Twas the Night Before ... Christmas 09?! - 12/30 New TR! Please come join me!

[Happydog]

Well ... HERE IT IS!!!! My first stab at an Itinerary for our EIGHT DAYS OF CHRISTMAS in WDW!

Days 1.5 ….

December 19th
Leave on the AMTRAK Car train ...
(yes we are taking this again -- I told you, we are sold!) We DID toy with the idea of adding an additional day, I did, anyway BUT DH would rather ease into the vacation vs. rush around to get on a plane Saturday, and so there it is. Actually, it helps me with PACKING... I can bring a tree ... and cookie stuff.... and some small gifts (stockings) .... BUT the PACKING will be another post!!! Plenty to say about that and my christmas plans at the resort!!!

SOOOOOO, here we go!

HO HO HO!

December 20th

NOW, for this day I have TWO OPTIONS... Remember it is a "half" day, but practically a full day, because we should be showing up at the BCV's by 11am or earlier -- if the train trip last time was any indication. And 11am is a healthy estimate, so it shouldn't be later (especially since we won't have to make an unexpected stop at the Babies R Us store for a stroller !!) If you didn't get that joke, read my July TR!!!

SO OPTION ONE is as follows:

Arrive at the Train Station and head to WDW and the BEACH CLUB!
Check in – hopefully our room will be ready!!
Drop off luggage
Head over to AK
QS lunch = Flame Tree (DDP)
Enjoy the AK
TS Dinner = Sanaa (DDP)
Check out the AKL Christmas decorations
Head back to BCV
Unpack, settle in, and hit the hay!

OR
Arrive at the Train Station and head to WDW and the BEACH CLUB!
Check in – hopefully our room will be ready!!
Drop off luggage
Walk to DHS for FPs (TSM!)
TS lunch = Sci Fi or Prime Time (OOP)
Maybe catch a show or another attraction and another FP set
Head back to BCV
Unpack, settle in, etc.
TS Dinner = Kouzzina (DDP)
Back to DHS to use FPs
See Osbourne Lights
Back to BCV and BED!

Well, these are my preliminary ideas for arrival day...
I have been studying options and of course a lot hinges on us getting FPs for TSM -- though I feel by noon hopefully we could still get an evening set, which is when we would be coming back anyway... if not, no biggie, we can get other attractions in...

Soooo.... What do you think? I had toyed with the idea of going to DTD for QS dinner, but I was worried that was too much car time this first day, and I wanted to take advantage of the walking distance of DHS!!! Our arrival day itinerary for the 4th of July trip was exactly the same as the AK plan I have above... it was perfect. SO I could do the same thing, or try this new idea... We loved Sanaa and we will be going back no question. I am trying to set a meal at each of the resorts so we can visit the resort for the decorations, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[annnewjerz]

Well ... HERE IT IS!!!! My first stab at an Itinerary for our EIGHT DAYS OF CHRISTMAS in WDW!

Days 1.5 ….

December 19th
Leave on the AMTRAK Car train ...
(yes we are taking this again -- I told you, we are sold!) We DID toy with the idea of adding an additional day, I did, anyway BUT DH would rather ease into the vacation vs. rush around to get on a plane Saturday, and so there it is. Actually, it helps me with PACKING... I can bring a tree ... and cookie stuff.... and some small gifts (stockings) .... BUT the PACKING will be another post!!! Plenty to say about that and my christmas plans at the resort!!!

SOOOOOO, here we go!

HO HO HO!

December 20th

NOW, for this day I have TWO OPTIONS... Remember it is a "half" day, but practically a full day, because we should be showing up at the BCV's by 11am or earlier -- if the train trip last time was any indication. And 11am is a healthy estimate, so it shouldn't be later (especially since we won't have to make an unexpected stop at the Babies R Us store for a stroller !!) If you didn't get that joke, read my July TR!!!

SO OPTION ONE is as follows:

Arrive at the Train Station and head to WDW and the BEACH CLUB!
Check in – hopefully our room will be ready!!
Drop off luggage
Head over to AK
QS lunch = Flame Tree (DDP)
Enjoy the AK
TS Dinner = Sanaa (DDP)
Check out the AKL Christmas decorations
Head back to BCV
Unpack, settle in, and hit the hay!

