***Official January 2025 Thread***

[ThereYouSeeHer]

But two things I haven't quite figured out yet:

1) Tiana's or Peter Pan for MK Tier 1? We haven't been on either, so they would ideally both be priorities. Mainly worried about the wet/cold factor for Tiana's - if we were going at a warmer time I think it would be easier to prioritize over Peter Pan.

2) Our 5th LLMP day. We will have a day with LLMP in each park, but not sure what I should pre-book for day 5. Thinking of booking at AK for the earliest times/cheapest LLMP and hoping to HS afterwards.

1) I would consider grabbing Tiana's. Tiana would generally be the harder ride to acquire because LLMP and virtual queues go fast, and there is no standby line if you missed those options. You'd have to decide how much of a concern getting wet on Tiana's is or even waiting in a long standby for Peter Pan. Which ride would you be most disappointed in missing, if you were completely blocked out from it?

2) I think that's a good strategy. Just stay flexible, particularly if you decide it's not worth tapping into AK. You could either not book LLMP at all, or choose a park that you'd rather spend more time in from the beginning.

 

[Dagusto87]

Welcome! You've been added!

(If you'd like to add where you're staying, just let me know!)

Hi and Happy Newyear! May this year be a magical one!


I will be staying at the ASM resort

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

View attachment 925904


Single digits!!!

Ooh, I just updated your information on the first page by adding that first night at POR.

I also added you to the safe travels message, since that means you are leaving next week!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Hi and Happy Newyear! May this year be a magical one!


I will be staying at the ASM resort

Thanks! The information has been updated!

 

[Momma of 4]

Hey guys! So what are you all working on for your trip? How's the packing going? Any tips or tricks you swear by? Who's picking rides and making "must do" lists? What's on your "can't miss this food" lists? Let's talk all the plans! We're about three weeks out and I'm in a rut and looking for some excitement!

 

[MaidMarian444]

Hey guys! So what are you all working on for your trip? How's the packing going? Any tips or tricks you swear by? Who's picking rides and making "must do" lists? What's on your "can't miss this food" lists? Let's talk all the plans! We're about three weeks out and I'm in a rut and looking for some excitement!

I’ve been researching the new rides that I haven’t ridden yet in preparation for the big LL booking day. At first, I was thinking of treating our group to one day of Premier Pass for Epcot or Hollywood Studios, but now I am realizing that might be a waste of money due to several people in the group not wanting to ride the scary/seasicky rides.

Then was I was thinking of only buying Premier Pass for the thrill-seekers, and only doing LLMP for the gentle ride-seekers, but that also seems too complicated.

Really missing FP+! When it was free, it wasn’t so stressful picking rides, because there wasn’t so much money on the line! Now I am worried which rides will be too scary for which people. You hate for people to feel ripped off cause they paid for a ride they hated!

Also, it’s crazy I have never seen Fantasmic across my 3 Disney trips in last 7 years, but with young kids on the spectrum, being out late with loud noises and crowds never seemed worth it.

Now my daughter is mature enough to handle it, but I’m not sure how to plan it with a big group. Book a dining package even though I have zero interest in a table service meal in the Studios? Go to the later show for lower crowds but a later night and grumpier kids? Go to the earlier show and just try to be calm about the crowds?

 

[Dagusto87]

Hi Momma

Personally I love to make a vision board. Basically getting pictures of all things I really want to do and wish to see.
It's so much fun before the actual trip that makes me even more exited, also it helps me packing.
And if you find packing difficult there are lots of Disney checklists online (extra shoes, socks, poncho etc) certainly with kids this can be helpful.

As for packing myself I always add a copy of all the documents (I know oldschool) and a list of what I actually packed. This more because I forget a lot when I'm abroad as I am too exited ha ha.

Also after the trip I use my vision board (which is a dollorstore notebook) to put in all kinds of stickers, folders, napkins and papers I have collected during my trip Finally leaving me with a kind of small scrapbook which is a great memory maker, certainly with kids.

As for food I really recommend DFBguide. They have some great checklists and videos if it is about food and they are free (I know they also have a paid full package) For sure I have some treats I can't wait to bite into

What is your routine on this topic?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi! We will be at BLT for Jan 16-18. We have a dinner package for the first night of the Festival of the Arts! So glad it begins when we are there!

