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

[eandesmom]

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.

That's the biggest bummer about it, very full and potentially overweight luggage!

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!

But, unless it is a phase 4, we should be able to get in anywhere, right?

Your trips are coming together nicely, Cynthia.

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

I would be completely out of next years points if I change that Saturday night...unless we come back a day earlier. The point values are insane! between Aulani and this it's no wonder I am borrowed out.

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!

I hope so, I've done open to close before but that was 8am-10pm kind of thing. Add in the crowds and...no, can't do it. As long as we can get in for our dinner ressie, anything else is flexible in my mind.

Great pics!

Thanks!

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

Karin mentions it below but allegedly as of yesterday it is a CC hold for any ADR. I've not tested it. Spice Road will be a new restaurant in Morrocco, not actual real details are out on dates yet but there was a small teaser yesterday.

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

aren't those a riot?

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

It's a sleeve, the band will slide inside the fabric so once you close the band, it closes the loop.

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

I didn't think the previous day was too crazy...it's day 1 that is.

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.

It was originally supposed to start 11/1 and was delayed until yesterday..allegedly. I don't know if it really started yet or not.

 

[eandesmom]

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

Good question, I don't know. I don't think of either, personally, as a destination for Easter pre-se. I do see it as one for Spring Break though. I wonder....this is the first year our spring break has EVER run into Easter as we take a later break than most due to taking a full week off at President's week. I wonder if that means all the traditional Easter timed breaks are actually earlier, hence the availability for us?

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.

Isn't that the truth! These were all the same day in Feb.



It was cold in the am, so I'd worn jeans and MELTED mid day after swimming. We'd hopped to WL for swimming as our pool at the Fort was closed for remodel so didn't have other options to change into. MK was a spontaneous hop for some of us, so I melted, and kids were in their suits (or coverups) in K's case lol. I wasn't going to walk around MK in my suit and coverup.





I had a parka, but took it off for the picture put it right back on!

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! [

Nothing they forgot that we can't buy right? Or they can live without or spend souvenir money on.

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

Well now that's a silly question!

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."

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.

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

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.

I think we will be ok, I would stress more if we were planning on MK (though I have to keep telling everyone WHY I think we shouldn't go there that day) or if we had little ones. I also love knowing we can bail to the villa easily if need be and still be able to see fireworks, even if it's from the BW lawn.

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

they are SOOO cozy!

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

My mom had always planned to go, once we knew about the trip. She assumed dad didn't want to so we made plans accordingly and then had to revisit once he was. Jeff is pretty for sure not going so I think we will be ok bed wise in the villa.

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.

Interesting! I am surprised they haven't told him more specifically what is in the package. For his sake I hope it includes tickets and magic bands so he can book some things ahead of time. Even single rider will be ugly I think. The good thing is he does know where to go and what to do, so he will be fine and figure it out. He can come hang with us after dinner if he wants!!!

Seriously, feel free to give him my info.

 

[that's nice]

Shopping pics? All your guy readers thank you for that.

I think you guys will be fine getting in later in the day. If, by chance, there was a shutdown, couldn't you just try to get in a bit later. If no one is coming in, there is sure to be people going out.

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

Following along and getting excited for you!!

 

[rentayenta]

Woot woot on Disneyland being a go!

Love the new clothes and shoes but especially that dress. I bet it looks great on you.

When I first saw the Hoop De Doo sign I thought it said Poop.

Love the flashback photos.

 

[CarolynK]

I think we will be ok, I would stress more if we were planning on MK (though I have to keep telling everyone WHY I think we shouldn't go there that day) or if we had little ones. I also love knowing we can bail to the villa easily if need be and still be able to see fireworks, even if it's from the BW lawn.

You probably already know that there will be a DJ set up on the BW lawn, it's not exactly like being in a park but it's still festive. It's a backup, at any rate. But, you seem to be prepared for the worst, so you should be fine!! It really is a lot of fun; there are CMs in the parks passing out hats and noise makers in the late afternoon/early evening.
Last year's NYE trip notes are pretty bad, but on January 1 we went to WS in the evening and I remember being able to stand right at the railing to watch Illuminations - even during a non-busy time in WDW there are always people lined up at the railing for fireworks! It was NOT crowded!
On Jan. 2 we went to MK at ~ 1:30 on the bus, and we could see that the sign said "full" -- my notes say stage 3 closure, but there were NO lines at the turnstiles My notes say FP return time for Space was 9 pm...not too bad considering! I can't wait to try MDE.

Have you done online checkin? We've never used it before but we're not landing until 8 pm so decided to try it. I wonder how it's going to work out with MB's, are we still going to have to stop at the desk? This should be interesting.

