PART THREE! *December 2012 Roll Call* Holidays, FLE & MVMCP!! A very, merry thread!

[Tltorrez]

Good morning another beautiful day here in Minnesota.

I am thinking of signing up for a tour in January; spent last night reading about the different tours and know I am more confused then before . It's just Jeff and myself going in January what tour would you recommend?

Wild Africa Trek!!! Most amazing tour ever!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Good morning another beautiful day here in Minnesota.

I am thinking of signing up for a tour in January; spent last night reading about the different tours and know I am more confused then before . It's just Jeff and myself going in January what tour would you recommend?

Keys to the Kingdom or Wild Africa Trek. No experience with either, they are just the two that I want to do. I know Terri has done Wild Africa Trek, not sure if anyone has mentioned any other tours on here.

If you are interested in Wild Africa Trek I did it in February and just recently wrote the recap in my TR (link is below). If you want to see my pictures (I have a TON) and read my recap the posts on that are on page 17 of my TR I LOVED it, and will absolutely do it again on a future trip (no time this one).

 

[Mom2Cody06]

Did anyone see the huge ice sculpture of Cinderella's castle in Times Square this morning. Goes along with Disney's limited time magic promotion for 2013. I'd post a link to the Disney parks blog but I'm on my phone so I can't.

 

[M&MGirl1]

I still need to decide about Photopass. DH is not a big picture poser. I told him I want a pic of us in front of each icon and he agreed to that. But he would rather just ask someone to take a picture of us and not do photopass. I of course want the borders to play with, so for $99 I think I would do that. But then I think about for $70 more I can have the ride photos. I know we will do Dinosaur a couple times and Buzz multiple times. Not sure if he will ride Splash or not. I will probably ride EE alone. Neither of us will ride Space. I can't remember the other rides. I wish there was a picture on TSMM.

That's the current debate I'm having. I don't have an issue with the $99 even though we only have a four night trip. Sissy'll drag me in front of EVERY Photopass photographer she sees, so that's definitely worth it. The question is whether the $70 more for PP+ is worth it.

Let's see, we'll ride Space, Buzz and Dinosaur and will be going on Splash for the first time ever (never managed to fit it into our other trips). Will not be getting on ToT (got suckered onto that once at DL and once is enough thank you kindly). Still debating on whether I'm too chicken to get on EE (Love Space & BTMR, but this looks way more intense). We don't normally buy ride photos though; however, we also have the ADRs at Tusker House and Hoop De Doo, which I KNOW sissy's going to want the photos from. Those photos alone will probably cost us $40 to $50 total, so yeah, I guess the extra for PP+ is going to be worth it. Not that I NEED to be spending any more money................

 

[Rags123]

I've been lurking on this thread for a while. Lots of good information! I'd like some input on my plan for our Dec. trip. It's the first trip for DD and Ds (DS will turn 4 a few days before our trip and DD will turn 5 while we're there). DH and I have not been since we were kids in the 1980s. We're staying at AOA in a LK suite. Our trip will be short, but we plan on coming back in a few years for a longer trip when the children are older. DD is princess-crazy, and DS loves Star Wars the way only a preschooler can love something. DS also LOVES Christmas lights and decorations.

Dec. 8 - Arrive around lunchtime. ADR at CM for 6:00. May go to DTD to see decorations and Santa or ride the monorail to see decorations at the resorts.

Dec. 9 - AK. We want to see the characters in their Christmas attire (esp. Santa Goofy) so I hope that they're doing that again this year. Otherwise, priorities are the Safari, LK show, and the Jingle Jungle parade. We plan to hop to DHS for EMH to see the Osborne Lights, ride Star Tours, see JTA, hit the Disney Jr. dance party, and hopefully see the Muppet and Little Mermaid show. I'd like to see the B&B show, but I'm not sure we'll make it there in time.

Dec. 10 - MK. 8:05 CRT ADR. 5PM CP ADR. MSEP and Wishes.

