We Had Two Magical Moments!!! Trip Report Coming Soon!!!!

NYPDwife

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
988
Hello everyone.

I've been planning this trip for almost two years now. See, last time my family was at Disney in Hot, Hot, HOT August 2006, my hubby remarked on how nice it would be to spend Christmas at Disney. I took that remark and ran with it. He said we'd do it in 2 years and the time has come. I made the reservations this January and so far, we've had a few bumps, but I think well make it.

You see, (I say that alot, just bear with me) in February, we heard water dripping from our bedroom closet. We have a one-level ranch, so it had to be coming from the roof. Well, lo and behold, the skylight in the bathroom, which I've been saying has to be fixed, sprung a leak and all the melting snow on the roof was making it's way into and around some walls and was coming out of our bedroom closet. Little side note here, I thought I procrastinate alot b/c it has yet to be fixed. But, I kept hearing how we wouldn't be able to go to Disney this year, but finally Hubby has conceded that it would really disappoint the kids, well, me too, so we're going.

Here are the people and details:
MeandEeyre.jpg

Me - 33 going on 10. I'm fun-sized (like mini candy bars that you can't get enough of). I'm loud (I think I compensate for my height with my voice) and I'm a bit of a rule breaker. But I love. Everything and everyone.

Hubby - 37 going on 70. Hard worker. Loves his family, but has a short fuse. Very straight and narrow kind of person. Doesn't deal well with rule breakers. Note: can't really show a good pic of hubby for work reasons, but here's his awesome backside! :rotfl:
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DD - 8 y/o. Oh, she's my lovey. So smart and so pretty. An all around, really good daughter.
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DS - 6 y/o. Oh, he's so bad, he's good. Can get away with anything b/c he is so darn cute and he knows it. I can't deal with this kid. Most times I discipline him, I have to turn around and giggle b/c he's just got the cutest expressions.

The plan:

Here's what we have so far. We will start our drive from NY either late at night on Friday, the 19 or early on Saturday, the 20th. Most likely, we will stop at the cheap hotels to rest, but I'm sure we'll be there by Sunday night.

I'm not sure what we'll do with my dogs yet. I have two, very LOUD miniature schnauzers and no one wants to dog sit b/c they're yappy and hyper.:hyper:

Anyhoo, we will be at the Caribbean Beach Resort from 12/22-12/26 and we have the DDP and a 4-day park hopper. I didn't want to go for the whole 5-day hopper b/c I knew we'd want to spend a day resort hopping.

So, because I like to plan, here's what we'll be doing:

Monday - Head to CBR and check-in early. Get key cards, store luggage and head to the Grand Floridian. I want to see the life-sized Gingerbread House in the lobby. Afterwards, go to the Wilderness Lodge and then maybe take a carriage ride. Get our key cards, relax, change and go to dinner. Don't know where yet.

Tuesday - I want to try for an 8AM seating at 1900 Park Fare. DS wants to eat with Mary Poppins. Afterwards, head to HS for the day.

Wednesday - Eat a quick breakfast then off to Animal Kingdom for 1/2 day. I want to change afterwards and go to Epcot for a 5PM seating at Le Cellier and then catch the 8PM showing of Candlelight Processional. I think this makes for a great Christmas Eve. Like being in church!

Thursday - Christmas Day! - Grab a quick breakfast on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and stay for the day. I would like to eat at the Liberty Tree Tavern around 4 PM and watch the fireworks later on.

Friday - Last Day:( - Epcot again for an 8 AM seating at Akershus in Norway. Then I'm not sure what we'll do.

Well, what do you think?:yay:
 
You are SO lucky to get to go during Christmas time.. This is one of the times I really want to go to WDW.. I guess for now I will live vicariously thru you! :lmao:

Cant wait to hear more :listen:
 
Actually it's not that bad, for the moderate resort for 4 nights, a 4-day park hopper and the dining plan it's $2300.00 for the 4 of us. We put down $200 for the deposit and we got a $1800 economic stimulus check (now if they can only do something about the darn gas prices:confused3 ). We're holding $800 of the check for emergencies and we just put another payment of $1000 for the trip so we'll pay that off slowly. We have until 11/07/08 to pay it off. I would have liked to be there for the weekend, but that adds more moolah that we don't have. I figured since we're only going to be going about every 2 years, we might as well make sure to do the Christmas week while the kids are still young. Maybe next time, we'll buy into the DVC!:thumbsup2
 

I have a question; does anyone know how the room numbers are determined at CBR? I read the CBR FAQ, but it doesn't list that? I called to request Jamaica, building 45 (it's not a preferred location, but it's right next to the bridge going to OPR). I want to know if this is a good location.
 
hi! I just wanted to say I'm now a fellow reader!! I can't wait to hear more about your planning!! I'm going to be a Disney Intern at AK so I'm excited to see how many Dis people I might be able to meet while at AK. Prior to that I was at BBB at MK and I was able to meet some Dis friends but not as many as I will at Ak!

