We're Dreaming of a WL Christmas! DEC 2010 INTERACTIVE PTR NEW: 12/9 BYE-BYE!

[BippityBoo]

I guess I figured that this Grand Gathering vacation would be difficult to plan when I started. It is hard to organize 8 people. I just did not anticipate this…

Friday night:

Sister-in-law: “I wanted to ask you if it would be ok for my father and mother–in-law to join us when we are in Epcot?” **They live in the Orlando area**

ME: “We are doing the CP Package that day, would they want to eat dinner and see the show with us?”

SIL: “Umm well, I am not really sure. They are kind of flaky, so they might not even come at all. We won’t really know until we get there.”



Sunday night:

DH: “Now that Grandma Wanda might be coming with us to Disney, I guess we should try to book her a room.”

ME: “Wait, what? I just thought I heard you say that your Grandmother is joining us in Disney World. I would love for her to come, but when did you find this out?”

DH: “OH, my Dad mentioned it two weeks ago. I guess I forgot to tell you.”

DOUBLE

This is what my weekend has consisted of. I had really been putting lots of effort into planning because I start school on Wednesday and I wanted all of my ducks in a row before I did. Of course, these conversations brought me right back to the drawing board.

PROBLEM 1:

Adding two people that are not staying with us to our Candlelight Processional dinner…with the very real possibility that they may just not show up at all.

Still trying to decide what to do about this one. I may just add them to my ADR when my travel agent makes it on the 26th and cross my fingers. If they don’t show up…well, that is out of my control. Does anyone know if they have to buy the CP package dinner if we are all doing it? Can they just pay OOP for an appetizer and entree and skip the Candlelight Processional? They might want to head home at that point.

PROBLEM 2:

We love having my husband’s grandmother around. She is so sweet and very active for her age. However, she IS 82 and we would have to rent her a wheelchair and maneuver it through the world. Not a big deal, but a definite plan changer and something that would slow us down considerably. Also, on top of that, my MIL tends to worry about her and becomes irritable and, in return, my FIL gets moody. Not a good thing.

I was also worried about our ADRs. I called WDW DINE to see if we could add her to any of our ressies. Let me tell you---NONE were available! ALL of my ADRs would have to be changed.

So, after the bomb was dropped on me lastnight, I asked my DH to call his parents to see if Grandmother would be joining us for sure. I wanted to hold a room for her before all of the discounts opened up and there were no more at the WL. Turns out that they made other arrangements for family members to be able to check on her and to be on call when we are gone. I am a little sad because I know she would love WDW at Christmastime. However, I do think it is the best decision for our family and for her.


PHEW! Disney catastrophe avoided!

I am working on my Day 2 installment. Should be up very soon. Stay tuned for a shocking change to our Epcot day

 

[onelilspark]

If anyone else decides to join last minute, you can walk up to restaurants and add them if you can't change the ADR. I'd just be sure to show up a little earlier than you usually would and let them know you're prepared to wait.

 

[exwdwcm]

ouch- so sorry about the changes.........

good question on the CP package..........not sure if they can be added to the ressie or not or if you might need to do a separate ressie for them and ask that you be seated near each other or something?

on grandma---very sweet! but yes, sounds like could cause some slow downs and issues. You know, i also checked on changing our ADR to accomodate more people and had ZERO luck. i was trying to book all new ADRs for a larger party or simply doing a separate one for two more people and had no luck, everything was booked up and the few times i got available would not work for us.

our group has changed a few times too- so i know the feeling! very frusrtrating! all my ADRs are made for 5 and of now, only 4 of us are going now. i will just be keeping my ADRs as is though, i wouldn't get what i wanted if i cancelled and tried to rebook for less. they usually will accomodate us just fine since we will have fewer than our ADR, but having more is a problem sometimes.

 

[moparop]

I may be mean, but here's what I would do with SIL.

I would say, "I am going to make plans for everyone else to do CP package and whatnot, but I'll leave you guys out. It's 2 TS credits and if your parents (ILs) arrive you can do dining on your own. Since they are only coming for one day, I don't want you to feel tied down to the plans the rest of us have."

 

[wdwgirl03]

Getting caught up since we just got back...also added you on twitter! I don't tweet much but agree it's fun to follow other DISers.

 

[BippityBoo]

If anyone else decides to join last minute, you can walk up to restaurants and add them if you can't change the ADR. I'd just be sure to show up a little earlier than you usually would and let them know you're prepared to wait.

GREAT to know!! I did not think it would be such a problem, especially b/c one of the people on the ADRs is my 2 1/2 year old son (who ends up on my lap or in a high chair). I will have to keep that in mind when my DH's grandmother decides she wants to come again-HA!

ouch- so sorry about the changes.........

good question on the CP package..........not sure if they can be added to the ressie or not or if you might need to do a separate ressie for them and ask that you be seated near each other or something?

on grandma---very sweet! but yes, sounds like could cause some slow downs and issues. You know, i also checked on changing our ADR to accomodate more people and had ZERO luck. i was trying to book all new ADRs for a larger party or simply doing a separate one for two more people and had no luck, everything was booked up and the few times i got available would not work for us.

our group has changed a few times too- so i know the feeling! very frusrtrating! all my ADRs are made for 5 and of now, only 4 of us are going now. i will just be keeping my ADRs as is though, i wouldn't get what i wanted if i cancelled and tried to rebook for less. they usually will accomodate us just fine since we will have fewer than our ADR, but having more is a problem sometimes.