Dec. 11 - Leave to go home.

I don't want to try to do too much, but I also want to maximize our time. The children understand that we will make another trip in the future and that some things will have to wait until that trip. Any suggestions on "Must Dos" for this trip? We may not be able to come at Christmas time again. I know about MVMCP, but have decided against it. Also, I'm worrying a little about MK crowds on Dec. 10. I'm considering doing MK on Dec. 9 and then hopping to MK on Dec. 9 for the parade and fireworks. My main issue with that is the CRT ADR, but I'm also not sure about all the hopping with preschoolers. We will have our own car, but I know that is not necessarily more efficient for getting to MK. Anyway, I'd love some input!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Did anyone see the huge ice sculpture of Cinderella's castle in Times Square this morning. Goes along with Disney's limited time magic promotion for 2013. I'd post a link to the Disney parks blog but I'm on my phone so I can't.

Here is the link: Giant Ice Castle in Times Square

 

[Mom2Cody06]

That's the current debate I'm having. I don't have an issue with the $99 even though we only have a four night trip. Sissy'll drag me in front of EVERY Photopass photographer she sees, so that's definitely worth it. The question is whether the $70 more for PP+ is worth it.

Let's see, we'll ride Space, Buzz and Dinosaur and will be going on Splash for the first time ever (never managed to fit it into our other trips). Will not be getting on ToT (got suckered onto that once at DL and once is enough thank you kindly). Still debating on whether I'm too chicken to get on EE (Love Space & BTMR, but this looks way more intense). We don't normally buy ride photos though; however, we also have the ADRs at Tusker House and Hoop De Doo, which I KNOW sissy's going to want the photos from. Those photos alone will probably cost us $40 to $50 total, so yeah, I guess the extra for PP+ is going to be worth it. Not that I NEED to be spending any more money................

This is the same debate we had. I was going to join a photopass share and when I discussed it with DH he said it was worth it to him to spend the money on the PP+ because it's a special trip. It's our anniversary, our first trip alone since having kids, etc. he said he wants pics of both of us and pics we wouldn't normally allow ourselves to buy. He almost looks as it as being as important as our wedding pics. Which was awesome to me because I didnt new convincing to get PP!!

 

[Mom2Cody06]

Here is the link: Giant Ice Castle in Times Square

Thanks!!

 

[M&MGirl1]

This is the same debate we had. I was going to join a photopass share and when I discussed it with DH he said it was worth it to him to spend the money on the PP+ because it's a special trip. It's our anniversary, our first trip alone since having kids, etc. he said he wants pics of both of us and pics we wouldn't normally allow ourselves to buy. He almost looks as it as being as important as our wedding pics. Which was awesome to me because I didnt new convincing to get PP!!

That is so sweet!!!!!!! Sounds like you snagged a great guy

Thankfully, sissy just texted me that she has had a couple people call her about pet sitting in November and she's going to use that money to pay for the PP+ since she knows I'm about tapped out in regards to our trip (I covered sissy's air and her 1/2 of the hotel for her Christmas present).

VERY happy about this because I was beginning to think I was bleeding money

 

[Valgoof]

I've been lurking on this thread for a while. Lots of good information! I'd like some input on my plan for our Dec. trip. It's the first trip for DD and Ds (DS will turn 4 a few days before our trip and DD will turn 5 while we're there). DH and I have not been since we were kids in the 1980s. We're staying at AOA in a LK suite. Our trip will be short, but we plan on coming back in a few years for a longer trip when the children are older. DD is princess-crazy, and DS loves Star Wars the way only a preschooler can love something. DS also LOVES Christmas lights and decorations.

Dec. 8 - Arrive around lunchtime. ADR at CM for 6:00. May go to DTD to see decorations and Santa or ride the monorail to see decorations at the resorts.

