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

[Charlefours]

Sorry Katie I missed the start of your new PTR--life has been busy! I would LOVE to stay at WL, especially over the holidays. I think when we go, I am going to look at a bounceback trip for May after my graduation. I hope we can do a cruise and resort stay at WL combo trip. :

 

[BippityBoo]

Ok…so a few things I need to say before I get started on this post:

1) You will notice that in my pictures, our faces are covered with decorative star stickers. My DH and I decided that it would be best not to show our faces on an online forum. Nothing personal, we are just extra protective Thanks for your understanding!

2) I want to hear from YOU! My last Disney trip went sooo smoothly based off of the amazing advice from all of my DIS friends. In order to help those planning trips of their own, I am going to pose a question at the end of every post and you can help answer it by posting about your experiences. I am sure this will help so many of us plan a “practically perfect” trip! Also, for those of us not planning at the moment, wonderful tips to store away for future I hope that you chose to participate and join in the fun!

Now…on with the PTR!! I am so excited about this trip!

How did this trip come to be?

Well, the answer is simple. Disney gave us the biggest Christmas tease of all! When we arrived to WDW in January, the Magic Kingdom was our first stop. When we arrived, the Christmas tree was STILL up, despite hearing otherwise. When we made it to Epcot, they still had their tree up as well. We got the cute Christmas cups at all of the Counter Services and holiday music was playing at some of the parks.

Great, right? Well…not really. Even though it was amazing to see the decorations at the MK and Epcot, the fun celebrations like MVMCP, Osborne, etc. were not operating anymore. To top it all off, they decided to pull down Cinderella Castle’s icicle lights the night that we got there and replaced them with a crane repairing the castle's faults and the mote was drained of it’s water for painting. That is when we decided that we were going back in December! That small little glance into a WDW holiday did us in! Also, the WL was just magical and cozy, we knew it would be perfect during the holidays.

GIVE A DAY:​

Back in March, I read on a blog that the Give a Day program was about to reach it’s max of 1 Million volunteers! I hurried to the volunteer website and signed my family up for our service day and prayed that I would get through. Later that night, the entire program closed and I had a reservation to help at a local fundraiser! I was so happy that we got in!

Our GAD volunteer opportunity was a fundraiser walk for Tuberous Sclerosis. I had never even heard of this disease before. I really do not want to try to explain what it is medically from fear of giving wrong information. I do know that those affected, especially children, develop tumors both inside and out of their bodies that can affect organs and their skin. It can also cause seizures as well.

When we arrived to the walk, we were told that we would be working the kid’s booth with bubbles and toys. How perfect! My daughter, Abby, was with us. She is 7 and so she really enjoyed playing with all of the kids and helping to pass out goodie bags.

Here is the back of our shirts. Cute!

It was held in a beautiful local park---complete with a carousel!

There was one other Give-A-Day family there helping. They were going to WDW in June, so we chatted about fun rides and places to eat. Here is one of their children giving a temporary tattoo.

A family with a child that is affected by the disease.

This is my favorite picture of the day. They only had adult sized t-shirts left so Abby’s was a little big. That did not stop her from helping!

At the end of the walk, I was so surprised that they raised well over $12,000!! I felt so proud to be a part of the entire day. What a WONDERFUL idea that Disney had starting this program. I am so appreciative of my healthy family and the fact that we were able to give of ourselves to help those in need. Thanks Disney!

Cont on next post...

 

[BippityBoo]

For our work, we decided that we are going to use our vouchers to get the “Dream GAD Fastpasses”! Each person who volunteered gets 6 fastpasses a piece!! That way, the majority of our GG guests will be able to take advantage of our hard work and service. You can also choose to have a free park day or to donate your ticket price to a charity.

If you chose the fastpass option, you can use the fastpasses by inserting a card in the regular fastpass machines and then you are magically given a fastpass for that very time and day!!! No window for return…how awesome is that

There are some restrictions. You are given “Donald” and “Daisy” rides that you can use your GAD fastpasses on. Here is the line up---pretty amazing if you ask me!

