Working the System - A NYE PTR - Link to TR is up! 1/13

[KatMark]

Cynthia, just stopping by to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[teekathepony]

Wonderful, relaxing NYD! A great way to unwind from a late night.
LOVE the Harry Potter plans! I mean Universal plans... but really, I only acknowledge the Harry portion! I kinda missed it this last trip!

 

[Leshaface]

Thank you Cynthia and Karin about the CC and Spice Road Table info

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your day at WWoHP! I REALLY REALLY want to go visit one day. It looks so amazing. The detailing, I hear, is perfect. Like, Disney status perfect.

Can you tell me what ride this is?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=50144819#post50144819

 

[dizneeat]

Thank you Cynthia and Karin about the CC and Spice Road Table info

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your day at WWoHP! I REALLY REALLY want to go visit one day. It looks so amazing. The detailing, I hear, is perfect. Like, Disney status perfect.

Can you tell me what ride this is?

It's Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls! Fun ride - you WILL be soaked!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

First, those wine tumblers are fantastic! lol

How great that things are working out with your flights, and Mickey mail is always exciting!

Your plans are looking great so far, tea at the GF is on my WDW bucket list, it is so elegant in there.

 

[eandesmom]

Great pics!

Thanks!

The company I works for owns Universal and I can get 30% off but I just double checked and I would have to be there to pick up the tickets.

Jill in CO

That's a pretty great deal, you need to take advantage of it on your next trip!

Good plan for New Years day.

Although the parks might just be a ghost town at RD that morning if enough people think that way...

maybe but last year they were reportedly really busy

It can't be New Years Day without watching some football.

I'd live

Yeah... good luck with that.

Well, it will let them be spontaneous, that's for sure!

Well, you certainly will if you go to MK until 1 am the night before.

Yeah, we will see about that!

I wonder if they turn the water effects down any in the winter like Disney does? Either way, I know how wet I got riding the Popeye ride in the summer and I'm afraid to even think of trying in the winter.

Both of those are insanely wet, I am not risking it personally!!!

Definitely can't miss this one. It isn't that wet anyway.

I have gotten soaked....don't sit up front!

That is great!!! Love when flights drop and credits are issued.

Me too!

Did you get the box with the thumb drive? We got booklets that came with that that appear to be our travel docs... but no DME tags. However... If yours just came I bet I have another week or so.

No...and I'm sad about that but I have a feeling it's resort ressies that are getting them...not DVC.

What a neat girly thing to do!

I'm very much looking forward to "alone" adult girl time

That is a great price!

Yes, I am really excited for this one. Perfect for the boys!

Sounds like a fun day is planned at US/IOA!

Sounds like you will a great meal there!

It never dissapoints!

The plans sound great.

Thanks!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Awesome that the price dropped on your outbound leg! Can't complain about an $80 credit.

Tea at the GF is a great plan! That is on my list of things to do someday in WDW.

Right now, we're driving down in January and will be going over to Universal, so we have a car. But I was tossing up the idea of flying in, and doing the Mears transfer. But the price for the flights aren't quite right yet, so we're still driving. I'd definitely like to hear about your experience with the transfer.

I was considering Margaritaville for dinner on our Universal day, so I'm glad to see your pictures.

 

[annmarieda]

No...and I'm sad about that but I have a feeling it's resort ressies that are getting them...not DVC.

I got one for our DVC stay. I linked it to MDE... so maybe that is why? I feel as though the system in place right now is just so haphazard.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great plans! I hope your sister picks a place for her date soon - or she will have no choices! That would make me crazy. In my family, it would end up being my fault somehow...

I too want to go see WWOHP, but am leery of having enough to do at the parks because we don't do the big coasters. Someday...

We WILL, however be having a girls' tea at GF possibly on our next WDW trip, whenever that may be. I don't know what my poor hubby will do, but I'm sure he'll keep himself amused.

I want to try Trail's End too. Does the Fort have the decorations up by Thanksgiving? I'm contemplating a turkey day trip in the future.

I must be flying the wrong airlines - I never get my flights discounted. Then again, I hardly ever fly!!

 

[eandesmom]

You're not going to say "I told you so," are you

Who me?

Nope, it will be self evident, or not but either way, not my problem. They will end up eating at the bar at ESPN if they can even get in.

Thanksgiving is such a great holiday!! We are hosting too...at least you will be talking about WDW with your family mine have never been, so it's not a topic that comes up....

Well I think there was talk...just not with me! I didn't actually sit down except to eat. Apparently they all designed the group T shirt or at least have an idea of what to do, and asked me about something that I can't even recall now but that is it.

