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

[aharbin88]

REALLY?! Had no idea you were going in December!! We are there from 11-16. Where are you staying?! Thanks for joining in

We will be there the 3rd through the 12th. We bought DVC last year dance3 so we'll be coming HOME for the first time! We are staying at our home resort (SSR), but we're waitlisting AKL.

 

[Nichellebelle]

Katie! I'm here How cute is Abby in her big shirt? That girl is seriously adorable. Wasn't DGADGAD so much fun? I hope they do something like that next year!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Erika--How did you enjoy WDW at Thanksgiving? I am really concerned about the crowds, but my son's birthday always falls around that time. We would love to take him to celebrate!! I would love any info from you as to what you liked and disliked about it Where did you eat on Thanksgiving day? TIA!

We loved WDW at Thanksgiving. It was very manageable and did not feel crowded at all. With that said, I have followed TGM every trip and he has yet to fail me. I am currently doing a recap of that trip on my Pre-Trip if you would like to check it out. I have a few days left to post. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Boma. We wanted to try something new since we had Liberty Tree Tavern the day before.

It looks like you had a nice event for the GAD program. That is great that the whole family could participate. It closed before I got around to choosing what we were going to do so I missed out. I hope they will do it again next year. It was such a meaningful program.

I look forward to hearing more of your plans.

Erika

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

We loved WDW at Thanksgiving. It was very manageable and did not feel crowded at all. With that said, I have followed TGM every trip and he has yet to fail me. I am currently doing a recap of that trip on my Pre-Trip if you would like to check it out. I have a few days left to post. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Boma. We wanted to try something new since we had Liberty Tree Tavern the day before.

I always wondered about this time of year! I'm attempting to plan a trip for next year (fall/winter 2011, so far away!!). Since DH and I are both teachers we're pretty much stuck with school holidays like everyone else. So the best thing that comes to mind would be the week of Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas. I wonder which would be the lesser of two evils???
And what were the decorations like? That's the main reason I'm leaning towards the holidays (that and Katie's TR is probably really going to push me, LOL!). I want to see the lights and hear the holiday music so bad! But the fall-look seems appealing too...

 

[mom2mek]

Phew - all caught up! Man - this thing is moving fast! Great idea about asking a question at the end of each update!

We didn't get our act together in time for the GAD program. I had really hoped for at least my DH and DS to do it and make a weekend trip during Star Wars weekends basically for a water park and DHS. It just didn't happen (nor would it have worked out anyway with the calendar....maybe next year). It would be great if they did this again next year, but it'll probably be something different.

I can't wait to tag along and hear about all your plans. Our big family trip in 2007 was with 16 and was the week of Thanksgiving. I hope I can be of some help to you in both areas (group size and time of year)! The trip had it's ups and downs, but overall was fantastic. And, by far, the BEST weather I have ever had on any Disney trip (as an adult, I've been in January, February, May, October, and November, and December)...was in November!! The WL is the perfect place for a holiday trip!

Carry on....I'm ready....

Sara

 

[wdwgirl03]

We wanted to do GAD but couldn't find anything around here. My dad signed up for a couple things and never heard back...when he contacted them again they said there were over 400 people requesting service! Oh well, we have our APs that we don't need a free day. I still think it would have been fun though.

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW! Katie...so sorry!
I remembered you saying you were starting around the 17th and with Dayne's graduation I have been so bad on my dissing...sorry...
going to go back and catch up will be back soon...
needed to sub along!
Connie

Awww, that is ok! I am just so happy that you are here!!

From what I understand you can apply a credit toward the cost of your upgrade equal to the amount of the monetary value of a 1 day pass (I think it's around $80. I believe you first have to get the GAD pass and then after you use it to enter the park you go to guest relations where they can do the upgrade. My understanding is this works with any type of ticket you'd like to upgrade to, not just the APs. So basically I'll get an $80 discount on our APs. I haven't done this personally just read about it. So hopefully when I come back the end of June I can report that it worked no problem.

OH wow, that is a great deal! We are trying to decide if it is worth it to buy the AP.Any good AP sites??