 

[Momma of 4]

I’ve been researching the new rides that I haven’t ridden yet in preparation for the big LL booking day. At first, I was thinking of treating our group to one day of Premier Pass for Epcot or Hollywood Studios, but now I am realizing that might be a waste of money due to several people in the group not wanting to ride the scary/seasicky rides.

Then was I was thinking of only buying Premier Pass for the thrill-seekers, and only doing LLMP for the gentle ride-seekers, but that also seems too complicated.

Really missing FP+! When it was free, it wasn’t so stressful picking rides, because there wasn’t so much money on the line! Now I am worried which rides will be too scary for which people. You hate for people to feel ripped off cause they paid for a ride they hated!

Also, it’s crazy I have never seen Fantasmic across my 3 Disney trips in last 7 years, but with young kids on the spectrum, being out late with loud noises and crowds never seemed worth it.

Now my daughter is mature enough to handle it, but I’m not sure how to plan it with a big group. Book a dining package even though I have zero interest in a table service meal in the Studios? Go to the later show for lower crowds but a later night and grumpier kids? Go to the earlier show and just try to be calm about the crowds?

ok I SO feel this! Three of my kids are confirmed neuro-diverse, and they all have different needs and comfort levels with different stimuli so its just a lot to think about! We haven't seen Fantasmic (or any of the fireworks up close!) since our Honeymoon in 2009. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge for the second half of the stay so we will catch the fireworks from there where its safe and quiet (and not crowded!). But I so wanted to do fantasmic. The timing of it is hard too for my crew. We will see....

I super miss FP+ as well. We were able to get so much done, and now I'm like ehhhh do I want to buy this for 6 people just to ride the few rides we actually ride? My older kids are starting to get more into "thrill" rides, but not roller coasters. They loved mission space last time but that was about as thrilling as they got. I think we will do some ride videos and see what they think. Last time the twins were only 5 and now they are 7 so that's kind of a big jump in what they remember from last time.

 

[Momma of 4]

Hi Momma

Personally I love to make a vision board. Basically getting pictures of all things I really want to do and wish to see.
It's so much fun before the actual trip that makes me even more exited, also it helps me packing.
And if you find packing difficult there are lots of Disney checklists online (extra shoes, socks, poncho etc) certainly with kids this can be helpful.

As for packing myself I always add a copy of all the documents (I know oldschool) and a list of what I actually packed. This more because I forget a lot when I'm abroad as I am too exited ha ha.

Also after the trip I use my vision board (which is a dollorstore notebook) to put in all kinds of stickers, folders, napkins and papers I have collected during my trip Finally leaving me with a kind of small scrapbook which is a great memory maker, certainly with kids.

As for food I really recommend DFBguide. They have some great checklists and videos if it is about food and they are free (I know they also have a paid full package) For sure I have some treats I can't wait to bite into

What is your routine on this topic?

What great ideas, and I LOVE the notebook idea! We travel often, at least once a year, so I always have a toiletry bag on the ready, and a few duplicates that stay packed for other things. That definitely helps. I always make a notes list on my phone to keep track of the things we pack and where they go because it never seems to pack up for the return trip the same way! We are driving so we have a lot more luxury in how and what we pack. I just hate having 47 different bags to carry everything in. I told my husband id rather pack an empty suitcase to put all the loose car crap like kids bags, snacks, electronics etc that seem to find themselves free floating around the car, instead of having to carry that all in separate bags.

I love DFB, I think I'll need to get a refresher for anything new to try! Its been two years so I'm sure there's some new stuff. And I told the kids last time we'd try the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream, but we never did, so that might be a must do this trip.

