***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[Candycane83]

Busy, busy day around here! I had the greatest idea to start our Disney corner in our den to place things that we've gotten so far for the trip. Well, as luck would have it, our suitcases are completely RUINED. DH has stored a Christmas box right above them and apparently an old snow globe was cracked and the fluid from it leaked into the suitcases and created this NASTY mold. So I quickly zipped them up and got rid of them asap. Between the suitcases and some decorations, the whole box was thrown away.

So, here we are with no suitcases. I really do not want to go out and spend a fortune on one.

Help this stressed mama out!

Aww I'm sorry about the suitcases! Look out for deals in the next few months, I'm sure there will be something!

 

[BDFmom]

@JamieOak Sending you healing thoughts for a speedy recovery.

@pigletgirl Awwww that sucks about the suitcases. I'd check consignment stores. Or maybe you can borrow some from friends or neighbors.
@areno79 Yay on the flights

I want to reiterate how wonderfully helpful this thread has been. It's made planning sooo much fun and exciting. I've learned so much and everyone has been filled with such great ideas!!!

 

[Candycane83]

I want to reiterate how wonderfully helpful this thread has been. It's made planning sooo much fun and exciting. I've learned so much and everyone has been filled with such great ideas!!!

I totally agree with this! thanks to everyone on this thread!

 

[Candycane83]

Just came back, here are my pics. with food review. We were so full from actual dinner that couldn't order dessert, but we walked around a bit and came back for the shake.
https://www.facebook.com/yulady.rod...0210490610487312.1073742023.1406401066&type=3
We arrived at 5:40pm the restaurant was pretty full but they had tables available outside, we decided to wait 20 min. for a table inside. When we left it was very busy. Wait times for tables were at least 45 min.

For those going to universal studios (hope others don't mind me posting this).... it's a great review!

 

[Maryemcd]

Busy, busy day around here! I had the greatest idea to start our Disney corner in our den to place things that we've gotten so far for the trip. Well, as luck would have it, our suitcases are completely RUINED. DH has stored a Christmas box right above them and apparently an old snow globe was cracked and the fluid from it leaked into the suitcases and created this NASTY mold. So I quickly zipped them up and got rid of them asap. Between the suitcases and some decorations, the whole box was thrown away.

So, here we are with no suitcases. I really do not want to go out and spend a fortune on one.

Help this stressed mama out!

I had 2 BIG fabric Liz Claiborne suitcases for just over 6 years. Multiple cruises, 3 trips to Europe, domestic flights and drives... both died this year ripped, main handle popped out). I haven't started my search yet. Got those onine but can't remember the site. Suitcase warehouse or something. Only spent about 100 each. And they were generally loaded to 45-65 pounds. Won't pay hundreds of dollars for something that might die on the first flight.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

@pigletgirl What a disappointment! Can you just borrow from a friend or family member? It isn't fun spending money on unexpected things.

@Candycane83 So I haven't talked to M about it yet, but after seeing the podcast review, I'm dying to go to Toothsome. We're driving to a friend's house for the weekend, so I think I'm going to mention it. We are driving to FL, so it shouldn't be a big deal really.

 

[Lisa F]

@Candycane83 She actually did say there is no standing at the rails, thank goodness for that at least! But not sure I like the idea of getting there extra-early for a maybe good table? Those odds aren't so great. The reserved spot for the parade is appealing for us. Having actual tables/chairs and yummy desserts is appealing. Possibly a partially obstructed view? Ugh, no! This does nothing for my indecisiveness. lol

how are you going to get there extra extra early from the parade spot? Is everyone going to have a mad rush, pushing and shoving to get first in line? this is my big concern about it. My child does NOT walk fast esp that time of night. We'd be at the end of the line and in a bad spot. There is no way to really get there early if you go direct from parade to fireworks viewing. I am still taking a wait and see - if they let people out into the gardens to watch fireworks for the holiday parties I might still do it. but heavily leaning away right now.

 

[SilSprBea]

I spend so much time second guessing plans! Yesterday my DH and I decided on the auto train home (thanks for the inspiration @JainaAlice! We might be on the same train home. LOL!) because it would be an adventure and allow us not to be at the wheel on the way home. And then today I see better prices on southwest for flights. I'm tempted but it is such a pain flying with the kids and all their junk. And then there are the hidden costs of flying to consider- renting a double stroller instead of bringing our own, renting a car because we would want our mobility (we can't easily uber places because of car seats and I don't always want to rely on Disney transport). And if we rent a car it's lugging the bulky car seats to the airport which is such a nuisance for getting the kids luggage, single stroller and car seats to the terminal from the parking lot. I think driving makes sense for us for this distance while the kids are still young. Ugh, but the time savings in flying is so nice. Why did I even bother to click on the southwest link?

 

[Candycane83]

how are you going to get there extra extra early from the parade spot? Is everyone going to have a mad rush, pushing and shoving to get first in line? this is my big concern about it. My child does NOT walk fast esp that time of night. We'd be at the end of the line and in a bad spot. There is no way to really get there early if you go direct from parade to fireworks viewing. I am still taking a wait and see - if they let people out into the gardens to watch fireworks for the holiday parties I might still do it. but heavily leaning away right now.

We have to wait and see the reviews, I'm thinking it may be during check in that you can put your request for a table. Not sure if you'd actually be able to sit on the table ahead of the parade though. Leaning away against it too. I feel that the dessert party should save you time instead it seems like it's pushing you to wait more n get mediocre to a good view depending on luck. The problem is check in starts at 4pm for the holiday one...

