The OFFICIAL December 2014 - Christmas Magic

[KStover]

What are everyone's must do's? DD watched the SD Mine Train video and freaked out. So I know we have to go on that.

We are planning on CRT, Rainforest Café, 50's Prime Time Café, Chef Mickey's, but I need something else for the morning of our departure. Does anyone have a suggestion?

I just ordered the new Passporter's book today. And, I saw that Southwest just released flight until the end of October, so getting closer to that.

 

[BDL]

What are everyone's must do's? DD watched the SD Mine Train video and freaked out. So I know we have to go on that.

We are planning on CRT, Rainforest Café, 50's Prime Time Café, Chef Mickey's, but I need something else for the morning of our departure. Does anyone have a suggestion?

I just ordered the new Passporter's book today. And, I saw that Southwest just released flight until the end of October, so getting closer to that.

I can't wait for the Dec fares to be released for JetBlue myself. All the other airlines, that are avail for Dec, none of them have non-stop from Bos to MCO.

As for the must do's...

Must Do Rides:
MK
All the mountains
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
The Jungle Cruise (I like how they decorated it for the season last Dec)
PotC
Dumbo (at night)
7 Dwarfs rollercoaster

EPCOT
Test Track
Soarin'
Mission:Space
Spaceship Earth
Maelstrom

MGM
Aerosmith
ToT
Star Tours (love the new rendition)
Toy Story (if possible due to lines)

AK
Safari
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur
The Kali River Rapids (maybe)

Must do meals-
Breakfast
Tusker House Donald's Safari (possible option for your depart day)
Kona Cafe (possible option for your depart day)
And maybe Akershus or Crystal Palace

Lunch
Tutto Italia (our tradition on 1st full day)
Le Cellier

Dinner
Raglan Road
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Boatwright's
Liberty Inn Tavern (this will be our 1st time trying it)

Snacks
Turkey leg
Dole whip
Corn dog
And anything/everything from Karamelle Kuche

Shows/Holiday Stuff
Illuminations
Holiday Story Tellers
Candlelight Processional
Osbourne Lights
Resort hopping to see the decorations (especially the gingerbread structures)
MVMCP
Indiana Jones Stunt Show

 

[jcemom]

What are everyone's must do's? DD watched the SD Mine Train video and freaked out. So I know we have to go on that.

We are only going to Epcot and MK, so our must do list is much shorter than usual.

Epcot:

Sum of All Thrills
Soarin'
Innoventions
Club Cool
a few holiday storytellers
Boulangerie Patisserie
Illuminations


Magic Kingdom:

Mine Train
Thunder Mt
Pirates
Philharmagic
TTA
Haunted Mansion
Crystal Palace
Holiday Wishes

 

[AmyKat]

We are doing adults only so my "must do" list is a little different.

Food
Beaches & Cream
Dole Whip
Starring Roles
Les Chefs de France
Cinnamon roll from Gaston's Tavern
Hot Caramel from Germany if they have it again this year
Absolutely no character meals

Rides
Tower of Terror
Toy Story Mania
Everest
Test Track
(most of those I miss every trip because I'm pregnant or can't juggle stroller swap times)

Shows
Wishes
Fantasmic!
Osborne Lights
Story Tellers
Candlelight Processional

Has anyone done candlelight processional dinner package before? I can't decide if it's worth it.

 

[abpuckett]

Hi! Wanted to hop on here, we're planning a December trip this year. Hopefully Nov 30-Dec 5/6, but flexible, especially if any discounts pop up (free dining please!).

Does anyone have any thoughts on when to book, in regards to discounts? When we went over Christmas 2010, we knew it'd be crazy busy so I had every little detail planned out well in advance. This time I've been waiting a bit, hoping to take it a little easier, since it's not really a peak week, and possibly snag a discount.

Not sure if I should book now to just have the spot reserved. Looking at Port Orleans Riverside. It'll be hubby, myself and 3 kids so need a room for 5. Any one have thoughts on booking early and waiting for discounts or hoping the lack of booking pushes the discounts out? Or experience with POR and if we need to book sooner because we need space for 5?

