~~**The Official January 2014 Group**~~

[HeatherLassell]

Just booked the Poly for Jan. 22-29- first trip, ever! Please add me to the list

YAY for first trips!!! You're added!

 

[lmillercrew]

Thank you for the invite to come over the this thread! We are SO very excited to be traveling to WDW in Jan 2014. We will be celebrating my DSIL 40th birthday by running the Goofy Challenge together. She will be running the full and the 1/2 marathon, but DH and I just the 1/2. We usually go to WDW in June, so to go when it's not blazing hot and sweltering heat with enormous crowds will be a new experience for us.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Thank you for the invite to come over the this thread! We are SO very excited to be traveling to WDW in Jan 2014. We will be celebrating my DSIL 40th birthday by running the Goofy Challenge together. She will be running the full and the 1/2 marathon, but DH and I just the 1/2. We usually go to WDW in June, so to go when it's not blazing hot and sweltering heat with enormous crowds will be a new experience for us.

You're very welcome! Glad you joined us!

What are your exact dates? What resort? I can add you to our main page full of everyone's trips!

That's really sweet that you're going to run the marathon together (your sil and dh!) and I agree that January would be a lot better weather wise for a run like that! I am pretty excited for the January crowds...but maybe just a little sad that my favorite ride will most likely not be running since Splash Mountain typically goes down in Jan for repairs and stuff.

We were just there Sept29-Oct10 for our FIRST trip and we were dying of heat. This Canadian can't deal with that weather. I could NEVER go in Summer! lol

 

[Apopper74]

Booked BLT for Jan 26-31st. So excited it will me, DH, DS7 & DS1. It will Be DS1's first trip & I can't wait to see his reaction.

 

[donaldfan1968]

We're heading to the World for a late December 2013/early January 2014 trip: arrive December 30, 2013; depart January 6, 2014. We were at the world at approximately the same time this past December/January after an almost 5-year absence and had a BLAST--possibly our BEST trip ever. Sure, it was crowded--and we know it will be again this trip, but we've survived three previous spring break trips and are definite veterans, knowing how to strategize to enjoy all of our favorite rides and attractions numerous times.

A couple of months ago, my wife, daughters (ages 14 and 17) were discussing summer vacation plans, and our daughters asked--out of the blue--"Can we go back to Disney after Christmas again?" So, my wife and I discussed it and decided to go for it since it MAY be our last Disney trip for a while since college is rapidly approaching for our oldest daughter.

This past December/January, we traveled with another family, each booking two rooms (each) at the All-Star Suites; our travel agent friend got us an amazing rate, so we could easily justify it. However, our true resort love is Port Orleans French Quarter, but we haven't stayed there since our girls were very young. Well, my wife and I love POFQ--and it has special memories since that's the first resort at which we stayed the first time we took our daughters to Disney--so we told our travel agent friend to BOOK IT. Hopefully, some room discounts will be issued eventually, and, if so, our travel agent can apply them to our reservation!

Not sure whether we'll do Disney Dining ADRs . . . most likely will do one for Biergarten since this is one of my wife's favorites (she lived in Germany for several years when she was a child) and, possibly, Chef Mickey's. We've never done the Disney Dining Plan, either, since our daughters can be "picky" eaters--just not sure it's worth it.

All in all, we're excited . . . THANKS, and happy planning and dreaming to everyone!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Booked BLT for Jan 26-31st. So excited it will me, DH, DS7 & DS1. It will Be DS1's first trip & I can't wait to see his reaction.

First trips are the BEST! I swear it was the coolest thing seeing Disney through the eyes of my kids for their first trip!!! It's what made me want to turn around and book trip #2 as soon as I could!

Welcome! And you've been added to the first page!

We're heading to the World for a late December 2013/early January 2014 trip: arrive December 30, 2013; depart January 6, 2014. We were at the world at approximately the same time this past December/January after an almost 5-year absence and had a BLAST--possibly our BEST trip ever. Sure, it was crowded--and we know it will be again this trip, but we've survived three previous spring break trips and are definite veterans, knowing how to strategize to enjoy all of our favorite rides and attractions numerous times.

A couple of months ago, my wife, daughters (ages 14 and 17) were discussing summer vacation plans, and our daughters asked--out of the blue--"Can we go back to Disney after Christmas again?" So, my wife and I discussed it and decided to go for it since it MAY be our last Disney trip for a while since college is rapidly approaching for our oldest daughter.

This past December/January, we traveled with another family, each booking two rooms (each) at the All-Star Suites; our travel agent friend got us an amazing rate, so we could easily justify it. However, our true resort love is Port Orleans French Quarter, but we haven't stayed there since our girls were very young. Well, my wife and I love POFQ--and it has special memories since that's the first resort at which we stayed the first time we took our daughters to Disney--so we told our travel agent friend to BOOK IT. Hopefully, some room discounts will be issued eventually, and, if so, our travel agent can apply them to our reservation!

