**The Official January 2012 WDW Thread**

[Marshay]

We just changed our dates a bit...Jan 11th-17th now instead of the 13th-18th!!!

And then the 16th, I check in to become a Cast Member!

So exciting!! let us know what you're doing, if you can. Soooo very happy for you!

 

[Marshay]

We have ressies for T-rex for January, too! We visited the gift shop previously but now will eat there and then I'm sure the girls will build a dino, too.

I need to check on all the specials T-rex has...I know Landry/Rainforest has options for free or discounted kids meals and they have a club that gets you some discounts too but I think you have to pay $10-15 or so.

Anyone familiar with these? I'm not sure it's worth it for just one trip though...

 

[carebee21]

We have ressies for T-rex for January, too! We visited the gift shop previously but now will eat there and then I'm sure the girls will build a dino, too.

I need to check on all the specials T-rex has...I know Landry/Rainforest has options for free or discounted kids meals and they have a club that gets you some discounts too but I think you have to pay $10-15 or so.

Anyone familiar with these? I'm not sure it's worth it for just one trip though...

The club isn't worth it if you're only visiting one time. You have to join the club in person, so you can't do it in the mail or via email before you arrive. It costs $15 but then you get 10% off your meals and a $10 reward certificate, but that's not mailed to you until 6-8 weeks after enrolling in the program. So if you're not going back or don't have a rainforest cafe around you, you won't really have a use for the certificate....

Also, just a heads up, but most of the 99 cent kids meal coupons are only good at Rainforest cafe. They almost always exclude T-rex cafe, so read the fine print of the coupon carefully. I guess they're busy enough they don't need the discounts there

My DH and DS ate there last year and loved it! They've both requested to go back this year. They went for a late lunch in Jan., maybe 2-3ish and said it was dead in there, so they said they had great, fast service. Also, not sure if you have reservations yet or not, but if you can't get a reservation for the time you want through Disney reservations, call the restaraunt yourself. They told us they don't put their full availability into the disney reservation system and hold back reservations for when people contact them directly.

Do you or anyone else know whether you can you use build a bear gift cards or coupons at the build a dino place? Costco sometimes has discounted build a bear giftcards around Christmas time, so if they have them, I may pick one up for the build a dino, if you can use them.

 

[okw19]

Only 89 days for us!!
I have a question... For people that have stayed in villas at OKW before, is there a high chair already in the room or do I need to request one in advance? I have heard mixed things about this. We have stayed there so many times, but haven't used a high chair since '99 for my little sister so I can't remember.

Anyone else going to Chef Mickey's for breakfast on the 24th?

How about breakfast at Kona on the 26th?

 

[Marshay]

The club isn't worth it if you're only visiting one time. You have to join the club in person, so you can't do it in the mail or via email before you arrive. It costs $15 but then you get 10% off your meals and a $10 reward certificate, but that's not mailed to you until 6-8 weeks after enrolling in the program. So if you're not going back or don't have a rainforest cafe around you, you won't really have a use for the certificate....

Also, just a heads up, but most of the 99 cent kids meal coupons are only good at Rainforest cafe. They almost always exclude T-rex cafe, so read the fine print of the coupon carefully. I guess they're busy enough they don't need the discounts there

My DH and DS ate there last year and loved it! They've both requested to go back this year. They went for a late lunch in Jan., maybe 2-3ish and said it was dead in there, so they said they had great, fast service. Also, not sure if you have reservations yet or not, but if you can't get a reservation for the time you want through Disney reservations, call the restaraunt yourself. They told us they don't put their full availability into the disney reservation system and hold back reservations for when people contact them directly.

Do you or anyone else know whether you can you use build a bear gift cards or coupons at the build a dino place? Costco sometimes has discounted build a bear giftcards around Christmas time, so if they have them, I may pick one up for the build a dino, if you can use them.

Ah, that's the info I needed. Yeah, we are only going one time so looks like it won't help us. I was really hoping to use the 99cent meals for my kids. I'll still check the small print but at least I know now -- glad you answered!

I may just call them later this week and ask about the 99cent meal and build a bear gc. If I do, I'll let you know.

Only 89 days for us!!
I have a question... For people that have stayed in villas at OKW before, is there a high chair already in the room or do I need to request one in advance? I have heard mixed things about this. We have stayed there so many times, but haven't used a high chair since '99 for my little sister so I can't remember.

