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

[rentayenta]

Phased closings due to capacity? Then I would for sure stick together. I forgot you are going during the busy time of the year. Crowds would impact my decision.

 

[eandesmom]

I am completely confident that you'll succeed.

If not, it could be ugly!

No better way to make sure everyone is awake and ready to hit DHS running!

Yeah...some folks do wake up Mickey...I'll just play Aerosmith. Actually that would be HYSTERICAL!

Nothing wrong with that plan.


But that one might be even better...


Just don't jeopardize their trust in you for the rest of the week...

The beauty of Ohana is that I can't control how behind they are, or not and even if it is slow...we get him a Lapu Lapu...I won't be blamed that is for sure.

Heck they are young(er) and have no kids...he works nights so it is entirely possible that they do hit MK until 2am...and we don't see him until after lunch the next day.

Around 6.

Well rats, unlikely to see them turned on but they stay lit all night right? So I'll see them after dinner if we head back over.

But at least that means those you're fighting your way through won't be fighting you for a spot in line.

In line for what? the bus?

Considering my kids are not that old, I obviously have no experience with this. I'd think that it would be fine, like you said, to give them a short leash within the parks. I'd probably just do that a few times and maybe give them the opportunity to earn a little more freedom if they handle it well.

Yes, it will be an earned privilege that is earned in small doses I think!

Phased closings due to capacity? Then I would for sure stick together. I forgot you are going during the busy time of the year. Crowds would impact my decision.

Yeah. I'm a bit scared about that aspect. I can't find good historical data as to what has closed, and at what phase when. All I can find is a lot of stuff that says they will close, possibly 2-3 times a day and re open. That MK is the most likely to close, Epcot (in general) least. It doesn't "appear" that anything has hit level 4 closure but I can't validate that for sure.

We will be ok up to a level 4 closure (no one gets in if it hits a 4) in terms of getting in to any park but...transportation could be ugly so will need to factor that in. And certainly if it's at even a level 1 closure...it's beyond ugly.

 

[franandaj]

Personally I would probably have a problem letting them out of my sight, especially at this time of year, but I'm not a parent and there are some good reasons that I'm not! I would certainly make sure that each one of them had a cell phone and it was on loud!

The veggies changed, no more broccoli, now it's a mixed stir fry. I feel like there is something else that is different (salad dressing I think?). But am not positive.

Also, with the wings there is only one dipping sauce instead of three. The salad dressing tastes very different than the previous time I was there. The last time we went our meat was all cooked very well done. I think that just depends on how long the skewers sit on the fire. It was still good, but I'm not rushing to go back. There are other places on my list to try first.

 

[eandesmom]

Personally I would probably have a problem letting them out of my sight, especially at this time of year, but I'm not a parent and there are some good reasons that I'm not! I would certainly make sure that each one of them had a cell phone and it was on loud!

Even on loud, not sure they'll hear it with those crowd levels. Vibrate too but more importantly just checking it super frequently. Still I think that is a great idea to actually test how loud, etc each phone is before they get out of site.

Also, with the wings there is only one dipping sauce instead of three. The salad dressing tastes very different than the previous time I was there. The last time we went our meat was all cooked very well done. I think that just depends on how long the skewers sit on the fire. It was still good, but I'm not rushing to go back. There are other places on my list to try first.

If it were just the 4 of us it probably wouldn't be on my list but for a group meal, I do love the overall ambiance and the food works for everyone. Good news is other than the broccoli I'm not sure anyone in my group will notice the differences at all.

 

[afwdwfan]

Yeah...some folks do wake up Mickey...I'll just play Aerosmith. Actually that would be HYSTERICAL!

Every morning, the boys wake up to the sound of Steven Tyler screaming a different song.

Well rats, unlikely to see them turned on but they stay lit all night right? So I'll see them after dinner if we head back over.

Oh yeah. They turn them off for the projection show and fireworks, but otherwise, they'll be on all night.

The lighting ceremony is at around 6 and if you miss it, you really aren't missing much.

Yes, it will be an earned privilege that is earned in small doses I think!

 

[eandesmom]

Every morning, the boys wake up to the sound of Steven Tyler screaming a different song.

I love that! Or something equally obnoxious for the park of the day.

Oh yeah. They turn them off for the projection show and fireworks, but otherwise, they'll be on all night.

The lighting ceremony is at around 6 and if you miss it, you really aren't missing much.