Magic Kingdom
 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
 Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
 Jungle Cruise
 Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
 Peter Pan's Flight
 Space Mountain
 Splash Mountain
 Stitch's Great Escape!

Epcot
 Living with the Land *
 Maelstrom
 Mission: SPACE
 Soarin'
 Test Track

Disney's Hollywood Studios
 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! *
 Rock N Roller Coaster
 Star Tours
 Toy Story Mania
 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
 Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Animal Kingdom
 Dinosaur
 Expedition Everest
 It's Tough to Be a Bug *
 Kali River Rapids
 Kilimanjaro Safaris
 Primeval Whirl *

**Thanks to Kayce (kayceandbella) for the info**

I am thankful for the fastpasses and I hope this means that we can sleep in a bit during our vacation instead of running for fastpasses!

On one last note, I checked the touringplans website yesterday thanks to my friend (onelilspark) and they are rating the crowd levels based on a score of 1-10. I was SO happy when our lowest rating was a “1” and our highest rating was a “4” during our stay!! Here is a guideline for what that means…

4 "Must be the warm weather keeping everyone back at the pool"

3 "Didn't really need the touring plan, we ended up riding some things twice with no wait"

2 "Wow, its like we have the park to ourselves"

1 "Is the park even open? Mickey, are you there?"

GREAT!! Low crowds hopefully!

Thanks for hanging in during this LONG post. Remember, I am going to ask a question and I would love to hear from you all!

WDW QUESTION OF THE DAY:​

“Give-A-Day Program: Did you participate?”​

If so, let me know about your experience and what you are going to do/have done with the vouchers?

If you did not, how would you vote if you did have a voucher: Free tickets, GAD fastpasses or charity donation?

 

[BippityBoo]

We will be at WL Decemnber 4 - 10. We made our first trip in December 2008 and loved all of the decorations (and low crowds). I can't wait to go back. We are trying to decide on ADR's right now. I know Flying Fish will be on that list.

Ohhh Flying Fish sounds awesome!! We are just missing you by one day!! That is ok, we can still plan together Thanks for joining in!! I will need to ask you lots of WL Christmas advice since you have been there before! Do you have a TR for it?

Sorry Katie I missed the start of your new PTR--life has been busy! I would LOVE to stay at WL, especially over the holidays. I think when we go, I am going to look at a bounceback trip for May after my graduation. I hope we can do a cruise and resort stay at WL combo trip. :

YAY!! Just happy you made it I know, I have been super busy too!!! We were hoping to do a cruise/resort combo after MY May graduation. What year and when??

 

[dismagiclover]

It looks like your GAD experience was just fabulous! And from the reports it sounds like those GAD fastpasses work out great! I'm a bit torn because we are using our vouchers toward our APs, but boy it would be nice to have those fastpasses!

 

[hlrababy]

Hey Katie!!!

I am here finally, but geez...page 5 already!! haha

Going to catch up!

 

[BippityBoo]

It looks like your GAD experience was just fabulous! And from the reports it sounds like those GAD fastpasses work out great! I'm a bit torn because we are using our vouchers toward our APs, but boy it would be nice to have those fastpasses!

It was!! I am so happy you are saying that things are going well with the fastpasses. To be honest, we were thinking of using it for tickets at first when we booked. BUT my friend was telling me how she rode 3 major attractions in 1 hour and that sold me on the fastpass!! My in-laws sleep later, so we would be able to eat lunch at WL then get on the bus and get to the parks at noon without worrying about being too late for FPs!

Hey Katie!!!

I am here finally, but geez...page 5 already!! haha

Going to catch up!

HAHA!! Well, I only wrote and intro. Hope to get update links up soon Happy to have Heather here!!

 

[2kids2luv]

Joining in! WL at Christmas looks amazing, plus a grand gathering, what fun. We'll be having our first Christmas visit too the week after Thanksgiving. Looking forward to all the tips here.

Your GAD experience looks like a great experience.