We've been doing DVC since 1997 and each place has had a high chair in the room for us (BC, AKV-Jambo, BDWK, AKV-Kidani, BLT, SSR).

It's our first at OKW but I got to assume they have one in the rooms and if not, they can get one quickly for you.

 

[ladyfoundhertramp]

DH just surprised us with a Jan 21-26 trip at CBR with FREE Dining! I cant wait!! This will be DD3 FIRST TRIP. We haven't told the kids yet, but I have started planning. Cannot wait

 

[ladyfoundhertramp]

We will be going in January too! I was wondering if anyone has rides closure info? I know is a little early, but I am really hoping none of the big rides are close.

Dumbo and Big Thunder Mountain in MK are the only 2 i see

 

[Kazooie01]

For the first time in at least the last 5 years, Splash Mountain will be open for the whole month of January. (We’ve gone to WDW every January since 2007 so we’re pretty excited!) It will fill in nicely for BTMR.

 

[okw19]

We've been doing DVC since 1997 and each place has had a high chair in the room for us (BC, AKV-Jambo, BDWK, AKV-Kidani, BLT, SSR).

It's our first at OKW but I got to assume they have one in the rooms and if not, they can get one quickly for you.

Thanks!

DH just surprised us with a Jan 21-26 trip at CBR with FREE Dining! I cant wait!! This will be DD3 FIRST TRIP. We haven't told the kids yet, but I have started planning. Cannot wait

That's so exciting!!

For the first time in at least the last 5 years, Splash Mountain will be open for the whole month of January. (We’ve gone to WDW every January since 2007 so we’re pretty excited!) It will fill in nicely for BTMR.

I love Splash and I'm so glad it'll be open.

 

[carebee21]

DH just surprised us with a Jan 21-26 trip at CBR with FREE Dining! I cant wait!! This will be DD3 FIRST TRIP. We haven't told the kids yet, but I have started planning. Cannot wait

Congrats on both the trip and having a thoughful DH. I wish mine would suprise me with a Disney trip . We're going to be at CBR the same time as you!!! We're there Jan 12-26.

 

[okw19]

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

We are staying at Old Key West! We picked it because we need a 2BR villa and my family used to own DVC there. It's still our home We have probably stayed there 15 times since the 90's when we used to go every year. I love the relazed atmosphere of OKW, and it is so beautiful!

 

[Disneylvr]

We picked POFQ because it is within our budget, it is a moderate we haven't stayed at in awhile and it was recently rehabbed. We also thought the size of the resort (smallest of the moderates) would be best for a shorter trip (6 nights) in January.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

Well, after many bookings and rebookings, we have finally settled for 3 nights at BWI and 4 nights at BWV. First of all, we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and I wanted this trip to be really special, since we never got a honeymoon. And, most of our dinners are at Epcot, we have a breakfast at BC and one at Epcot, so I chose it so we could be close by. BC seems to always be so busy and YC is really dark. I'm just really excited to be staying here, otherwise. We are also excited to try out a Villa for the first time on rented points, saving a ton of money there.

 

[Charitycase20]

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

We are staying at Fort Wilderness in a camper! It was the only way I could get my DH to agree to a WDW trip! We were going to bring our gear and tent camp but my FIL & MIL invited themselves. They offered to pay for hotel costs but we really didn't want to cram into multiple rooms. So we're renting a big camper from a local guy who will set it up and everything! I can't wait!!!

 

[BenA81]

We're within 90 days, time to start looking at babysitter services!

My wife and I are going to do a night at Epcot together.

We did this during our last trip and it was a great break right in the middle of the week. I still have the notes from the babysitter about what the kids did while we were on our date.

I'm also looking into renting a golf cart from a 3rd party if anybody has any suggestions please PM me. Thanks!

 

[carebee21]

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

We are staying at Old Key West! We picked it because we need a 2BR villa and my family used to own DVC there. It's still our home We have probably stayed there 15 times since the 90's when we used to go every year. I love the relazed atmosphere of OKW, and it is so beautiful!