I love the idea of posting a question at the end of each update!! It's going to be so much fun to answer - and see everyone else's answers!

Sadly, no we did not do the GAD program, but I so wish we had. I guess I never really did a lot of research into it, and didn't really pay attention to it until it was too late. But that is so awesome that you got to participate! I agree that the program was such a great idea on Disney's part! So, if I had of done the program, I would have chosen the FP for sure! Strictly from a money perspective, I would think if you were going for a long enough trip, one extra "free" park day wouldn't really be that much value. But that FP sounds amazing!

Aww, sorry that you missed out on the program! I hope that they do it again next year!! Seems like lots of people would enjoy doing it. I agree, the FP makes all the difference in the world!! Can't waitto see if it works! ha~

Hey Katie!!

We must be on the same Disney withdrawl schedule or something. We were there the same week in January that y'all were and now we're going back at Christmastime as well, and we're staying in WL!

I *think* it looks like we may have some overlapping days too, if my math from looking at our tickers is accurate. What is y'all's arrival day??


I am kicking myself about GAD! How did I not know about the Dream Fast Pass as not one of the options!?

And I call myself a DISer!

So excited to read all about your plans!!

I did not know about the fastpass either!! I was going to use it for free tickets until my TA told me about the fastpasses~!

So cool we will be there around the same time! We are checking in on Dec 11th...what about you??!

We will be there the 3rd through the 12th. We bought DVC last year dance3 so we'll be coming HOME for the first time! We are staying at our home resort (SSR), but we're waitlisting AKL.

YAY for DVC! We are going to do a tour at the WL when we are there in December. We are checking in on the 11th. Are you happy with DVC so far??

Katie! I'm here How cute is Abby in her big shirt? That girl is seriously adorable. Wasn't DGADGAD so much fun? I hope they do something like that next year!

YAY!! I am so happy you are here! Thank you so much...Abby really enjoyed herself. I hope they continue it because it seems like lots of people missed out who would have loved to volunteer!

We loved WDW at Thanksgiving. It was very manageable and did not feel crowded at all. With that said, I have followed TGM every trip and he has yet to fail me. I am currently doing a recap of that trip on my Pre-Trip if you would like to check it out. I have a few days left to post. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Boma. We wanted to try something new since we had Liberty Tree Tavern the day before.

It looks like you had a nice event for the GAD program. That is great that the whole family could participate. It closed before I got around to choosing what we were going to do so I missed out. I hope they will do it again next year. It was such a meaningful program.

I look forward to hearing more of your plans.

Erika

WOW! Jumping over to your report right now! We would love to be there for Thanksgiving and to stay that week after as well. I am so happy...you make it seem so easy! I am sorry you missed out of GAD but I am REALLY hoping they do it again!

I always wondered about this time of year! I'm attempting to plan a trip for next year (fall/winter 2011, so far away!!). Since DH and I are both teachers we're pretty much stuck with school holidays like everyone else. So the best thing that comes to mind would be the week of Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas. I wonder which would be the lesser of two evils???
And what were the decorations like? That's the main reason I'm leaning towards the holidays (that and Katie's TR is probably really going to push me, LOL!). I want to see the lights and hear the holiday music so bad! But the fall-look seems appealing too...

YAY! We will be there too (hopefully)! I am going to start teaching Fall 2011, so I will be in the same boat. From what I understand, the beautiful Fall decorations are up and come down the night of Thanksgiving and the Christmas decor goes up the next day!? I am going to research it, will let you know!

Phew - all caught up! Man - this thing is moving fast! Great idea about asking a question at the end of each update!

We didn't get our act together in time for the GAD program. I had really hoped for at least my DH and DS to do it and make a weekend trip during Star Wars weekends basically for a water park and DHS. It just didn't happen (nor would it have worked out anyway with the calendar....maybe next year). It would be great if they did this again next year, but it'll probably be something different.

