Starting to panic... SDD time and having a bit of a meltdown!

[TootieBear765]

Hiya all,

Hoping someone can advise on a couple of food booking issues for Christmas week (food is somewhat dear to my heart thus my meltdown!)...

We're going to DLP from 22-26th and this was my rough plan for eating (please note I have a very hungry DH and a picky, 'won't sit on her jacksy for two mins' 3 year old, and me?... I just plain old like to eat!).

Monday 22nd

Lunch - just plan either something at the airport or a bite in the parks depending on how hungry we are...

Dinner - was hoping to do the Character Buffet at Inventions to get DD into the swing with the Characters but haven't yet booked or ADRed

Tuesday 23rd

Lunch - DH wants to grab a bite from the New York Sandwich place in the Village...

Dinner - hoping for the Steakhouse at around 6pm... no ADR yet

Wednesday 24th

Lunch - If the Lion King show is running, was hoping to have some chill-out time and catch a table at Cafe Hyperion for a quick bite and the show either before or after DD's nap

Dinner - Have the pre-booked early sitting for Christmas Eve dinner back at our hotel (SL) so DD can get early to bed for Santa coming (and I can get some last minute wrapping done )

Thursday 25th

Lunch - Going to lunch with Santa Goofy at the HNY but not sure what time its going to be at... Paid seriously through the nose for it so it better be worth it....

Dinner - Depending on what time we eat for 'lunch', we might swing by Annettes in the evening for a quick bite (and pudding!)... was thinking I might just book when I get there, otherwise I will make an ADR with all the others and cancel if we are too stuffed from lunch

Friday 26th (last day)

Lunch - we have pre-paid for the Character Lunch at the Lucky Nugget so am hoping to book this for around midday but no ADR yet.

In short my queries are, as my head is mince, am I missing anything or to other parents, can you see a pending meltdown that I'm missing...

Also if I want the buffet at Inventions on my first night can I phone, pay and book it now for the night of our arrival (a week today ). Also can I and should I book my ADRs for my other table service meals or just book them at the concierge on arrival?

Sorry for the flapping, ... was planning on this being a go with the flow trip but as I'm not sure how busy DLP will be in Christmas week, don't want to be stuck out in the cold, traipsing around looking for somewhere to eat in a wheelchair and with a cold toddler and grumpy DH...

Any help or advise from anyone who has either been to these restaurants or has been for Christmas week in years past who can give me advise as if I have to book anything I would want to get it added to our booking asap...

Thanks for all your help in advance, oh wise wise DIS-ers

 

[A Small World]

I would be tempted to phone and book

you can always change your mind as you dont pay in advance but it means you have a reservation

If you do change your mind when you are there yo can always change your reservation at City hall

You cant book Annettes though

 

[hildasmuriel]

Only thing that springs to mind is that Annette's cannot be booked.

ETA: as Small World has just told you!

 

[mummyal]

I would phone and book in advance as well. Looking at the restaurants you're thinking of eating at, I'm sure there'll be plenty to keep your DD busy & happy (characters etc) and there'll be some colouring stuff for her to do at the beginning anyway (or there should be).

 

[TootieBear765]

Hiya

Thanks for that everyone... I'll phone tomorrow and book. When we went in June it was relatively quiet and we could either book at the concierge or just turn up and sit...

This time it's all a bit more manic. Does anyone know the number to call and am I phoning someone French or British? Where do I then collect my reservations slips or will they be at my check-in desk on arrival?

Thanks all, mild flap over so I'll go post my SDD dance (even though its technically now 7 days not 9) and I'll go have a crack at a Pre-Trippy....

Thanks one and all!

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Just wanted to say as we'll be arriving on the 22nd too Unfortunately though we have to stay until the 27th as we couldn't get a Eurotunnel crossing on the 26th

When you phone to book, it's a French person but one of the options to press is "if you speak English". The CMs we've spoken to have spoken really good English so you should have no problems.

 

[Ware Bears]

Definitely book now, if you haven't already done so. When we went over Christmas a few years ago people without an ADR were having to wait 2 - 2 1/2 hours for a table for restaurants in the Village.

You can always cancel if your plans change.

 

[TootieBear765]

Hi all! Thanks soooo much for your advice!!! I've phoned today and booked my 3 ADRs so I'm all sorted (at least for breakfast and dinners ). So no 2 hour waits for me (although I'd probably just spend it sneaking off to shop )

You guys are all just the business

 

[TootieBear765]

Just wanted to say as we'll be arriving on the 22nd too Unfortunately though we have to stay until the 27th as we couldn't get a Eurotunnel crossing on the 26th

When you phone to book, it's a French person but one of the options to press is "if you speak English". The CMs we've spoken to have spoken really good English so you should have no problems.

That must be just awful for you having to stay the extra day... (I'm secretly jealous - we stay in Scotland and have to fly so I never get that excuse!). I did TRY to convince DH that there were no flights back on Boxing Day but he didn't fall for it - dangit! Keep an eye out for us! If he arrives in time from Sam, we'll be the ones accompanying Flik with Mickey Ears Santa hats on with our names on the front!

Have an absolute ball! I know we will!

 

[MinnieMouse73]

We have Mickey ears Santa hats too - but I was too tight to pay for the personalisation! :lol

2 adults in Mickey hats, daughter age 6 (7 next week) in the pink Minnine one

 

[TootieBear765]

Strike the hat thing... (wishing I had been too tight to pay for the personalisation too!), phoned Disney today to check my parcel HAD been dispatched (as I'd been told yesterday) to be told that no, it hadn't so it wouldn't be with me til Monday..... my reaction

Was downright furious. Ordered it in plenty of time for the personalisation and to get here before our trip but apparently it wasn't long enough for Disney... I'm ashamed to admit I lost the plot down the phone a bit and pointed out that given the amount of money I've put into Disney's coffers in the last 6 months, I'll NOT be placing any orders with them again! I'll write to formally complain as I'm most upset at having been lied to yesterday (VERY VERY UNDISNEY!). They've offered 'when it was ready' to send it on to my folks address as I'll be AWAY giving Disney yet more of my hard-earned money! The irony, huh? Kind of defeats the purpose having Mickey Ears Santa hats on 27 December though, no? Just hoping its not a sign of more bad service to come.... trying not to let it spoil my mood....

I do understand that this is a busy time for year for them but I think what's narked me most was being told that it would be 10 working days AT MOST and then being lied to through their teeth yesterday and tell me it was being dispatched and would be with me today causing me to stay in all day waiting for a parcel that was never going to be coming!!!!

Poor poor show, Disney!

But on the upside, I'll get to spend more money going hat-shopping when we get there, so every cloud and all that.... Just hoping Flik arrives safely tomorrow or we'll be completely anonymous! Though you'll recognise us as the people looking enviously at your hats....

We have Mickey ears Santa hats too - but I was too tight to pay for the personalisation! :lol

2 adults in Mickey hats, daughter age 6 (7 next week) in the pink Minnine one

 

[Ware Bears]

What a shame about your hats.

 

[Ware Bears]

What a shame about your hats.