THREE for the Price of One -Farewell to a PTR, for now!

[stayhomemom77]

Which weekend is the MLK weekend? We Canadians don't know that stuff and I'm too lazy to look it up.

I'll be jealous only if I don't get to go in January but I am HEARTILY glad I have so many TR's to look forward to since I seem to love yours so much!! It's my vicarious Disney life...hope you can deal with that.



Can't wait for more details!!

 

[gellybean]

We have airfare and hotels booked for January!!




I got $92 fares each way on non-stop flights to MCO and back to AUS. SCORE! I'm always happy when I can get a round trip ticket for $200 dollars.

I called Disney and booked a Waterview at the beautiful

for four nights, January 12- 16th. We seriously discussed booking for 5 nights but 4 nights is enough for this momma to be away from her babies, plus it keeps us from actually being there MLK day (that Monday stayhomemom77)


When I checked online and again when I called, they were out of Standard Views so I took the Waterview...which I'm secretly happy about. Had the cheaper option been available I probably would have taken it but I'm gonna love that view.

There was a CL standard available for 150 dollars more than the waterview room. Boy was I tempted. Never stayed CL before. But after much talk and consideration (really it only took about 5 mins but it SEEMED like it took longer) we decided that a) we aren't CL food kinda people. We're restaurant kinda people. And that $150 would be much better served toward my AP or a shopping budget for both trips or whatever. So we are sticking with a Waterview.


Mr. I has requested that the

not be visible from our room. And I think he's only half joking. So I'll do my research on waterview room locations and put a request in soon. I'm thinking that waterview doesn't face the pool anyway.... can anyone confirm?

Hoping for a refurbed room ! They are beautiful! I'm a huge huge fan of yellow! So the new rooms are perfect for me. Have they all been redone?

I have made our ADRs for January. Let me tell y'all.... free dining in January makes it much harder to get reservations. Last January we were walking into all kinds of places. I will tell y'all that I have yet to get an ADR for Ohana. For any of the days we're gonna be there. I haven't even tried Le Cellier...

I will keep trying for 'Ohana and I guess worse case we can try for a walk in if we have to. We're still discussing it. I will fill y'all in on our plans for January but not until I get all our December plans up!!


December 14th Day 1 -

Mom, the boys and I are flying out AUS around 12:50. (Edna still doesn't know what day she'll be joining us...)
Dash will go to school that morning and be counted for attendance and then we'll pick him up around 10:40 and head to the airport.

We have a non-stop flight getting into MCO around 4:15. Thankfully we will be able to check our luggage straight through this time and head to ME right away.

A hopefully quick bus trip later, we should arrive at the beautiful

and check in at the Online check in desk.


Then....after rubbing

we have the option of exploring the beautiful resort

enjoying the gorgeous lobby

sitting in front of that mammoth fireplace (hopefully it's chilly enough to enjoy it)

and settling into our room

or we may hop on the boat over to MK for an hour or so.

MK closes at 7pm that night because of a VMCP. So we'd only have a little bit of time but that would be ok. Just enough time to get that I'm here! feeling, that magic on Main Street feeling

See the castle all lit up for the first time

Maybe enough time to get our traditional IASW ride in.

And plenty of time to get out of the park at close and get back to WL in time for our 7:45 pm dinner ressie at

Where we'll enjoy a yummy dinner of

but not to forget this puppy

Mr. I nor Edna are big 'antic dining experience' people. So this will be a perfect opportunity to eat here. Mom and I have both wanted to try it. So why not do it when it's just the four of us?

We'll settle into our room after dinner, after maybe another rocking chair experience in front of the fireplace, unpack if we haven't already, and get a good nights rest for our full park day the next day.

Day 2 plans coming up next!

 

[Dugette]

So excited for you adding another trip! As far as "couple" things to do, besides what people have already said, I would say to just take advantage of doing whatever you want to do, without having to consider the kids. Whatever rides you want, whatever touring plans you want, etc. I was going to suggest staying out late in the MK (we did that the night before MLK day last year and it was almost EMPTY!), but it looks like you're leaving the day they stay open till 1am. Take advantage of that nice stroll from the BW over to World Showcase, too. By the way, there's a chance (nothing planned), that we could show up at WDW that weekend too, as our APs expire January 16th. We'll see if we can find any crazy deals. So happy you get to go back with Mr. I, though!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love the look of the Boardwalk, except for the creepy clown slide - I don't know that I could sleep knowing it was right outside my window, so I agree with Mr. I - no clown slide views!

