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

[WedgieSock]

Morning!!!

Almost packed, almost .... doing last minute things. Gotta pick Bronwyns school work up before we leave.

We will drive for about 5 hours then stay at a hotel over night - I'm kinda glad I decided to break the journey up now what with DD not 100%. She is getting better but she actually asked to go to bed last night so I know shes not well.

OMG, Mom2Travel is on her way!!!!

WOW.

[molitva]

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

Morning!!!

Almost packed, almost .... doing last minute things. Gotta pick Bronwyns school work up before we leave.

We will drive for about 5 hours then stay at a hotel over night - I'm kinda glad I decided to break the journey up now what with DD not 100%. She is getting better but she actually asked to go to bed last night so I know shes not well.

OMG, Mom2Travel is on her way!!!!

WOW.

Have a safe drive! Very excited for you Watch for speed traps on 75!

[Lcaemom]

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

Morning!!!

Almost packed, almost .... doing last minute things. Gotta pick Bronwyns school work up before we leave.

We will drive for about 5 hours then stay at a hotel over night - I'm kinda glad I decided to break the journey up now what with DD not 100%. She is getting better but she actually asked to go to bed last night so I know shes not well.

OMG, Mom2Travel is on her way!!!!

WOW.

Have safe travels!!! So excited for you! Will look for you in three days!

[My2Qtz0205]

So...I woke up with a stomach ache. We leave TOMORROW! I'm hoping and praying I don't get the virus going around school, and especially that I don't transmit it to the rest of my family! I was very careful not to touch the kids' food this morning. I'm going to rest until I feel better, and then I need to go to Walgreens and to the bank.

Does anybody know off-hand how much I'm going to pay in tolls between the airport and I-4? I went to the calculator-thingamajig and I just found it confusing. It looked to me like $1.50 each way, but I'm not sure.

[Lcaemom]

Originally Posted by My2Qtz0205

So...I woke up with a stomach ache. We leave TOMORROW! I'm hoping and praying I don't get the virus going around school, and especially that I don't transmit it to the rest of my family! I was very careful not to touch the kids' food this morning. I'm going to rest until I feel better, and then I need to go to Walgreens and to the bank.

Does anybody know off-hand how much I'm going to pay in tolls between the airport and I-4? I went to the calculator-thingamajig and I just found it confusing. It looked to me like $1.50 each way, but I'm not sure.

So sad to do all this planning and anticipating and then get sick! I'm so sorry. I hope you feel better!!!

[PrincessAurora27]

Originally Posted by QueenElinor

If you have a smartphone or tablet you can email all of your ressies (including resort & activities) to yourself. In your browser under "file" there should be a command to email contents of the page. That saved me a ton of time, and then they're easy to carry!

Regarding the chocolate, I have been known to get into the chocolate chips out of desperation. Never tried the baking chocolate, though. Not yet!

Baking chocolate is yucky, but I've been known to get into the chocolate chips as well.

I have a large, blue vase that I bought at Pier 1 awhile back that we use to hold various chocolate.

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

Ok, I'll be honest, I haven't caught up completely - I am half way through and I will be back later to read the rest ..... been running errands, doing laundry & getting the house ready for the house sitter ..... we leave tomorrow for our first leg of the journey at about 1pm.



No I have exhausted every avenue - he is posted on 7 websites dedicated to Lost/Found pets, he's on craigslist, notices at all shelters & vets in the area, posters out ...... and we have driven miles looking for 'Lost Dog' signs. Nothing.

So he is mine now I love him!



Yay you're back!! Just as I'm going lol



My thoughts exactly!


AND ...........

I'M STILL NOT PACKED

That is a very lucky dog! Hope to run into you in a few days!

Originally Posted by ksromack

2 days from now we'll be boarding our plan headed for MCO!

Arwen, are you packed?

Has everyone stocked up on Disney gift cards with the Target deal? Today is my last day of work until Dec 19th! Even though we've been packed for weeks I will still freak out tomorrow......had to wait until we got paid to do some things...namely stock up on GC! I need to touch up my hair color.....for some reason my hair is growing like crazy and I have a lovely 3/4" of new grey growth at my roots......we paid for PP+ so I'm not about to have a skunk streak! You know how those greys stand at attention with a flash?