 

[eandesmom]

Shopping pics? All your guy readers thank you for that.

Oh it could have been worse and you know it!

I think you guys will be fine getting in later in the day. If, by chance, there was a shutdown, couldn't you just try to get in a bit later. If no one is coming in, there is sure to be people going out.

That is what I am thinking, I figure if we are back in the BW area by say 3, that gives us time to get in if needed. I might shoot for 2 just to be safe so we can get in in time for sure for the FP+.

Following along and getting excited for you!!

Thanks! I'm getting excited too

Woot woot on Disneyland being a go!

Flights are booked both ways!!!!!!! May is booked for my return flight but I still need to book the outbound, hoping rates will drop on my preferred times.

Love the new clothes and shoes but especially that dress. I bet it looks great on you.

Love the dress, wore it this week and it's so cozy!

When I first saw the Hoop De Doo sign I thought it said Poop.

Coffee. Spewing. Moment

Love the flashback photos.

You probably already know that there will be a DJ set up on the BW lawn, it's not exactly like being in a park but it's still festive. It's a backup, at any rate. But, you seem to be prepared for the worst, so you should be fine!! It really is a lot of fun; there are CMs in the parks passing out hats and noise makers in the late afternoon/early evening.

I knew there was some kind of party on the lawn. I figure it's an excellent backup!

Last year's NYE trip notes are pretty bad, but on January 1 we went to WS in the evening and I remember being able to stand right at the railing to watch Illuminations - even during a non-busy time in WDW there are always people lined up at the railing for fireworks! It was NOT crowded!

Good to know! I am loving our plans for the 1st, I've heard MK is crowded on the 1st but though we will be near it, I don't think we will go in.

On Jan. 2 we went to MK at ~ 1:30 on the bus, and we could see that the sign said "full" -- my notes say stage 3 closure, but there were NO lines at the turnstiles My notes say FP return time for Space was 9 pm...not too bad considering! I can't wait to try MDE.

This time of year I think MDE will be a godsend. I am, however, freaking out that only 6 of the 9 of us have it at the moment. Oh well.

Have you done online checkin? We've never used it before but we're not landing until 8 pm so decided to try it. I wonder how it's going to work out with MB's, are we still going to have to stop at the desk? This should be interesting.

I would think so. I've done online check in in the past and even though they won't need to give you keys, you still need your room number, map, daily activity sheet etc I'd think. I am not doing online check in. At least I don't think so. I seem to have better luck on the room requests by not, I worry that the online request options override my very specific ones. We are there so early that I'm hoping we have a better chance of my request with a live check in. And...I don't want a CC on the room so I can avoid that if I don't do online check in.

 

[Chilly]

We didn't go to a park on NYE when we went so I can't comment but I can say it was cold when we were there esp as night, we rented a locker to store the coats in so we didn't have to carry them round all day.

 

[eandesmom]

We didn't go to a park on NYE when we went so I can't comment but I can say it was cold when we were there esp as night, we rented a locker to store the coats in so we didn't have to carry them round all day.

Ah yes, the lockers. We definitely did that a couple of times on the Feb trip. Good point, we may want to consider that occasionally if it's cold in the am. As we are hopping most days we may be ok but...very good point, I'd totally forgotten about that (and about having a larger park bag to tote them in, in, and then to store them in.

 

[Chilly]

Ah yes, the lockers. We definitely did that a couple of times on the Feb trip. Good point, we may want to consider that occasionally if it's cold in the am. As we are hopping most days we may be ok but...very good point, I'd totally forgotten about that (and about having a larger park bag to tote them in, in, and then to store them in.

I never thought i'd be wrapped up like this in Orlando...

 

[eandesmom]

I never thought i'd be wrapped up like this in Orlando...

What a cute picture of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Chilly]

What a cute picture of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was after the CP on the 29th.

 

[eandesmom]

That was after the CP on the 29th.

Might need to pack a hat and gloves! The lows look low!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Poolrat]

I never thought i'd be wrapped up like this in Orlando...

I think that was the year I went. Dec 09 right? It was really cold for a couple of days there.
Got the best pictures of the tigers in AK that year.

 

[eandesmom]

I think that was the year I went. Dec 09 right? It was really cold for a couple of days there.
Got the best pictures of the tigers in AK that year.

It seems every year I see pictures where folks are really bundled up. I think my biggest challenge will be convincing my clan to pack accordingly.

10 bucks says they won't and much of the souvenir money will go to...

sweatshirts.

 

[annmarieda]

I hope so. I would feel a LOT better if my sister would get their tickets. Oh well.