I thought of you RIGHT AWAY when this was happening. What is it with non Disney people? They don't get how hard it is to get ADRs and rooms for a good rate.

I also had no luck with ADRs at all. My TA told me if a few ppl dont show for an ADR, then it is no biggie. So, I think you are fine going from 5 to 4. I would not try to change it at all b/c (as you know) you will lose all of your awesome ADRs!

I may be mean, but here's what I would do with SIL.

I would say, "I am going to make plans for everyone else to do CP package and whatnot, but I'll leave you guys out. It's 2 TS credits and if your parents (ILs) arrive you can do dining on your own. Since they are only coming for one day, I don't want you to feel tied down to the plans the rest of us have."

HAHA no, you are not mean. In fact, I did say just that (pretty much those exact words) and she said "No! I want to do everything that you guys do and I want to see the CP" So, I am stuck! She just got married and does not really like the new in-laws. Not that it is my problem, just puts a little cloud on our Epcot day. I am going to call her tonight---more on that in my next post!

Getting caught up since we just got back...also added you on twitter! I don't tweet much but agree it's fun to follow other DISers.

GREAT! So happy that you added me! It is fun to post all of my Disney random thoughts there, rather than bore my DH

 

[eecteacher82]

Ahhh!!!! (I couldn't find a screaming smiley). People really just don't get it at all! It's one thing if you have a definite answer, but the wishy washy stuff You can't leave us hanging that along about the Epcot changes....update please!

 

[DrMomof3]

SO frustrating! I feel your pain. I may have to change ALL of our plans for the January trip because of the way the discounts are working....

Amanda

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

It is SO frustrating trying to plan when the other people in your group don't "get" it. I hope you don't end up having to make too many changes.

 

[jenny105]

I feel your pain It was a pain trying to plan this for 5 people, I can't imagine 8 or possibly more!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I think I'm all caught up now! As for the first day question - I actually prefer not to go to a park on the first day. After traveling I like to have a relaxing afternoon/evening to prepare for the first big park day. My favorite thing is to go to DTD with no real plans (aka ADR ) and just browse around in the shops and soak in that first bit of Disney magic. However, this plan only works if arriving in the afternoon. I would say if I arrive before lunch I would feel like I was wasting a day without going to a park, you know?

I don't have a Twitter, so I can't officially "follow" you, but I'll be following anyway! What a great idea!

And as for your GG issues - The OCD planner in me would have been freaking out! It sounded like you handled it perfectly, though. I would be all for more family members enjoying Disney, but if I thought I would have to rearrange all of my ADR's... I'm glad you didn't have to end up doing any major overhauls!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, don't you hate it when potential wrenches get thrown into your plans???

is right!

 

[disney<333]

Yikes! I would of not have been able to sleep at all!
Glad it all worked out!!

 

[laashley]

Oh, man. Some people just don't get all that it takes to plan a disney vacation. I hope it all works out. When we went in january '09 I thought I was going to have a hard time because it was us four, then my parents, and dh's parents. I was surprised at how great of a vacation it was. So, I am sending some pixie dust your way

 

[klacey1]

So glad everything worked out with DH's grandmother, Katie. As much as you love certain people, when they kind of "tag" onto your vacation, it's not always the best for your family.
Hmm, don't really know what advice to offer about your SIL's inlaws. That's tough-- I wouldn't change any of MY plans, though. I'd give your SIL a deadline-- say "I need to know if they're going our CP reservation by September 1st. If they can't commit by then, I can't add them to the package." A little harsh, maybe, but it's so frustrating when people don't get that they really are making problems for you!

 

[PopArtGal]

About problem 1, I would consider making them their own ADR so it doesn't fall on you.

 

[Coach81]

Awesome.. enjoy VWL at Christmas!!!

 

[BippityBoo]

Hi Everyone!! Well, today is my last day of summer I go back to school full force tomorrow and also have an open house at my daughter's new school. For those of you who may not know, I am getting my certification to teach high school English. I will be done in May 2011 and have a little "Happy Graduation To Me" trip up my sleeve now that the new deals were released.

My goal was to get my entire trip planned by today but with all of the "changes" coming from my DH's side of the family, I am sure I will be altering during the next 3 months. I have a great base schedule and ADRs set so, it should not be too hard to change things around.

I have a question today for everyone:

WDW QUESTION OF THE DAY:​

“When is too early/late to celebrate in WDW?”​

My son's 3rd birthday is November 26th. Unfortunately, it almost always gets stuck on or right around Thanksgiving day and takes away from the special time he deserves. I wanted to celebrate his birthday one day during our trip (which is Dec 11-16). Is 2 1/2 weeks AFTER his real bday too late to celebrate in WDW?