I think my problem for this trip is the actual DOING of the thing. Coming down from the holidays it seems like a lot of work to actually go through all the clothes, pick out clothes, make sure the clothes are clean, pack the clothes, etc. SO MANY CLOTHES

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I had my DH pull out our suitcases and have started throwing stuff in there. I went to the store yesterday and bought toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, ponchos and whatever other little things we need for the trip. I’ll probably start packing in earnest in 5 days or so (we’re 9 days out now). Some weird things I pack: hanging shelf thing that collapses flat that I can hang in the closet for more storage, a small box that collapses flat for packing to hold odds and ends, a collapsible pop up hamper to corral dirty clothes (also collapses flat for packing), an empty large duffle bag to bring souvenirs home in, an over the door hanging multi picket shoe holder to hold odds and ends, an extension cord with multiple sockets and usb c and usb slots (bought on Amazon for $9!) which really comes in handy for charging everyone’s MB+s and phones and stuff, and silicone straws and a brush for them thst we wash and reuse because we hate paper straws.
As for what I’m working on, currently I’m doing touring plans on the TP site for each park day. They save time and if we don’t have plans we’re indecisive about what to do. I also recommend the TP lines app for accurate wait times while you’re in the park. The MDE ones aren’t always accurate because they use the times for crowd dispersion. My family leaves all the planning
to me, but I know what they like and don’t like.
As for can’t miss food, for us it’s the pretzel bread pudding in Germany, anything from Les Halle’s in France, cinnamon bun with extra icing on the side at Gaston’s, Cheshire Cat tail, obviously dole whip, the bowls at Satuli, hush puppies at CHH (we don’t have them where I live and I love them) and fish and chips from the QS in UK pavilion. I’m sure there’s more I’m not thinking of too.

 

[Dagusto87]

What great ideas, and I LOVE the notebook idea! We travel often, at least once a year, so I always have a toiletry bag on the ready, and a few duplicates that stay packed for other things. That definitely helps. I always make a notes list on my phone to keep track of the things we pack and where they go because it never seems to pack up for the return trip the same way! We are driving so we have a lot more luxury in how and what we pack. I just hate having 47 different bags to carry everything in. I told my husband id rather pack an empty suitcase to put all the loose car crap like kids bags, snacks, electronics etc that seem to find themselves free floating around the car, instead of having to carry that all in separate bags.

I love DFB, I think I'll need to get a refresher for anything new to try! Its been two years so I'm sure there's some new stuff. And I told the kids last time we'd try the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream, but we never did, so that might be a must do this trip.

I think my problem for this trip is the actual DOING of the thing. Coming down from the holidays it seems like a lot of work to actually go through all the clothes, pick out clothes, make sure the clothes are clean, pack the clothes, etc. SO MANY CLOTHES

I so get you as the hustle of packing ha ha I try to do this in steps. Just any spare time (I even already started packing) so it will not be in a hurry or last minute. I really hate to do things on last minute. I start with necessaries things I do not need on daily basis. For example a lunchbox (doggy bag), water bottle and an extra backpack for the souvenirs, as I always miss space to pack these.
As it is full winter here I can also already start packing spring cloths my extra pair shoes etc. My bag stays open and I can start any minute without having to 'start' all over again.
I also made this game with my sister when she was younger, we made a treasure hunt kind of game to pack.
I myself am really looking forward for the dole whip and Cheshire Cat Tail
But for sure I will find much more things (even in no sugar 'dry' January ha ha)

 

[Pyxie]

Hey guys! So what are you all working on for your trip? How's the packing going? Any tips or tricks you swear by? Who's picking rides and making "must do" lists? What's on your "can't miss this food" lists? Let's talk all the plans! We're about three weeks out and I'm in a rut and looking for some excitement!

Currently working on packing lists and getting supplies together, but packing won't start for a couple more days. I actually have to travel to Toronto for work next week and we are heading to Disney the day after I get back so I'm having to plan for 2 trips. Both of them are now cold weather trips so I guess that does kind of make it easier lol.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Btw, long underwear is really great for being able to be comfortable outside in the cold and UNIQLO sells a a great set. They have a store in Disney Springs!

Thanks for the tip! I definitely could have used it when I was there a few years ago, and would use it again if the cold weather hangs around into the following week. I hope you don't mind me saying this-I hope I don't need it.

 

[PSUamanda]

Is anyone in their LLMP booking window yet? I'm curious what time slots are available for Remy at 7-8 days out. That's our first park with the whole group and I'm in charge of booking LLs for everyone.

