Week After Turkey Day Shenanigans

[Meeko5]

First day of school here...and I wake to a phone call at 6am telling me school is cancelled during a district wide telecommunications issue.

Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.

My son was so bummed. Not as bummed as me lol.

 

[Meeko5]

The crowd calendars certainly help me, and I'm sad things have changed so much thy can't be reliable now. Hoppers are great, and we plan to use them more this trip especially with the entertainment stuff so up in the air still.

I have booked a few lunches on Epcot days so if we need to cancel dinner to do the SW show one night if it doesn't go back to nightly (which likely won't happen but a girl can dream!)

 

[missnikki411]

Just saw the bad news about SW fireworks . With that new plan, I would only be able to see them the night we got there/Saturday after Thanksgiving which is sure to be nothing but chaos. I feel like now I should just plan without those in mind because there is literally no way to know how the schedule is going to change and when they will tell us. I might have to cancel a reservation last minute and miss a night at another park but planning for so many different scenarios is driving me nuts!!!

 

[Iowamomof4]

Ah the push/pull between family traditions and best touring practices!

Our first ever trip to wdw was last year and our first ever park was Epcot. I have such fond memories of riding Soarin' together (our 2nd ever ride at Disney!). What an incredible ride it was! I had never been on anything like it before and it was the moment I felt like "This is Disney!!"

Fast forward to our planning for this trip. I keep feeling this pull to put Epcot down as our first park again, but in reality it would be better for us to visit Animal Kingdom on Sunday instead of Epcot. It would fit our overall plans much better and generally would just make things flow much better. But... Soarin'! Still, if we've only ever done wdw once, it's not really a "tradition" yet, so it's probably dumb of me to think of it like that. I don't know... such a tough decision to make.

 

[MonaMN]

First day of school here...and I wake to a phone call at 6am telling me school is cancelled during a district wide telecommunications issue.

Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.

My son was so bummed. Not as bummed as me lol.

Ugh! First day of school here today as well. DD was super-excited... wearing her Hogwarts t-shirt. The rest of the week will probably be Star Wars.

 

[Meeko5]

Ah the push/pull between family traditions and best touring practices!

Our first ever trip to wdw was last year and our first ever park was Epcot. I have such fond memories of riding Soarin' together (our 2nd ever ride at Disney!). What an incredible ride it was! I had never been on anything like it before and it was the moment I felt like "This is Disney!!"

Fast forward to our planning for this trip. I keep feeling this pull to put Epcot down as our first park again, but in reality it would be better for us to visit Animal Kingdom on Sunday instead of Epcot. It would fit our overall plans much better and generally would just make things flow much better. But... Soarin'! Still, if we've only ever done wdw once, it's not really a "tradition" yet, so it's probably dumb of me to think of it like that. I don't know... such a tough decision to make.

We are doing HS as our first park both years - just worked out that way, not for nostalgia or anything haha.

I vote switching to whatever makes your trip flow better

 

[Meeko5]

I'm already cancelling the EMM I booked at MK. Just can't do it - I'll probably go ahead and book the SW dessert party when that opens up though. My kids LOVE star wars, so I think that will go over better as an extra thing with everyone. I think this will be our new plan...

Fri 11/25 - arrive at MCO 2:15. Check into Sports - thinking about going to AoA to check out the Cars stuff for my Cars obsessed 2yo, either QS dinner there, or order pizza to be delivered back to our room. I know the logistics of resort to resort will be a pain, but I can just see his little face light up when he sees the cars characters larger than life. Totally worth it.

Sat 11/26 - lazy morning. Putt Putt at Winter Summerland with vouchers, swim/rest. Then dinner at T Rex at 4pm.

Sun 11/27 - EMH at HS. 5:10pm dinner at H&V. Fantasmic if up to it, no biggie if we miss it since we saw last year and it will be an early day.

Mon 11/28 - Epcot day - I have Via Napoli at 6:35, OR coral Reef lunch at 1:50 so we can hop to HS and do SW fireworks, possibly dessert party this night.

Tues 11/29 - PPO BOG at 8:20. Spend all day in MK, then WCC at 6:50 for dinner.

