Will Santa be able to find us at Disney? Christmas 2012 PTR!!

[airforcemomof2]

I have never been much of a blogger, but I really want to remember all the details that went into planning this trip. So, I hope some can get entertainment or information from this, but in the end, this is for me to remember "the small stuff" when this is all said and done Hello! I'm Cathy (36 today!! ) ok, really not that happy about that, but it's cool I'm starting this on my bday, there is DH James (38), DD 13, DS11, and my bonus baby DS 3. Dh and I both work out side of the home, and I just recently got out of the Air Force.
This whole trip started out as a Disney cruise for Aug/Sep 2013. I love the Disney cruise and we were waiting for the baby to turn 3, so he could use the kids club. Then out of the blue, my DH (who could care less about Disney..he just goes along for the food) says "Wouldn't it be neat if we spent Christmas at Disney?". I was at work, and seriously almost fell out of my chair. My mom (who lives in WA State..we are in VA) wasn't going to be able to come for Christmas this year anyway, so this actually sounded like a great idea! So Cruise was pushed off until 2014, and I started looking at the finances for Christmas. I really don't like credit cards, so I figured if we save $500 week from our paychecks, we could pay for this in cash. That is what we are striving for. It has been a whole 8 days since we have gone out to eat..and we haven't killed each other yet
I started pricing hotels and talking with the family. I considered the FW Cabins again, but thought a golf cart may get chilly in December. Then I fell in love with AoA Cars suite. THEN when I called Disney and found out that I could get two rooms at All Star Sports for $750 cheaper, I had to give it up I can do so much with $750, although I died a little inside (lol). So I have had ressies at AllSSports for a week or so now, and it has been really bugging me. We really are not sports people, and idk, I just didn't want to stay there. Very childish I know. So I had been reading on the DIS boards a lot today (where else!) and heard about POP. I decided it was worth a shot. I called and talked to Marithon (Sp?) and explained my situation. She was so sweet and found us 2 rooms at POP for only $90 more than Sports. With the park hoppers and upgraded dining. I am so happy! Now at least I can walk over to AoA! SO....that's us. I will post my plans for each day (or at least what I have for now) in the next post. Thanks for sharing this journey with me!!

 

[airforcemomof2]

This is my plan so far...it has changed so much already, but I won't bore anyone with the changes I have already made.

19 Dec 12 - We arrive at MCO at 1100. I really don't remember how long it takes to get to WDW...and do we have to wait to check in? I'm was hoping to get to MK by 2. I know it is going to be super busy, but I have to see the castle on my first day!! We have ADR's at Crystal Palace at 6:30. I'm really not sure what we are going to do this day. I'm a big "tour guide Mike" fan, but since we are getting to the park so late, I'm just not sure. Any suggestions? Maybe "lesser known" attractions?

20 Dec 12 - EPCOT
I plan to get to EPCOT NLT rope drop and follow TGM's suggestions. I am really hoping Test Track is up!! We will hit that, and Soarin', Mission: Space and Turtle talk with Crush. The older kids are not as excited about WS this year. They remember it from 2 years ago and don't really have an interest this year. I have a 1:00 ADR @ Teppan Edo and a reserved seat at the CP @ 5. I want to do Spaceship Earth and the Nemo and friends ride with Kaden. This shouldn't be too late of an evening.

21 Dec 12 - MK
We have tickets to MVMCP this day, so we are going to be at the park by rope drop, ride all the "musts", then go back to the rooms for a few hours. We will be back at the park by 5:00 and I will follow TGM's recommendations for the party. This will be a really late night for all!

22 Dec 12 - Animal Kingdom
The older kids remember this park too, and I think we can arrive a bit late, and still get to all the rides they want to do in 1 day. After the park closes, we have an ADR @ Cape May @ 6:35. Anyone been?

23 Dec 12 - Hollywood Studios
My older kids are really excited for HS this time. We plan to get there super early and will hit Toy Story first! There are so many rides and shows we want to see here. I am almost thinking of taking part of our 2nd day at Epcot tomorrow, and coming back to HS. We have an ADR at Hollywood and Vine with the fantasmic package at 8:30.