We went to AK on Jan 1st and it was empty so if you aren't tired you can get loads done.

Yes, I think it will be the perfect park, if we feel like being in a park.

Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow, I wish we had a similar holiday in the UK.

thank you! It was a wonderful thanksgiving, one of my favorites ever!

Cynthia, just stopping by to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you Kathy! It was busy, wonderfully so, I hope you had a magical one too.

Wonderful, relaxing NYD! A great way to unwind from a late night.
LOVE the Harry Potter plans! I mean Universal plans... but really, I only acknowledge the Harry portion! I kinda missed it this last trip!

I am very excited to go back to Harry Potter, it's been 3 1/2 years! Crazy how time flies.

Thank you Cynthia and Karin about the CC and Spice Road Table info

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your day at WWoHP! I REALLY REALLY want to go visit one day. It looks so amazing. The detailing, I hear, is perfect. Like, Disney status perfect.

Can you tell me what ride this is?

It is Disney detail status perfect, just amazingly well done. I am very excited to go back. I know Karin posted the info on the ride but just know this one, and the Bluto's Barge (raft ride) both get you SOAKED!

 

[eandesmom]

It's Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls! Fun ride - you WILL be soaked!

Same thing with the Bluto Barge! crazy wet

First, those wine tumblers are fantastic! lol

aren't they a riot?

How great that things are working out with your flights, and Mickey mail is always exciting!

Mickey Mail is! Of course I forgot to give anyone their luggage tags on thanksgiving but it's not like I won't see them between now and then.

Your plans are looking great so far, tea at the GF is on my WDW bucket list, it is so elegant in there.

It is a lovely lovely thing to do, very excited to do it with my sisters!

Awesome that the price dropped on your outbound leg! Can't complain about an $80 credit.

Nope, can't complain. I've been SO tempted to book my outbound but the flight I really want hasn't dropped as much as I hope it will. I could get a decent price on one today (after the credit) but it would mean a 3 hour layover at LAX. No thanks!

Tea at the GF is a great plan! That is on my list of things to do someday in WDW.

I am really looking forward to it. We do not get "girl" time all that often, it's always the craziness of the larger clan. This will be lovely!

Right now, we're driving down in January and will be going over to Universal, so we have a car. But I was tossing up the idea of flying in, and doing the Mears transfer. But the price for the flights aren't quite right yet, so we're still driving. I'd definitely like to hear about your experience with the transfer.

I was considering Margaritaville for dinner on our Universal day, so I'm glad to see your pictures.

I'm considering re-looking at a town car. I've heard good things about the transfers but then read a recent report where someone said it took forever to get to Universal as the transfer made so many different resort stops that it has me concerned.

We love Margaritaville!

I got one for our DVC stay. I linked it to MDE... so maybe that is why? I feel as though the system in place right now is just so haphazard.

It is, I have MDE set up for all our DVC stays but no cute flash drive. And you are after us so I think I am out of luck!

Great plans! I hope your sister picks a place for her date soon - or she will have no choices! That would make me crazy. In my family, it would end up being my fault somehow...

I've made my opinion known but she is VERY caught up in wanting to be spontaneous.

I bet they end up eating at the bar at ESPN assuming they can even get in. That said, it is easier to walk up as a party of 2 but still...

I too want to go see WWOHP, but am leery of having enough to do at the parks because we don't do the big coasters. Someday...

I think there is plenty to do there without the big coasters, personally.

We WILL, however be having a girls' tea at GF possibly on our next WDW trip, whenever that may be. I don't know what my poor hubby will do, but I'm sure he'll keep himself amused.

I am quite sure he will manage The girls would love it!

I want to try Trail's End too. Does the Fort have the decorations up by Thanksgiving? I'm contemplating a turkey day trip in the future.

I think it varies. it isn't so much that the Fort decorates, people decorate their campsites. Some camp out for weeks at a time! I would imagine there is some up but Thanksgiving but am not sure.

I must be flying the wrong airlines - I never get my flights discounted. Then again, I hardly ever fly!!

Well, most don't give you a credit either and sometimes things just never go down. That is the case most of the time for sure!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Congrats to Evan and the band! That will be a cool Easter trip!

I love all of your pre-planning and mapping out ideas and possibilities. I am looking forward to being that prepared. Are you doing the cool, nifty daily themed planning bookiemadoober? Those were really nifty!

So far my BFP consists of resort dates and my mostly firm plans to drive.

Yeah, that's about it.

No idea what our park days will be, how many days we will do Disney, (still pondering US/IOA), whether we will add a day at the beginning, where we will spend the 4th....nothing at all. And let us not even speculate on dining. (Heaven forbid.)