Happy Planning..how exciting for you!
 
hi! I just wanted to say I'm now a fellow reader!! I can't wait to hear more about your planning!! I'm going to be a Disney Intern at AK so I'm excited to see how many Dis people I might be able to meet while at AK. Prior to that I was at BBB at MK and I was able to meet some Dis friends but not as many as I will at Ak!

Happy Planning..how exciting for you!


Thanks! I'm excited too!:hyper:
 
Okay, they've released the EMH's and now I don't know where I want to go to eat.

I'm also thinking, maybe I don't need to see Animal Kingdom for Christmas, I don't know, please help me decide. Annnnnddd....we got a 4-day PH only, is it worth it for me to put the fifth day on? I don't think it would be much, but I'm thinking maybe we do need the extra day.

Monday - 12/22 - MK opens at 7 and AK late. Should we visit the parks on our first day or just resort hop?

Tuesday - 12/23 - MK opens early & Epcot late

Wednesday - 12/24 - MK opens early & HS late. I know I DEFINITELY want to see the Candlelight Processional this day. Should I make it an all day thing at Epcot or go somewhere else early on? We know that we want to eat at Le Cellier around 5 and then see the 8:15 showing of CP. Do you think there would be enough time to see a late showing of Fantasmic too? Maybe we should eat dinner at 4, see the 6:00 CP then head over for the lights and Fantasmic?

12/25 - MK early/Epcot late - See this is where I'm stuck. I KNOW I want to be at Epcot on Christmas Eve. We're thinking about going to CRT for breakfast EARLY on this day.

12/26 - MK/HS/AK all early/ MK late - My last day and MK is open late. This bites:furious: . We're thinking of staying in the park late and then leaving when it closes. Can we do that if we've already checked out?

Please help me decide. I have to call for ADR's on the 25th:yay: .
 
Hi! I'll be reading!

We are going in November for Christmas. I'm just not quite ready to be there on Christmas Day yet.
 
as a nypd wife also - you must be happy we settled our contract!!!! now you'll have your retro check to spend in MK--- have a great trip enjoy We're going in Dec 2008 and can't wait have fun
 
as a nypd wife also - you must be happy we settled our contract!!!! now you'll have your retro check to spend in MK--- have a great trip enjoy We're going in Dec 2008 and can't wait have fun


We don't get a retro yet, hubby's part of the Detectives Union so we follow PBA.
 
Okay, I have been going over my nifty spreadsheet and I'm pretty sure I know what I want to do while I'm at the House of the Mouse.

Monday 12/22 - Arrive, check-in and go resort hopping. I would like to take the sleigh ride at the WL and eat at the Roaring Fork for dinner. That's all I have for Monday.

Tuesday 12/23 - Get up early and head to 1900 PF for a 8:00 breakfast with Mary & Alice.:dance3:

Go to MK and have a snack at Scuttle's Landing in Fantasyland around 2. That means by the time we finish breakfast and head to the parks, we have to :moped: !

Leave the Kingdom around 5 and head to Epcot for EMH. Get there around 6, get our wristbands for EMH and go eat at Sunshine Seasons at the Land for dinner, then :moped: to see characters! Get on the rides in Future World and head back to the hotel.

I don't think we'll do WS, b/c we'll be there on Thursday.

Wednesday 12/24 - Here's where I'm stuck...Animal Kingdom opens early, we definitely want to see the Candlelight Processional & HS is open late and I want to see Fantasmic (:love: that show!) & the lights.

Here's what we should be doing:

Eat Pop-Tarts in our room for breakfast:stir: & head out to Animal Kingdom. I'd like to see Dino-land, Festival of the Lion King, Expedition Everest (b/c DS was too small last time), the safari, & maybe Kali River Rapids. Eat lunch at Flame Tree BBQ around 12.