Ok cool. I am good then. We should for sure see it on the 30th at least which makes me happy. I'll have to head into Mk after dinner to see if, if nothing else (or after fireworks depending on my energy level).

 

[eandesmom]

Before we get to the BIG night of our trip, ushering in a new year and all that, a few updates and some shopping!

In other trip news...

April Marching Band DLR trip.
Evan’s band has been officially accepted into the Disney Performing Arts program! Which means the Easter Bunny is going to Disneyland! My parents have decided they both want to go so we worked out a deal. I’ve changed our reservation to be Saturday night in a studio and then then next 4 in a 1 bedroom. I am amazed that the 1 bedroom is still available for Easter and Spring Break but very happy it is. 5 nights is plenty for me. I don't expect Jeff to join us. He would like to but like myself only has so much vacation and does need to head back to FL around that time for seaplane certification/training stuff. If he does come, we will make it work. While I could swing all 5...if I bought some points, I want to reserve the option to buy points for a different reservation if I need it. The deal is I've got the room, and they are picking up all the plane tickets Mom plans to book them today, the rates are decent and the times are great. In the studio, Eric and I will share for a night. Then in the 1B Mom and Dad will get the master, I'll take the sofa and Eric the pull down for 2 nights until Evan joins us and then I will move to the pull down for 2 nights. Admittedly I would love to see what that actually looks like (the pull down) but it’s 2 nights, I will live. If Jeff does come, a boy will sleep on the floor. They too, will live. LOL! We will arrive in Long Beach around 4:30pm on Sat and leave at 8pm on Thursday. I don't think we will hit the parks on Saturday, probably just do grocery store run, DTD and enjoy the GCV. The nice thing about the 1 bedroom once we move is that we can have an Easter Dinner "at home". I really prefer that to going out. We will work around the performance schedule but chances are we may be able to hit church as well since my parents want to get a car, which makes us all happy.

May girls Flower and Garden trip
With everything that is going on, for some reason I had it in my mind that the May ADR day was the 29th. Which it wasn't. I completely spaced and missed our ADR day by 2 days. Despite some website glitches I was able to eventually book all our ADR's, only 2 of them that I was concerned about anyway. I would have waited on the rest but with the CC hold policy allegedly starting tomorrow I figured I’d make them now while it wasn't in effect. I made a few extra Jan ones as well for that very reason (including a FP for BOG lunch on our arrival day!). LOL!.

For May we have

• Breakfast: CRT, Boma
• Lunch: Via Napoli
• Dinner: Cali Grill, Olivia’s

We'd like to do Spice Road Table if it’s open and also maybe Beaches and Cream but will wing it for everything else.

Shopping!
December in Florida is tricky. I've done Feb and that was tricky too. I feel like I need everything! And that I actually used everything. We had 50's-80's! One of the most urgent things was park shoes. My normal park shoes may simply not be warm enough and my historical ones...well, I'm allergic to them and so had to give them up. I'll be bringing sandals and flip flops, and possibly a pair of flat boots but I also picked up these:





Jeff thinks they are ridiculous to consider taking to florida but they will be awesome on the plane and super cozy if it really is cold. Or frankly, as slippers on the balcony with my morning coffee! Either way, I'm enjoying them now as a run round shoe! Though lined, it's really only around the back and upper so they aren't overly warm, just soft and cozy and uber comfortable. And I am not allergic to them!

I also got these







I really like the colors, think they will go with a lot. I need to try them with capri's and stuff to make sure they work but I think they will.
On the subject of capri's, I may get some new ones. Not for sure but they are good multipurpose for fluctuating weather and the ones I do have are ancient, beat up and well, if I have stuff in my pockets, don’t stay up all that well. Or they are VERY summery (yellow, orange) so don’t really work for December/January even if I am in Florida. LOL! I’ve seen a couple of pairs I am considering. I plan to bring jeans, and shorts as well.

I also have these new arrivals.





Though they look uber warm, the sweater is actually cotton/poly and the dress a very light/thin cashmere blend. Perfect for the 50's at night if that is what is happening. I’ll wear the sweater on the plane I think and probably have the dress with me for adult night out. I'll have another less warm option too but I do like it!

I received a very fun gift in the mail. One of our wine clubs always sends a holiday gift. This year, we got these:





How fun is that to have by the pool? They may have to come with us on the trip. I love my shatterproof big wine glasses but these definitely take up less room and totally crack me up!

I also received these.



