If we hit rope drop, I believe we can get DH's favorite rides in - Soarin, Mission Space, Test track, and he loves the golf ball... er... I mean Spaceship Earth. Then we can take our time in World Showcase and so forth.

Day 8 - Magic Kingdom - ROPE DROP. And take a breather at O'hana's for dinner sometime in the day.

Day 9 - Fly home...

These are very preliminary - still have some kinks... but I feel good about this. Definitely wanted to save the preferred dining choices my DH requested for when he is there to enjoy them with us.

Do you think my Day 4 is doable - park hopping from Epcot to DHS for Fantasmic / dinner and Osborne lights? Any other suggestions??

 

[Monknmom]

Thank you for the congrats for DD. She has had a great year. I was worried about middle school because - well - kids are mean and it seems to be the worst at that age and she seems to be fairing pretty well so that's a relief to this ole mom.

As for the MVMCP dates - the 18th is the last one of the season and DH won't be there until the 20th so that's a bust. But it's okay. I would really consider donating it to someone - so if there's an appropriate way to do that - you all just lead me in that direction. I hate to see anything go unused... If you all know of anyone, they can private message me on here to sort it out.

Although I have a long time I am a little worried too! My son's a follower and not always in the good way!Well at least you are good at heart for offering the ticket instead of letting it waste!

Okay - preliminary "new plans" since the changes with DH's schedule....

Day 1 - arrive in the evening - nothing planned, check in at resort and get kids settled in since I will be solo parenting... Please pray for us.

Day 2 - DHS - only table service I have planned this day is Sci Fi Diner - the kids love it... this could change though... it was DH's request but since he won't be there... And he said when he got there he didn't need to go to this park... Plan on leaving this park before too late in the evening and get back to Poly and watch fireworks, etc. from our room. Let the kids swim if they want and if it's not too cold!

Day 3 - This is our MVMCP day - I'm going to do it... we are going to go to the MK in the morning and enjoy the predicted low crowds. Then I'd like to leave and take the kids to 1900 Park Fare for earliest dinner we can get so we can get back before the party begins and enjoy all the party has to offer. We had previously toyed with doing something else during the day but I'm not sure what that would be?

Day 4 - Epcot for the majority of the day - no table service plans here as of yet... then head to DHS for Fantasmic - hope to do a dinner package at Hollywood and Vine and then after Fantasmic, catch the xmas light show. Trying to fit this in - we've never seen Fantasmic and since DH didn't want to go to this park on his days... I need to fit it in and this seemed like a good spot. The kids and I won't have a hard time leaving Epcot early... they don't like the World Showcase as much as future world and we are coming back to Epcot with DH.

Day 5 - Animal Kingdom - no table service plans yet - just enjoy the park from rope drop til early afternoon. By then, my kids will be ready to go back and swim at the resort. I do plan on catching the Lion King Show though... must do for me this trip and DH won't care if he sees it or not. Hang out at the resort when we get back and wait for DH to arrive!

Day 6 - Back to Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Tuskers. Spend the day in the park doing repeat requests by the kids and whatever DH would like to do. Dinner at Boma's that night. Back to resort to catch fireworks over MK.

Day 7 - Epcot - Table service plans - "I think" is to get a candlelight processional package for Le Cellier (lunch), go to the 5 p.m. CP showing, go to Cape May's Cafe at Beach Club for dinner and back to Epcot for Illuminations. If we hit rope drop, I believe we can get DH's favorite rides in - Soarin, Mission Space, Test track, and he loves the golf ball... er... I mean Spaceship Earth. Then we can take our time in World Showcase and so forth.

Day 8 - Magic Kingdom - ROPE DROP. And take a breather at O'hana's for dinner sometime in the day.

Day 9 - Fly home...

These are very preliminary - still have some kinks... but I feel good about this. Definitely wanted to save the preferred dining choices my DH requested for when he is there to enjoy them with us.

Do you think my Day 4 is doable - park hopping from Epcot to DHS for Fantasmic / dinner and Osborne lights? Any other suggestions??

Looking at your plans I really forgot that I wanted to see the Osborne lights too! I didn't even look at them or when they are thank you for that!! I really like the plans! I am not sure of how much help that I can be, but for fantasmic packages don't they have to be lunch? I am only asking because I thought that's what I read, but am not sure! If it is, would you want to park hop that early because you say Epcot most of the day? If you can get dinner I want that too then! But it looks good!