OR
Arrive at the Train Station and head to WDW and the BEACH CLUB!
Check in – hopefully our room will be ready!!
Drop off luggage
Walk to DHS for FPs (TSM!)
TS lunch = Sci Fi or Prime Time (OOP)
Maybe catch a show or another attraction and another FP set
Head back to BCV
Unpack, settle in, etc.
TS Dinner = Kouzzina (DDP)
Back to DHS to use FPs
See Osbourne Lights
Back to BCV and BED!

Well, these are my preliminary ideas for arrival day...
I have been studying options and of course a lot hinges on us getting FPs for TSM -- though I feel by noon hopefully we could still get an evening set, which is when we would be coming back anyway... if not, no biggie, we can get other attractions in...

Soooo.... What do you think? I had toyed with the idea of going to DTD for QS dinner, but I was worried that was too much car time this first day, and I wanted to take advantage of the walking distance of DHS!!! Our arrival day itinerary for the 4th of July trip was exactly the same as the AK plan I have above... it was perfect. SO I could do the same thing, or try this new idea... We loved Sanaa and we will be going back no question. I am trying to set a meal at each of the resorts so we can visit the resort for the decorations, etc.

Thoughts?

Without looking at the park hours or knowing what the plans are for the rest of your trip---I think I'd go with DHS (if you will be making another trip or if Toy Story Mania isn't important to you) for a few reasons: It is close to your hotel so you guys can walk over whenever you want instead of relying on the bus, it's probably open later which for me would be a plus---to arrive at AK around 1:00 and have it close at 5:00 would be a bit of a bummer, AND if the Osborne Lights will be on I just think this would be a great way to start the trip. Very Christmas-y and a nice introduction of what's to come on the trip.

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I think your plans will work out, but I don't know if you will get TSM fastpasses. I guess that will depend on the crowds.
I on the other hand was hoping you all would head over to MK for Spectro and Wishes, that's where we are going to be. I just can't start a Disney trip without the castle.
It's your trip however so plan as you wish......

 

[praisehisname]

I'm in! We'll miss each other by a week.

I vote for the DHS on the first day. After riding in the train, it will probably feel good to walk!

Denise

 

[Lady Lallie]

Love the plans! Personally I would try something new and go to DHS. I would want to see those Osbourne Lights ASAP.

 

[jenjolt]

I'm with everyone else I would stretch those legs a bit and head over to DHS...try to get a FP for TSM and just enjoy all the park decorations and see those lights!!

Hmmm...Sanaa...I'm so looking forward to this meal!!! It's time I learn to eat adventureously LOL!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Without looking at the park hours or knowing what the plans are for the rest of your trip---I think I'd go with DHS (if you will be making another trip or if Toy Story Mania isn't important to you) for a few reasons: It is close to your hotel so you guys can walk over whenever you want instead of relying on the bus, it's probably open later which for me would be a plus---to arrive at AK around 1:00 and have it close at 5:00 would be a bit of a bummer, AND if the Osborne Lights will be on I just think this would be a great way to start the trip. Very Christmas-y and a nice introduction of what's to come on the trip.

Looking forward to hearing more!

Hello, thanks for the input! Well AK is actually open until 8pm so that is a plus, and yes we will head over to DHS again one am, so we can definitely get TSM in a couple times... I am hopeful the evening FPs won't be gone by noon, but that we will have to gamble on... DHS is only open until 9pm I think... I have to check. I was thinking Osbourne lights, too...

I think your plans will work out, but I don't know if you will get TSM fastpasses. I guess that will depend on the crowds.
I on the other hand was hoping you all would head over to MK for Spectro and Wishes, that's where we are going to be. I just can't start a Disney trip without the castle.
It's your trip however so plan as you wish......

Yes, I don't know about the FPs either... but I was thinking just staying close on this first day. But oh I know that Castle ... it calls you doesn't it??!! We were planning our first FULL day at MK on Monday -- MK has EMH on the 20th, btw -- did you already know that?? Anyhow, we can compare notes and see when plans link! Didn't you say you were going to try for CP on Xmas eve?

