WDW Commando Club

[Disney Commando]

I've been kicking around dates for our 2015 trip. Debating between late Aug and Dec. Our family is getting smaller and smaller lately, and am toying with going the week leading up to Christmas. And spending Christmas day at WDW instead of home. Any thoughts how busy it would be during that time, and if it's worth going to see the decorations?? DH is game, and it give's me more time to come up with the money for the trip. The kids have 2 weeks off school during that time, so it's workable for us. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated. Have a great day!

Trish

I have done August & Dec (not Christmas week) there are pros and cons for both

Aug - stays light out longer parks EMH's are longer

Cons - Hot Hot Hot, most likely rain sometime during the day , sometimes for a few hours, sometimes just a shower, but it does cool things off, so it's not all that bad,

Dec - the week we went was kinda a freakish week, 2 days before we got there it was high 70's low 80's, most of our trip it was much much colder, until the last day it made it back into the mid 70's and the following week was 70's & 80's again Dave can back that up.

Everything was full swing Christmas, it was more Magicial then normal:good vibes

Cons - I'll put being rather cold here but like I said it was not normal, there is a lot more planning to do, besides all the normal stuff you now have Christmas added to the mix ( leave a lot of time for Epcot WS & Resorts, well worth the effort) OK who am I kidding these are weak cons, I would go during Christmas time, although I'd love to be at WDW Christmas day I would probably not go that week , but maybe choose one of the weeks in Dec before

If you do chose to go during Christmas season or in Aug. I already have printed out about everything you would need to know for those times

 

[dvczerfs]

I've been kicking around dates for our 2015 trip. Debating between late Aug and Dec. Our family is getting smaller and smaller lately, and am toying with going the week leading up to Christmas. And spending Christmas day at WDW instead of home. Any thoughts how busy it would be during that time, and if it's worth going to see the decorations?? DH is game, and it give's me more time to come up with the money for the trip. The kids have 2 weeks off school during that time, so it's workable for us. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated. Have a great day!

Trish

hi trish, we did it a few years ago. just something we had to try. we arrived on december 19th. crowds were not too too bad, id say like halloween.
christmas eve we did the candle light pro. over at epcot, really cool. we were in a 2 bedroom over at okw. we had drivin so we brought down a christmas tree and went shopping at dtd when we got there. (we had "christmas" at home the weekend before we took off with family and presents etc..) christmas morning, we had gotten up, santa (okw) left a bag of goodies on the door for our dd. we had made breakfast and it was raining. we headed over to the mk and we walked around and went hotel hopping. we had an adr at chef.mick that night.
crowds, very,very full. the mk reach capacity a few times and they closed the main gates. we came on home the 28th, from the 25th to the 28th it was just mobs of people.
the week before christmas wasnt too too bad. still crowded but if you hit rope drops, you will have a few hours of running around getting rides in.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

Christmas sounds like it may be doable, but would have to save an additional $1500 for the trip because of going at peak times. Our situation is as such that since my mother passed on, my sis has disowned me (no great loss, our relationship was toxic on a good day, she refused to contribute any funds to help out with estate expenses), and my DH is not close to his 2 DSis either. It's just going to be the 4 of us for Christmas from now on. DH's mother does come into town during Christmas, but doesn't stay long, weather permitting. So our only real problem would be trying to find a greyhound sitter for the 2 weeks we would be gone. Probably would be going around the same time frame as you went, but leaving on Dec 26th for Baltimore to visit with some of our good friends there for a few days. We'll see how it goes with the savings. I'm starting the savings as of May, when I can finally afford to start putting money aside for the trip. The death of my mother and the mess of an estate that she left behind has really messed me up when it comes to saving for the trip, especially since I'm stuck with being Executrix of a bankrupt estate, and getting stuck with a $6000 Visa that I can't dodge paying, although I did try my hardest. Time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and major changes.