 

[annmarieda]

Yup.. they do "dinner" packages for Fantasmic, but they are usually pretty early. I think both the ones we have booked have been in the 3'oclock hour. I guess you could spend some of the day at Epcot... but you would need to be prepared to be at DHS fairly early. The good news is that hopping between these two parks is probably the easiest since you can take the boat or even walk. My dd is there now and she was set to see Fantasmic tonight using the dinner package. She was told she had to be to the theater by a specific time or she would forfeit her seat. Granted, today was an odd day because of the star tours opening... and the park was super crowded... but in the past we didn't have to worry about being there super early. This time, she did.

 

[momabaarjo]

I think your EPCOT and DHS plans are totally doable, since you are going to be back at EPCOT later with DH and the kids are not huge fans of WS. I agree with Ann the ADRs for F! seem to be midafternoon...

The water shuttle runs from the International Gateway at Epcot to DHS...makes 3 stops (Yacht, Boardwalk, and Swan/Dolphin). It is a nice way to travel, although honestly you can walk it faster...I really enjoyed the sitting down time!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I would like to invite you to "The World's Shortest PTR"

 

[shocky5]

Looking at your plans I really forgot that I wanted to see the Osborne lights too! I didn't even look at them or when they are thank you for that!! I really like the plans! I am not sure of how much help that I can be, but for fantasmic packages don't they have to be lunch? I am only asking because I thought that's what I read, but am not sure! If it is, would you want to park hop that early because you say Epcot most of the day? If you can get dinner I want that too then! But it looks good!

I think it's more like 'Linner' as we say here in Oklahoma!
Late Lunch + Early Dinner = LINNER

Yup.. they do "dinner" packages for Fantasmic, but they are usually pretty early. I think both the ones we have booked have been in the 3'oclock hour. I guess you could spend some of the day at Epcot... but you would need to be prepared to be at DHS fairly early. The good news is that hopping between these two parks is probably the easiest since you can take the boat or even walk. My dd is there now and she was set to see Fantasmic tonight using the dinner package. She was told she had to be to the theater by a specific time or she would forfeit her seat. Granted, today was an odd day because of the star tours opening... and the park was super crowded... but in the past we didn't have to worry about being there super early. This time, she did.

Good to know! I was planning on around that time (3-4ish) so that should work. I know we are going to try to make rope drop at Epcot and will hit the rides my kids love and then be ready to head over to DHS for Fantasmic. We've never seen it so I'm excited about working it into the trip! Hope Kira is having / had a wonderful disneymoon!! Are they back yet? I need to go find her report!

I think your EPCOT and DHS plans are totally doable, since you are going to be back at EPCOT later with DH and the kids are not huge fans of WS. I agree with Ann the ADRs for F! seem to be midafternoon...

The water shuttle runs from the International Gateway at Epcot to DHS...makes 3 stops (Yacht, Boardwalk, and Swan/Dolphin). It is a nice way to travel, although honestly you can walk it faster...I really enjoyed the sitting down time!

The sitting down time sounds wonderful in between the two parks. Don't mind that at all! I do think I'd like to take the boat - I think we will have the time to do so. Can we hit the boat back to Epcot after closing? So we can catch the monorail back to the Poly?

The travel between parks used to scare me... I think I've moved past that now... and noticed I try to find more interesting modes of travel besides the bus.

 

[shocky5]

I would like to invite you to "The World's Shortest PTR"

Can't wait to read it! This must mean you decided to go!

 

[Monknmom]

I think it's more like 'Linner' as we say here in Oklahoma!
Late Lunch + Early Dinner = LINNER

Good combination!

Good to know! I was planning on around that time (3-4ish) so that should work. I know we are going to try to make rope drop at Epcot and will hit the rides my kids love and then be ready to head over to DHS for Fantasmic. We've never seen it so I'm excited about working it into the trip! Hope Kira is having / had a wonderful disneymoon!! Are they back yet? I need to go find her report!



The sitting down time sounds wonderful in between the two parks. Don't mind that at all! I do think I'd like to take the boat - I think we will have the time to do so. Can we hit the boat back to Epcot after closing? So we can catch the monorail back to the Poly?

The travel between parks used to scare me... I think I've moved past that now... and noticed I try to find more interesting modes of travel besides the bus.