Dec. 9 - AK. We want to see the characters in their Christmas attire (esp. Santa Goofy) so I hope that they're doing that again this year. Otherwise, priorities are the Safari, LK show, and the Jingle Jungle parade. We plan to hop to DHS for EMH to see the Osborne Lights, ride Star Tours, see JTA, hit the Disney Jr. dance party, and hopefully see the Muppet and Little Mermaid show. I'd like to see the B&B show, but I'm not sure we'll make it there in time.

Dec. 10 - MK. 8:05 CRT ADR. 5PM CP ADR. MSEP and Wishes.

Dec. 11 - Leave to go home.

I don't want to try to do too much, but I also want to maximize our time. The children understand that we will make another trip in the future and that some things will have to wait until that trip. Any suggestions on "Must Dos" for this trip? We may not be able to come at Christmas time again. I know about MVMCP, but have decided against it. Also, I'm worrying a little about MK crowds on Dec. 10. I'm considering doing MK on Dec. 9 and then hopping to MK on Dec. 9 for the parade and fireworks. My main issue with that is the CRT ADR, but I'm also not sure about all the hopping with preschoolers. We will have our own car, but I know that is not necessarily more efficient for getting to MK. Anyway, I'd love some input!

I think it sounds like a good plan for your limited time. MK would probably be less crowded on 12/9, but I wouldnt give up that CRT ADR!! Eating in the castle and the empty pictures on Main Street will be worth dealing with extra people, I think.
Will your kids be able to stay out late at DHS and then get up early for that ADR??
It sounds like you have a lot more must-dos at DHS than at AK. And the AK parade is in the afternoon, like 3:45. Maybe start at DHS and then hop to AK and then go back to DHS to see the Osborne Lights and the dance party. Toy Story is a fun ride, but you need to get there early to avoid a long line and/or get a fastpass for later.

 

[DisneyGuess]

Ggggrrrrr, my fat cat sat her behind on my laptop keyboard & now the text on the pages are so small! & of course I can't figure out how to fix it!

since it isn't about our December trips! Ok, so with the announcement this morning of the 2013 Limited Time Magic stuff, I want them to release specifics darnit! My youngest & I are planning a mommy & me trip sometime in 2013, probably October, but I'd like to know when a few of the things mentioned are going to happen, like the pirate week, the rare character week.....

 

[levenhopper]

We're paid in full!

Abby and I three-way called our TA last night, and each gave our CC info. It suddenly seems so real!

I think we've got everything paid, but remind me if I'm missing something: Disney package (hotel, meals, park passes), PP+, Seas Aqua Tour, Cirque du Soleil, MVMCP, airfare.

I'm budgeting for the following: tips (Mousekeeping and meals), and any shopping we do while we're there.

I think we're good!

We have sucked in another one!!! But, really..how was last night the first time you were on the site???? That is willpower my friend.

I got a ton of extra hours at work this week due to the circus being in town at the Q (I'll be seeing the circus ten times in 6 days - thankfully I'm on fall break from school this week). So, now that the trip is paid off and I have some extra, unexpected cash, I thought I'd splurge with one thing. I'm really liking the 2012 park sweatshirt, but I don't know if I'll want to wear something that says 2012 after the year is over...

 

[WedgieSock]

Morning DIS friends. My poor baby (DS2) woke up with a slight fever this AM and is just laying on my bed watching tv. Hoping it goes away as quick as it came. I hate when my kids are sick but especially DS2 with a fever. He has a history of gentle seizures so I worry he'll spike.

Poor baby! Hope he gets well soon x

I've been lurking on this thread for a while. Lots of good information! I'd like some input on my plan for our Dec. trip. It's the first trip for DD and Ds (DS will turn 4 a few days before our trip and DD will turn 5 while we're there). DH and I have not been since we were kids in the 1980s. We're staying at AOA in a LK suite. Our trip will be short, but we plan on coming back in a few years for a longer trip when the children are older. DD is princess-crazy, and DS loves Star Wars the way only a preschooler can love something. DS also LOVES Christmas lights and decorations.