 

[Candycane83]

@pigletgirl What a disappointment! Can you just borrow from a friend or family member? It isn't fun spending money on unexpected things.

@Candycane83 So I haven't talked to M about it yet, but after seeing the podcast review, I'm dying to go to Toothsome. We're driving to a friend's house for the weekend, so I think I'm going to mention it. We are driving to FL, so it shouldn't be a big deal really.

I keep thinking now I need more time at universal just to experience this restaurant more than once! Lol! Waiting for official opening so we could get hours and see if they would take reservations

 

[rasadkowski]

I spend so much time second guessing plans! Yesterday my DH and I decided on the auto train home (thanks for the inspiration @JainaAlice! We might be on the same train home. LOL!) because it would be an adventure and allow us not to be at the wheel on the way home. And then today I see better prices on southwest for flights. I'm tempted but it is such a pain flying with the kids and all their junk. And then there are the hidden costs of flying to consider- renting a double stroller instead of bringing our own, renting a car because we would want our mobility (we can't easily uber places because of car seats and I don't always want to rely on Disney transport). And if we rent a car it's lugging the bulky car seats to the airport which is such a nuisance for getting the kids luggage, single stroller and car seats to the terminal from the parking lot. I think driving makes sense for us for this distance while the kids are still young. Ugh, but the time savings in flying is so nice. Why did I even bother to click on the southwest link?

This is such a tiny detail that I don't think is enough to help make a decision, but I think I did hear that strollers at free to check? Is that true? maybe someone else knows?. Maybe it depends on the airline?

 

[Talby]

@pigletgirl What a disappointment! Can you just borrow from a friend or family member? It isn't fun spending money on unexpected things.

@Candycane83 So I haven't talked to M about it yet, but after seeing the podcast review, I'm dying to go to Toothsome. We're driving to a friend's house for the weekend, so I think I'm going to mention it. We are driving to FL, so it shouldn't be a big deal really.

I'm not even going to Universal and want to because of that Toothsome review! lol

 

[Talby]

@areno79 YAY for booked flights! That's a fun planning milestone. Makes things so "official" Happy for you the times are better and will save some cash! That means more snacks! lol

 

[areno79]

@pigletgirl Sorry about the suitcases. If you have a Burlington Coat Factory or a TJ Maxx, try checking out the luggage there. DH and I got new suircases this year from each of those stores for great prices. His large hard side bag was only $50 on clearance. Also, if you're on a tight budget, maybe grab a cheapo suitcase from Walmart. They won't last forever, but it'll get you through the trip.

 

[areno79]

@areno79 YAY for booked flights! That's a fun planning milestone. Makes things so "official" Happy for you the times are better and will save some cash! That means more snacks! lol

Seriously! I woke up this morning with a weight off my shoulders!
Now trying to figure out what to do on the last day. Flight leaves MCO at 8pm, so thinking ME will make us leave around 5. Definitely enough time to get some things out of the way...maybe a lunch ADR somewhere?

 

[areno79]

This is such a tiny detail that I don't think is enough to help make a decision, but I think I did hear that strollers at free to check? Is that true? maybe someone else knows?. Maybe it depends on the airline?

Yes, airlines will gate check strollers for free, so you have them there for you when you get off the plane

 

[Talby]

@JamieOak Lots of healing/speeding recovery/no-cyst-recurrence-ever vibes are being sent your way!

@pigletgirl SO sorry about the luggage incident!! It would probably be too long to wait until Black Friday deals I imagine?

 

[Talby]

how are you going to get there extra extra early from the parade spot? Is everyone going to have a mad rush, pushing and shoving to get first in line? this is my big concern about it. My child does NOT walk fast esp that time of night. We'd be at the end of the line and in a bad spot. There is no way to really get there early if you go direct from parade to fireworks viewing. I am still taking a wait and see - if they let people out into the gardens to watch fireworks for the holiday parties I might still do it. but heavily leaning away right now.

As always, you bring up an excellent point. Ugh. I just wish I knew EXACTLY what "partially obstructed" meant, although I don't think there's any definition that makes that a good thing! I sure don't like the sounds of a chaotic, crowded rush to get over there after the parade. That does NOT sound very magical! lol

You know what is magical though? My new backpack! lol It came yesterday (already!) and I love it even more in person. Thanks so much for that!!

 

[Talby]

'Ohana Dinner
Date: Thursday, December 1, 2016
Time: 6:40 PM
Guests: 4 Adults

On the December cancellation thread right now. I need to make a cheat sheet so I can remember exactly who needs what.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

@SilSprBea Just wanted to tell you our experiences:

So I've gone to WDW on the train (amazing deal) from NJ once and never again. It was Feb. and that train made us feel like we were hot dogs cooking from the inside out. Seriously, it was such an uncomfortable ride. You see, every time we stopped for passengers, they would complain how cold they were, so they would put the heat on higher. Finally, we're all hot and they agree to turn down the heat and then we stop for more passengers and guess what, they were freezing so...not to mention the fact that the train was late on departure day, by several hours. We finally get on and take off and they ran out of food.

We used to fly, but by the time you drive early to the airport to check-in and all that, it seems to take forever.

We drive now (in the past from NJ or PA and now WV) and make it part of the trip, stopping wherever. With portable DVD players, food, stops and napping, the time really does go by.