Cotton covers for my MagicBand so I don't end up with a giant red burning rash thanks to my allergy! The lovely kind generous person who made these sent 4 (I was expecting one!) and I was happy that I had the opportunity to share one with Ann (annmarieda) on Friday. We got together for coffee. I was late (thanks to totally spacing on my ADR situation) and then got so caught up in chatting I had to rush out for a luncheon so no pictures. Ann's DD has a similar, but different and far more severe/unpredictable allergy. Hopefully it will work out for Miss Zoe! Who is about the cutest thing on the planet.

Park Bag. This I have not yet figured out. I have some Vera backsacks that I like a lot and have historically used. I’m not sure if that’s what I want, or if it will be something else. Whatever it is, it will be small and light and may or may not be new.

As for the rest of my crew, I am not sure they need a thing and at present I don't plan to get anything except some pins for trading for all 4 boys.

Let's ring in the new year!
This is a bit of a tricky day. As with the other days, I do expect there is a good chance of phased park closures, off and on throughout the day. This is what the phasing schedule looks like

Phase 1
Guests with Magic Your Way base tickets, or a 1-Day 1-Park Ticket and Cast Members using Main Gate will be turned away.

Phase 2
Only those with admission of these types are permitted:

• Disney Resort Guests with valid room key
• Annual Passholders
• Guests with Park Hopper tickets hopping from another park
• Guests re-entering the park
• Guests with dining reservations, reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League

Phase 3
Only those with admission of these types are permitted:

• Disney Resort Guests with valid room key
• Annual Passholders
• Guests with dining reservations
• Guests with dining reservations, reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League

Phase 4
Closed to all new incoming guests.

From what I understand, phase 4 hasn't happened at any park since 2009 but I am not 100% positive that is true. Certainly phase 2&3 happened at MK last year and I am less sure about the other parks. We are ok up until phase 4...and no one gets in or out then. So that's good. BUT traffic will be ugly, meaning park transportation will be ugly. That said, while they "say" you need to be in your park of choice early and stay there...unless you are at risk with earlier phases my question is why? I REALLY don't want to hit a park at 8am and stay there until midnight. I just don't see that happening with my crew.
Right now...here is the plan. It could change. It could change that day, the night before, at any given moment. Live updates on closures will possibly dictate sudden movement. Or not.

We will start with...

Coffee on the balcony!
Breakfast in the Villa
Then: AK in the am, whenever folks feel like heading over there. No FP+ booked. I am suggesting this as
1) We will not have made it to AK yet
2) In theory, it should be the least crowded of the bunch.
Thought is stay until lunch, head back to BW (which could take a while), have lunch in the room, maybe swim etc.
Another option would be mini golf at Fantasia. Walking distance so easy enough and shouldn’t be too horrible (and if it is, easy enough to walk back).

At some point, after lunch, mid/late afternoon, head into Epcot, probably no later than 3. Again, unless it is at a level 4, we should be able to get in, it could just take a while. Frankly getting in could take long enough the first thing we do is hit the slushie stand.

We then have FP+ as follows

4:00-5

















None of us have seen the new one yet! I LOVE this ride!

5:00-6







This is where we lost Eric in 2009!

6:00-7

Soarin'

Yeah…I don’t have a SINGLE picture I can find of this ride!

And at 8PM we will be here!





Yeah, horrible pictures

It is showing as a special NYE thing…but I’ve no idea what that really means! Other than it needed a CC to book it. LOL!

Dine in on New Year’s Eve
Count down the last remaining minutes of 2013 during an unforgettable meal at Walt Disney World Resort! As the year comes to its close, take the opportunity to treat someone special in your life to a tasty finale—enjoy a memorable experience at more than 10 diverse dining locations, each setting the table with something extra special for New Year’s Eve. Welcome 2014 in just the right way, not only with open arms, but a satisfied palate too. Book an online reservation today! Availability is limited. Dining events are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Hopefully we get seated a little late and dinner takes a couple of hours…that will be a nice respite from the crowds. While I could have gotten FP+ for after dinner, it seemed easiest to plan on just staying in the WS area and soaking up the various parties around the world. Epcot is open until 1am, DHS until 2. If we do somehow bail on Epcot, we will either head to DHS or to the villa for fireworks.

I will say this

There will be NO leashes this night. Maybe during the day at AK…or even mini golf entirely without adults but NO WAY JOSE at Epcot on NYE.
And that is all I have to say about that!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Plans sound pretty good. I agree with your no way on NYE in Epcot, that will be one crazy place.