Your day 1 plans for December sound great! We ate at WCC on Christmas Day and loved our meal there - it was really good

 

[stayhomemom77]

Yeah, that clown freaks me out. Like, Poltergeist freaky!! <Shudder>

I'd love to chime in with adult only suggestions, but...I can't think of anything.

I think it's awesome that you get to go though. I don't think Randy would ever want to go without the kids...to him, it would just seem...wrong somehow.

Looking forward to hearing more and HOORAY for cheap January flights!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

We are just going to miss each other in January!! Oh well, you can warm up Boardwalk for us.

 

[praisehisname]

for getting your airfare and hotel ressies! I hope you are able to get the dining ressies you want. It's nice to not pay for dining, but it does make it a lot harder to get certain places.

 

[brookelizabeth]

The BWI is beautiful - I LOVE their rooms. They are much nicer than BWV I think! Though, I'm pretty certain I'll like BWV just fine. I am nearly certain all the BWI rooms have been refurbed, so you should be fine there. As for the view...that is confusing. We have a "Garden/Water View" which generally means garden or quiet pool or the waterway by the Swolfin/on the way to Epcot/DHS. The Boardwalk View is a completely separate deal...I really am not sure there are BWI rooms near the waterway to DHS, so I haven't a clue what water view you will get! Hopefully not the clown for Mr. I's sake.

Is he aware it's eyes glow at night? I find that just hilarious! Like people aren't already creeped out by the thing, Disney had to go and make him GLOW!

Did you find the BWI info thread? If not, let me know and I'll post the link for ya.

We did WCC a few trips ago and really liked it! We didn't get the skillet and were seated in the "back room" (which we were more than fine with!), so we just observed the antics. It was fun and the food was yummy! I had an awesome smoothie there.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I'm so excited for you!!!

That is so amazing. THREE Trips. Woot Woot.

Let's see....date nights for sure. What about one of those resort photo shoots with just you and him? That could be a nice keepsake. Or you could maybe do one of the tours of the parks??

I agree with Lady Lallie - a tour would be fantastic. Other suggestions would be to sleep in till you wake up naturally, don't try for a single rope drop (you'll probably be out late, so why kill yourselves). I've always wanted to take a carriage ride, it seems so romantic.

You will love WDW in December. All the decorations are amazing. Tip, decorate your home before you leave - once you get back all your stuff will look sparce in comparison.

 

[gellybean]

Starting calling at 6:30am Texas time, 7:30am Florida time. Called on and off for an hour. All circuits are busy. Probably dialed 100 times.

Took a nap...

Woke up at 10:30am and got all circuits are busy AGAIN!




One more dial and I heard those lovely crashing cymbals!

30 mins projected hold time. I was on the phone for a total of 37 mins so I'm thinking the call was answered sooner than 30 mins.

I got what I wanted. A late showing of CP with Rose and Crown at 5:15pm for a party of 5.

I didn't even try for Le Cellier!! Since it's Edna's birthday I let her pick her favorite WS restaurant. I'm glad I didn't try for LC and not get it. That would have been annoying!

SO.... a morning well spent. Got the ressie we wanted, made my sister's birthday special, and got a nap in.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Woo Hoo!! Congrats on the Candlelight Processional Package!!

 

[gellybean]

So excited for you adding another trip! As far as "couple" things to do, besides what people have already said, I would say to just take advantage of doing whatever you want to do, without having to consider the kids. Whatever rides you want, whatever touring plans you want, etc. I was going to suggest staying out late in the MK (we did that the night before MLK day last year and it was almost EMPTY!), but it looks like you're leaving the day they stay open till 1am. Take advantage of that nice stroll from the BW over to World Showcase, too. By the way, there's a chance (nothing planned), that we could show up at WDW that weekend too, as our APs expire January 16th. We'll see if we can find any crazy deals. So happy you get to go back with Mr. I, though!

All great ideas!! Thank you Dugette!! I hope you guys are there that weekend! I think one more trip before your AP expires is a must do!! If you find any crazier deals than the 40% off let me know!

Love the look of the Boardwalk, except for the creepy clown slide - I don't know that I could sleep knowing it was right outside my window, so I agree with Mr. I - no clown slide views!

Your day 1 plans for December sound great! We ate at WCC on Christmas Day and loved our meal there - it was really good

No clown is the consensus!