 

[klacey1]

That was wonderful of your family to volunteer! Love the picture of Abby in her t-shirt/dress!!
I actually did not have a positive GAD experience! I signed up with one organization on the Disney website-- never got back to me. 2 weeks later, I decided to try a different one. This one was actually dear and dear to me because it's was the preschool I went to-- it was a public preK and also a type of orphanage (there were dorm facilities for orphans and those who were of age also attended the preK with the other kids). It's the setting of a major part of the book (so sad) "They Cage the Animals at Night." I don't really remember going here, but my mom says she remembers dropping me off and seeing the difference between the "priviledged" kids and the others-- she said it was heartbreaking. So anyway, the GAD was to volunteer for a day here. I submitted my form and got an email back for a woman, who sent me a form to fill out. She asked if I could possibly see this as a long term, once a month thing, and I said sure and sent back the form. Never heard from her again. I was really bummed out that I couldn't help out there!! I was so upset when the promotion ended!
Those Fastpasses will be so fun to use!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I agree that WDW at Christmastime is extra magical -- we went in 2004, and it was just so neat!

Yeay for such a successful GAD experience -- we weren't able to do it -- it was all filled before I could even blink an eye, but those Fast Passes are going to be awesome for you!

 

[taymacsmom]

We didn't take advantage of the GAD promotion as we are not going again until 2011 but my family and I do try to give back to the community at least once a year. Great way to show the kids how lucky they truly are! I have read here on the DIS about the Linus Project which I had never heard of before. I am definitely going to look in to doing that as my daughters and I have made many of those blankets in the past for family and friends. Looking forward to more questions and answers. How fun!!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Katie,
Happy to see you started a new PTR . I see this time you booked Woods view which is what we usually book at WL too. Christmas time in Disney is amazing! I'm sure your grand gathering trip will be really nice. Did you book any of the Grand gathering events? Also thanks for sharing your GAD pics with us. I'm happy you had a good experience and were to get in on it before it ended. I'm sure the FP will come in handy .

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Katie! I decided to jump over and take a look at what you have planned for Christmas! What a magical place to be for the holidays!

My husband and I participated in the GAD program for our "just us" get-away trip early this month. We made blankets for Project Linus and really enjoyed the experience. With Jeff's long hours and our busy schedules, I wanted to do a project that we could work on together and the blankets were perfect. We took a Sunday afternoon and made our blankets together. And yes...Jeff did his all on his own! It was nice to do something like that and be able to share it. With our vouchers, we were able to make a one day visit to the Magic Kingdom at the end of our get-away trip! What a way to end a great vacation!

 

[onelilspark]

It sounds like the GAD Fastpasses are just like the birthday fastpasses from last year. We got the FPs for my birthday, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask! It's pretty simple though, insert card, receive FP, get in line!

I didn't participate in GAD. The ones around here just didn't speak to me. I do a lot through my church, so I figured I'd focus on things through them instead of doing something just to get a ticket. I wish we had something like the fundraiser I could have chosen to do. Or I've seen the blanket program, that would have been something I would have done.

 

[Disneychix]

Hello!! I'm here

What an amazing GAD event you all did! Great job! Seeing your DD helping out is amazing.

We did blankets through Project Linus. We made 4 (not each) and sent them to FL. The local GAD offerings were all during the work week when I was looking on the site. There was one for handing out beads at a mardi gras event but drunk people, in the cold (we are in Buffalo), on a Tues night did not sound like fun!

I love when you said you'll get spoiled by going at Chirstmastime and it's too true! I fell in love with the decorations and atmosphere!!

 

[disney<333]

I had wanted to do GAD but the options in my area for my family were all booked up really fast. I guess because we're so close! You're going to love seeing Disney for Christmas! How did you get your crowd levels for December so soon?
With such low crowd levels, I really don't think you'll need the GAD FP! Maybe you could use it on your tickets? That's a lot of savings. Maybe on your first day you can just see how the crowds are and determine there how you would like to use it. Like I said, if the crowds are low then there really is not a need for it.

 

[lledman]

WELCOME! Ok, I am going to need your advice about traveling with large groups!! Our plan is to have lots of time apart and together, keeping that balance.