Years ago we were in Disney when they closed at noon. It was during Spring Break, also only one park, so it was really crowded! I'm so glad we don't have to plan around children anymore, no fighting crowds. Although during our trip this past Sept the crowd level was higher than normal.

 

[Poolrat]

I have gone over New Years twice now.

On NYE- both times AK was empty.

I have seen closures and yet have never had any issue getting into a park I wanted to later in the day.

I did follow the get up early stay until I felt ir was too crowded and then leave. One trip first day was warm and then down to the 40s. The other trip was warmer, probably shorts with maybe a sweatshirt in the morning and at night.

As for leash- I agree and I think they will too. Nope !!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I am loving the new clothes and shoes. I've always wanted a pair of shoes like those but my feet are so narrow that they fall off my feet. Doesn't stop me from trying them on every-single-time though. The sweater is super cute but I think that the dress is my favorite. LOVE it!

Do you have a Belk store nearby? I bought two pair of dress shorts, three pair of capris and a shirt for $16 a couple of weeks ago. They had 50% off the clearance price.

The plans look like they are shaping up well and you've given yourself several "Just in case" options. I've never been to the parks during New Years so I can not offer any help there. The busiest that I've ever seen the parks was this past May when we were there for the 24 hour celebration.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I forgot to ask, where did you get the sweater dress, I love those sorts of dresses.

 

[jedijill]

Sounds like the BFP is coming together!

Love the wine tumblers!!!!

Jill in CO

 

[IheartDDuck]

Tricky is definitely the best way to refer to Disney in January and February. I'm packing for my January trip with enough options in case the weather changes. Thank goodness we're driving.

I love Sanuks!

They will definitely do phased park closing on that day. The nice thing is that they put signs up at all of the parks advising you which ones are still letting people in. They did that for us when we went two years ago.

The BFP is shaping up nicely!

 

[dizneeat]

Your trips are coming together nicely, Cynthia.

Great planning on the Cali trip! And one night in a studio will save quite some points.

Your May ADRs look good!

As for December - we have been once and even though it was nice and warm during the day I needed a sweater (and closed shoes) at night, so your comfy looking shoes might work just fine.
I love your plans for NYE. I could NOT imagine being in one park from 8 am until midnight - no way, especially with the crowds that are to be expected. But I think you should be fine with AK, then moving to Epcot!

You are so close to your NYE trip! So exciting!

 

[eandesmom]

Plans sound pretty good. I agree with your no way on NYE in Epcot, that will be one crazy place.

Yes, it's a little scary thinking about it!

Years ago we were in Disney when they closed at noon. It was during Spring Break, also only one park, so it was really crowded! I'm so glad we don't have to plan around children anymore, no fighting crowds. Although during our trip this past Sept the crowd level was higher than normal.

Ugh. I don't think it hit phased closures when we where there over President's week but it sure felt like it should have. It was crazy on a few of the days.

I have gone over New Years twice now.

On NYE- both times AK was empty.

I have seen closures and yet have never had any issue getting into a park I wanted to later in the day.

That is what I am hoping.

I did follow the get up early stay until I felt ir was too crowded and then leave. One trip first day was warm and then down to the 40s. The other trip was warmer, probably shorts with maybe a sweatshirt in the morning and at night.

As for leash- I agree and I think they will too. Nope !!!

I hope that will work, I think it will. I think if we do AK, which makes sense, our biggest time suck will likely be the getting back to BWV from there. And yeah, I'm going to need to pack it all.

I am loving the new clothes and shoes. I've always wanted a pair of shoes like those but my feet are so narrow that they fall off my feet. Doesn't stop me from trying them on every-single-time though. The sweater is super cute but I think that the dress is my favorite. LOVE it!

I have narrow heels so they will slide a little but not horribly.

Do you have a Belk store nearby? I bought two pair of dress shorts, three pair of capris and a shirt for $16 a couple of weeks ago. They had 50% off the clearance price.

We don't have Belk at all I don't think. Not sure as I avoid stores as a general rule and do most of my shopping online.

The plans look like they are shaping up well and you've given yourself several "Just in case" options. I've never been to the parks during New Years so I can not offer any help there. The busiest that I've ever seen the parks was this past May when we were there for the 24 hour celebration.

I bet the 24 hour day was crazy!