I can't wait to tag along and hear about all your plans. Our big family trip in 2007 was with 16 and was the week of Thanksgiving. I hope I can be of some help to you in both areas (group size and time of year)! The trip had it's ups and downs, but overall was fantastic. And, by far, the BEST weather I have ever had on any Disney trip (as an adult, I've been in January, February, May, October, and November, and December)...was in November!! The WL is the perfect place for a holiday trip!

Carry on....I'm ready....

Sara

YAY Sara is here!!! I am sorry you missed out on GAD. I am really praying for them to do it again! Seems like lots of people want to participate, which is great!

I am so happy for your great reviews of November! This trip will be Dec 11-16th, but I am hoping for Thanksgiving 2011 along with the first week of Dec ( a longer trip). I am really going to need your advice about the big group!! It seems like everyone is really letting me just plan it all b/c they know that I know a lot, but it is hard trying to make sure everyone sees what they want to see, etc.

We wanted to do GAD but couldn't find anything around here. My dad signed up for a couple things and never heard back...when he contacted them again they said there were over 400 people requesting service! Oh well, we have our APs that we don't need a free day. I still think it would have been fun though.

WOW!! 400 people!! That is crazy. I am so happy you have your APs, but I am really hoping Disney sees the success of the program and does it again next year!!

 

[BippityBoo]

* I am adding update links to page 1 of my PTR! This will help you navigate through my PTR easier*

This post is all about ADRs! I have two weeks until my travel agent makes my reservations, so I need to get moving. Even more exciting is the fact that I do not have to get up super early to make my ADRs! My lovely Travel Agent does it for me!! Now that is service

This is possibly one of the most exciting aspects of planning a WDW trip for me! I love to carefully choose restaurants that support the overall feeling of our vacation that I hope to create. With that being said, this trip will be full of warm, homey restaurants that offer traditional holiday food.

I do have some conflicts, so I am really looking forward to hearing your opinions about my choices!

1) Wilderness Lodge/Whispering Canyon (dinner)

After our great experience on our last trip, this is a MUST DO! The kids had a blast with all of the games and interaction and the food was so filling and tasty! We are going to be dining here on the night that we check into the Wilderness Lodge. My plan is to arrive around 5pm, check in and unpack. After a bit of Resort exploring, we will most likely eat around 6:45 or so and follow up our fun meal with a trip to the WL arcade! We have no park plans for this day, just relaxing and enjoying the WL.

1) EPCOT: Candlelight Processional

Here is my huge conflict…

San Angel Inn vs. Le Cellier

We are booking the Candlelight Processional Package, so please read the info below and let me know your thoughts:

I know from researching on the DIS that Le Cellier is an amazing restaurant that guarantees good food and service. Also, the cozy atmosphere would really add to the holiday feel. I really, really want to eat here. There are current rumors that Le Cellier is turning into a Signature Restaurant, which would make it a 2 Table Service meal. The CP Package is a 2 TS meal (guarantees you a seat at the Candlelight Processional) so that would not be a problem on this trip. However, it may pose a problem on future trips. For that, I would like to eat here while we can! This is my #1 choice for the atmosphere and the food. Plus, we are all wine junkies, so that would be great to drink some yummy wine while eating amazing steaks!

My DH suggested San Angel Inn as an option. We loved the dark atmosphere last time we toured the Mexican pavilion. We also thought that the kids would have a great time riding the Grand Fiesta boat ride (we would take turns taking them) while the adults finished their food and margaritas! There is so much going on in and around the restaurant, so we thought it would be an entertaining choice. The only problem is that it is VERY far from holiday fare, and so I am afraid that it would mess up the overall feel. Also, I have read bad reviews of SAI, but they seem to be improving lately.

2) DHS: Osborne Lights!

Because of the 2 Table Services from the Candlelight Processional package, we are going to eat at a Counter Service while in DHS.

Our two choices are:

ABC Commissary:

We ate here last year and really liked it. The atmosphere is lacking, but the food was good for a quick bite to eat.

OR

Starring Rolls:

It would be nice to grab a quick sandwich and to get one of those yummy cupcakes!!

Any thoughts on either one??