If you decide on the boats I have read somewhere that if you ask the captain they have little cards for that boat they can give your kids- I think that someone said they have that on all forms of transportation so that could be fun for your younger one!

 

[shocky5]

If you decide on the boats I have read somewhere that if you ask the captain they have little cards for that boat they can give your kids- I think that someone said they have that on all forms of transportation so that could be fun for your younger one!

Yes, this is correct! I'm not sure if it applies to the monorail anymore though? My kids were able to ride in front in 2009 and get their 'captain's cards) but shortly after our visit, they had that unfortunate collision and I'd heard they had discontinued that - they may still give out the cards though! Very fun and cool for the kids.

 

[shocky5]

Quick update:

Thanks to so many of you and touringplans I think our plans are officially revised and pretty much set for ADR time in 24 days! The plans are pretty much what I'd posted a few posts back but we are going to switch Day 4 and Day 5 (park, activity wise) because Fantasmic is not happening at DHS on our Day 4. I like this better because we aren't doing AK back to back now. And I am sure I'm still going to tweak...

Question about Osborne Family lights - do these happen every night at DHS during December? This is an activity that has not been released yet... Not that big of a deal but I'd like to see them at some point on the trip. Part of me thinks we should just scrap catching Fantasmic... thoughts? It will just be me and the kids at this point, and considering the increase in crowd size at DHS for the lights and Fantasmic at night are a little 'scary' to me.

Opinions please!

Off topic: While my family is fine, there are many around us that were not as fortunate secondary to the recent tornados in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Just requesting some warm fuzzies, good vibes, prayers for those affected! It's the most severe we have seen since 1999 in our demographic area - I know the Alabama, Mississippi storms this past spring were also devastating. Thanks, friends!

 

[Monknmom]

I didn't even come to think that they might have discontinued the monorail one, but thank you for that information and letting me know what I heard is true! I have been praying for the tornado victims, my sister and niece are there in Arkansas and safe, but I guess that it's just a few towns away from them! I can't really comment on anything else because I don't know the answers.....sorry

 

[annmarieda]

Quick update:

Thanks to so many of you and touringplans I think our plans are officially revised and pretty much set for ADR time in 24 days! The plans are pretty much what I'd posted a few posts back but we are going to switch Day 4 and Day 5 (park, activity wise) because Fantasmic is not happening at DHS on our Day 4. I like this better because we aren't doing AK back to back now. And I am sure I'm still going to tweak...

Question about Osborne Family lights - do these happen every night at DHS during December? This is an activity that has not been released yet... Not that big of a deal but I'd like to see them at some point on the trip. Part of me thinks we should just scrap catching Fantasmic... thoughts? It will just be me and the kids at this point, and considering the increase in crowd size at DHS for the lights and Fantasmic at night are a little 'scary' to me.

Opinions please!

Off topic: While my family is fine, there are many around us that were not as fortunate secondary to the recent tornados in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Just requesting some warm fuzzies, good vibes, prayers for those affected! It's the most severe we have seen since 1999 in our demographic area - I know the Alabama, Mississippi storms this past spring were also devastating. Thanks, friends!

I am not sure on Osbourne lights... I think it is every night. I am not sure on scrapping Fantasmic. I mean... I really like that show... but it does get pretty packed. Have you seen it before? If not.. then you have to see it.

prayers being said for your neighbors

 

[shocky5]

I am not sure on Osbourne lights... I think it is every night. I am not sure on scrapping Fantasmic. I mean... I really like that show... but it does get pretty packed. Have you seen it before? If not.. then you have to see it.

prayers being said for your neighbors

We've never seen it! SO I will keep it in the plans. I know we would love it.

Next question -candlelight processional - day 7 of trip - am I cramming too much by taking in Le Cellier for late lunch, CP at 5p, dinner at Cape May's at 6:30p and then back for Illuminations at 9:30? We will have been here all day - we love the Epcot rides - worried about not getting to see much in WS which we would hit after lunchtime... am I overthinking? My biggest draw (and I'm sure this sounds dumb) to the CP package is preferred fireworks viewing at Epcot... Thoughts? Opinions?

I think I'm overthinking - because if we enjoy the rides that morning before lunch, go to WS until CP show, then I think we will have seen a great deal of WS before we go to CP and dinner at the Beach Club...