Not sure whether we'll do Disney Dining ADRs . . . most likely will do one for Biergarten since this is one of my wife's favorites (she lived in Germany for several years when she was a child) and, possibly, Chef Mickey's. We've never done the Disney Dining Plan, either, since our daughters can be "picky" eaters--just not sure it's worth it.

All in all, we're excited . . . THANKS, and happy planning and dreaming to everyone!

That sounds really exciting!! I think you've got a lot of good ideas already!

I knew my kids were really picky eaters so when booking my ADR's I had a hard time. I looked at all the menus and a lot of the popular places I knew my kids wouldn't find anything to eat. B

ut we had Free Dining (yay!) and were able to make dining reservations at a lot of great places. We ate at 'Ohana, Cinderellas Royal Table and Le Cellier just to name a few. They loved them all!

We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and LOVED it! Beautiful resort and perfectly close to all the parks. We walked from FQ one night and checked out the pool area and it's really awesome there.

You've been added to the first page!

 

[lmillercrew]

You're very welcome! Glad you joined us!

What are your exact dates? What resort? I can add you to our main page full of everyone's trips!

That's really sweet that you're going to run the marathon together (your sil and dh!) and I agree that January would be a lot better weather wise for a run like that! I am pretty excited for the January crowds...but maybe just a little sad that my favorite ride will most likely not be running since Splash Mountain typically goes down in Jan for repairs and stuff.

We were just there Sept29-Oct10 for our FIRST trip and we were dying of heat. This Canadian can't deal with that weather. I could NEVER go in Summer! lol

I believe that our dates are going to be Jan 5-12 and we're most likely staying at POR because we will be sharing a room with my MIL and her husband. My DSIL is staying at AoA and we would love to stay there, but the only way my in-laws can afford to go is to share a room with someone, and that someone is us. My MIL husband is on oxygen and apparently it's very loud at night. We shall see...
I forgot about all of the rehabs that happen during the winter months. I'm just hoping I won't have to wear a winter coat while I'm there. I don't mind a sweatshirt, and wearing jeans will be different also. We will be wearing tutu's for the race, so planning that will be fun! I look forward to being a part of a planning thread!!!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Hi! We're planning to stay at POR Jan. 21-28. It will be our baby's first trip.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Hi! We're planning to stay at POR Jan. 21-28. It will be our baby's first trip.

Exciting! How old will baby be? I've added you to the first page!

I believe that our dates are going to be Jan 5-12 and we're most likely staying at POR because we will be sharing a room with my MIL and her husband. My DSIL is staying at AoA and we would love to stay there, but the only way my in-laws can afford to go is to share a room with someone, and that someone is us. My MIL husband is on oxygen and apparently it's very loud at night. We shall see...
I forgot about all of the rehabs that happen during the winter months. I'm just hoping I won't have to wear a winter coat while I'm there. I don't mind a sweatshirt, and wearing jeans will be different also. We will be wearing tutu's for the race, so planning that will be fun! I look forward to being a part of a planning thread!!!

Awesome! I LOVE Port Orleans Riverside! That is where we stayed for our first ever trip this last fall!

Did you think about maybe getting a suite to share? Maybe it would be easier if you and your husband could have the bedroom and the inlaws would have the bed in the living room.

I'm THRILLED about being able to wear jeans. I'll be happy to wear a sweater. Doesn't bother me any. I don't like HEAT! lol

I've added you to the main page too!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Exciting! How old will baby be? I've added you to the first page!

Thank you. He will be 9 months.

 

[Zakery]

The current plan is for a family trip (including Grandparents and In-Laws) is for January 4th through 14th. My DW and DS10 don't know about it. They will find out around Christmas.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Thank you. He will be 9 months.

Awe!!! So you gotta get him some cute little babys first mickey ears!

The current plan is for a family trip (including Grandparents and In-Laws) is for January 4th through 14th. My DW and DS10 don't know about it. They will find out around Christmas.

That's so exciting! How do you plan to surprise them about the trip? I'm surprising my kids (well not the oldest cause he wanted to know when we were going to plan around school!) and I haven't figured out how to do it yet. There are LOT'S of surprise videos on YouTube to get ideas.

Where are you gonna stay? Disney or off property?

 

[Zakery]

That's so exciting! How do you plan to surprise them about the trip? I'm surprising my kids (well not the oldest cause he wanted to know when we were going to plan around school!) and I haven't figured out how to do it yet. There are LOT'S of surprise videos on YouTube to get ideas.

Where are you gonna stay? Disney or off property?

