WDW in January or February 2011, aka "What ELSE would a gay guy turning 50 want?"

[MaleMaleficent]

I finally succumbed to the inevitable. I'm turning 50 (gulp) in July 2011, so it's my turn to decide what I want to do for my burfday trip. My partner turned 50 in 2008, and we went on a cruise.

I mulled it over. Cruise to Alaska? Tour of New England in the fall? Europe? I was just all over the place.

I think I finally decided. DISNEYWORLD. Only this time, instead of staying at moderate resorts or off-property, it's gonna be the Grand Floridian (probably). For 7 days. I'm going to finally do the backstage tours I've always wanted to do. I'm finally going to see Illuminations (I've never seen that, can you believe it?) We're going everything I kind of passed on before, because it seemed frivolous. Oh, yeah -- one day we'll defect over to Universal to check out "Harry Potter Land". Got to, you know.

We're thinking of going in January or February 2011, even though my burfday is in July. Why, you ask, Dear Reader? Crowds will be down, won't be so ungodly hot, prices are good, and I look pretty good in a sweatshirt.

Partner is being a real sport about this, I've gotta say. I'm sure he'd rather do something else, and I'm sensitive to that -- but hey. Turning 50 is a big one, and if I can't do the ultimate Disney experience then, when can I?

Any of you been in January or February? What are your thoughts about the timing?

 

[PHILCT]

Happy 50th Birthday.

I'm glad your partner is on board with the trip for you.

January is of course cooler, and the crowds are quite down if you are not in the week that connects to New Years Eve. There is some refurbishment going on in the parks during this month, but that is okay, and the hours are reduced a little.

February is nice too, and the crowds may step up after the middle of the month I think, at least the prices go up in my Disney Vacation Club.

The pools are heated, so you can still find a few nice days to get into the pool and jacuzzi.

Pamper yourself and your partner and have lots of fun.
Check out the new free dining offers for some January 2011 dates.

Hope it is Magical and Romantic for both of you !


Phil

 

[Scuttle]

I couldn't think of a better way to spend a birthday!!!

We will be in WDW at the exact time that you are talking about, mainly because of all the reasons you stated - less crowded and cooler temps AND to celebrate the kids' birthday!

My biggest worry is flying in and out of NY and not missing our entire vacation, but other than that, I think that we are more excited than the kids would be if they knew!!

Enjoy your trip and Happy 50th Birthday!

 

[DVCDan36]

Glad you get to spend your B-Day at D-World.
My Partner and I just started the planning for his 50th (March 2012) and we are planning to go (with as many family and friends as possible) in September 2012.
Keep us posted on your plans so we can live vicariously through you.

 

[MaleMaleficent]

Glad you get to spend your B-Day at D-World.

Well, it technically won't be my birthday; that's not until July 11. However, the benefits of less crowds, lower prices, and non-July heat make January/February the ideal time to go.

Wonder if they'll let me wear a birthday button, anyway?

 

[OrlandoMike]

Wow! Congrats on the birthday AND the trip!

Other than cooler weather, its a perfect time to go.

And yes, you can wear your birthday button anytime you want!

 

[DVCDan36]

Well, it technically won't be my birthday; that's not until July 11. However, the benefits of less crowds, lower prices, and non-July heat make January/February the ideal time to go.

Wonder if they'll let me wear a birthday button, anyway?

Yeah, I got your B-day is in July but you are still spending it in WDW. No problem with the Button either.
P.S. my B-day is July 10th.

 

[MaleMaleficent]

.
P.S. my B-day is July 10th.

Really! Well, as a fellow Cancer who's light in his loafers -- I salute you. Were our mothers pregnant at the same time? My natal year is 1961.

 

[mikelan6]

Why don't you join us on the February DISBoards Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic Tour (Feb 20-25) There are still a few slots open. It's going to be fabulous.

 

[MaleMaleficent]

Why don't you join us on the February DISBoards Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic Tour (Feb 20-25) There are still a few slots open. It's going to be fabulous.

Actually, An ABD Backstage Magic tour was under consideration -- and that sounds great!

But.