3) MK: Very Merry Christmas Party!

On our MVMCP night, we are going to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern. SOOO yummy and screams holiday! We really, really loved our food here on our last trip. We got very lucky because they added the characters back to LTT during our visit due to Crystal Palace being refurbished. Even though there will be no characters this time, we are really looking forward to another good meal here! We plan on eating dinner here right before the party starts.

MK Day 2:

We are also thinking of booking Cinderella’s Royal Table breakfast or lunch after my daughter’s BBB appointment. Any suggestions as to which one we should go with: breakfast or lunch?

Of course, we are going to book an ADR for Bippity Boppity Boutique, but we are also thinking of doing an ADR at the Pirates League for my son! He LOVES dressing as a pirate, and I thought it would be something he may enjoy while my daughter is at BBB. I would pick the minimal face paint for him and the traditional pirate outfit. He will just be turning three. Any experience with PL??

4) Poly: Christmas décor resort hopping day.

On our last night, we are sooo excited to go back to Ohana!!! One of the best family meals we have ever eaten. Again, cozy atmosphere (despite being tropical) and so much fun for all ages! We will end up here after a short MK day and some fun resort hopping to check out all of the Christmas décor!


Well, there are our choices! I am so excited to read your comments and hopefully, it will help me decide before my ADR appointment date

Question of the Day

WDW Restaurants:
“Where is your absolute favorite place to dine in WDW? Why do you love it so much?” ​

UP NEXT: My view of Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate!!

 

[dismagiclover]

I don't know how much I can help you out except to say we really enjoyed Le Cellier. The steaks were good (not great), but the pretzel bread, the cheddar cheese soup and the maple creme brulee were fabulous! If I were paying OOP that would be my meal. We're scheduled for the Pirate's League next month so I'll be able to give my opinion on that soon. I've only done dinner at CRT. The atmosphere is fun, but the food was pretty average. I'd probably go for breakfast. It's hard to mess up breakfast food. It's hard to pick my all time favorite spot to eat in Disney World. The best food is definitely Cali Grill. Yummy! But the one we seem to return to time after time is the 8:00 am Crystal Palace breakfast. I just love walking down Main Street before rope drop!

 

[BippityBoo]

I don't know how much I can help you out except to say we really enjoyed Le Cellier. The steaks were good (not great), but the pretzel bread, the cheddar cheese soup and the maple creme brulee were fabulous! If I were paying OOP that would be my meal. We're scheduled for the Pirate's League next month so I'll be able to give my opinion on that soon. I've only done dinner at CRT. The atmosphere is fun, but the food was pretty average. I'd probably go for breakfast. It's hard to mess up breakfast food. It's hard to pick my all time favorite spot to eat in Disney World. The best food is definitely Cali Grill. Yummy! But the one we seem to return to time after time is the 8:00 am Crystal Palace breakfast. I just love walking down Main Street before rope drop!

Yum! The pretzel bread and cheese soup alone is a reason to eat there! YAY! Not only am I looking forward to your Harry Potter review, I am now SO excited to see your Pirates League review How old is the youngest child that will be going to PL with you?

I have heard the same thing about CRT food. I am really just booking for the atmosphere. While my DD is young, she just wants to eat there! We had a horrible experience when we tried to eat there in 08. We cancelled right there on the spot Trying again, hope it is a good meal for us!

YUM Cali Grill is on my DH and I's list when we go on an adults trip. I hear it is awesome! Thanks for your advice!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Subbing!

Going to go back and read! LOVE the WL! It's my total fav!

 

[PopArtGal]

Hi! Saw your link in Nikki's PTR. Decided to join in

 

[BippityBoo]

Subbing!

Going to go back and read! LOVE the WL! It's my total fav!

Yay! SO happy you are here again...I really need your help with my ADRs I am not sure what to do with some of them...would love to hear your thoughts!

Hi! Saw your link in Nikki's PTR. Decided to join in

HI! Welcome!! Any friend of Nikki's is a friend of mine Looking forward to getting to know you!