Wed 11/30 - Will start at HS or Epcot, depending on what hubs thinks kids will want to do. Teppan Edo lunch at 2:10 OR Dinner at 6:20. Possibly hop to MK for nighttime stuff but am thinking this day will be absolute chaos with 5 parties that week :/ Really need to pin down plans for this day before FPP day comes. Ack.

Thurs 12/1 - AK day - Dinner at Boma 6:15. May try to move this up a bit so we can get back for nighttime stuff, but with a tired toddler and our 5th park day might need to accept an earlier night. Maybe

Fri 12/2 - EMM at MK. Lunch a BOG 12:35. Dinner at Ohana 6:30 to end the trip.

Sat 12/3 - Home, plane leaves MCO at 9:45

 

[missnikki411]

Sounds like a good plan . In all the times I've been I've never done the mini golf but always say "next time lets try it!" Maybe I'll try to go with the flow and see if we get an afternoon free to do it.

Its funny how much we plan every minute now...on my first "adult" trip to Disney we planned what parks what days and that is it. We showed up to restaurants not knowing about ADR's and just waiting for tables. Funny how much has changed 6 trips later!!

 

[jlundeen]

Ah the push/pull between family traditions and best touring practices!

Our first ever trip to wdw was last year and our first ever park was Epcot. I have such fond memories of riding Soarin' together (our 2nd ever ride at Disney!). What an incredible ride it was! I had never been on anything like it before and it was the moment I felt like "This is Disney!!"

Fast forward to our planning for this trip. I keep feeling this pull to put Epcot down as our first park again, but in reality it would be better for us to visit Animal Kingdom on Sunday instead of Epcot. It would fit our overall plans much better and generally would just make things flow much better. But... Soarin'! Still, if we've only ever done wdw once, it's not really a "tradition" yet, so it's probably dumb of me to think of it like that. I don't know... such a tough decision to make.

I know what you mean. In previous years, we ALWAYS went to EPCOT first, got Fish and Chips for a late lunch, and Rose and Crown for dinner and Illuminations. That just what we always did. And we always spent our last night at Magic Kingdom...the fireworks made me tear up every time, even though we've seen them upteen times. Then the last day, before we get on the "Tragically Depressed" bus back to the airport, we have been known to hit many different places to maybe ride a favorite one last time, or pick up that one souvenir that we wanted to "think about."

Now this year, we're doing MK first, even though it's a Party night, but we are going to Cali Grill for dinner to watch the fireworks while we eat. And (if the plan holds true) our last night will be at HS, ending our trip with the Star Wars dessert party...that is, if they ever release the dates and times, and I can snag a resv. And our last day, our flight is earlier, so after we deposit luggage and check out, we won't have time to do anything but maybe grab a nice breakfast before getting on the bus.

Since we don't do the MVMCP, the shortened MK hours, and not having AK and HS hours and nighttime activity schedules, it's really a challenge to try to plan for each possibility.

Feels very strange. But, still we know it's going to be a great time!!!

 

[Meeko5]

I realllllly want DH and the kids to see Wishes and CTM. We didn't at all last trip because it was busy with haloween parties and earlyish bedtimes. This year I want to make it happen so bad, but I have the feeling both non party nights will be insane without MSEP And I don't think it's really worth the cost of the MVMCP tickets either...any guesses on which night will be LESS insane at MK?

We may have to settle for a youtube video of it on the big screen

 

[Iowamomof4]

I realllllly want DH and the kids to see Wishes and CTM. We didn't at all last trip because it was busy with haloween parties and earlyish bedtimes. This year I want to make it happen so bad, but I have the feeling both non party nights will be insane without MSEP And I don't think it's really worth the cost of the MVMCP tickets either...any guesses on which night will be LESS insane at MK?

We may have to settle for a youtube video of it on the big screen

Why do you think it will be worse without MSEP? Wouldn't it possibly be better? Just curious.