 

[Disney Commando]

I was talking to my mother tonight and it seems at 118 days out my sister still has not made any ADR's, to me I can't figure it out, they have a DP and I have been telling her for awhile now how important this is, tonight was my last attempt, if you are not willing to listen about what your going to eat on your vacation (This is important stuff for me I like dinner), They booked through AAA and if they wait much longer will not be able to get the AAA perks of Storytime or the Fireworks viewing

It is sad since my niece & nephew will miss out, I might brief the kids on some stuff that I know they would love and hope they relay it, and my sister & Bil listen, since they can't react on a ADR I feel I can't waste my time giving them tips, they are going the same week as me and will be on the same train both ways I'd much rather give a complete stranger that was willing to listen tips,

 

[Disney Commando]

After reading the news I'm excited on yet another WOW Factor on our upcoming trip, some might have no idea on what I'm talking about, but I remember from the 70's going to WDW:good vibes

Orange Bird is back at Sunshine Tree Terrace:good vibes

That's all I'll say for now, I want to see if anyone remembers this, let's build up some excitement for those who have no clue who this is

All I know is I got to get me a pair of Orange Bird ears

Who says Commando's don't stop to smell the roses, this is the kind of thing I look for, while others will pass it bye

 

[kohlby]

I've been kicking around dates for our 2015 trip. Debating between late Aug and Dec. Our family is getting smaller and smaller lately, and am toying with going the week leading up to Christmas. And spending Christmas day at WDW instead of home. Any thoughts how busy it would be during that time, and if it's worth going to see the decorations?? DH is game, and it give's me more time to come up with the money for the trip. The kids have 2 weeks off school during that time, so it's workable for us. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated. Have a great day!

We did Christmas week three years in a row. (Dec 26th to Jan 2ish). And though the parks were filled to capacity many days, we still managed to get tons done. We have young kids now so we would not do that week unless we absolutely had to. But we were able to navigate quite well just knowing the parks well - even before we knew about guide books and picking the park days better - so I'm sure we could handle it once our kids are older.

We would not survive the August heat. So, the higher crowds would be worth it for cooler weather for us. We are smart tourers - but you can't make heat go away. However, if you're the type who is fine with going back to the hotel for a swim mid-day, then I bet you could work with the heat. That wouldn't work for us though.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

Heat and high humidity don't really bother us, even though we really don't get really hot, nothing over 88F for long periods at a time during the summer months here. So long as we keep hydrated we are fine, although when it get's into the low to mid 90's I do tend to feel it a little more. Can't be any worse than Cozumel in Oct, with 90+ temps and 100%+ humidity. Figured it would cost us an additional $3000 to travel to WDW during Christmas, so am secretly plotting to go the following year (2016) to DL at Christmas time, in addition to the WDW trip in 2015. DH has yet to learn of my evil plot, and so long as I save the money for it, he's fine. I'm causing alot of mayhem lately, and having a blast. Why be normal...weird is alot more fun!

 

[Disney Commando]

We did Christmas week three years in a row. (Dec 26th to Jan 2ish). And though the parks were filled to capacity many days, we still managed to get tons done. We have young kids now so we would not do that week unless we absolutely had to. But we were able to navigate quite well just knowing the parks well - even before we knew about guide books and picking the park days better - so I'm sure we could handle it once our kids are older.

We would not survive the August heat. So, the higher crowds would be worth it for cooler weather for us. We are smart tourers - but you can't make heat go away. However, if you're the type who is fine with going back to the hotel for a swim mid-day, then I bet you could work with the heat. That wouldn't work for us though.

You are member #192 You did Christmas week into New Years 3 years in a row I wish I could try that week, Too busy of a week at work they would never let me have off, Sometimes I'm lucky enough to get around Halloween, add the Food & Wine Fest, its a good runner up.

Summertime mostly August is when we usually get to go, we tried the mid day swim break, but the water was so warm it was not refreshing at all, it was like swimming in a hot tub

I agree the cooler weather you are more comfortible you can move around a lot better then when it's hot and your clothes are sticking to you

 

[CarrieR]

Okay, I spoke with my roommate/BFF/traveling buddy last night, and after careful thought and consideration, I have decided to submit an application to join the WDW Commando Club.

Objective: Become WDW Commando Club number 19?.