I just did my roots on Thanksgiving. I planned it so I wouldn't have roots for either dinner with the parents or our trip. Even though it meant I had almost 1 1/2" before I did them.

Originally Posted by Lcaemom

So excited for you!!! Have a great trip!! I'll be looking for you, in 72 HOURS!!!!


And looking for you, too!!!!!!! 72 hours for me...48 for you!!! We did the PP+ card, too...and now that you've said that, I feel like I need to get my hair cut...and lose 20lbs...

I'll be looking for LGMH. I made mine and put my DIS name on it, then I laminated it.

We also got the PP+. I not only feel like I should get a hair cut, lose weight, and wear makeup every day we're there. I typically don't wear makeup unless we're going out somewhere nice.

[M&MGirl1]

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

Morning!!!

Almost packed, almost .... doing last minute things. Gotta pick Bronwyns school work up before we leave.

We will drive for about 5 hours then stay at a hotel over night - I'm kinda glad I decided to break the journey up now what with DD not 100%. She is getting better but she actually asked to go to bed last night so I know shes not well.

OMG, Mom2Travel is on her way!!!!

WOW.

I can't believe you're almost out the door! It probably is a good thing you broke the drive up. Bronwyn can sleep and rest in the car today and in the hotel tonight and hopefully feel loads better by the time you actually get to WDW!

Originally Posted by My2Qtz0205

So...I woke up with a stomach ache. We leave TOMORROW! I'm hoping and praying I don't get the virus going around school, and especially that I don't transmit it to the rest of my family! I was very careful not to touch the kids' food this morning. I'm going to rest until I feel better, and then I need to go to Walgreens and to the bank.

Does anybody know off-hand how much I'm going to pay in tolls between the airport and I-4? I went to the calculator-thingamajig and I just found it confusing. It looked to me like $1.50 each way, but I'm not sure.

Oh no! I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's just nerves and not the flu bug that's been going around! I think the $1.50 is about right if memory serves me right. I know it wasn't much. If you just take a handful of change with you then you should be fine!

Originally Posted by PrincessAurora27

Baking chocolate is yucky, but I've been known to get into the chocolate chips as well.

Umm.......I thought eating some of the chocolate chips while making cookies was a mandatory part of the recipe

[Valgoof]

Originally Posted by ksromack

Supposed to snow here on Monday. I'm praying for no rain in Epcot! That's our CP night AND our Illuminations cruise. Do they ever cancel either of those?

I dont know about Illuminations, but I know they still do CP in the rain. We sat in POURING rain last year for NPH. No thunder/lightning, but major rain.

Originally Posted by mom2travel

Good morning!!! Today is the day!
Good luck to all getting ready to travel this weekend. And safe trips to all heading out today - see you there!!!

Woo-hoo!! Have a great trip!

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

Morning!!!

Almost packed, almost .... doing last minute things. Gotta pick Bronwyns school work up before we leave.

We will drive for about 5 hours then stay at a hotel over night - I'm kinda glad I decided to break the journey up now what with DD not 100%. She is getting better but she actually asked to go to bed last night

WOW.

Hope Bronwyn starts feeling better quickly!!! Have a great trip!

[Valgoof]

Originally Posted by My2Qtz0205

So...I woke up with a stomach ache. We leave TOMORROW! I'm hoping and praying I don't get the virus going around school, and especially that I don't transmit it to the rest of my family! I was very careful not to touch the kids' food this morning. I'm going to rest until I feel better, and then I need to go to Walgreens and to the bank.

Does anybody know off-hand how much I'm going to pay in tolls between the airport and I-4? I went to the calculator-thingamajig and I just found it confusing. It looked to me like $1.50 each way, but I'm not sure.

Feel better!!!

I would ask and/or search on the transportation board. When we were planning on renting a car, I had figured $2.00 each way, but I am not sure where I got that number.

[Coopers2006]

Originally Posted by tofubeast

December News and Links
Latest news on top!