I'm debating between booking Remy in the morning (9-10:30 range?) and taking the skyliner in from HS. The kids (5 kids ages 2-7) like doing the skyliner as a first "ride" of the day and it's a fun way to get to epcot, but I know it takes longer. We won't be looking at rope drop times with 3 different families in the group. If the Remy times are all going to end up being afternoon though then we'll probably just bus to epcot and start at the front of the park.

We're staying in All Star Sports Jan 22-28 (getting so excited!!) so still a couple weeks to decide on LL strategy.

 

[cjlong88]

Tomorrow is our LL booking day! Final thing to do and then I can just relax and wait for the 10th to come around.

 

[Doingitagain]

Hello! I will be at WDW from Jan 29 to Feb 1, then off to a cruise on the Treasure.

We have one night at BWV and two nights at BC. Still hoping my DVC waitlist for a 1 bedroom at BC comes through for Jan 29 and we can have all three nights in one room. We are going to After Hours on Jan 29.

 

[Momma of 4]

I had my DH pull out our suitcases and have started throwing stuff in there. I went to the store yesterday and bought toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, ponchos and whatever other little things we need for the trip. I’ll probably start packing in earnest in 5 days or so (we’re 9 days out now). Some weird things I pack: hanging shelf thing that collapses flat that I can hang in the closet for more storage, a small box that collapses flat for packing to hold odds and ends, a collapsible pop up hamper to corral dirty clothes (also collapses flat for packing), an empty large duffle bag to bring souvenirs home in, an over the door hanging multi picket shoe holder to hold odds and ends, an extension cord with multiple sockets and usb c and usb slots (bought on Amazon for $9!) which really comes in handy for charging everyone’s MB+s and phones and stuff, and silicone straws and a brush for them thst we wash and reuse because we hate paper straws.
As for what I’m working on, currently I’m doing touring plans on the TP site for each park day. They save time and if we don’t have plans we’re indecisive about what to do. I also recommend the TP lines app for accurate wait times while you’re in the park. The MDE ones aren’t always accurate because they use the times for crowd dispersion. My family leaves all the planning
to me, but I know what they like and don’t like.
As for can’t miss food, for us it’s the pretzel bread pudding in Germany, anything from Les Halle’s in France, cinnamon bun with extra icing on the side at Gaston’s, Cheshire Cat tail, obviously dole whip, the bowls at Satuli, hush puppies at CHH (we don’t have them where I live and I love them) and fish and chips from the QS in UK pavilion. I’m sure there’s more I’m not thinking of too.

Oh we have very similar packing styles! We always pack the same "Weird" things as you do! And liquid hand soap. Always. I hate the bars, for the kids especially. I think I'm going to add an extension cord this year though, thats a good idea. And I forgot about the reusable straws, so thanks! I'm going to add them to the box tomorrow.
That pretzel bread pudding is on our list, we haven't tried it before. And a Cinnamon Bun! So many food options

 

[cjlong88]

This AM was our LL booking day. We got everything we wanted for the times we wanted. Great way to start a Friday!

 

[MaidMarian444]

ok I SO feel this! Three of my kids are confirmed neuro-diverse, and they all have different needs and comfort levels with different stimuli so its just a lot to think about! We haven't seen Fantasmic (or any of the fireworks up close!) since our Honeymoon in 2009. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge for the second half of the stay so we will catch the fireworks from there where its safe and quiet (and not crowded!). But I so wanted to do fantasmic. The timing of it is hard too for my crew. We will see....

I super miss FP+ as well. We were able to get so much done, and now I'm like ehhhh do I want to buy this for 6 people just to ride the few rides we actually ride? My older kids are starting to get more into "thrill" rides, but not roller coasters. They loved mission space last time but that was about as thrilling as they got. I think we will do some ride videos and see what they think. Last time the twins were only 5 and now they are 7 so that's kind of a big jump in what they remember from last time.

Yep, WDW is a perfect place to bring our ND kids because it’s a very affirming and understanding place. And all the kids, including NT, will have occasional meltdowns, so no one feels embarrassed or out of place. But there are so many things we still haven’t experienced in the parks yet!