Sounds like you are prepared already

We've traveled in groups 2 times to Disney and do a lot of camping with friends - usually about 5+ families. And separation is the key - we like spending time with our family and friends but it's nice to sometimes do your own thing too.

 

[jenny105]

I'm here!! I am SO jealous you're going to be staying at WL during Christmas time. I fell in love with the place last year and can only imagine how it is during Christmas. Probably 1000x more beautiful! I need to visit during my October trip. It's my favorite!!!

I enjoyed reading about your GAD. Woohoo for the dream FPs!

 

[BippityBoo]

Joining in! WL at Christmas looks amazing, plus a grand gathering, what fun. We'll be having our first Christmas visit too the week after Thanksgiving. Looking forward to all the tips here.

Your GAD experience looks like a great experience.

Yay! Thanks for joining me! I have heard that the week after Thanksgiving is a GREAT time to go! We will be there next year at that time (hopefully). I can not wait to hear how you like it!

That was wonderful of your family to volunteer! Love the picture of Abby in her t-shirt/dress!!
I actually did not have a positive GAD experience! I signed up with one organization on the Disney website-- never got back to me. 2 weeks later, I decided to try a different one. This one was actually dear and dear to me because it's was the preschool I went to-- it was a public preK and also a type of orphanage (there were dorm facilities for orphans and those who were of age also attended the preK with the other kids). It's the setting of a major part of the book (so sad) "They Cage the Animals at Night." I don't really remember going here, but my mom says she remembers dropping me off and seeing the difference between the "priviledged" kids and the others-- she said it was heartbreaking. So anyway, the GAD was to volunteer for a day here. I submitted my form and got an email back for a woman, who sent me a form to fill out. She asked if I could possibly see this as a long term, once a month thing, and I said sure and sent back the form. Never heard from her again. I was really bummed out that I couldn't help out there!! I was so upset when the promotion ended!
Those Fastpasses will be so fun to use!!

Her tshirt was funny! I am so sad to hear about those children. It is always heartbreaking to think that children suffer like that. I am also so sorry that they were not able to give you a volunteer opportunity! I know that it would have been a very touching one for you. The GAD program filled up much quicker than I was thinking! I also found out yesterday that the vouchers end on December 15th---our last park day---phew!

I agree that WDW at Christmastime is extra magical -- we went in 2004, and it was just so neat!

Yeay for such a successful GAD experience -- we weren't able to do it -- it was all filled before I could even blink an eye, but those Fast Passes are going to be awesome for you!

Ohh I will have to ask you some Christmastime advice! It filled up SO quickly!! I did not want to pick the day for our experience because it was during my daughter's birthday weekend, but I did not want to miss out. I am so happy we got an opportunity. Looking forward to using our fastpasses!!

We didn't take advantage of the GAD promotion as we are not going again until 2011 but my family and I do try to give back to the community at least once a year. Great way to show the kids how lucky they truly are! I have read here on the DIS about the Linus Project which I had never heard of before. I am definitely going to look in to doing that as my daughters and I have made many of those blankets in the past for family and friends. Looking forward to more questions and answers. How fun!!!

I found out about the Linus project after we signed up for the fundraiser. I think it would be such a great thing to do with your family and you could make it fun as well!! Maybe a Disney movie night/blanket making family night! I am happy that you are excited about the question and answer. I thought it would be a fun way to get advice from others!

Hi Katie,
Happy to see you started a new PTR . I see this time you booked Woods view which is what we usually book at WL too. Christmas time in Disney is amazing! I'm sure your grand gathering trip will be really nice. Did you book any of the Grand gathering events? Also thanks for sharing your GAD pics with us. I'm happy you had a good experience and were to get in on it before it ended. I'm sure the FP will come in handy .

YAY!! So happy that you are here! We did book Woods---Standard was not available and Angela said she thought it might have not been included with my 40% off Pin Code. I am looking into the GG events today. Any info on them that you have?? We did have a great experience with GG! Sooo excited to use our fastpasses!

Hi Katie! I decided to jump over and take a look at what you have planned for Christmas! What a magical place to be for the holidays!