It doesn't bother me, but apparently my big tough husband has a thing with clowns. Which cracks me up. I'm glad to hear you loved WCC. Being from Texas (and Oklahoma I'm sure is similar) BBQ is abundant.... so I was a little worried it wouldn't hold up to what I'm used to as far as brisket and ribs and stuff goes.

You've calmed that fear!

Yeah, that clown freaks me out. Like, Poltergeist freaky!! <Shudder>

I'd love to chime in with adult only suggestions, but...I can't think of anything.

I think it's awesome that you get to go though. I don't think Randy would ever want to go without the kids...to him, it would just seem...wrong somehow.

Looking forward to hearing more and HOORAY for cheap January flights!!

Glad to know you don't like Clowns... I'll be sure to torture you from now on out with that little tidbit.

Randy would love it just the two of you... I promise. Just get him on a date night one night when y'all are there and he'll see the magic of the World as it can exist for a couple of adults!

HOORAY for cheap January flights is right!

I'm so bummed we're gonna come so close to being there the same time. I wish we could change our dates!! UGH!

We are just going to miss each other in January!! Oh well, you can warm up Boardwalk for us.

I know!! That was one of the first things I checked when we booked January, was your and Jen's dates. SO close!!!

We will warm up the Boardwalk. May have to leave y'all a little something something. Hmmmm... I'll need to think about this.

for getting your airfare and hotel ressies! I hope you are able to get the dining ressies you want. It's nice to not pay for dining, but it does make it a lot harder to get certain places.

indeed!! I was happy!!

I have gotten all of them except 'Ohana and 'Ohana has got something fishy going on. They are closed for refurb from the 17th-20th but they still have availability in Dec and Feb... but nothing in January. So I'm hoping they'll gradually release more dates or something. That maybe they are blocking off more dates in case the refurb takes longer or starts sooner?

A girl can hope right?

But then again... it could honestly be booked solid because of free dining. I don't know. We've talked about worse case doing a walk up and hanging at the Poly for a few hours. Who knows what we'll end up doing. Mr. I has specifically asked me to keep trying, so it's not just my fave but his as well.

The BWI is beautiful - I LOVE their rooms. They are much nicer than BWV I think! Though, I'm pretty certain I'll like BWV just fine. I am nearly certain all the BWI rooms have been refurbed, so you should be fine there. As for the view...that is confusing. We have a "Garden/Water View" which generally means garden or quiet pool or the waterway by the Swolfin/on the way to Epcot/DHS. The Boardwalk View is a completely separate deal...I really am not sure there are BWI rooms near the waterway to DHS, so I haven't a clue what water view you will get! Hopefully not the clown for Mr. I's sake.

Is he aware it's eyes glow at night? I find that just hilarious! Like people aren't already creeped out by the thing, Disney had to go and make him GLOW!

Did you find the BWI info thread? If not, let me know and I'll post the link for ya.

We did WCC a few trips ago and really liked it! We didn't get the skillet and were seated in the "back room" (which we were more than fine with!), so we just observed the antics. It was fun and the food was yummy! I had an awesome smoothie there.

I love the look of the BWI. I will admit that the looks of the rooms at BC and YC and GF are the main reason I don't wanna stay there. Horrible I know... but I can't stand the bedspreads!! I'm crazy, I know.

Glad to know they all should have been refurbed. Thanks for the 411!

The waterview is a little sketchy in it's location. Gotta do some research on it. Will check out the BWI info thread soon. I've found it before and think I can find it again but will holler if I can't!

I haven't told Mr. I about the eyes yet... and don't plan to anytime soon! I'm scared he'll insist we stay somewhere else! I personally love that the eyes glow!!

I can take or leave the antics of the WCC and would be ok no matter where we are sat. I can see Dash getting into them and Jack Jack being pretty much clueless. But I think it'll be a fun way to start the trip.

I agree with Lady Lallie - a tour would be fantastic. Other suggestions would be to sleep in till you wake up naturally, don't try for a single rope drop (you'll probably be out late, so why kill yourselves). I've always wanted to take a carriage ride, it seems so romantic.

You will love WDW in December. All the decorations are amazing. Tip, decorate your home before you leave - once you get back all your stuff will look sparce in comparison.

Great suggestions 2_Eagle_Mom!! Carriage ride!! Awwwww!!!! I'm gonna have to look into that one.

Right now we're talking about La Nouba. We've seen a few Cirque shows in Vegas... and Mr. I loved our Vegas trips. So I'm trying to show him that Disney can offer almost everything that Vegas does. But it's still being discussed, nothing firm yet.