It has been fun trying to arrange it so far. I've already got 1/2 of the grandparents (both divorced and remarried) on the DW side. I had to invite both sides on the trip and they don't really get along. It all worked out though with 1/2 wanting to come and the other saying no thanks. Plus I invited my wife's sister in law and family but they said they couldn't. Then I also invited my mom and also my wife's step-sister-in-law and family. There was lots of initial talk and I'm kind of amazed that it has all stayed quiet so far. In total it will be 7 adults and 2 kids.

The plan right now is to have some type of present that the DW and DS will open up when we do Christmas with the in-laws who are coming. I've already grabbed a bunch of pictures of the Disney maps that I will print up plus I'll put other Disney stuff in it. Pretty much all my money is going to the trip so other expenses (presents and anything until January) have to be kept to a minimum as it also has to just come out of my monthly spending money so that they don't find out about it.

The plan is to stay at one of the value resorts. I really prefer the comfort and ease of having the buses and not having to drive and park. I do think we will end up renting a car for bit of the trip though as I'd like to do 2 days at Universal, 1 day at Legoland (the DW and DS are both huge lego fans) and the Grandpa really wants to go see the Kennedy Space Center also.

 

[HeatherLassell]

It has been fun trying to arrange it so far. I've already got 1/2 of the grandparents (both divorced and remarried) on the DW side. I had to invite both sides on the trip and they don't really get along. It all worked out though with 1/2 wanting to come and the other saying no thanks. Plus I invited my wife's sister in law and family but they said they couldn't. Then I also invited my mom and also my wife's step-sister-in-law and family. There was lots of initial talk and I'm kind of amazed that it has all stayed quiet so far. In total it will be 7 adults and 2 kids.

The plan right now is to have some type of present that the DW and DS will open up when we do Christmas with the in-laws who are coming. I've already grabbed a bunch of pictures of the Disney maps that I will print up plus I'll put other Disney stuff in it. Pretty much all my money is going to the trip so other expenses (presents and anything until January) have to be kept to a minimum as it also has to just come out of my monthly spending money so that they don't find out about it.

The plan is to stay at one of the value resorts. I really prefer the comfort and ease of having the buses and not having to drive and park. I do think we will end up renting a car for bit of the trip though as I'd like to do 2 days at Universal, 1 day at Legoland (the DW and DS are both huge lego fans) and the Grandpa really wants to go see the Kennedy Space Center also.

Wow imagine if they had all said yes!

Did you know you can make FREE customizable (ha! I don't care if it isn't a word!) maps? If you're in the US they mail them to you and if you aren't (like me...I'm in Canada) you can print them off yourself!

Customized Maps

I think that POP Century seems to be the best Value resort!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/pop-century-resort/

It's right across the lake from Art of Animation (like a 15 min walk MAX) and they have an AMAZING food court! I've heard about people walking from POP to AOA for a meal or 2 for a change from POPs quick service.

POP was where I had originally booked before switching to Port Orleans Riverside!

I wanna go to Universal now cause of the Simpsons stuff. Looks so cool!!! And I remember going to Kennedy Space Station when I was in Disney at 15yrs old. I know I wasn't excited about it...but once we were there it was actually pretty cool.

Yay for Disney trip planning!

 

[nym4588]

Awesome we have the exact same dates! Welcome to the group and I added you to the main page!!

Thanks so much! And hey, great minds think alike!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Thanks so much! And hey, great minds think alike!

haha You're welcome!

 

[middlesista]

You're very welcome! Glad you joined us!

What are your exact dates? What resort? I can add you to our main page full of everyone's trips!

That's really sweet that you're going to run the marathon together (your sil and dh!) and I agree that January would be a lot better weather wise for a run like that! I am pretty excited for the January crowds...but maybe just a little sad that my favorite ride will most likely not be running since Splash Mountain typically goes down in Jan for repairs and stuff.

We were just there Sept29-Oct10 for our FIRST trip and we were dying of heat. This Canadian can't deal with that weather. I could NEVER go in Summer! lol

We were there in January of 2012 and Splash Mountain was open but Big Thunder Mountain was closed for refurbrishing.

 

[HeatherLassell]

We were there in January of 2012 and Splash Mountain was open but Big Thunder Mountain was closed for refurbrishing.

Yes it was and that was the only reason that Splash was open. They didn't want both rides in that area closed at the same time. Unfortunately Splash always seems to close in Jan.

 

[vacation_junkie]

Yes it was and that was the only reason that Splash was open. They didn't want both rides in that area closed at the same time. Unfortunately Splash always seems to close in Jan.

Jan 2012 we were there...my boys were so excited to go on SM. They waited in line and when they finally got on the ride they sat for 30 more min and then was told the ride was broke and they had to get off. I don't know who had the bigger frown...my husband or my son

 

[vacation_junkie]

This Canadian can't deal with that weather. I could NEVER go in Summer! lol

I agree!
We find late January weather perfect.
I remember the one year we got off the plane and some Orlando folks were wearing gloves and ear muffs....us Canadian Folks strolled off the plain in shorts and flip flops .