I'm in! We'll miss each other by a week.

I vote for the DHS on the first day. After riding in the train, it will probably feel good to walk!

Denise

I liked the accessibility of the DHS plan, so that is a likely choice, though I have to run this all by DH too!

Love the plans! Personally I would try something new and go to DHS. I would want to see those Osbourne Lights ASAP.

Yeah, that was kinda what I was thinking, even if we can't make TSM, those lights will be worth it!!! And I wanted to try out that new restaurant there at the Boardwalk...

I'm with everyone else I would stretch those legs a bit and head over to DHS...try to get a FP for TSM and just enjoy all the park decorations and see those lights!!

Hmmm...Sanaa...I'm so looking forward to this meal!!! It's time I learn to eat adventureously LOL!!!!

I think so, too.... I am hoping we could get an 8ish FP still -- I estimate getting into the park by noon... That we'll have to just see if we are lucky, but the proxemity seems to make the most sense that first day...

Re Sanaa you will LOVE it if you love indian food, and if you have never tried it, I will say that the dishes we had at Sanaa were great. The whole meal was wonderful!

 

[Charleston Princess]

While you know I love AKL, I am throwing my vote in for DHS and dinner at Kouzzina since it is new!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We are going to try for the early CP on Christmas Eve. Then more than likely heading back over to MK for Spectro and Wishes again. I've got to make up for not seeing Spectro in June.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am here! 5 pages in but at least it's before Christmas! Your summer mini TR was fabulous. Looks like you guys had a really great time. Love seeing pieces of Oregon. That ice cream shop looks amazing - nice to know there are still pieces of small town America around! And all that land for the kids to play on... WOW!

Palm Springs looked great too. I think maybe that first hotel used to have a reality show filmed there?

As for your Christmas plans... so exciting to think about spending the holiday there. I'm going to throw in another vote for DHS- as others said that way you can walk over and do it on your own timetable.

Looking forward to more!!

 

[Happydog]

While you know I love AKL, I am throwing my vote in for DHS and dinner at Kouzzina since it is new!

Yep! I know you do!!! I am thinking we will go the DHS/Kouzzina route -- I just hope I can get my ADR there! We'll see I am so flipping out about this online stuff....

We are going to try for the early CP on Christmas Eve. Then more than likely heading back over to MK for Spectro and Wishes again. I've got to make up for not seeing Spectro in June.

You are really serious about that Spectro withdrawl this last trip, aren't you!!!! Cute. Okay, lets see what we get for ADRs and then we will make some plans to meet and greet!!!

I am here! 5 pages in but at least it's before Christmas! Your summer mini TR was fabulous. Looks like you guys had a really great time. Love seeing pieces of Oregon. That ice cream shop looks amazing - nice to know there are still pieces of small town America around! And all that land for the kids to play on... WOW!

Palm Springs looked great too. I think maybe that first hotel used to have a reality show filmed there?

As for your Christmas plans... so exciting to think about spending the holiday there. I'm going to throw in another vote for DHS- as others said that way you can walk over and do it on your own timetable.

Looking forward to more!!

1. YES there was a reality show about it, yes, and yes, that is why we were interested in staying there the first time. But now no show, so now no "scene" which is nice.
2. Oregon is a beautiful place, different landscape in all corners of the state, and that ice cream parlor has been there forever -- it was there when I was 7!!!

3. Yep, I am thinking we are sold on DHS... I want to see the Osbourne lights I think that will be a great start to the trip, too!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi!! I'm here! Your day one plans sounds great.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Oh I'm glad you went with DHS and I can't wait to hear how Kouzzina goes. It's all greek to me!

 

[Happydog]

Honestly do you ever wonder who you married? I know (well, if you are married) we have all had that happen every so often. Well. It happened to me last night.

My DH says to me, as I am busy with my planning for my DECEMBER TRIP, so would you want to go to Disney, oh, I dunno, at the end of September?

WHAT?

yup. That was my reaction, too.

ME: "are you crazy?"

DH: "I was just thinking, we have these passes, and ..."