Dec. 8 - Arrive around lunchtime. ADR at CM for 6:00. May go to DTD to see decorations and Santa or ride the monorail to see decorations at the resorts.

Dec. 9 - AK. We want to see the characters in their Christmas attire (esp. Santa Goofy) so I hope that they're doing that again this year. Otherwise, priorities are the Safari, LK show, and the Jingle Jungle parade. We plan to hop to DHS for EMH to see the Osborne Lights, ride Star Tours, see JTA, hit the Disney Jr. dance party, and hopefully see the Muppet and Little Mermaid show. I'd like to see the B&B show, but I'm not sure we'll make it there in time.

Dec. 10 - MK. 8:05 CRT ADR. 5PM CP ADR. MSEP and Wishes.

Dec. 11 - Leave to go home.

I don't want to try to do too much, but I also want to maximize our time. The children understand that we will make another trip in the future and that some things will have to wait until that trip. Any suggestions on "Must Dos" for this trip? We may not be able to come at Christmas time again. I know about MVMCP, but have decided against it. Also, I'm worrying a little about MK crowds on Dec. 10. I'm considering doing MK on Dec. 9 and then hopping to MK on Dec. 9 for the parade and fireworks. My main issue with that is the CRT ADR, but I'm also not sure about all the hopping with preschoolers. We will have our own car, but I know that is not necessarily more efficient for getting to MK. Anyway, I'd love some input!

For a short trip I think your plan looks good - on your first day I would suggest riding the monorail and seeing the decorations as I think the kids would enjoy that more.

 

[mom2travel]

That's the current debate I'm having. I don't have an issue with the $99 even though we only have a four night trip. Sissy'll drag me in front of EVERY Photopass photographer she sees, so that's definitely worth it. The question is whether the $70 more for PP+ is worth it.

Let's see, we'll ride Space, Buzz and Dinosaur and will be going on Splash for the first time ever (never managed to fit it into our other trips). Will not be getting on ToT (got suckered onto that once at DL and once is enough thank you kindly). Still debating on whether I'm too chicken to get on EE (Love Space & BTMR, but this looks way more intense). We don't normally buy ride photos though; however, we also have the ADRs at Tusker House and Hoop De Doo, which I KNOW sissy's going to want the photos from. Those photos alone will probably cost us $40 to $50 total, so yeah, I guess the extra for PP+ is going to be worth it. Not that I NEED to be spending any more money................

I've been debating also, especially since it's me, DD, mom & dad this trip, and DS & DH are staying home. Plus it's only 4 days.
I think I'm going to go for the PP+ though anyway. We're doing Akershus and Ohana breakfasts. Some combination of us will ride Space, Splash, Buzz, ToT, RnR and EE. And maybe dinosaur - we were talking about giving this a try since dad & I haven't ridden in a long time and DD has never done it. So that's all the rides. Not to mention the fact that it's our first Christmas trip so we would do lots of character and icon PP photos anyway. And the stock photos!!!! Sold!

 

[Mom2Cody06]

That is so sweet!!!!!!! Sounds like you snagged a great guy

He's a keeper!

 

[houstonmama]

To clarify - he was cleared to go to their house in Florida. They haven't made a decision on the Disney trip yet. They're actually supposed to come home for Thanksgiving too but no idea if that will happen either. Florida is good for them - no staircases and good weather. His recovery is going well but still nothing definitive.

On an unrelated plan note - after we decided we didn't need BOG enough to squeeze it into the plan, DH tells me yesterday he thinks DSis would really like it, and could I squeeze it in? Ummm... BOG ressies now? No problem. I'll get right on that.