I guess it gives me a good excuse for not writing a PTR....which keeps me off the boards more...which keeps me on task with my honey do's....which makes my wife happier....which makes the prospect of a 21 hour drive far more appealing.

So there is that.

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats to Evan and the band! That will be a cool Easter trip!

It will! My bank account isn't thrilled at the moment with paying for all of that right before Christmas and the upcoming NYE trip but it will be wonderful.

I love all of your pre-planning and mapping out ideas and possibilities. I am looking forward to being that prepared. Are you doing the cool, nifty daily themed planning bookiemadoober? Those were really nifty!

Sadly no, the cute books were fun but as I never look at them once there and it's all on the phone these days...another thing lost to the digital age I guess.

We will be doing T's, although if I understand my sister correctly, they came up with something a bit complicated that will easily take as much time as a few of those pages.

So far my BFP consists of resort dates and my mostly firm plans to drive.

Yeah, that's about it.

Resort dates at least make it pretty real! That's all that matters

No idea what our park days will be, how many days we will do Disney, (still pondering US/IOA), whether we will add a day at the beginning, where we will spend the 4th....nothing at all. And let us not even speculate on dining. (Heaven forbid.)

Will you try to book any dining at 180 or just hold off?

I guess it gives me a good excuse for not writing a PTR....which keeps me off the boards more...which keeps me on task with my honey do's....which makes my wife happier....which makes the prospect of a 21 hour drive far more appealing.

So there is that.

those are good things, well for the first lady anyway!

 

[eandesmom]

I hope to get an update up tonight. It has been a whirlwind the past few days so sorry I have been very MIA around here. Jeff's dad and stepmom were in town beginning last Tuesday and it got busy from there. We had a jazz concert for Evan that night, pre-thanksgiving baking and cleaning on Wednesday with the traditional takeout for dinner and then on Turkey day itself I had 28 over for dinner.

It was probably one of my favorite Thanksgivings EVER. Just a magical day, start top finish. No drama, tons of great food, on time for once (relatively), and amazingly it never felt crowded even with that many around. Friday was spent with a post turkey day run, some decorating and then we headed downtown for the annual tree lighting, star lighting, caroling by 100 singing santas and fireworks. Somehow we ended up with the best viewing spot we'd had in years and a surprise appearance by Austin Jenks from the voice, we we loved and he was SO good!



Taylor met us for dinner and then coffee after and it was nice to have that extra time with him.

Saturday was spent with a little more decorating, normal errands and then Jeff and I left the E's with FIL and his wife and headed downtown to celebrate our anniversary. We historically sneak away for at least a night and the last 3 years, have done so at a Kimpton Hotel. We've been amazingly lucky with room upgrades on these trips, a special EMP suite 2 years ago, the "wicked" suite last year and were both convinced this year we would not get one.

Check out our room!









LOVE Kimpton! We had a lovely evening!!!!!!!!!! Until someone operating a leaf blower started up at 7am! which was ok, we wanted to get back and spend the last morning with Jeff's dad and stepmom. Which we did, and then decorated some more, ran and got caught up on Amazing Race.

I really wish I had today off! I need a break after all that. We will have one large table to put away and I have to return the chairs to the office but for the most part the house is back in order and about 2/3 decorated. Tree will be next weekend but the rest should easily get up in the next couple of days.

I did not, however, chat with my family at all about the trip! I actually didn't even sit down until dinner and then only during dinner. They did interrupt me at some point to ask about something, but I can't recall what, and I've learned that they figured out what they want to do for T shirts. It does sound like they discussed things themselves but what, I've no idea!

I've been fighting with MDE again today, I did go in to add some dietary restrictions for one of my sisters and somehow after they did that (on the phone) I have "grey" mickey's showing up again on reservations so not linking to the right profiles and have lost the ability to modify guests on any of the dining.

I am over by 1-2 on almost all our ressies and no luck in really changing them which seems ridiculous to me but whatever. I am leaving alone unless they can really drop it. They are supposedly working on it and will email me when done. UGH. I did get notification that the first pack of magicbands shipped, looks like they will arrive next week. My sister does seem to be making movement on tickets so we will see how that plays out with FP+ when it happens.

 

[CarolynK]

Happy Anniversary!! That room is huge; I had never heard of the Kimpton brand until recently, but it definitely sounds like a nice upscale chain!

Your MDE comment prompted me to log on, just to double check everything is still there I'm a little paranoid about this whole FP+ system, especially since I've been visiting the Theme Parks board the last couple of days, reading FP+ threads and getting worried...I should just stop reading and think positively, right?! It's just a vacation....