-Bistro de Paris in EPCOT will be renamed Monsieur Paul when it opens in early December.

-Disney Park Hours UPDATED.

- Curious how to pack? Check Accuweather for the latest weather related news in Lake Buena Vista

-SNACKS. Here's a nice list of snacks to try while at the World. We will not discuss fat and calorie count.

- December 6th will be a BUSY day at WDW. Just announced on the DP Blog that Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow walk-through at DHS will open that day.

- Awesome Disney Transportation Map

- FLE in soft opening.

- The Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party is now open for ADRs in December!

- Check out these great tips for photographing Disney during the holidays! Here's a blog entry on the best spots to photograph Wishes.

- Gaston's Tavern (quick service) will feature warm cinnamon rolls as its signature sweet throughout the day. LeFou's Brew, a signature beverage, is a no-sugar-added frozen apple juice, with toasted marshmallow flavoring, topped with passion fruit-mango foam. It will be available in standard cups as well as souvenir steins and goblets.

- Click here for something mysterious Disney is doing to promote New Fantasyland!

- srauchbauer started a Facebook Group for our Roll Call. Feel free to join!

- Speaking of Facebook, Disney has a WDW Holidays Facebook page.

- Touringplans.com blog post regarding "What to expect in December" when it comes to park hours.

- Be Our Guest restaurant news: Requests for dinner ADRs for Be Our Guest began on 8/20 (online-8/22.) Credit card hold required. Lunch is counter service, so no ADRs accepted. Here's a look at the menu and food pics! Here's another peek too!

-Fantasyland Land Expansion (FLE) officially opens on December 6th, with previews to start November 16th!! Here's a video that reveals more of the expansion and some of the animatronics too! AP holder preview begins 11/3.

- Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is now open for booking in December.

-Sleigh rides at Fort Wilderness are now open for booking!

- EPCOT's Candlelight Processional dining packages ADRs opened on Tuesday, June 26. Most up to date list of speakers can be found here.

- The December 2012 Cancelled ADR thread is a great way to see if you can find that hard to get ADR.

- The taping of the WDW Christmas Parade will be Nov. 30-Dec. 1st this year.

- Check out MouseSavers for a comprehensive listing of all current December WDW discounts that are available.

-Pop Warner Tournament is scheduled to run 12/1-12/9.

Refurbishment Closures
*Test Track: re-opens 12/6
*Grand Floridian Gasparilla Grill: till 12/17
*Grand Floridian Resort courtyard pool: till 12/31 (date not official)
*Grand Floridian Spa: till mid 2012
*Beach Club Hurricane Hanna's: till 12/18.
*Typhoon Lagoon: till 1/6
*EPCOT's Bistro de Paris: till 12/3

December Calendar
Here is the December Calendar! The WDW Travel Agent Calendar is consistently the earliest-listed and best-maintained (frequently updated) of all of the on-line calendars.

For those of you beginning your trips in November, here is the November calendar.

EasyWDW has a crowd calendar up for December. Keep in mind, it may change as December grows closer.

Special WDW Activities/Events in December

- WDW's Holiday Event Calendar 2012
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (scroll down)
- Holiday Highlights from around the World
- WDW Holiday information from the Disney site
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates announced on 5/1/12. See below for more info)
- EPCOT's Candlelight Processional
- EPCOT's Holidays Around the World - full schedule
- DisneyQuest's New Year's Eve Party
- Downtown Disney's Festival of the Seasons
- Tour: Holiday D-Lights
- Tour: Yuletide Fantasy
- Cinderella's Holiday Wish and Castle Dream Lights including video from this year
- DHS' Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - here's its history courtesy of the Wiki
- Touringplans.com tips on the EPCOT Storytellers Around World Showcase
- Self Guided Tour of Disney Resort Decorations

Meet Santa at Downtown Disney:
Meet Santa at his chalet in the Marketplace from 11/16-12/24. Santa Goofy will be there 12/25-12/27. (Fri-Sat:12pm to 10pm and Sun-Thu: 5pm to 10pm)

December Pre-Trip Report Links
(Give me your link, and I'll add it here!)