I have been to WDW in December one time... back in 93. I was 14. It was one of the best if not THE best trip of my childhood. I can't wait to go back at Christmas. I went with my mom and sister so it's very cool that I'm returning with them, along with my two children. Nearly 20 years later.

We got a little teaser last year. Main Street was still decked out when we got there... but the castle lights were already down, no Osbourne lights etc. But man did it put the Christmas trip bug in my ear big time.

EXCELLENT tip about the Christmas decorations!!! I generally decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving so I'll be good to go. I'm already having to talk to myself about not buying too many Christmas decorations in Disney. I never have a hard time resisting on the other trips... even though they are out, I have to be in the Christmas spirit to buy ornaments. Which means a trip at Christmas time itself is gonna be DANGEROUS!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm glad to hear you loved WCC. Being from Texas (and Oklahoma I'm sure is similar) BBQ is abundant.... so I was a little worried it wouldn't hold up to what I'm used to as far as brisket and ribs and stuff goes.

You've calmed that fear!

Well then, let me renew your fears

Since we went on Christmas Day they didn't have their normal menu available, just the holiday menu. We had brisket, but it wasn't bbq, turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans - you know, typical holiday foods. Sooooo, I can't reassure you that their bbq will live up to what you are used to - probably won't........one thing Texas knows how to do is bbq! BUT, what we did get was really good and well prepared, I would assume that would carry over at least

 

[gellybean]

I found this on Youtube when searching for Waterview info.


Thought I'd share... a little Boardwalk Inn Waterview room fun!

 

[brookelizabeth]

So looks like it's Boardwalk view pretty much!

 

[gellybean]

So looks like it's Boardwalk view pretty much!

That's what I'm thinking too. I quoted out a fake reservation pretty far in the future to see what all the room view options were and there wasn't a Boardwalk view, so I'm guessing Waterview are the rooms above the Boardwalk on the Inn side. And definitely no creepy scary clown pool in sight!

 

[gellybean]

I just got 'Ohana!!!


They must have opened up a whole new block of ADRs because I tried our first night first, and about fell out when I got the time I asked for. I had been entering 8pm because it covered 6-10 pm spots and had been entering each day one at a time to cover our whole stay. We have other ADRs already booked obviously, but they seemed to be more switchable than 'Ohana ADRs would be. So I was willing to check every day we're there in hopes to get into 'Ohana.

Imagine my utter shock and disbelief when 8:05 popped up for Wednesday the 12th, the first time and day I tried.



I booked it, scared it was a fluke and a cancellation or something and didn't want to lose it.

Once confirmed, I tried for Saturday which was the night I really wanted and BOOM! There it was 8:05 on Saturday as well!



Heck to the Mickey Mouse Yea!!!!!!!!


I am sooooooooooo excited. Not to spoil the itinerary reveal on this PTR or anything.






Keep trying everyone!!! I will be cancelling the Weds night ressie soon. I need to look at our plans again and make sure we're set with every other night and then I'll let it go SOON!



Edit: I checked TGM and Wishes is at 8pm that night.... and I really wanted to watch the fireworks from the beach and not from inside 'Ohana. So I went back online and got a 9pm ressie instead! Cancelled the other two. All set!

 

[gellybean]

December 15th Day 2 -

Set a wake up call for 7:30am to make rope drop at Epcot

by 9am. Straight to Soarin'

for fast passes, then we'll hang out in the Land, eating a light breakfast,

riding Living with the Land

to pass time til the Soarin' FP window then slowly make our way into the WS
at 11am via the Canada side til we make it to our lunch ressie at

Teppan Edo!!!


YUM!



ADR for 4 people at 1:30pm. This was another place that Mom likes but Edna doesn't see what the big deal is. The boys loved it last time, so we figured it would be a good one to do before Edna arrives!

After lunch we'll take our time making our way back out of WS, the way we didn't come in.

We'll head back to WL via bus for an afternoon nap/rest.

Then we'll either head back to Epcot that evening or head over to DTD,

depending on how much we got covered that morning.

Dinner will be a CS/snack somewhere, nothing planned.

We may catch Illuminations or we may just shop a bunch.


After all, I'm flexible.


Get it... Elastigirl joke.







I *think* Edna will be flying in late this night. So
we'll need to be back in the room before she arrives!


And that concludes day 2 plans!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Congrats on Ohana!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Wooo Hooo on the Ohana reservation!! You have inspired me to check for Le Cellier again.