We picked CBR after A LOT of going back and forth. We were going to rent points and do DVC, but after free dining was announced, we figured that deal was better for us. Values are out for us, as they're too loud. Deluxes are out as they cost too much if we want to stay for 14 days. So we were looking at Moderates. I wanted to do POFQ to have a nice, small resort. We've done POR before and even though the themes are slightly different, DH said he wanted to do something completely different. So after looking over pics, DH & DS both loved CBR. I must admit, I wasn't sold at first and I really did want to put up a fight for POFQ, but DS looked so excited and DH asks for so little in regards to the Disney vacation (he usually just goes with the flow and lets me do all the planning), that I booked that resort. But the more I look at it pictures and read about it, the more excited I become for the resort, and it has grown on me now!

 

[Alahis]

I picked POP Century because....I'm a cheap student ! And because I love the bright, colorful look of it....I'm on holiday, I'm in DisneyWorld, I want something cheerful !
(but my dream resort is the Wilderness Lodge....Maybe...In 3-5 years....)

 

[Cin]

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

We will be staying at Pop Century for our first night. My first time, I am so excited to get lots of pics! We got that because we decided to fly in a day earlier than originally planned so we could travel together from the transfer hub, but our resort couldn't book us a day early so they got us a night at Pop instead. We will be transferring to Port Orleans French Quarter resort. I chose this for lots of reasons. I wanted a comfortable bed and room for Mom and the queen sized bed is better for that. I also needed a resort she could get around easily and it was small enough that we are close to the bus stop and there is only 1 which does have covered seating. We will be close to the food court too and also we have the boat over to DD. I also liked the scenery and thought it was relaxing looking and pretty and Mom has always loved her trips to New Orleans. It doesn't scream "I'm at Disneyworld!" with the in your face larger than life theming like the values do. There is plenty to do without even leaving the resort and we can see 2 different entertainers as each section of the resort has their own club and a show. POFQ has Eliot Dyson and PORS has Bob Jackson aka Yee Ha Bob. There is the carriage ride around the resorts and that is a really good way to tour without all the walking. So yeah that is where we will be staying. I am getting so excited We are only a little over 2 short months away now!

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

hello all!!!

I am sort of new here! I think I said hi about 50 pages ago! but life got in the way and I haven't been able to keep up!

Me and My hubby are going in Jan for an adults only trip.. we are both actually going to be running the 1/2 marathon! I ran it last year and wanted to run the full this year.. but decided to do the 1/2 with my hubby. This will be his 2nd half - we just ran the Baltimore half last month.

We are staying at the Yacht Club and I am really looking forward to a nice long weekend with just the 2 of us!!

 

[Colleen27]

Hey!! I got excited when I saw you here..I was gonna say hi but you beat me to it!!! Hi!!

Us March '11 peeps are everywhere... Before I switched our dates we were going to be traveling at the same time as Amy from the Mar group, who I actually ran into in line at Dinosaur in March, and here you are on the Jan thread.

currently deciding whether or not to get a golf cart since we'll be staying in a cabin at FW. Quite the hefty expense for the whole week but I think my wife would be appreciative, she's going to be 7 months pregnant during our trip.

If you go over to the camping board the folks there can point you in the direction of a couple of reputable off-site companies that will deliver a rental golf cart to the Fort for much less than it costs to rent from Disney.

Okay new question time!!

What resort are you staying at and why did you pick it?

Right now we're booked at Port Orleans Riverside. We chose it for the extra trundle bed - no kids sharing beds means a better night's sleep all around! - and for the convenience of having my whole family of 5 on one reservation with my mom & brother on a second linked ressie rather than having one of the kids on my mom's package. DH loved POR on our first family trip, and even though there were things I didn't care for it is absolutely the most beautiful Disney resort we've tried and I'm willing to give it another chance because as a family of 5 it is a resort I really want to love. But... (with my travel planning there is always one in there somewhere! )

My brother is still a "maybe" for the trip, and if it turns out he can't join us we will most likely switch to a resort that sleeps six. I'm not sure whether that will mean Ft Wilderness cabins or ASMu family suites, but either one works out cheaper than having two moderate rooms and we won't really need the extra space/privacy/bedding if my brother isn't traveling with us. Personally I'd prefer Ft Wilderness in that case but we'll make our decision based on what, if anything, is available when we do know for sure whether my brother will be coming along.