We're Going to Poly It Up @ WDW!!!12/18/08- 12/23/08 **resort change!**

[autumnpalm]

We're heading back to the World for Christmas this year!! The trip was a totally spontaneous decision, and we couldn't be happier. We got an amazing deal on the Contemporary, our first time staying Deluxe, and this time the whole family is coming. Now it's time to plan, plan, plan!!

The FAM:

Me (18): I am the Disney-holic of the family, and in charge of organizing this trip. I'm currently in university, so I'm trying to balance researching Disney menus with studying and tutorials. I wish I could major in WDW trip planning!!

Brother (will turn 20 on trip): Not so Disney crazy... so my mission this trip is to show him how amazing WDW is! He picked the resort, so I know he'll love the contemporary, but he is starting to feel too "old" for Disney. We'll fix that!

Mom (40s): A huge Disney fan. We went on our July trip together, so she's in on the planning a little more this time. We are Disney "partners in crime".

Dad (50s): Loves the shows, loves Epcot... not so wild about MK. This time we're getting him boating, playing golf... enjoying all the recreational activities Disney has to offer. DDad's second favourite part of WDW is the food, so I've got to keep him involved with the ADRs!

So far, I have:

-figured out which parks we are doing which days
-bought tickets for MVMCP
-thought about restaurant ADRs
-made hotel reservations

But I still have:

-EVERYTHING ELSE!!!

So far, our week is looking like this:

18th- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!!
19th- Epcot... looking for CP dinner package info (any help/ideas appreciated!!)
20th- DHS
21- MK
22- AK + Recreation (golf for DB and Ddad, tea at GF for me and DM)
23- TBD!

The schedule is still pretty open!

I'm thinking of booking the DiveQuest tour for my brother since he's a scuba diver, but he's not so keen on it right now because he prefers ocean dives. We're working on him. We're also thinking of booking the Richard Petty Driving Experience, but it looks quite $$$.

Stay tuned for updates as we get prepared! I feel like we're already a few steps ahead this time because we have all our fanny packs/ponchos/etc from the last trip, and it seems like we just unpacked!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm first! We'll be there for some of the same time that you are, and we're also going th MVMCP on the 18th.

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans.

 

[autumnpalm]

Okay, figuring out ADRs is waayyyy too confusing.

I'd rather do my chem labs.

Oh wait. Never mind.

 

[autumnpalm]

Now... the challenge of finding out how to locate Candlelight Processional dinner packages...

 

[autumnpalm]

Well, I got all my ADRs done!!!

On our first night we are dining at the Crystal Palace before MVMCP. We looove the CP and it will be nice to have our first meal a character meal. Should get us right into the Disney mood!

Day 2 we are having dinner at Teppan Edo as part of the candlelight processional package. I was kind of bummed out that Coral Reef and Le Cellier were all booked up, because we've never eaten at Teppan Edo before. My fingers are crossed that my family will like it, because we all love japanese food!

Day 3 is lunch at the 50s Prime Time Cafe- a family favourite. We've dined here every trip and just love the atmosphere. Mmm I can't wait to get some fried chicken!

Day 4 we are having the breakfast buffet at 1900 Park Fare and then dinner at Ohana (just my mom and I). My dad and brother are going to the Tampa game that night, so it's just the girls!

Day 5 my mom and I are having tea at the GF tea room, one of our Disney traditions. We just love it there.

I'm getting a little bit nervous reading all these reports on construction at the Contemporary Resort... hopefully by the time we get down there everything will be cleared up!

Ughh I'm developing a nasty chest cough and my boyfriend is coming to visit me at university tomorrow for the weekend. Now it's off to bed with me so I'm not asleep all weekend!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Cute pictures!

The Prime Time Cafe is so much fun. And that fried chicken is really good. Yummmmmm.

I hope you are feeling better!

 

[autumnpalm]

The latest update:

We just upgraded to a TOWER ROOM!!!

My dad was inquiring as to whether or not the Garden Wing rooms had balconies, and I told him I wasn't sure. I called Disney and asked, they said yes, so I told my father that. I showed him the pictures of CR for the first time today, and he was very excited about staying in the main building. When I told him that we actually were staying in a smaller building to the side, he was very disappointed.

I called Disney back to ask how much it would be to upgrade to the Tower, they checked for me and said it would be just under $400.00. I decided to just go for it... and we are now the proud "owners" of a tower room!!

My dad will LOVE the Bay Lake view (he specifically requested to NOT book a MK view room!! ), especially the sunrise and sunset from the balcony.

The upgrade was a little pricey but... we are going at Christmas, and it is our first whole-family trip in a while, because of extenuating circumstances. It's going to be so nice to have a whole week together at the happiest place on earth!!

My brother (will be turning 20 in January) is a little bummed out about the trip, thinks he's too old. I'm trying to get him excited, but he is saying he is only going because the rest of the family wants him to come. I looked into DiveQuest at EP since he loves scuba diving but he says he doesn't want to do it. He is actually looking forward to MVMCP but I want him to be looking forward to the trip as much as the rest of us!!

*sigh* I guess I'll have to just do some more planning!!

 

[autumnpalm]

AHHH our family is way too indecisive.

I just called Disney back yesterday and downgraded us back to the Garden Wing... We just weren't sure if it was worth $400.00 to be in the Tower and we probably won't be spending THAT much time in the room, so we decided instead to put the money toward:

- Our MVMCP tickets
- Plane tickets

Speaking of which, we still need to book flights....

I called Disney also to change our ADRs and here is the current list (things are filling up fast! )

December 18: Crystal Palace @ 5:15 (and then MVMCP!!)
December 19: Teppan Edo Candlelight Processional package @ 5:15
December 20: 50s Primetime Cafe @ 6:50
December 21: 1900 Park Fare Breakfast @ 8:30
Ohana Dinner @ 7:15
December 22: Chef Mickey's @ 10:20
GF Tea @ 3:20

We REALLY want to fit The Wave in somewhere, but can't figure out where to put it... Maybe next trip.

I'm starting to second guess my decision to stay in the Contemporary... I have myself all worked up over the current construction and am starting to wish we had booked the Poly instead.

However, I called WDW this morning and asked about switching to the Poly and there is no longer any availability there.

I should change the title of this PTR to INDECISION!!!

Disney is probably so tired of hearing me call. Soon they're going to start screening my calls.

 

[autumnpalm]

Okay. So.

I am apparently the most indecisive WDW planner ever. I mean it.

I'm about to call Disney and ask if they have any availability at the Yacht Club. Instead of the Contemporary.

Why?

Because I can never make my mind up about anything.

Oh, and if I change resorts? I'm going to need to change some ADRs.

SOMEBODY STOP ME!!!!

...Unless I really do want to stay at the YC?

 

[autumnpalm]

Sooooooo.

I just changed to the Polynesian!!

I am SO excited, though. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Poly, love that we are still on the monorail and we won't have to change a single ADR!!

Whoo hoo!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Aww, YAY for the Polynesian!!! We used to stay there all the time and we loved it there. You're going to have a great time!