24 Dec 12 - Not Sure..HS or Epcot
I have an ADR at Akershum Royal Banquet Hall at 5:10, so I know will will end up in Epcot, but not sure where we are going in the morning. We may even make a trip to Sea World. I'm really not sure this day.

25 Dec 12 - CHRISTMAS!! No parks today!!
I plan to have a "traditional" Christmas morning, and we have a really good friend in Orlando, so I am hoping to meet up with her this day. Maybe we will go to DTD or Quest. We do have an ADR at Sanaa fr 6:50, but that is not set in stone. I want this day to be a bit more relaxing.

26 Dec 12 - Our last "full" day MK
I have us "scheduled" to be in MK again today, but it may depend on what the kids want to do. I NEED my Cinammon roll fix from the Main Street bakery, that I do know!! We have an 8:30 ADR at BOG tonight. I know it's late, but it's all I could get.

27 Dec 12 - Go home
I have an ADR planned for 1900 Park Fare at 9:35. OUr flight leaves out of MCO at 3:42, so not sure what time the shuttle will leave. We may go to DTD and hit the stores before we go, I'm just not sure. All I know is that it makes me sad to even think about leaving!

So what do you think so far?? I am all about suggestions and constructive criticism!

 

[airforcemomof2]

Trying to find the rest of the pics..but here is one of my DS3 when he was just a year old. He LOVED the characters!

 

[airforcemomof2]

Now this one makes me REALLY lol every time I see it!! He cannot take his eyes off the nose!!

 

[airforcemomof2]

So I am thinking of giving up a WDW day and go to Sea World. Anyone ever been to Sea World at Christmas? Is it as crowded? Is there a shuttle from Disney property?

 

[cogero]

Happy Birthday.

Joining In. We are going on our 3rd year of Disney Christmas.

 

[monica9]

The seaworld christmas shows are supposed to be amazing! It is definitely a "no miss" park for us this vacation since we will be there around Christmas. There is a bus that leaves from the TTC. I believe its #50? Not sure exactly but its much cheaper than using MEARS taxi. It cost us $75 last year for the 3 of us.

Regarding last day, they will make you leave at least 2 or 3 hours before your flight so I am thinking after your ADR, there's not much more you can do. Sounds like a fun week for you. Enjoy and Happy birthday!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Hello! Joining in from our Dec group.

First off, Happy Belated Birthday!!

We are going to be at the world during those same dates, Dec 18-28.

Magic Express pick up should be approx 3 hrs prior to your departure.

Never have been to Cape May for dinner, but I always hear great things about it.

That pick with Mad Hatter is so funny!!

 

[reyasmommy]

Your kids are adorable! I'm excited to read more!

Ohhhhh and happy birthday!!!!!!

 

[airforcemomof2]

Thank you all for writing and for the birthday wishes! It was a great day. DH had given my a gift card to Red Door Spa last birthday and I hadn't used it. I decided it was time! So I got up, DH went a bought me Starbucks, then I went to the spa for 3 hours of bliss!! I got a 75min pedicure (heaven) and a manicure and my eyebrows waxed. I still have money on my card, so I think next time I am going to get a facial! Then we went to Pinkberry for frozen yogurt. I didn't want gifts or an expensive dinner because we are saving for Disney (duh!) so the rest of the day we just played games, and had a homemade dinner. I didn't have to do dishes or put the baby to bed!! I spent my evening making Ressie changes (from All Star Sports to Pop) and working on my touring plan and reading the DIS boards.

I'm glad to hear that Sea World is worth it, but now I need to adjust my savings plan. Do I have to buy a ticket for a specific day? I really think I might too on the 24th, and just reschedule our ADR for that day, or make it later. Then maybe we will do half MK and half HS on the 26th. There is just never enough time! . I'm so glad I have others to share my journey!! I'll post pics of DH and I soon too, but I have realized we haven't taken any new ones lately!! Lots of pics of the kids, but none of us!

 

[Princess of the Sea]

Mom, I'm subbing

 

[airforcemomof2]

I'm still here! Just been busy with school starting, and homework, back to school nights, ect...I am thinking of joining a photopass plus group. Has anyone done that? What are the pros and cons? I know a pro is we can save money, but I'm not sold on other people having my family pics...I hit double digits this week! SO HAPPY!!!