Also, my SIL and BIL were married last January 2nd. Is it too early to celebrate their anniversary? I thought it would be special to celebrate the night we do the Candlelight Processional package and now that *ahem* her new father and mother-in-law are coming along that night

Let me know your thoughts! I have never "celebrated" an event at WDW and would love your input!

 

[BippityBoo]

Ahhh!!!! (I couldn't find a screaming smiley). People really just don't get it at all! It's one thing if you have a definite answer, but the wishy washy stuff You can't leave us hanging that along about the Epcot changes....update please!

Yea, I could not find a screaming one either! haha I don't think so, either. The funniest things is that they would all be the first to complain when we got there and tried to eat somewhere with no ressie and they would have no room. Last trip with them, I made all ADRs and scheduled a Fantasmic package at the Brown Derby that they did not go to and then later in the night, they wanted to walk into 50's Prime Time (of course, no tables!). UGH. I hope that does not happen this time! I hope to update on EPCOT tonight...no I WILL update tonight! hehe

SO frustrating! I feel your pain. I may have to change ALL of our plans for the January trip because of the way the discounts are working....

Amanda

I know! It is great to save money, but the changes are SO hard to make this late in the game! Good luck to you!

It is SO frustrating trying to plan when the other people in your group don't "get" it. I hope you don't end up having to make too many changes.

Thank you! I am really trying to hang up my perfectionist hat on this trip and just relax and enjoy the little things.

I feel your pain It was a pain trying to plan this for 5 people, I can't imagine 8 or possibly more!

I know! UGH. THe hardest part is trying to make sure both kids and adults see what they want to see.

I think I'm all caught up now! As for the first day question - I actually prefer not to go to a park on the first day. After traveling I like to have a relaxing afternoon/evening to prepare for the first big park day. My favorite thing is to go to DTD with no real plans (aka ADR ) and just browse around in the shops and soak in that first bit of Disney magic. However, this plan only works if arriving in the afternoon. I would say if I arrive before lunch I would feel like I was wasting a day without going to a park, you know?

I don't have a Twitter, so I can't officially "follow" you, but I'll be following anyway! What a great idea!

And as for your GG issues - The OCD planner in me would have been freaking out! It sounded like you handled it perfectly, though. I would be all for more family members enjoying Disney, but if I thought I would have to rearrange all of my ADR's... I'm glad you didn't have to end up doing any major overhauls!

I am SO happy you are back! I agree with your first day requirements. It is just so much nicer to start your first full day at the parks rested.

Thanks for "following" me! YOu should join twitter! I am shocked at how great it is to twitter random Disney thoughts! ha

I am really trying to RELAX on the planning this trip. It will be SO hard!

Oh, don't you hate it when potential wrenches get thrown into your plans???

is right!

The worst!! UGH.

Yikes! I would of not have been able to sleep at all!
Glad it all worked out!!

Yea, I really did not sleep. But, I think it will all be ok if I just relax a bit. Thanks for commenting!

Oh, man. Some people just don't get all that it takes to plan a disney vacation. I hope it all works out. When we went in january '09 I thought I was going to have a hard time because it was us four, then my parents, and dh's parents. I was surprised at how great of a vacation it was. So, I am sending some pixie dust your way

I am SO happy to hear a success story! I hope my vacation was as magical as yours was!

So glad everything worked out with DH's grandmother, Katie. As much as you love certain people, when they kind of "tag" onto your vacation, it's not always the best for your family.
Hmm, don't really know what advice to offer about your SIL's inlaws. That's tough-- I wouldn't change any of MY plans, though. I'd give your SIL a deadline-- say "I need to know if they're going our CP reservation by September 1st. If they can't commit by then, I can't add them to the package." A little harsh, maybe, but it's so frustrating when people don't get that they really are making problems for you!

I agree. I am going to call her tonight and give her the deadline of August 25th b/c we book the package on the 26th. Wish me luck!! I don't think it is harsh, just stern maybe? Read my new update...I am going to celebrate their anniversary that night to help ease the problems with her new FIL.

About problem 1, I would consider making them their own ADR so it doesn't fall on you.

I have not thought of that! It might not be a bad idea at all b/c they can't sit us all at a table anyway. I think that is what I am going to do!

Awesome.. enjoy VWL at Christmas!!!

Thank you! We love the WL! Where in Louisiana do you live?

 

[Dancegrl624]

That is so wonderful that you're getting certified to teach HS! Way to go! A graduation trip is definately going to be needed.

It's never too late or too early to celebrate anything at WDW! Our Sept trip is for Madison's birthday, but her actual birthday isn't until 10/15. We're also celebrating our 10 year anniversary...not wedding anniversary...the anniversary of how long we've been together. The actual date is 9/9/00 and we're going to WDW on the 22nd.

So, let everyone get their birthday/anniversary buttons and let the magic begin! They will give anyone a button that asks for one. We even have a bunch that just say "I'm Celebrating". A CM gave one to Madison last June (I guess because she's just so gosh darn cute). Whenever other CM's would ask her what she was celebrating, she would say "the end of 1st grade" (we left for my birthday trip the day after school ended).