Has she got them yet?

Can she wear the cheapo rubber bracelets? Like the livestrong ones or those shaped ones? That might give you a clue. I have an extra cover, Anna went a little crazy so will bring it tomorrow for Zoe. I don't need 2 red ones and if she doesn't wear it, no biggie at all.

Thank you so much for this!

It is! It really was kind of a fluke on the 2009 trip, something I'd read about on the DIS and the boys really needed a cut. It was so fun, they loved it so much, it's become a "thing".

That is just so cool!

Mom and I are SO excited! Kerri is bummed to be missing it. But she got 2 more days out of Eric than she thought she would in total for the trip so it was a good tradeoff.

I guess it is a good trade off, but I think I would be bummed too.

I am torn on the whole online check in thing. Historically I seem to have better room request luck when I do not do it. We will be there so early that I guess the only advantage to online check in is...them knowing we will be there that early. I'm just not sure that helps me get my request. Weird to think I could check in now. Other thing is, if I don't pre-check in, I don't have to tie a CC to the room and I do like that. Hmmmn.

Somehow I always feel like I have a better chance of getting a room I like at check in... so I have never done online check in. Plus... it just seems too far out right now to checkin...

What time is that in Dec? I have no idea

I read on someones TR today that the brochure listed it for 6:15.

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.

Sounds like it is really coming together!

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.

I think you got some good ADRS! Glad that missing the 180 mark didn't complicate things.

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!

I am feeling that same confusion. Do we need sweatshirts or tank tops?

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:

Love the new stuff! Warm and comfy looking.

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





Ok, so these are kinda hilarious.

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.

Again, thank you so much! Zoe is looking forward to adding some bling to it.. Honestly, I don't know how sensitive she will be to the band. It may be that she will have no trouble. Especially if she is wearing a sweatshirt or long tee that the band is over.... but it is so nice to have an option should we find that she really does need a cover. And thank you for the nice comment regarding her.

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.

Well, those new vera bags are quite cute... and lesportsac has some new minnie ones now. That is assuming you want to be over the top with the disney apparel. Me... I tend to alternate between thinking I really like the brand merchandise and thinking I really look like a goof with my IASM bag.

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.

I think you are going to be covered. I just can't see it getting to a 4.

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.

I know this feeling too. Good grief I feel like my january trip has had the most changes and been the most subject to change of ANY trip.

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

I know that some don't like the change, but I actually prefer it!

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!

How fun!

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!

Sounds like great plans!!

 

[Pinkocto]

I would definitely take sweatshirts, as you know it can get quite chilly in the evening. If they don't heed your advice then it's their fault they'll be buying a $60 sweatshirt.

 

[franandaj]

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.

I haven't slept on it, but a friend that used to travel to VGC with us said that it was very comfortable. The only issue you might have is that you are relatively tall and it is a small bed.

The plans sound really good for NYE. Your clan needs to listen to you because I went in January and bought one of those "I didn't bring warm enough clothes" sweatshirts! The clothes are very cute!

 

[eandesmom]

Has she got them yet?

Of course not!

Thank you so much for this!

I was happy to be able to share! I keep thinking of ideas to bling mine a little.

Somehow I always feel like I have a better chance of getting a room I like at check in... so I have never done online check in. Plus... it just seems too far out right now to checkin...

exactly!

I am feeling that same confusion. Do we need sweatshirts or tank tops?

Both.

And a parka, and gloves, a scarf, shorts, jeans, capris, tees both short and long and

A BIG suitcase.

Love the new stuff! Warm and comfy looking.

Thanks! It's as much for daily wear as the trip with the exception of the non lined shoes although come spring I may wear them a bunch.

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





Ok, so these are kinda hilarious.

Aren't they!

Again, thank you so much! Zoe is looking forward to adding some bling to it.. Honestly, I don't know how sensitive she will be to the band. It may be that she will have no trouble. Especially if she is wearing a sweatshirt or long tee that the band is over.... but it is so nice to have an option should we find that she really does need a cover. And thank you for the nice comment regarding her.

She is so much fun! I really enjoy her, reminds me a lot of Eric I too will be ok if it is over a long sleeve something so may well mix it up.

Well, those new vera bags are quite cute... and lesportsac has some new minnie ones now. That is assuming you want to be over the top with the disney apparel. Me... I tend to alternate between thinking I really like the brand merchandise and thinking I really look like a goof with my IASM bag.

I know exactly what you mean! I love my 2 vera backsacks. they don't make that style any more, now it's a backpack but the sling works great to hold a camera and the other small items I need. It's always the camera aspect that challenges the bag...If I go with just my phone and don't haul the camera then it really frees up options so...I have no idea what I'm going to to!