 

[jlundeen]

I realllllly want DH and the kids to see Wishes and CTM. We didn't at all last trip because it was busy with haloween parties and earlyish bedtimes. This year I want to make it happen so bad, but I have the feeling both non party nights will be insane without MSEP And I don't think it's really worth the cost of the MVMCP tickets either...any guesses on which night will be LESS insane at MK?

We may have to settle for a youtube video of it on the big screen

Have you considered the fireworks dessert parties? They are a bit less than the full party.

Priority seating - Admission is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9) plus tax and gratuity. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/


Plaza Garden Viewing - Admission is $59 per adult and $35 per child (ages 3 to 9) plus tax and gratuity. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/

 

[Meeko5]

Why do you think it will be worse without MSEP? Wouldn't it possibly be better? Just curious.

I figure all those people that would have been occupied during the parade will now be meandering around, riding rides, or staking a spot for wishes even earlier now...

do you think less people will stay for nighttime at MK without the parade??

 

[Meeko5]

Have you considered the fireworks dessert parties? They are a bit less than the full party.

Priority seating - Admission is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9) plus tax and gratuity. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/


Plaza Garden Viewing - Admission is $59 per adult and $35 per child (ages 3 to 9) plus tax and gratuity. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...d-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/

I hadn't really considered that, but it might be a good use of some extra funds to enjoy the show without the crazy crowds! Gah now I need to add that to the list of things to think about...

 

[Iowamomof4]

I figure all those people that would have been occupied during the parade will now be meandering around, riding rides, or staking a spot for wishes even earlier now...

do you think less people will stay for nighttime at MK without the parade??

I'm thinking about several comments I've seen across the boards about kids who don't like the "big booms" and so their families just skip the fireworks. Those families might have stuck around for a really neat parade, but now what is stopping them from just leaving when that evening meltdown commences??

 

[Meeko5]

I'm thinking about several comments I've seen across the boards about kids who don't like the "big booms" and so their families just skip the fireworks. Those families might have stuck around for a really neat parade, but now what is stopping them from just leaving when that evening meltdown commences??

Oooh lets hope so

If we were character and parade people I would totally see the value in the parties, but my kids didn't care for either of those last trip so I just can't justify party tickets sadly. and maybe if both kids were older too.

so many variables, I'm really starting to feel the crunch with FPP coming up so quickly. DH finally gave me a little input, but now wants to try to squeeze in illuminations too. Bless his firework loving heart haha.

 

[Iowamomof4]

Oooh lets hope so

If we were character and parade people I would totally see the value in the parties, but my kids didn't care for either of those last trip so I just can't justify party tickets sadly. and maybe if both kids were older too.

so many variables, I'm really starting to feel the crunch with FPP coming up so quickly. DH finally gave me a little input, but now wants to try to squeeze in illuminations too. Bless his firework loving heart haha.

Well, I'm sure it will still be very crowded, I just also think there will be people who don't stay because there is no parade to keep them there. Wishes is popular though, no doubt about that. I think the dessert party is a fantastic idea if you can swing it!

 

[Meeko5]

has anyone here eaten at Garden Grill? now that I'm looking to change some evenings around and book earlier meals I was thinking of Garden Grill late lunch...bonus that DS2.5 eats for free, and another character meal. menu sounds decent. Wondering how well the food actually translates haha. Also 2:30 pm is the time I grabbed...wondering if that will affect anything as far as characters?

 

[Iowamomof4]

has anyone here eaten at Garden Grill? now that I'm looking to change some evenings around and book earlier meals I was thinking of Garden Grill late lunch...bonus that DS2.5 eats for free, and another character meal. menu sounds decent. Wondering how well the food actually translates haha. Also 2:30 pm is the time I grabbed...wondering if that will affect anything as far as characters?

I haven't eaten there but it sure gets good reviews overall. I know it's one of my TA's favorites.

 

[heath92681]

has anyone here eaten at Garden Grill? now that I'm looking to change some evenings around and book earlier meals I was thinking of Garden Grill late lunch...bonus that DS2.5 eats for free, and another character meal. menu sounds decent. Wondering how well the food actually translates haha. Also 2:30 pm is the time I grabbed...wondering if that will affect anything as far as characters?

We are planning to eat there this year. I've heard nothing but good things!