**The Official January 2012 WDW Thread**

[ladyfoundhertramp]

13 days to go--the excitement is starting to build around our house for sure!
Still waiting on Mickey Mail, I will call mid-week if I don't see anything. Went out to WalMart and picked up all the bathroom/medicine items we needed. Is it just me or do you have to take a ridiculous amount of toiletries when you have a family?? My goodness!!

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I am looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my DD3 as well as sharing new experiences with my DD12 --oh and not cooking/cleaning or doing laundry for a week!

 

[dizneechic]

Is anyone else worried about the rain predicted for Monday (16th)? Part of me wants to rework my schedule and make Monday our rest day; but as soon as I do that, the forecast will change and make Tuesday the rainy day. ARG! What to do? Right now HS is scheduled for Monday.

You're thinking the weather people can predict something a week out when they can't even tell you what will happen tomorrow? Sorry, couldn't help it. Why let rain change a thing about your visit? Just go w/ it!

The best thing you can do is be flexible with your plans and have a back up plan of attack in place for the days it does rain. We've been to EP and MK in deluges... we very much preferred the MK experience because at least most line queues are under shelter. EP is far to spread out (esp WS) and entertainment is non existent in the rain. I think HS would be great, especially given there are a lot of shows and those are longer than a 3 minute ride, so you can stay dry longer.

And just to point this out:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/orlando-fl/32801/month/328169?view=table
Ignore what they are saying re sunny/rainy/etc. Have a look at the precip numbers. Sun when its mostly cloudy were supposed to get nearly a 1/2", yet Mon when they say rain its only a 10th of an inch, Tues is worse. I'm not sure if the amounts vs the "images" relate to when it will rain so if its overnight the day can be sunny vs rain image with a lesser number means it will be during the day, but still. I wouldn't go rearranging plans in a panic. The good part in rain will keep the locals off for MLK day away.

 

[dizneechic]

Is it just me or do you have to take a ridiculous amount of toiletries when you have a family?? My goodness!!

So true!! I was just saying to my dh this AM that we should have added shampoo and conditioner to our garden grocery order to save the space in our luggage.

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:
What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I'll bite...
Me - taking my youngest on R&R Coaster for the 1st time. She missed the height requirement last trip by a hair (literally a piece of paper) and was so disappointed. She's not a big thrill ride person so she's due for a shock but she wants to go on it SO bad because her brothers both love it.
My DS10 - Drawing in the Studios. It's his fav part of each trip. This time he's also participating in the YES Animation class so i think he'll really enjoy that. He also wants to see MK at night and the ELP. Usually were back in our room at the Poly and watch from across the lake.
My DS8 - Pools (he's not my park child). Too bad he's not going to get to enjoy them.
My DD6 - Seeing Marie. She ADORES her and its her one must do each trip. And of course R&R.
My DH - Coming back home. He's not the biggest fan of being on our feet all week and like my middle DS would rather sit poolside. They make great traveling companions.

We're also contemplating Legoland so all of the kids are excited to see that, but other than the sculptures they have been disappointed in the images they have seen. Hence why were on the fence still about going. We're just going to play it by ear and if Disney weather holds out and we get all of our park "must do's" done than we'll head south to Lego. On an interesting note the weather there looks a little warmer and dryer for the week, so it's something to watch.

 

[ladyfoundhertramp]

So true!! I was just saying to my dh this AM that we should have added shampoo and conditioner to our garden grocery order to save the space in our luggage.

On an interesting note the weather there looks a little warmer and dryer for the week, so it's something to watch.

I said the same thing about our Garden Grocer order! LOL Hope you guys have some dry weather--it's so nice with the low crowds in January but the weather is most definitely wierd

 

[sabnrob06]

[QUOTE

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

[/QUOTE]

This trip is just going to be myself and my mom... (we have 2 teenage sons who are tired of going to Disney since we live fairly close) She hasn't been to Disney in over 10 years and has never been to Epcot or Animal Kingdom. I am super excited to see her face when we get into the parks. She will be a kid all over again!

 

[ArmyWife7]

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I am looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my DD3 as well as sharing new experiences with my DD12 --oh and not cooking/cleaning or doing laundry for a week! [/QUOTE]

Like you, I'm most looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my DDs (4 & 2). They are so excited! I'm also looking forward to the restaurants I haven't tried previously (50's Prime Time, Akershus, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Chef Mickey's). I'm looking forward to DD2's first haircut at the barber shop. I'm looking forward to a vacation after being a single parent while DH was deployed to Afghanistan. Okay, I'm looking forward to a lot. I can't narrow it down to just one thing.