I forgot to ask, where did you get the sweater dress, I love those sorts of dresses.

It's from Athleta. I buy a fair amount from there, almost always online and on sale. This was on sale and then I had a coupon (which almost never happens with their stuff) so I think the dress was maybe $35? major score from their normal prices.

Sounds like the BFP is coming together!

Love the wine tumblers!!!!

Jill in CO

Aren't those a hoot?

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[Leshaface]

Okay, how out of it am I?! What's the new policy now about the CC hold? Also, where is Spice Road Table located?!

Haha I absolutely love those wine tumblers! Definitely perfect for the pool.

Very cool MB covers! Is there velcro or something to help make them stay on your wrist?

Your plans today, sound a lot easier than the previous day

 

[dizneeat]

What's the new policy now about the CC hold? Also, where is Spice Road Table located?!

As of fall (I think November 2013 ) all restaurants require a CC hold and they will charge $10 per person if you do not cancel 24 hours ahead of time.

Spice Road Table is the new restaurant in Morocco.

 

[afwdwfan]

Evans band has been officially accepted into the Disney Performing Arts program! Which means the Easter Bunny is going to Disneyland! My parents have decided they both want to go so we worked out a deal. Ive changed our reservation to be Saturday night in a studio and then then next 4 in a 1 bedroom. I am amazed that the 1 bedroom is still available for Easter and Spring Break but very happy it is.

So is Disneyland less of a "destination" for the Easter holiday than Disney World?

December in Florida is tricky. I've done Feb and that was tricky too. I feel like I need everything! And that I actually used everything. We had 50's-80's!

That's the biggest downside to that time of year. I've gone from Under Armour heat gear to jeans and a jacket in one day.

And I am not allergic to them!

Always beneficial...

As for the rest of my crew, I am not sure they need a thing and at present I don't plan to get anything except some pins for trading for all 4 boys.

They're big boys. They'll figure it out. If they need something they'll let you know. Maybe after you get there and it is too late, but I'm sure they'll let you know!

Frankly getting in could take long enough the first thing we do is hit the slushie stand.

The Grey Goose slushie stand or the coke one by Test Track?

It is showing as a special NYE thing&but Ive no idea what that really means! Other than it needed a CC to book it. LOL!

It means "It's New Year's Eve. The place is going to be packed. We can charge more and you'll pay it. Enjoy."

Dine in on New Years Eve
Count down the last remaining minutes of 2013 during an unforgettable meal at Walt Disney World Resort! As the year comes to its close, take the opportunity to treat someone special in your life to a tasty finaleenjoy a memorable experience at more than 10 diverse dining locations, each setting the table with something extra special for New Years Eve. Welcome 2014 in just the right way, not only with open arms, but a satisfied palate too. Book an online reservation today! Availability is limited. Dining events are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Ok, I'm thinking maybe a special dessert offering... more likely some kind of festive decorations. Maybe they'll give you some of those goofy looking 2014 glasses or hats.

Hopefully we get seated a little late and dinner takes a couple of hours&that will be a nice respite from the crowds. While I could have gotten FP+ for after dinner, it seemed easiest to plan on just staying in the WS area and soaking up the various parties around the world. Epcot is open until 1am, DHS until 2. If we do somehow bail on Epcot, we will either head to DHS or to the villa for fireworks.

For NYE, I think that is the best plan. Enjoy dinner then just see where things go from there.

There will be NO leashes this night. Maybe during the day at AK&or even mini golf entirely without adults but NO WAY JOSE at Epcot on NYE.
And that is all I have to say about that!

I can't argue with that logic. EPCOT could be a zoo.

And... I realize it is a bit different, and NYE will be more crowded, but I've actually been in EPCOT on the 4th of July before and we even grabbed a front row spot for fireworks right along the lagoon. It was definitely a very crowded evening, but it wasn't that bad. It was less than ideal, but I wouldn't shy away from doing it again. And I think your choices of going to AK and EPCOT should play out well. At least they are large parks where the crowd can disperse some. Much better than going to the MK that day.

 

[KatMark]

Love your purchases...especially those comfy looking shoes/slippers.

I'm glad the DL trip is confirmed and how nice your parents want to go too.

Your plans for NYE sound good....I hope you have no issues getting in the park. Andy has no idea what he is doing yet; he still doesn't know if he has to buy park tickets or if they are part of package for the baseball tournament. I told him to expect to stand in very long lines wherever he is that entire week.