 

[Poolrat]

Sounds like a wonderful busy holiday.

Glad you were able to "sneak away" for your anniversary. Great room.

I am sorry MDE is making your eyes cross.

25 days left ...

 

[podsnel]

I knew it! I knew you would get an upgrade! Awesome room!

It's almost here and I seriously am insanely excited- both to see WDW in full Christmas swing AND to get on our cruise.

It is still bumming me out that we are just missing each other. are you sure you cant come cruising in Oct with MEK and us?

 

[eandesmom]

After what I am sure will be a very full day hanging with Harry we will wake up to find it is already January the 3rd! I am not exactly sure what this day will bring. But I think it is:

A lazy day

It could....

Take us to a waterpark (Typhoon Lagoon as BB will be closed) if weather permits. My BIL, and the kids, would love that if it worked out.

Take us mini golfing. Fantasia is walking distance from BWV and DVC gets a discount so that could be a nice low key early thing.

Take us wherever we want to go, even if that is nowhere further than the pool or our verandah. I had originally thought that it could be a lovely day for a couples massage over at Mandara. I would still love to do that but am not sure it’s remotely in the budget anymore. Between tires, brakes and the April band trip (not to mention Christmas) I am just not sure I can justify it.

We have mid day FP+ at DHS. I might try to slide these just a little later to allow for lunch in the villa. Right now they are at 12:25, 1:25 and 2:25. I want to be in the park when the lights go on but that isn’t until 6. We could of course find plenty to do between 3:30 and 6 or of course go to the room and back or whatever. A lot will hinge on the waterpark I think. I won’t buy that as an add on to the ticket unless we do it and then may or may not do it as an add on, may just do the DVC discount on them. We will see.

After the lights dance and we soak it in for a bit, (complete with several PP pictures I hope!) we will all head back to the villa and Swan respectively to change. Tonight we will be ditching the kids and having an adult only dinner at Blue Zoo at 8pm. I have not decided yet what to do for the kids for dinner. I may ask them what they want and pick up frozen pizza or lasagna at the store, or we could "splurge" and order pizza delivered to the room. It is a bit more magical in that Mickey delivery box for sure! I will also take them down to pick out a movie or two. No pool without us there!

I don't expect us to be out "too" late but you never know, certainly a stop by the Bellevue Lounge might be in order. We do have to pack though and I'd vastly prefer it all be done before bed for anyone.

The next morning is a little bit complicated and in flux.

I am calling it the crazy day

Let's take a peek at January 4th. This will be a Universal day for much of the group. My dad was very concerned he couldn't take a full day on the 2nd so wanted the 2 day tickets. He is not so interested in hopping much but wants to make sure he gets enough Harry Potter. The kids, want to hop. Big time. Definitely some Universal rides they want to hit.

I have a shocking lack of pictures from our 2010 trip because well, my camera died and at that point none of us had phones that took a decent picture or could hold much in the way of memory. How times change! I do like this park, a few rides I really really like (MIB, Mummy) and one of my favorite shows anywhere (Bettlejuice Graveyard Revue) and the cheesy classic ET. I don’t however need a full day here and even half a day with a little bit more of Harry Potter or the other IoA rides would be perfect for me.

If we do the mears transfer, I think most of the group (mom, dad, sister Melissa and all 4 kids) will head out early. I am not yet sure if Kerri and Eric will be joining them or taking off for a couples only day. I will most likely be joining the larger group later in the day. Why? Well, it is moving day. Today we move to THV. We (Jeff) are also picking up a car so that he will be able to go flying. The great thing about the car is we are picking it up at the Swan. The bad thing about the car is they don't open until 11. We could have attempted Universal the day before but honestly I wanted to make sure my dad had a break in between, as did all of us. So we need to figure out the best way to do this.

Option 1
I am thinking that the simplest thing for all is that they take off without us to Universal. Jeff and I handle baggage transfer, or consider putting it all in the car. If we are packed and ready early enough, I am actually thinking Jeff and I (or just me!) could go hit DHS for 3 rides before 11. I booked FP+ for me with that in mind. He doesn't actually need me to pick up the car lol. But, once he picks it up, we'd hit the grocery store for what the rest we need for dinner that night and replenish any other items from the store (I don’t really want to buy taco meat 6 days prior if I don't need it till this night even if I can). We get checked in and then Jeff drives me to Universal. He either joins us, or not depending on whether he is flying.