ME: "But we are going in December"

DH: "SO. I dunno, maybe not, but I see all these deals on villas..."

ME: "We can't go a week. That would be too hard for everyone this early"

DH: "Okay, but we get the monday the 28th off, and it could be a quick trip"

ME: "good grief"

OKAY, so that was at, oh, 8pm.... He threw that at me. LITERALLY. Then I put children to bed, and came down to look for AP discounts... LOTS in October -- we have a three day school weekend in Oct (our anniversary) but DH had already secured a fabulous little cabin in Shennandoah Valley and we didn't go last year (because we went, instead, get this -- to DISNEY). So he was very resistant to changing those plans... SO I didn't press. My original interest in going to WDW back a month ago was to go the first weekend in October, but DH has his dang HS reunion that weekend. BUT, we have the 28th of September off for a Jewish holiday... Our school district gives us these days off. SO welcome to my world the past 24 hours.

NUTSHELL?

My family and I are going to WDW September 26 - September 30.
We have air fare for the whole family at 125.80 a flight (RT) 8:30 am departure and a 6:20 departure on the 30th. The total airfare is 500.00 and change. The resort, well we are doing it cheap, so we were able to get AP rates for CBR and CSR for 89.00 a night, so 100.13 with tax... so that is 400.52... IF we do the DDP, still not sure about that, it will be 410.00 (we nixed the CSDDP, so this is regular). No car, no tickets, ONE bag. $25.00.

Air booked, rooms reserved. Mickey Christmas party on the 29th -- the BIG expense... 1/2 a hotel stay! BUT DH says he will sit it out and work on his writing while I take the boys... SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Hows that for a random Labor day weekend event...
And NOW that means I might be able to actually "meet" some DISers!
OH CP PLEASEEEEEEEE don't cry!!!!! I WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOO hoping to have a DIS meet with you!!!

Now, I don't know where my head is... September or December!!!

Lets just say finding ADRs two weeks before a trip the first weekend of the F&WF is not ......easy...

Okay. FIRE away....

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, believe you me, I am crying.



Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

Okay, now that I have pulled myself together...

You get to go to Disney this month!!!

Lobster rolls, here you come!

 

[Lady Lallie]

HOLY MOLY!!

I am so MAD that I canceled my trip. I feel so left out.

You are going to have a FABULOUS TIME!

 

[jenjolt]

WOOT!! I'm so excited!! Once you know more about your plans we'll have to set up a meet!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Oh, believe you me, I am crying.



Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

Okay, now that I have pulled myself together...

You get to go to Disney this month!!!

Lobster rolls, here you come!

I KNOW I KNOW!!!!! I really really was thinking this the whole time I was trying to work this out today!!! Just too hard taking more than two days off, that is the problem, unfortunately

Oh, and the LOBSTER rolls, are my DH's big claim to snack credit fame, not mine!!!

We'll have to come up with something... I can take a picture of myself for you ...

OH, I can also return the "mail" favor from this summer, btw... at CHRISTMAS, to your two...

I know though, my head is SPINNING.

 

[Happydog]

HOLY MOLY!!

I am so MAD that I canceled my trip. I feel so left out.

You are going to have a FABULOUS TIME!

OH don't you worry, you are going to have a FABULOUS time, too!!!! January is practically here, if December feels as close as it is!!! Hey, do you get to take advantage of the 180 ADR window???

I really still don't believe it. I won't believe it until I get on the dang plane, that is how shocked I am!!!!

 

[Happydog]

WOOT!! I'm so excited!! Once you know more about your plans we'll have to set up a meet!!!!!

PLEASE! I am at a loss for where to begin, there is very little ADR wise, have to do lunch mostly, but maybe I will be able to get some last minute, last minute ADRs for dinner!! We'll see. I will go review your plans and Christine's (she figured it out earlier today) and go from there... I have signed on with TGM for my Dec trip, and I have access to the September schedule of days... so I am trying to use that as a guide given that it is F&WF opening weekend...
I guess I am excited, if I slap myself I will snap out of this state of shock...

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY DECEMBER TRIP PTR!!! I guess I will have to add my "miniTR" for Disney in September, to it