Leave by 2 pm, go back to CBR, shower & change and go to Epcot for a 4:30 seating at Le Cellier. Eat a WONDERFUL meal then head to the 6:45 pm seating of the Candlelight Processional. Do you think I've left myself enough time?:bitelip:

Leave Epcot for HS and HOPEFULLY:faint: make it for a 9:00 PM showing of Fantasmic. I really do love this show! It's about dreams and music and it makes me cry, :laughing: . After HOPEFULLY seeing Fantasmic, watch the Osbourne lights, then DRAG ourselves back to the hotel.

Thursday, Christmas Day - :santa: :woohoo: :yay: :dance3: :hyper:
Head to Cinderella's Royal Table for an 8:00 AM seating, where we will use TWO :rolleyes1 of our TS credits to have a magical, Christmas breakfast. Walk, I'm sorry, I meant, push our way through the crowds for a bit, eat at Liberty Tree Tavern around 4 for dinner then head to Epcot to see the World Showcase and the Christmas version of Illuminations.

Make it an early night, open some presents & go to bed:worship: .

Friday, LAST DAY 12/26 - go to HS and see the stuff we missed, then if we can, go back to MK for the late closing. Can I do that if we've already checked out but were resort guests? We'll still have two CS credits left, where should we go?:confused3

Well, there it is, a whole day and night of planning. I've been trying to ask hubby questions between snores but all I get is "huh, what, come to bed" so I'm off for some shut eye with the sounds of motorcyles (snoring) in my head. Please, please leave your comments. Let me know if you think my plan is too crazy. The kids will be 7 and 9 so I'm sure they can keep up but I'm listening to any suggestions my loyal Dis'er friends might have...:listen:

Nighty nite!
 
Okay, I have been going over my nifty spreadsheet and I'm pretty sure I know what I want to do while I'm at the House of the Mouse.

Monday 12/22 - Arrive, check-in and go resort hopping. I would like to take the sleigh ride at the WL and eat at the Roaring Fork for dinner. That's all I have for Monday.

Tuesday 12/23 - Get up early and head to 1900 PF for a 8:00 breakfast with Mary & Alice.:dance3:

Go to MK and have a snack at Scuttle's Landing in Fantasyland around 2. That means by the time we finish breakfast and head to the parks, we have to :moped: !

Leave the Kingdom around 5 and head to Epcot for EMH. Get there around 6, get our wristbands for EMH and go eat at Sunshine Seasons at the Land for dinner, then :moped: to see characters! Get on the rides in Future World and head back to the hotel.

I don't think we'll do WS, b/c we'll be there on Thursday.

Wednesday 12/24 - Here's where I'm stuck...Animal Kingdom opens early, we definitely want to see the Candlelight Processional & HS is open late and I want to see Fantasmic (:love: that show!) & the lights.

Here's what we should be doing:

Eat Pop-Tarts in our room for breakfast:stir: & head out to Animal Kingdom. I'd like to see Dino-land, Festival of the Lion King, Expedition Everest (b/c DS was too small last time), the safari, & maybe Kali River Rapids. Eat lunch at Flame Tree BBQ around 12.

Leave by 2 pm, go back to CBR, shower & change and go to Epcot for a 4:30 seating at Le Cellier. Eat a WONDERFUL meal then head to the 6:45 pm seating of the Candlelight Processional. Do you think I've left myself enough time?:bitelip:

Leave Epcot for HS and HOPEFULLY:faint: make it for a 9:00 PM showing of Fantasmic. I really do love this show! It's about dreams and music and it makes me cry, :laughing: . After HOPEFULLY seeing Fantasmic, watch the Osbourne lights, then DRAG ourselves back to the hotel.

Thursday, Christmas Day - :santa: :woohoo: :yay: :dance3: :hyper:
Head to Cinderella's Royal Table for an 8:00 AM seating, where we will use TWO :rolleyes1 of our TS credits to have a magical, Christmas breakfast. Walk, I'm sorry, I meant, push our way through the crowds for a bit, eat at Liberty Tree Tavern around 4 for dinner then head to Epcot to see the World Showcase and the Christmas version of Illuminations.

Make it an early night, open some presents & go to bed:worship: .

Friday, LAST DAY 12/26 - go to HS and see the stuff we missed, then if we can, go back to MK for the late closing. Can I do that if we've already checked out but were resort guests? We'll still have two CS credits left, where should we go?:confused3

Well, there it is, a whole day and night of planning. I've been trying to ask hubby questions between snores but all I get is "huh, what, come to bed" so I'm off for some shut eye with the sounds of motorcyles (snoring) in my head. Please, please leave your comments. Let me know if you think my plan is too crazy. The kids will be 7 and 9 so I'm sure they can keep up but I'm listening to any suggestions my loyal Dis'er friends might have...:listen:

Nighty nite!