Option 2
We have all our bags down and to bell services before heading to Universal (which would be what, maybe 7:30 am?). Knowing us…and likely loads of laundry getting finished up, this could be pushing it. If I leave with everyone to go to Universal, Jeff would have to get the car, check us in, and hit the grocery store. All of which he is capable of, of course, but probably not thrilled with doing solo. And, it could cut into flying time which would not be a good thing.

Option 3
I take a cab over early and check us in so that we at least have our room keys. Jeff deals with bags and the car but then doesn't have to worry about taking me to Universal and gives him more flexibility on hitting the store, if he goes flying could do it on the way back (can't fly at night in a seaplane!) and he is still back before we are.

The park is open until 9. I don’t know that we will make it that late or schedule mears (if that is what we do) to pick us up that late. We plan to have dinner back at the villa so ideally we leave Universal probably around 7:30 if not earlier. Still kind of late but I think it will be ok. This is where the towncar might be a lot better (though more costly) as it might be able to drive us right to our treehouse. Once there it will be a low key taco bar kind of night. I am really excited about this night. The THV seems well suited for all of us to actually eat together and fit in the living space compared to some of the other villas. Plus if kids are crazy...they could eat on the deck! it is possible that we head out to the parks after dinner, I haven't checked ours but do to so I think the others would have to add to their park tickets. My folks need to add a day I think but right now, Mel and her boys do not if they end up with 5 day hoppers. I do need to make sure we plan that accordingly though and folks add on, before their last day. Need to make a note of that!

We will also be

Working the system some more!
I've added Kerri and Eric to this reservation even though they will be at the Swan this night. That will allow them to have DME the next day when they head home. It will also give them MagicBands for these 2 days of their trip so if they do couples only day instead of heading to universal, they could book FP+ if they wanted. And while she is a lot of talk on being spontaneous and not wanting to use FP+...once she has been in the crowds for a few days, if she is locked out of that spontaneity, she may change her mind and be booking things at least a few days ahead.

Now, just so this isn't totally devoid of pictures I will toss a couple in.

More Shopping!

I did order these on Friday, with a black Friday coupon. Not sure if they will be exactly what I had in mind but were worth a shot.



Not terribly exciting but they may do the job.

I also ordered these today for myself, my mom and my sisters. I plan to give them to them at our first breakfast (and Kerri’s when she arrives). I think they might come in handy! I was hoping I could get all 4 different but instead we have 2 of each kind. I am pretty sure I am taking a snowman and the rest can duke it out, lol!





they were too cute, I couldn't resist.

oh and my dining issues? Not fixed yet. I'm back to having 2 of me everywhere, my mom and sister Melissa both have 2 profiles in there again as well. FP+ seems ok but the whole thing makes me nervous. My ressies are all there but still....it just seems a recipe for disaster. What is most concerning is that this ghost or duplicate profile has been deleted/merged before and keeps coming back.

It doesn't seem to be easily fixed, this is the email I just got (after I was told I should hear from them in about an hour...at 11am today)

Thank you for contacting My Magic + Technical Support.

We have received your request for service and have begun the research
process. While we hope to have an answer for you shortly, some issues
may take a bit longer to resolve. Also, as we work to resolve your
concern we may find it necessary to contact you for further information.

We look forward to bringing the exciting array of MyMagic+ Products and
Services to all of our guests in the coming months, but please remember
we are currently still in the final phase of testing these products
therefore some concerns may be addressed upon check in.

We will advise you as soon as we have a resolution for you however if
you have additional questions please do not hesitate to respond to this
e-mail. So that a member of our support team can reach you, please
include contact details if they differ from those provided at the time
of your initial call to us.

MyMagic+® Guest Technical Support Team
7:00am -11:00pm est.



I'm also mildly concerned about the reports as of today of the "no KTTW" program extending to all of the values with a rollout over the course of this week. Folks that are insisting on one, get a demagnetized card...which will NOT do everything that the band will. Obviously with my allergy this is very concerning but we will just have to wait and see what it is like when we are there.

At any rate, I actually took screen shots of everything today just to be safe. Not sure it will help a thing but made me feel an iota better

 

[dizneeat]

Cynthia, plans look GOOD! Love all the different options you have.

What I do not love so much?
The email you got from Disney's IT team. This is exactly the same email I got the first time I called and NOTHING happened! If you don't hear back with more from them, keep calling - my problem was solved by a very nice CM!

 

[MEK]

Wow - your room for your anniversary getaway is so cool! Just beautiful. I am sure you had an awesome weekend.

As I was driving to work yesterday I was thinking how great it would be to have been off, so I sympathize.

Still have to read the rest of your update. I'll catch up tonight