Qualifications: Multiple non-stop trips in under 12 months. Ability to see everything deemed necessary, never waiting more than 15 minutes. Extensive knowledge of the fastpass system. Refusal to be deterred by any crowd level. Willingness to operate on <5 hours sleep. Can tour MK in the dark with eyes closed.

Detriment: Mid-day break almost every day.

References: Traveling buddies N & C, whose knees, ankles and shins tell the whole tale.

Typical day (this is our exact schedule from 4/21/12):
-Departure day.
-DME departing Pop at 2:15PM.
-Agenda: Tour DHS, return to MK for Dole Whip as we were thwarted the prior evening.

Schedule:
*6:50AM, leave room for RAC
*7:10AM, Pop bus stop
*7:28AM, DHS gates
*7:35AM, assist family in front of us, poring over map, looking for "number 14" -- provide a few hints and tips
*7:50AM, Execute AP handoff to FP runner
*7:55AM, Enter TSM standby with a set of 8:50 return FPs
*8:25AM, enter RnRC standby queue (single rider not yet open)
*8:50AM, grab set of RnRC FPs with 9:30 return
*8:55AM, enter ToT standby queue
*9:20AM, grab coffee for those in need of caffeine
*9:30AM, grab set of ToT FPs, 10:10 return
*9:40AM, arrive at TSM FP line, get told coffee needs to be thrown away before entering building. Politely inform CM that you will gladly step to the side and finish the coffee before entering the line. Stand near the entrance without blocking it.
*9:46AM, enter TSM return
*10:10AM, return to RnRC, enter blessedly brief return line.
*10:30AM, ToT round 2.
*10:50AM, cupcake break at Starring Rolls.
*11:30AM, board bus for MK.
*12 noon, arrive at MK, head directly toward Peoplemover for one final spin
*12:15PM, board train to complete circut (missed this prior day)
*1PM, purchase Dole Whip, exit MK.
*2PM, retrieve bags from bellhop, lunch from food court, wait at bus stop.

(And yes, if anyone was counting, from 9:30-9:50AM we did have three nonexpired FPs in our hands.)

So... am I in? Am I in?!

 

[tpettie]

Okay, I spoke with my roommate/BFF/traveling buddy last night, and after careful thought and consideration, I have decided to submit an application to join the WDW Commando Club.

Objective: Become WDW Commando Club number 19?.

Qualifications: Multiple non-stop trips in under 12 months. Ability to see everything deemed necessary, never waiting more than 15 minutes. Extensive knowledge of the fastpass system. Refusal to be deterred by any crowd level. Willingness to operate on <5 hours sleep. Can tour MK in the dark with eyes closed.

Detriment: Mid-day break almost every day.

References: Traveling buddies N & C, whose knees, ankles and shins tell the whole tale.

Typical day (this is our exact schedule from 4/21/12):
-Departure day.
-DME departing Pop at 2:15PM.
-Agenda: Tour DHS, return to MK for Dole Whip as we were thwarted the prior evening.

Schedule:
*6:50AM, leave room for RAC
*7:10AM, Pop bus stop
*7:28AM, DHS gates
*7:35AM, assist family in front of us, poring over map, looking for "number 14" -- provide a few hints and tips
*7:50AM, Execute AP handoff to FP runner
*7:55AM, Enter TSM standby with a set of 8:50 return FPs
*8:25AM, enter RnRC standby queue (single rider not yet open)
*8:50AM, grab set of RnRC FPs with 9:30 return
*8:55AM, enter ToT standby queue
*9:20AM, grab coffee for those in need of caffeine
*9:30AM, grab set of ToT FPs, 10:10 return
*9:40AM, arrive at TSM FP line, get told coffee needs to be thrown away before entering building. Politely inform CM that you will gladly step to the side and finish the coffee before entering the line. Stand near the entrance without blocking it.
*9:46AM, enter TSM return
*10:10AM, return to RnRC, enter blessedly brief return line.
*10:30AM, ToT round 2.
*10:50AM, cupcake break at Starring Rolls.
*11:30AM, board bus for MK.
*12 noon, arrive at MK, head directly toward Peoplemover for one final spin
*12:15PM, board train to complete circut (missed this prior day)
*1PM, purchase Dole Whip, exit MK.
*2PM, retrieve bags from bellhop, lunch from food court, wait at bus stop.