 

[AmyKat]

I would go ahead and book now. If a discount comes out, you can have it applied to your reservation without any kind of fee or penalty. If you already have it booked, you won't have to worry about it selling out (which I doubt it would for those dates).

 

[abpuckett]

I would go ahead and book now. If a discount comes out, you can have it applied to your reservation without any kind of fee or penalty. If you already have it booked, you won't have to worry about it selling out (which I doubt it would for those dates).

Great! Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[jcemom]

I would go ahead and book now. If a discount comes out, you can have it applied to your reservation without any kind of fee or penalty. If you already have it booked, you won't have to worry about it selling out (which I doubt it would for those dates).

I agree. If you're going anyway, you might as well book it now and cross it off your list.

The only time I wouldn't book ahead is if I wasn't going without a discount. If you MUST have a discount or you won't go, then there's really no point in booking in advance since it won't increase your chance of a discount. I hope that makes sense. I know what I mean, but don't think I explained it very well lol.

 

[abpuckett]

I agree. If you're going anyway, you might as well book it now and cross it off your list.

The only time I wouldn't book ahead is if I wasn't going without a discount. If you MUST have a discount or you won't go, then there's really no point in booking in advance since it won't increase your chance of a discount. I hope that makes sense. I know what I mean, but don't think I explained it very well lol.

No, I think I got it. Thanks!

We are definitely going, discounts would be just a bonus. One other reason for waiting a little is because my mom is/was supposed to be coming with us again, so our options would be different....two resort rooms or buy points and try out a DVC villa. Due to recent health circumstances she probably won't come but is still talking to her doctors.

So since it seems you can book and then call about applying a discount later if one pops up, that means reservations aren't totally set in stone?

We could be flexible with our dates if a discount popped up and we needed to move them a bit.

How would reservation flexibility work if she was able to join us but we had already made reservations? Would we be able to just add her on to our trip and adjust accommodations?

Sorry for all the questions! Last two times we went we were set for dates and everyone going etc and weren't hoping for any discounts either. This time seems a little trickier. I appreciate the input!!

 

[AmyKat]

If your mom chooses to go and you have two rooms, that would be two resort reservations, no matter when you make them. So, you would make one reservation now. If she decides to go, you call and make a separate reservation.

Your reservation will cost you $200 to secure. If you change your mind and want to rent DVC points, you will cancel your reservation and get the $200 back.

If a deal comes out, you call and have that "code" added to your reservation. Your total balance due will change (or you would have the free dining plan added). If the dates are different, they adjust your reservation to your new dates.

It's all pretty easy as long as you don't pay in full. I don't have any experience, but I have read that you have more trouble applying discount codes or changing dates if you have paid in full.

 

[jcemom]

If your mom chooses to go and you have two rooms, that would be two resort reservations, no matter when you make them. So, you would make one reservation now. If she decides to go, you call and make a separate reservation.

Your reservation will cost you $200 to secure. If you change your mind and want to rent DVC points, you will cancel your reservation and get the $200 back.

If a deal comes out, you call and have that "code" added to your reservation. Your total balance due will change (or you would have the free dining plan added). If the dates are different, they adjust your reservation to your new dates.

It's all pretty easy as long as you don't pay in full. I don't have any experience, but I have read that you have more trouble applying discount codes or changing dates if you have paid in full.

Exactly! Easy peasy, really!

 

[abpuckett]

If your mom chooses to go and you have two rooms, that would be two resort reservations, no matter when you make them. So, you would make one reservation now. If she decides to go, you call and make a separate reservation.

Your reservation will cost you $200 to secure. If you change your mind and want to rent DVC points, you will cancel your reservation and get the $200 back.

If a deal comes out, you call and have that "code" added to your reservation. Your total balance due will change (or you would have the free dining plan added). If the dates are different, they adjust your reservation to your new dates.

It's all pretty easy as long as you don't pay in full. I don't have any experience, but I have read that you have more trouble applying discount codes or changing dates if you have paid in full.