tofubeast's PTR: Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip to WDW
debrapagliasotti's PTR: Dear Santa, I would like a double-deluxe Disney trip for Christmas!!
DizNee Luver's PTR: First trip to WDW!
taaren's PTR: Help me plan! DL Vets go to WDW for our birthdays!
BDL's PTR: Our 2nd Trip in 3 Years. This Time, She's In On It
misse320's PTR: Countdown to Christmas with the Mouse
Suziewan's PTR: New Year's PTR
DsnyMama's PTR: First Trip: 59 Years In The Making
Destructsean's PTR: We're just two very tall ten year olds - Disney Honeymoon!
RooRach0906's PTR: Celebrating Comfort and Joy
amandaluvsgoofy's PTR: Time to go for Christmas!
TinkLovinMomma's PTR: Sticking A Trip To WDW Under The Christmas Tree!
clynngibson's PTR: So Excited!! Our First Trip to WDW!
levenhopper's PTR: Is it Disney Time Yet?
mrstomrice's PTR: Our Dream Christmas Trip!
beedale862003's PTR: Two under Three: Toddler Touring
bellaally's PTR: First Visit Ever during Christmas
Leger13's PTR: Will This PTR Be A Jinx? A 2nd bday "do-over" trip
SAT887's PTR: The Awesome PTR that Lacks a Catchy Title!
grrrlennyl's PTR: Anniversary WDW trip in December
disney212's PTR: PTR for December 2012
1stvisit0909's PTR: Headed to Disney for Christmas!
mnmrmustard's PTR: Disney Holiday Firsts at Last! - The McClure Disney History!
Tangelders Ahoy's PTR: Our "Dream" Surf & Turf vacation
AnnieDan_Artlover's PTR: This time, I walk!!!
PhoenixStrength's PTR: A most-likely, probably, in all likelihood Solo, Nov-Dec 2012 Trip!
Lcaemom's PTR: Our First Family of 6 Christmas Vacation
bellebookworm9's PTR: It's the Spirit of the Season-As If Eight Months in Disney Wasn't Enough!
dawnmichele's PTR: They're opening FLE just for us!
ciao_gina's PTR: It's finally here-November 28th-December 6th trip report

Stuff to Get You Excited and Pass the Time!

-When at WDW, let others know you are a member of The Dis! Thanks to JLa01844, she made our thread a special template for a Lime Green Mickey Head that you can make yourself. Instructions can be found here. Also, weHEARTmickey made some as well that can be found here.

-Thanks to BDL. Below are links to an HGTV special of Behind the Magic of Disney Christmas Decorations.
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdv0OgMLjoo
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF99-...eature=related
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPbu5...eature=related

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Walt Disney World 2011

Disney Parks Blog - Assorted Holiday Posts from the Past (WDW and DLR)

MVMCP Information:

-Going to the party? Add your name to the December MVMCP List created by JLa01844!

- Here's a list of characters appearing at MVMCP this year. Uncle Scrooge is back!

-NEW! Here is the MVMCP Park Map this year!

-Here's a run down on this year's MVMCP happenings and schedule!

-EasyWDW has a MVMCP touring strategy (from last year). Give it a read if going to a party this year.

-Touringplans.com has some observations based on last year's MVMCP.

-Here's a Dis thread devoted to those attending MVMCP this year.

MVMCP is being held on the following dates:
Nov: 9, 12, 15, 16*, 25, 27, 29 and 30* Dec: 2, 4, 6, 7*, 9, 11, 13, 14*, 16, 18, 20* and 21**

*Advance Sale pricing is not available for these dates. Even when purchased in advance, "Day Of" pricing is in effect.
Advance Sales $58.95 Adult / $53.95 Ages 3-9 (plus tax)
Day of Event Sales $64.95/$59.95
** Premium Night Dec 21 $67.95/$62.95

Tickets are available NOW by calling Disney directly or visiting Disney's website.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MVMCP Schedule:

-Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade: 8:15 and 10:30 PM
-Celebrate the Magic: 9:15 PM
-Holiday Wishes Fireworks: 9:30 PM
-"A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas" Show: 7:45, 8:45, 9:55, 10:50 & 11:45 PM
-"Celebrate The Season" Show: 7:45, 10:05 & 11:20 PM
-Character Meet & Greets: 7:00 - 11:30 PM

Christmas cookies and hot cocoa at various stations throughout the park:
The Crystal Palace: 9:00-11:00 pm
Sunshine Tree Terrace: 7:00pm-12:00am
Columbia Harbour House: 7:00pm-12:00am
Pinocchio Village Haus: 7:00-10:30pm
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe: 8:00pm-12:00am

Scroll down to get to know your fellow Roll Callers!

AWESOME POST!!!! Thanks so much for all the info!

[jwgm2012]

Morning everyone!

We're back from our great trip!

I'm hoping I can get some of our pics loaded and do a mini report - I didn't take as many pics as I thought I had. Oh well, we were too busy trying to take everything in!

Some of our highlights include:

Candlelight Processional - amazing... just amazing

Osbourne Lights - wow

Grand Marnier & Grey Goose slushie - so, so good

last minute Tusker House character breakfast - soo much fun

Test Track - getting to ride before grand opening


low lights...

DBF getting sick our last day - spent hours back in the hotel

MK decorations - not at the level I'd seen previously on pics or WDW website

Almost bus accident - driver slammed on his breaks to avoid hitting bus infront of us - a few of us were thrown around pretty good and small kids were cut up on some metal chair holders



Can't wait to fill you guys in...

let the PDD commence

[mom2travel]

I'm on the plane! DD is painting Mickey heads on her nails while we're waiting to take off.
Will try to post pics here & there while we're there to help with PDD for some and anticipation for others

[Wendimn]

Originally Posted by mom2travel

I'm on the plane! DD is painting Mickey heads on her nails while we're waiting to take off

WOOHOOOO!!!!

[M&MGirl1]

Ok, now that I officially have less than 2 weeks left before we leave I'm starting to panic. I have way too much to do and not enough time to do it in

Almost NONE of our trip docs have been printed out for the trip binder.
I have NO CLUE what to pack because I don't know how hot or cold it will be. I need to go to Target and get gift cards and sunscreen. I need to work out a few kinks in our touring plans and print those out. I need to call the cc company and my bank and warn them we're going on vacation so they don't freeze my cards. I have a mountain of projects to get through at work (thanks to my supervisor dumping three new projects on me at the tail end of the day yesterday...ugh). Then there's all the Christmas related stuff - I have to finish wrapping Christmas presents, clean the house for Christmas, put up the Christmas tree and all the indoor decorations, do whatever baking we decide on for the holiday AND go to the grocery store and get everything I'm going to need to make Christmas Eve dinner since we won't get back in town until 4 or 5 pm the day before.

All of this would be do-able if it were a normal couple of weeks, but it's not. I've got an appointment with the Chiropractor today and another one Monday (and probably 2 or 3 more before our trip too), tomorrow evening's shot because my sisters and I have season tickets to the theater and are going to go sit through Les Mis (hate that show), then Saturday I have to drive to St. Louis to see Mom and Dad, so there goes the whole weekend. And Mom and the dogs are coming back with me on Sunday, so that means I'll have baby Dobby puppy to deal with next week on top of everything else (I had sooo forgotten how much time and effort baby puppies take). At this point I'm going to be fit to do nothing but crash in a pile in our hotel room at AoA once we finally make it to the World!

And that concludes my nervous breakdown for today

[ksromack]

Originally Posted by My2Qtz0205

So...I woke up with a stomach ache. We leave TOMORROW! I'm hoping and praying I don't get the virus going around school, and especially that I don't transmit it to the rest of my family! I was very careful not to touch the kids' food this morning. I'm going to rest until I feel better, and then I need to go to Walgreens and to the bank.

Does anybody know off-hand how much I'm going to pay in tolls between the airport and I-4? I went to the calculator-thingamajig and I just found it confusing. It looked to me like $1.50 each way, but I'm not sure.

Rest rest rest! If you are getting sick then going without rest will really aggravate the situation