(And yes, if anyone was counting, from 9:30-9:50AM we did have three nonexpired FPs in our hands.)

So... am I in? Am I in?!

I am not the keeper of the power But I vote you in

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I'm not the keeper of the power either, that's Disney Commando's special job. But all I can say is....

 

[vanillahip]

Hopefully the most important criteria for this club is wanting membership! I think my wife and kids would give me a whole-hearted recommendation.

My poor wife and 2 kids spent the entire time "holding hands and chasing dad".

My favorite move was me running to Magic Mountain at rope drop to get fastpasses while the family made a "leisurely" stroll to Splash Mtn and Big Thunder Mtn Railroad. I ran over and met them in time to walk on those two. Then we bee-lined to Magic Mtn and rode it twice in a row. Ended up doing 4 premium rides in the first 30 minutes of the day. Knocking out big targets like that during a premium busy season allows me to relax a little bit for the rest of the day. Maybe half a day anyway...

This may not quite count as commando exactly but we also hit Epcot, rode all the major rides and made a lucky jog to the bus in just about 3 hours right as the first sheets of rain hit the park ruining the rest of the day. (I went back later while the family napped and managed to grab a Soarin FP for later too!)

 

[Disney Commando]

Okay, I spoke with my roommate/BFF/traveling buddy last night, and after careful thought and consideration, I have decided to submit an application to join the WDW Commando Club.

Objective: Become WDW Commando Club number 19?.

Qualifications: Multiple non-stop trips in under 12 months. Ability to see everything deemed necessary, never waiting more than 15 minutes. Extensive knowledge of the fastpass system. Refusal to be deterred by any crowd level. Willingness to operate on <5 hours sleep. Can tour MK in the dark with eyes closed.

Detriment: Mid-day break almost every day.

References: Traveling buddies N & C, whose knees, ankles and shins tell the whole tale.

Typical day (this is our exact schedule from 4/21/12):
-Departure day.
-DME departing Pop at 2:15PM.
-Agenda: Tour DHS, return to MK for Dole Whip as we were thwarted the prior evening.

Schedule:
*6:50AM, leave room for RAC
*7:10AM, Pop bus stop
*7:28AM, DHS gates
*7:35AM, assist family in front of us, poring over map, looking for "number 14" -- provide a few hints and tips
*7:50AM, Execute AP handoff to FP runner
*7:55AM, Enter TSM standby with a set of 8:50 return FPs
*8:25AM, enter RnRC standby queue (single rider not yet open)
*8:50AM, grab set of RnRC FPs with 9:30 return
*8:55AM, enter ToT standby queue
*9:20AM, grab coffee for those in need of caffeine
*9:30AM, grab set of ToT FPs, 10:10 return
*9:40AM, arrive at TSM FP line, get told coffee needs to be thrown away before entering building. Politely inform CM that you will gladly step to the side and finish the coffee before entering the line. Stand near the entrance without blocking it.
*9:46AM, enter TSM return
*10:10AM, return to RnRC, enter blessedly brief return line.
*10:30AM, ToT round 2.
*10:50AM, cupcake break at Starring Rolls.
*11:30AM, board bus for MK.
*12 noon, arrive at MK, head directly toward Peoplemover for one final spin
*12:15PM, board train to complete circut (missed this prior day)
*1PM, purchase Dole Whip, exit MK.
*2PM, retrieve bags from bellhop, lunch from food court, wait at bus stop.

(And yes, if anyone was counting, from 9:30-9:50AM we did have three nonexpired FPs in our hands.)

So... am I in? Am I in?!