 

[ArmyWife7]

I went ahead and made lunch reservations for Friday at 50's Prime Time just in case it pours Monday and we decide not to go to the park. I guess the only thing we can do it play it by ear, which is totally not my personality.

 

[Marshay]

You and me both , usually DH is the procrastinator when it comes to pulling out his outfits to wear, but today I was so surprised he actually did it on his own AND he even packed his suitcase ...1 down and 3 to go. I am guessing he is getting really excited for our trip to come. I was floored when I found him in our room doing that. I think I will be following close behind him and packing the girls and I in the next day or so....then the cleaning starts . 7 Days and counting

Wow -- good for him! Please tell your DH that the planning women of the disboards salute him!

That's pretty much what I ended up doing too. Stuck to my basic packing plan and then I packed an extra pair of pants, an extra long sleeved and short sleeved tee and an extra pair of shorts for DS and capri's for me. I figure with that I'll be good to deal with the weather. And if I need to do an extra load or two of laundry, so be it...

And the weather predictions are crazy. They're bouncing all over the place from day to day and even website to website. Weather.com has a temp of 73 and rain the Friday & Saturday we first get there, whereas accuweather has sunny and pleasant with a high of 67 those days.

Ok, so I'm not totally insane with my packing plan. I was really trying not to overpack but I think it is inevitable with January weather.

You're thinking the weather people can predict something a week out when they can't even tell you what will happen tomorrow? Sorry, couldn't help it. Why let rain change a thing about your visit? Just go w/ it!

That said, we used to go to Sea World, and every time we did, it rained the WHOLE DAY. Now that just stunk as so much of it is outdoors. So the last time we went, we were silly and decided NOT to plan the day we'd go and just watch the weather eports while we were down there. We did and it worked, until about 1:30pm when it drizzled. It took mother nature all morning to rustle up a storm for us. HA! But by then we were nearly done w/ that park so neener mother nature!

So it took a while for mother nature to find you!! That's really funny.

 

[carebee21]

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I am looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my DD3 as well as sharing new experiences with my DD12 --oh and not cooking/cleaning or doing laundry for a week!

I'm looking forward to escaping my everyday life for a couple of weeks. No more cooking or cleaning. I get to spend a lot of time with ds without worrying about school and school projects and school/pta functions or going to friends houses or having friends over, birthday parties and sports. My dh owns his own business so I get to spend time with him without having him have to work late or run out for an emergency, etc. But he will still have his phone so he will still get calls but at least he can't leave I normally get up at about 5 am for work, so I'm also looking forward to not doing that!!! Just all in all looking forward to a change of pace and a nice family vacation!

 

[Marshay]

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

Besides just the "getting away to my favorite place", I am most looking forward to my DD2 (nearly 3) seeing Disney. She's been 2x before (9 months and 14 months) but obviously remembers very little about it.

however, she does remember CRT and Magic Carpets and that's what she wants to do most!

 

[perrymarshall]

YAY!!!

From what I have read, you are going solo as well? Are there any Dis meets set up yet? I am expecting a $50 Dining Certificate that I can use at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney and I made a reservation for February1st at 9:30 PM.

Yup, I am solo as well. I think a few January people have set up meet ups, but none that I've heard of match my dates. Were your park plans still the same as what you had in your pre-trip report originally, or have they changed since? A couple of my dates/park plans matched up with yours if you wanted to try to do a meet up

 

[Marshay]

We're also contemplating Legoland so all of the kids are excited to see that, but other than the sculptures they have been disappointed in the images they have seen. Hence why were on the fence still about going. We're just going to play it by ear and if Disney weather holds out and we get all of our park "must do's" done than we'll head south to Lego. On an interesting note the weather there looks a little warmer and dryer for the week, so it's something to watch.

So we were totally going to check out the new Legoland on this trip. They had a bogo ticket so kids would be free and DH loves Legos and I remember going to Cypress Gardens as a kid -- so why not?

Then I started reading the reviews on-line (tripadvisor, etc) and they were truly horrible!! Long waits, not planned out, slow loading rides, etc.