I'm glad to finally get to post on your thread! Good start to your PTR. :thumbsup2

You asked for my input on your itinerary, so here are my thoughts:
- I definitely think you should get the five day park hopper, if you can afford to do it. The flexibility is great, so you can see more.
- What time of day will you arrive? That will help with planning that day, though it doesn't look bad.
- On 12/23 you might be cutting things short for Epcot. We got on line at least an hour before the Candlelight Processional, and we were back in line. The line is H-U-G-E and people begin lining up real early. You will probably need to give yourself more time between our meal and the CP. Have you thought about either viewing a later showing of the CP or eating a later meal? You are cutting it short.
- You can use your tickets till closing of your last day, even if you've already checked out. Your tickets will still be good. As for the two CS you'll have left, what type of meals do you want to use them for, and where? the MK? There are a lot of CS at the MK to choose from.

Everything else looks pretty good. Did you mention seeing the Osbourne Lights at the Studios? It's breathtaking and the lights dance to the Christmas musci! That's a must. Also, Santa is at the MK, so make time to get pics. You should all get the Disney Christmas themed hats for that. Leave plenty of time to experience each country's schedule of Christmas Around the World. Times vary, and they're all pretty good. Do not miss the one in Germany. It's completely magical. Your kids will love it. Heck, you'll love it! :rotfl2: Also, the Italy presentation is really good. Oh, the one they do at Mexico is so cool, too. Just make time for all of them. They are all worth it.
 
Well, I just called Disney Dining to ask a question and got a HUGE surprise. I didn't know that I could book my CP package more than 180 days out. :furious: I thought I had to wait until Wed! If I had known this, I would have called this morning. Everything for Le Cellier on Christmas Eve was booked except for the lunch showing and I feel so bad b/c DH was looking forward to going for dinner. I was about to book for Christmas Day, but he said no, to go somewhere else.:worried: So now, we are booked for Rose & Crown (mmmm, bangers & mash), 4:10 PM seating with the passes for the 6:45 CP show.

Has anyone been to R&C? I feel soo bad and I'm sure the food will be good, I just don't want to take my expectations of going to Le Cellier and winding up with R&C and be disappointed.:(
 
Cross your fingers and hope I get everything else I want b/c so far, this Christmas trip is looking a little sucky.:headache:
 
Subbing ...

And how can Christmas at WDW be "sucky"???? :)

The DW just came home - so I'll check out your plans when I don't have her looking over my shoulder, bugging me to check e-mail, and telling me about a Jimmy Buffet album ...

:duck:
 
Subbing ...

And how can Christmas at WDW be "sucky"???? :)

The DW just came home - so I'll check out your plans when I don't have her looking over my shoulder, bugging me to check e-mail, and telling me about a Jimmy Buffet album ...

:duck:

It's sucky b/c:

1 - I had my heart set on eating at Le Cellier for almost two years now

2 - I'm afraid that this isn't the first ADR that won't be what I want (did that make sense?).

Don't get me wrong, I'm EXTREMELY grateful to have the opportunity to be at WDW for Christmas, I'm just in a sucky mood b/c I have to eat at R&C instead of LC. I just wish that when I spoke to the CM LAST NIGHT he would have said to me, "Oh, it doesn't matter that you're more than 180 days out, you can book your CP package", and maybe I wouldn't be going through feeling so bad b/c I know DH really wanted to eat at Le Cellier.
 
It's sucky b/c:

1 - I had my heart set on eating at Le Cellier for almost two years now

2 - I'm afraid that this isn't the first ADR that won't be what I want (did that make sense?).

Don't get me wrong, I'm EXTREMELY grateful to have the opportunity to be at WDW for Christmas, I'm just in a sucky mood b/c I have to eat at R&C instead of LC. I just wish that when I spoke to the CM LAST NIGHT he would have said to me, "Oh, it doesn't matter that you're more than 180 days out, you can book your CP package", and maybe I wouldn't be going through feeling so bad b/c I know DH really wanted to eat at Le Cellier.

Keep calling back and see if anything opens up ...

Also, I wonder if there is is set number of CP Dinner packages so there still may be room to make a "normal" ADR at Le Cellier when your 180 day window opens ... ? :confused: For example, when I made my CP ADR Monday for Tappan Edo, I was limited to times between 5:00 and 5:45 ... so I booked 5:45 and cancelled the 6:00 ADR I had already made ...

So there's still hope ... Just make sure you're on the phone at 6:59 am on Day 180 ...
 




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