My husband and I participated in the GAD program for our "just us" get-away trip early this month. We made blankets for Project Linus and really enjoyed the experience. With Jeff's long hours and our busy schedules, I wanted to do a project that we could work on together and the blankets were perfect. We took a Sunday afternoon and made our blankets together. And yes...Jeff did his all on his own! It was nice to do something like that and be able to share it. With our vouchers, we were able to make a one day visit to the Magic Kingdom at the end of our get-away trip! What a way to end a great vacation!

Happy to have you here!! I found out about the Linus project after signing up for ours. What a great way to get involved!! SO impressed that Jeff did his own! hehe. We were thinking of using my husband and I's vouchers for tickets and my daugther's for the fastpasses. But, after we had so many of our family join us, we thought it would be nice to spoil them with the fastpasses. I am so glad you will get a magical day at the MK!!

It sounds like the GAD Fastpasses are just like the birthday fastpasses from last year. We got the FPs for my birthday, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask! It's pretty simple though, insert card, receive FP, get in line!

I didn't participate in GAD. The ones around here just didn't speak to me. I do a lot through my church, so I figured I'd focus on things through them instead of doing something just to get a ticket. I wish we had something like the fundraiser I could have chosen to do. Or I've seen the blanket program, that would have been something I would have done.

Will do! I think they are pretty much identical to the bday fastpasses. I know what you mean, sounds like you do lots of service otherwise! The blanket program seems to be the most popular! I just love the concept behind it!

Hello!! I'm here

What an amazing GAD event you all did! Great job! Seeing your DD helping out is amazing.

We did blankets through Project Linus. We made 4 (not each) and sent them to FL. The local GAD offerings were all during the work week when I was looking on the site. There was one for handing out beads at a mardi gras event but drunk people, in the cold (we are in Buffalo), on a Tues night did not sound like fun!

I love when you said you'll get spoiled by going at Chirstmastime and it's too true! I fell in love with the decorations and atmosphere!!

Wow! Another vote for the Linus project! They must be thrilled!

HAHA I am laughing so hard about the Mardi Gras event. I totally agree with you!! We live in Louisiana, and the other GAD family told me that they also volunteered for a Mardi Gras parade pick up. They had to pick up Mardi Gras beads with the prisoners on the side of the road after the parade---wearing the orange prison vests and all!! How crazy!

I don't know how we will restrain from going during Christmas next year!! We are looking into Thanksgiving..ever been then??

 

[BippityBoo]

I had wanted to do GAD but the options in my area for my family were all booked up really fast. I guess because we're so close! You're going to love seeing Disney for Christmas! How did you get your crowd levels for December so soon?
With such low crowd levels, I really don't think you'll need the GAD FP! Maybe you could use it on your tickets? That's a lot of savings. Maybe on your first day you can just see how the crowds are and determine there how you would like to use it. Like I said, if the crowds are low then there really is not a need for it.

I think that you being close probably did not help! I was so surprised as to how fast GAD caught on!

I got the crowd levels from going to touringplans.com and subscribing. Then, you can see the crowd levels up to December!! You get a 50% off discount if you have one of their planning books.

You know, I hope you are right. We are going to play it by ear and wait until we get there. Some of the crowd level predictions have been wrong lately!

Sounds like you are prepared already

We've traveled in groups 2 times to Disney and do a lot of camping with friends - usually about 5+ families. And separation is the key - we like spending time with our family and friends but it's nice to sometimes do your own thing too.

HAHA Wellll...I hope I am prepared! WoW! 5+ families--that's awesome! I agree, it is really fun to be together, but everyone needs a time out every now and then! haha

I'm here!! I am SO jealous you're going to be staying at WL during Christmas time. I fell in love with the place last year and can only imagine how it is during Christmas. Probably 1000x more beautiful! I need to visit during my October trip. It's my favorite!!!

I enjoyed reading about your GAD. Woohoo for the dream FPs!

YAY!! So happy you are here!! Doesn't the WL just scream Christmas?! I agree--I can not imagine how beautiful it will be! Really, really excited about the fastpasses! I hope that it all works out smoothly!