Nice Job,you have been approved You are Member #193 I'm impressed with that you kept times on everything, I might have to try it

On our last trip in August we had a extra day due to the hurricane, so we decided this would be the perfect time to see if we could kive up to the Commando title, HS had a A.M. EMH so we there for 8am opening, after HS it was off to AK, after AK it was off to DTD, then back to the resort to drop off stuff, then off to Epcot, after Epcot off to MK till closing at 10pm (no parks had PM EMH)

Sounds like a lot of running around, but this was like the best day ever, not only did we ride all the rides we wanted to get on, but was in 2 shows, and was able to get the rest of the Transportation cards I need to complete the set

You will take some toll of wear and tear, but at the end of the day the rush and the WOW factor makes it well worth it

 

[Disney Commando]

Trish love your new avatar

 

[Disney Commando]

Hopefully the most important criteria for this club is wanting membership! I think my wife and kids would give me a whole-hearted recommendation.

My poor wife and 2 kids spent the entire time "holding hands and chasing dad".

My favorite move was me running to Magic Mountain at rope drop to get fastpasses while the family made a "leisurely" stroll to Splash Mtn and Big Thunder Mtn Railroad. I ran over and met them in time to walk on those two. Then we bee-lined to Magic Mtn and rode it twice in a row. Ended up doing 4 premium rides in the first 30 minutes of the day. Knocking out big targets like that during a premium busy season allows me to relax a little bit for the rest of the day. Maybe half a day anyway...

This may not quite count as commando exactly but we also hit Epcot, rode all the major rides and made a lucky jog to the bus in just about 3 hours right as the first sheets of rain hit the park ruining the rest of the day. (I went back later while the family napped and managed to grab a Soarin FP for later too!)

You are Member #194, A couple of things you will find in upcoming trips is that your family will keep up with you better, and since you have a plan there will be no need for running, it only tires you out Once you have a plan that works for you things fall into place

 

[AirGoofy]

Welcome to the new members. Glad to have you.

 

[dorchrislen]

I'd like to join. My family says I'm Disney-obsessed. I booked as soon as the calendar opened for August, and every night I get to sleep by going through my play by play for the 12-day trip. I love this thread!

 

[AirGoofy]

I'd like to join. My family says I'm Disney-obsessed. I booked as soon as the calendar opened for August, and every night I get to sleep by going through my play by play for the 12-day trip. I love this thread!

Our leader will be around to give you a number. After all the planning and scheduling ADRs, it is 6 months of rehearsing. So much fun.

 

[CarrieR]

I am not the keeper of the power But I vote you in

I'm not the keeper of the power either, that's Disney Commando's special job. But all I can say is....

Nice Job,you have been approved You are Member #193

Welcome to the new members. Glad to have you.

WOOHOOO!!!!!!!! THANKS

I'm impressed with that you kept times on everything, I might have to try it

Well to be fair some of those times were reconstructed, but the vast majority of them I remember. It's easy now to take note of the time since we are clock-watching the whole vacation...

On our last trip in August we had a extra day due to the hurricane, so we decided this would be the perfect time to see if we could kive up to the Commando title, HS had a A.M. EMH so we there for 8am opening, after HS it was off to AK, after AK it was off to DTD, then back to the resort to drop off stuff, then off to Epcot, after Epcot off to MK till closing at 10pm (no parks had PM EMH)

3+ years ago, we did a NYE week trip and decided on a whim to do four parks in a day (we had one attraction each left in three of the parks on our last day, so we went ahead and did the fourth.) The friends we went with in July said, "You guys always do that and it sounds so fun!" so we intentionally did it that trip. We have done it several times now and it's become almost an art... although with enforced FP returns it will be a bit more challenging. Honestly, I *don't* see it as that big of a deal, as long as you are realistic about the group and don't expect to, say, see every headliner with no waiting, lol!

So... I have to ask. Am I the only one who spends hours and hours and hours running plan after plan on RideMax and using TouringPans, only to get to the park with a very limited shell of a plan for the first day or two, and then create and adjust plans on the fly? I'm questioning whether the costs of these subscriptions are worth it but I think I really *do* glean info from the planning, which I use in "formulation on the fly." Just wondering about the rest of the commandos?

 

[vanillahip]

I'd like to join. My family says I'm Disney-obsessed. I booked as soon as the calendar opened for August, and every night I get to sleep by going through my play by play for the 12-day trip. I love this thread!

I've been accused of loving the planning more than the actual trip....pretty close actually!