LOL!! My brother told me last month that they wanna go to Disney at the same time we're going. He and his wife have been there but only for conferences. Great! It would be wonderful to have the cousins there together! I said. I proceeded to tell him about the discounts going on at the time and about making ADR's blah, blah, blah...Told him about FLE and BOG. He said his daughter would love BOG and could I change our ressie from 4 people to 8 ! Uhmmmmm...sure! Well, as of today they don't have a room or any ADR'S!! According to them, they're still going . Rock on my brother, Rock on!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Ggggrrrrr, my fat cat sat her behind on my laptop keyboard & now the text on the pages are so small! & of course I can't figure out how to fix it!

since it isn't about our December trips! Ok, so with the announcement this morning of the 2013 Limited Time Magic stuff, I want them to release specifics darnit! My youngest & I are planning a mommy & me trip sometime in 2013, probably October, but I'd like to know when a few of the things mentioned are going to happen, like the pirate week, the rare character week.....

I know on every computer I've had to change the font size you hold down "Ctrl" while scrolling the mouse button and it makes the text bigger or smaller, depending on what way you scroll. Hope that helps!

 

[mom2travel]

I've been lurking on this thread for a while. Lots of good information! I'd like some input on my plan for our Dec. trip. It's the first trip for DD and Ds (DS will turn 4 a few days before our trip and DD will turn 5 while we're there). DH and I have not been since we were kids in the 1980s. We're staying at AOA in a LK suite. Our trip will be short, but we plan on coming back in a few years for a longer trip when the children are older. DD is princess-crazy, and DS loves Star Wars the way only a preschooler can love something. DS also LOVES Christmas lights and decorations.

Dec. 8 - Arrive around lunchtime. ADR at CM for 6:00. May go to DTD to see decorations and Santa or ride the monorail to see decorations at the resorts.

Dec. 9 - AK. We want to see the characters in their Christmas attire (esp. Santa Goofy) so I hope that they're doing that again this year. Otherwise, priorities are the Safari, LK show, and the Jingle Jungle parade. We plan to hop to DHS for EMH to see the Osborne Lights, ride Star Tours, see JTA, hit the Disney Jr. dance party, and hopefully see the Muppet and Little Mermaid show. I'd like to see the B&B show, but I'm not sure we'll make it there in time.

Dec. 10 - MK. 8:05 CRT ADR. 5PM CP ADR. MSEP and Wishes.

Dec. 11 - Leave to go home.

I don't want to try to do too much, but I also want to maximize our time. The children understand that we will make another trip in the future and that some things will have to wait until that trip. Any suggestions on "Must Dos" for this trip? We may not be able to come at Christmas time again. I know about MVMCP, but have decided against it. Also, I'm worrying a little about MK crowds on Dec. 10. I'm considering doing MK on Dec. 9 and then hopping to MK on Dec. 9 for the parade and fireworks. My main issue with that is the CRT ADR, but I'm also not sure about all the hopping with preschoolers. We will have our own car, but I know that is not necessarily more efficient for getting to MK. Anyway, I'd love some input!

Welcome to the December madness!!

I think your plan sounds great. Most of your ideas for when you hop to DHS should work, though I agree that you may miss the last B&B. I also am not sure about JTA & Disney Jr. stuff - my kids have outgrown the Jr. and we've never tried JTA

Have fun! And happy planning! :

 

[Mom2Cody06]

[QUOTE="DisneyGuess"
since it isn't about our December trips! Ok, so with the announcement this morning of the 2013 Limited Time Magic stuff, I want them to release specifics darnit! My youngest & I are planning a mommy & me trip sometime in 2013, probably October, but I'd like to know when a few of the things mentioned are going to happen, like the pirate week, the rare character week.....[/QUOTE]

I agree. I'm looking at a late September trip so we'll miss the 9/13/13 with the villains and stuff but would love to know if anythings planned for the week we are looking at going.

 

[Tltorrez]

It doesn't normally go in spam but I'll check.

I don't think you will be disappointed - maybe disappointed in the room as it will be smaller and more basic than WL but the value rooms aren't that bad and its only one night. But, POP is so different theme wise you may enjoy the larger than life in your face icons - they are fun.

And what's your alternative? No extra night at all? I'd rather have an extra night at the Sands Motel than give up a night. It's all in the perspective.