So then my Disfriends were going in November and I waited until they came back to buy tickets.

She said the same thing -- save your money...it's not worth it. Her DS7 who is a total Lego freak, was bored most of the time. Long lines, unorganized, not enough for parents to do but watch kids on the rides a lot of times, etc.

She said if you go, just lower your expectations -- it's not like Disney but more like going to Six Flags, if you KWIM.

Now I have read other reviews where they families have loved it too. But based on what I read/my friend said, we decided to skip it.

If you do go, I'd love to hear what you think about it!

 

[keypooh90]

I am so hoping the 16th is not raining like predicted. The 16th is my official check in day for my college program and the day I move in to my apartment, so I am hoping for good weather.

 

[Colleen27]

13 days to go--the excitement is starting to build around our house for sure!
Still waiting on Mickey Mail, I will call mid-week if I don't see anything. Went out to WalMart and picked up all the bathroom/medicine items we needed. Is it just me or do you have to take a ridiculous amount of toiletries when you have a family?? My goodness!!

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I am looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my DD3 as well as sharing new experiences with my DD12 --oh and not cooking/cleaning or doing laundry for a week!

I'm still waiting on half my Mickey Mail too. I got the package docs but not the ME tags/booklet yet. Talked to someone last Wed and she said they were just running a bit behind after the holidays but to expect them soon.

I think what I'm most looking forward to is just the look on DD3's face when we arrive. She has been chattering on about Pop since we were there in March and actually danced when I told her we were going back, so I know she's going to be impossibly excited when we get back "home" (in her words). She's my little Disney baby through and through!

Normally I'd be saying I'm looking forward to a week without snow, but this year... I haven't even been able to pack my sandals yet because I'm still wearing them to go out. If every winter was like this one I might not feel the need to escape to FL!

 

[Meriweather]

We arrived Sat night
Had a great time at Epcot yesterday. Watched the runners go through off and on.
Weather is great............although severer thunderstorms are expected Wed.

 

[korie99]

And just like that, the weather forecast for next week has changed yet again - now they took the rain from Mon and Tues and moved it to Thurs and Fri! Initially I was happy to see it, but then I realized it will probably change 7 more times before we leave!!! Hopefully has we get closer to the end of the week it will become more consistent.

5 DAYS!!!!!!

 

[lledman]

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

I am looking forward to just going back and hopefully warmer temps than what we have here.

 

[tommygirl79]

13 days to go--the excitement is starting to build around our house for sure!
Still waiting on Mickey Mail, I will call mid-week if I don't see anything. Went out to WalMart and picked up all the bathroom/medicine items we needed. Is it just me or do you have to take a ridiculous amount of toiletries when you have a family?? My goodness!!

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

You are right about the toiletries!

I'm most looking for to 1) DH, me, DD10 and DD8 all getting to watch as DD2 really "sees" everything for the first time. It will be awesome and 2) Getting to spend so much concentrated time together. When we are at WDW it is like a fabulous little bubble we live in for 8 days where no one argues, everyone acts like a kid, feels the pixie dust around and can't help but have a fabulous time...Our girls are close and don't tend to argue much as it is (not that they don't have their little times of bickering) but at WDW it's just plain fun for us!! Such a special place of memories that carry on from trip to trip to trip...

As far as attractions I look forward to...am looking forward to riding the new Star Tours for the first time and whatever ride is the first one we hit the first night at MK....always feel like we're back "home" at that point...



FOUR DAYS!!!

 

[PoohsFan1]

How about a QOTD for those of us still anxiously waiting:

What are you most looking forward to this trip??

DH and I just decided last night that we are going to give DisneyQuest a trt on our non park day. We have never been before and I know the kids are going to have a blast (well DH and I are going to have a blast too ). Another thing I am really looking forward to is trying Flying Fish, I have read a lot of amazing reviews on that restaurant....can't wait to go see for myself .

 

[Colleen27]

Okay, this weather thing is getting to be a sickness. Not only am I compulsively checking the weather for Orlando, I'm also watching our extended forecast and getting nervous about the fact that there's snow in the forecast for the 3 days prior to our flight out. And really I know better - this is Michigan. There's a good chance that even tomorrow's forecast will be completely wrong and at 15 days out "average temps with snow" is probably just a safe-bet projection for late January!