Awesome! Thank you, thank you!

 

[PeanutButterMom]

What are everyone's must do's? DD watched the SD Mine Train video and freaked out. So I know we have to go on that.

We are planning on CRT, Rainforest Café, 50's Prime Time Café, Chef Mickey's, but I need something else for the morning of our departure. Does anyone have a suggestion?

I just ordered the new Passporter's book today. And, I saw that Southwest just released flight until the end of October, so getting closer to that.

Our Must Dos:

*Chef Mickey's (tradition "day we arrive" dinner - plus, it'll be our home resort!)
*MVMCP
*Osborne Lights - it's the whole reason we're going this year!
*Mine Train!!! The trip is a surprise, but Jelly said, out of nowhere, that he hopes he'll be tall enough for it next time we go to Disney (anyone know what the height restriction guess is?)
*DH says DtD and Earl of Sandwich, but that'll depend on what time our departure flight is, so a "sorta" must-do.

Oh, and RnRC for DH and PB this trip. We skipped it last time due to time constraints and half our party not being tall enough (we traveled with friends, and getting them on ToT was enough that we didn't want to push it, lol). On that note, ToT for Jelly. He says it's his favorite ride!

 

[PeanutButterMom]

If your mom chooses to go and you have two rooms, that would be two resort reservations, no matter when you make them. So, you would make one reservation now. If she decides to go, you call and make a separate reservation.

Your reservation will cost you $200 to secure. If you change your mind and want to rent DVC points, you will cancel your reservation and get the $200 back.

If a deal comes out, you call and have that "code" added to your reservation. Your total balance due will change (or you would have the free dining plan added). If the dates are different, they adjust your reservation to your new dates.

It's all pretty easy as long as you don't pay in full. I don't have any experience, but I have read that you have more trouble applying discount codes or changing dates if you have paid in full.

This is exactly what we just did. I put in my request through David's for DVC points, then got super anxious about it and so also booked a standard room at the CR and put down $300 (because I had gift cards, lol). 3 days later David's came through, so I cancelled my CR reservation and was credited (back onto my gift cards - so if you use those, make sure you keep them!)

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

Our Must Dos:

*Chef Mickey's (tradition "day we arrive" dinner - plus, it'll be our home resort!)
*MVMCP
*Osborne Lights - it's the whole reason we're going this year!
*Mine Train!!! The trip is a surprise, but Jelly said, out of nowhere, that he hopes he'll be tall enough for it next time we go to Disney (anyone know what the height restriction guess is?)
*DH says DtD and Earl of Sandwich, but that'll depend on what time our departure flight is, so a "sorta" must-do.

Oh, and RnRC for DH and PB this trip. We skipped it last time due to time constraints and half our party not being tall enough (we traveled with friends, and getting them on ToT was enough that we didn't want to push it, lol). On that note, ToT for Jelly. He says it's his favorite ride!

I read that the height for the Mine Train will be 38". My DS2 is almost there so I am really excited to try it with him. He loves fast rides

 

[PeanutButterMom]

I read that the height for the Mine Train will be 38". My DS2 is almost there so I am really excited to try it with him. He loves fast rides

Oh, yea! I was afraid it would be 42" (I have a teeny 5yo)

 

[disneydiva16]

I will be joining you all in December I will be staying at Pop Century for 2 days before we cruise. I love Disney in December!!! 12\11-12\13\14 then onto the Fantasy!

 

[pld5]

Joining In! We booked a bounceback while there last week. We'll be at WL from 12/11 to 12/15! Can't wait to see the resort decorated for Christmas!

 

[jennthompson111]

Joining in! We will be at AOA Nov 30-Dec 5. I don't know who is more excited, me or our 3 kids!!

 

[BDL]

This weekend BDLsgal and I were jones-ing for WDW so much, that we took a crack at making Tonga Toast yesterday. She made the strawberry compote, and I did the cooking. It was no where near as good as Kona Cafe, but it was a nice treat.