Like I said, partner is being a very good sport about this, and I want to try to make it as painless as possible -- for HIM. WDW has a lot more options of things to do, and he's been itching to see "Harry Potter World" at IOA. As for the time with Sklar, I'd absolutely love it, but to him, it would be like watching paint dry. LOL

 

[PghLybrt]

We are going this Feb too! Don't worry you will not be the only one sneaking off to that other place we will not mention. In fact when we are done with Disney we will be moving over there for 3 days!

I think it is a great way to spend a birthday! Have fun!

 

[MaleMaleficent]

We are going this Feb too! Don't worry you will not be the only one sneaking off to that other place we will not mention. In fact when we are done with Disney we will be moving over there for 3 days!

I thought about doing that, too! But when I checked the "other place's" website to see if there was any hotel availability, it said "not accepting reservations at this time" or something like that. ***? I KNOW they can't be booked up for January/February!

 

[PghLybrt]

I thought about doing that, too! But when I checked the "other place's" website to see if there was any hotel availability, it said "not accepting reservations at this time" or something like that. ***? I KNOW they can't be booked up for January/February!

I did the same thing, so I called. They told me they dont have the rates out yet for then so the web site is not taking reservations. They will take them if you call, full rack rate. I figure i can call back later and rebook but for the most part I don't have to worry about vacation because the room is done. At first I was a little concerned that they would be so busy then that there were no rooms!

 

[DopeyDave]

I finally succumbed to the inevitable. I'm turning 50 (gulp) in July 2011, so it's my turn to decide what I want to do for my burfday trip.

Congratulations!! I'm turning 50 in October!! I opted for an "Around the World Dining Tour!!" OK, so I really got EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival!! But we're doing Party for the Senses, a Grand Marnier Tasting and the new Fireworks Dessert Party for F&W. We're also staying at AKL Concierge to do the Sunrise Safari, and will end the week at Bay Lake Tower with a MK view! Besides my partner, we'll also be joined by my mom and my sister and her husband.

The night of my actual birthday, what better place to dine than [family] Cat Cora's restaurant Kouzzina, with friends from FL and Las Vegas! Followed by some drinking at JellyRolls.

Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it all. I'll need a vacation to rest up from it.

Hope you get to plan as exciting a burfday trip!! The tours sound like a great idea.

 

[DVCDan36]

Really! Well, as a fellow Cancer who's light in his loafers -- I salute you. Were our mothers pregnant at the same time? My natal year is 1961.

Nope, I was born in 1974, but the SO was born in 1962 (but March).

 

[cmpdw4me]

what a FABULOUS idea, Disney and turning 50! Happy Birthday~! I can't imagine a better way to enter your "Golden Years" by being a child again. Perfect!

 

[MaleMaleficent]

I think it's sinking in with my partner that we're going to Disney in Jan/Feb. LOL Last night I was discussing my planning thus far, and told him that we would be staying 6 nights (I think) at a Disney resort. He looked incredulous, and said "SIX NIGHTS?!?! Isn't that a little ..... long to be there?"

Bless his heart.

 

[TagsMissy]

OOOh fantastic way to celebrate

Be ready for possible cool to very cold temps! When we went in the first week of Feb 2009 it was colder in Orlando than it was at home in Canada --- we were not prepared for the chill!

 

[MaleMaleficent]

Latest Development! A really good friend of ours who I thought would NEVER get into an immersion into WDW is going with us!

I sent her an e-mail yesterday kind of pleading my case, saying that she'd have a great time, that there was more to do at WDW than follow a guy around in a mouse suit, and that I'd love to show WDW to her.

She immediately responded and said "Hey, I'm in. In fact, I'm kind of excited about it!"

So there's some more fun -- being able to introduce a newbie to the whole WDW experience. It'll be kind of like seeing it for the first time from someone else's POV.

Now to planning, planning, planning....wonder what my budget is?

"Entering my golden years"?!?!?! Never thought about it like that. Yikes. Wonder if you can be in your golden years when you can still turn heads? LOL

As for the temperatures being a little cooler -- bring it on. I prefer that to sweating in the summer.