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Hey! Your plans sound great!
I've only been to Le Cellier and we loved it!! I probably wouldn't do SAI only because we eat Tex Mex all the time (and the reviews haven't been great). Do LC now before it's 2 TS credits
And I plan on trying for CRT for breakfast on our next trip cause I've heard great things.
I think my favorite TS was Garden Grill! The menu was new and the food was incredible!! We also enjoyed Crystal Palace for breakfast. The characters, the food, the empty park, everything was wonderful!!
Good luck on your planning! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yay! SO happy you are here again...I really need your help with my ADRs I am not sure what to do with some of them...would love to hear your thoughts!

!

Ok...I didn't go back and read everything yet because I have a towel on my head and decided to check the DIS before finishing getting ready to go out to dinner!

But I did read your ADR post and I'll add my comments. First of all, like I said, I love the WL. I've eaten at WCC a few times and we really enjoyed it. We are trying breakfast there on our next trip.

Ok, the Le Cellier vs. San Angel Inn debate. Just reading your posts, I think you've pretty much already decided. There are so many reasons for you to choose Le Cellier on this trip. Save San Angel for another time....

Does LTT still serve family style for dinner? We ate there for dinner once and it was family style but that was back when they still had characters. We liked it.

And we LOOOOOVEEE 'Ohana!


I say, overalll, GREAT choices!

 

[disney<333]

WCC- I really want to eat here again. We had an ADR for Thanksgiving brunch but ended up canceling because we woke up too late. (Oops, spoiled my TR update, oh well.)
San Angel Inn- Ate here once and wasn't thrilled with it. On the boat ride there was two old women talking about SAI and there review had me cracking up! I would say just do the CS. Do LC while you can.
For DHS counter service I would go with Pizza Planet. Starring Rolls is mainly just a bakery, I would go there for a snack. I think your kids would love PP! The food is great and the arcade is fun. Some of the arcade games are set for unlimited and it's free. (Just a few) I remember last year the girls were doing this baseball game for a good 20 minutes.
BBB- This wasn't invented until the girls were too old for it. I'll have to live through your experience with Abby. I've heard great things about it.
Pirates- I think the minimal face paint would be nice. In November some kids had all white skin from it and it was kind of creepy.
My favorite TS is CP at MK! The food is so good and the characters are a ton of fun. Maybe you could do this on MVMCP instead of LTT. During the holidays they make it Christmas-y.

 

[PopArtGal]

The only time I have been during Christmas season, it was around that same time. December 13 to 19. It was a great time. I know I won't likely be able to go around that time again. It was great. Low crowds and all.

 

[PopArtGal]

I would vote to take time to enjoy the resort and relax.

I have this new motto. Ok, well have had it for a few trips. And it does make it a lot of fun. I enjoy lounging and reading, or sleeping in, and even napping.

 

[PopArtGal]

First of all. I would go with Le Cellier. You've got more pros than cons in your post.

2nd. If you go to Starring Rolls and love white chocolate...I strongly recommend the white chocolate cupcake. I am still dreaming about it.

I think I would recommend lunch at Cinderella's if you don't want to get up too early. That way you get enough time to go to both appointments without a rush.

Favorite restaurants? So hard to pick. Let's go by park.

MK: We LOVE Tony's! THE best Tiramisu. Plus I like the decor.
We also love The Plaza. So cozy and small. Feels different.

At the contemporary we love Chef Mickey's, of course!

MGM: None really.

AK: None really.

Epcot: The France bakery!

DD: Ghirardelli. Doesn't really help, does it? lol

Ok, off to read your TR next. And if you are ever bored. I have PTRs and TRs in my signature you can read

 

[kstatefamily]

We LOVED Cali Grill and Flying Fish. Both are on our list for this year. We had breakfast at CRT and thought the food was good and how can you beat eating in a castle with the princesses (espically when you are 5).

So...WCC was that good ...may have to try and add that somewhere.

We haven't eaten at either LC or SAI, hopefully we will be trying LC this year.

Have you ever tired Teppan Edo? We are thinking of that this year.

Bev