I think you are going to be covered. I just can't see it getting to a 4.

I sure hope not!

I know that some don't like the change, but I actually prefer it!

I am very excited to see it!

I would definitely take sweatshirts, as you know it can get quite chilly in the evening. If they don't heed your advice then it's their fault they'll be buying a $60 sweatshirt.

Exactly! Honestly they may want more than a sweatshirt. I'll make them take those regardless but I can just see them leaving them in the villa and then boom..we have to hit a store.

 

[eandesmom]

Before I get to our next day, 2 small, but exciting updates! We have our flights for the DL trip and the price dropped on my outbound leg for the NYE trip. We only had one ticket purchased at full price (rest were either miles or miles+$) but that one ticket…gave me an $80 credit! Which will go a long way to my May outbound leg for our girls trip, now I just need that price to drop and I am all set for all trips. Well, until we get to the August one that is.

And mickey mail arrived, our DME tags are here!

It's been nutty as usual around here, I keep hoping to get caught up on all my threads but I will, I promise, eventually!

Today begins the new year. I imagine we will have been up quite late and are rather exhausted. I see no need to rush to anything this day. It may be a day of lazy breakfast in the villa and coffee on the balcony which sounds heavenly. It will also likely be started with a run for Jeff and I. At the moment I do have FP+ booked for AK but if we do make it there the day before as I hope, that will likely change. We truly have nothing we HAVE to be at until 2:15 pm. And that is only some of us!

We will be here





And likely enjoying some of this





I can only hope it is as much fun and as yummy as it was here



And, I am positive it will be!

If we are lucky, we may see and hear this



After that, I imagine the girls will want to browse around the GF a bit, if we didn't do it before. There are shops to see, gingerbread houses to ooh and ahh over, so many lovely and perfectly girly things! After that? Who knows. We may head into MK, we will be right there after all. We may do a monorail pub crawl for all I know. It is completely subject to whatever we feel like at that moment.

The boys? Well who knows what they will be up to while we enjoy our tea (and bubbly!). This will definitely depend on bowl games for at least one of the big boys. They are big boys, they can figure it out!

Come evening we will find our way to the Fort. We have some decorations to see. I would LOVE to do a carriage/sleigh ride but we have too many people to pull it off I think. I have no idea how many they offer at a time but we’d need 3 so it would add up to be too much. Another trip, another time. Kerri and Eric will be off on a date somewhere…with no reservations yet as far as I know. They are talking Rose and Crown, it will be interesting to see how that works out for them. I’m staying out of it. Well...unless she asks on Thanksgiving, which is possible. I di have a feeling plans will get reviewed as everyone will be here. YAY! I love Thanksgiving. LOVE it! The rest of us are dining at Trails End. I am super excited about this oddly enough. Partially due to the decorated sites but partially as the menu sounds really good and the perfect post NYE kind of food should anyone need recovery food.

I mean, check out this menu! And the price! For a Disney Buffet that is.
Adult price range: $24.99-$26.62 Tax is included; gratuity is not included.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet includes:
• Soup of the day
• Chili
• Salad Bar
• Peel-and-eat shrimp
• Smoked Pork Ribs
• Fried Chicken
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Selection of Vegetables
• Hand-Carved Roasted Meats
• Fresh Catch of the day
• Housemade Fruit Cobbler Non-alcoholic beverage included
• Full service bar also available.

After dinner, who knows. MK is open until 1am....that is an option. So is heading over to the territory lounge and checking out the WL tree. Not so sure the kids would be into that but hey, you never know! I don’t expect it to be a late night, it could actually be a head back and watch a movie in the villa kind of evening. We need to regroup and get to bed early!
Since this is a light update.....picture wise...I will continue on!

This is a big day. We will be up EARLY.

We have a wizard to see! Our plan is to do the mears transfer ticket package…I've generally heard good things about it but read a review recently that talked about it taking a very long time to get to Universal based on stops at multiple resorts and that has me reconsidering it a bit. We haven’t booked or bought anything yet. But it will be busy there and I want to be there early.

I cannot WAIT to show my dad this







We may visit Hagrid



Avoid the Whomping Willow



Catch a train





Enjoy Hogsmeade



There will likely be shopping involved



He could come home with a broom!



Or a cap



A tee or two





Or better yet,



It's January...the danger of melting is FAR less!

The real highlight for my dad may well be here



But it is a bit early in the day for one of these



At this hour, a Three Broomsticks breakfast may be more in order





Complete with butterbeer. Because we all need that much sugar first thing in the morning



Continued in next post