The Little Trip That Could-- PartI: Pre-PTR for our Upcoming Holiday Adventure! About This Page:

[DyanKJ130]

We have not been New Year's Eve. We were there 12/23 - 12/28 in 2005. The crowds were large, but managable. I would probably avoid MK on New Year's Eve, as that's where everyone will want to be. We fell into that trap July 4th one year....all I can say is...never again....that place was wall to wall people. When we went for Christmas, we went to the Studios for the day and were very happy, as the crowd levels were very light considering it was a holiday.

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

We have not been New Year's Eve. We were there 12/23 - 12/28 in 2005. The crowds were large, but managable. I would probably avoid MK on New Year's Eve, as that's where everyone will want to be. We fell into that trap July 4th one year....all I can say is...never again....that place was wall to wall people. When we went for Christmas, we went to the Studios for the day and were very happy, as the crowd levels were very light considering it was a holiday.

Thats what got me thinking about a Wishes Cruise-- wouldn't I love to see the special New Years Eve fireworks? but by getting a cruise I could avoid actually being in the park. Plus I feel like EVERYONE would try to spend NYE in either MK or MGM because they both have fireworks and then AK has the holiday parade... I was kinda hoping that if I chose the only non-holiday event park for the daytime and then chose to spend the evening at resorts with the cruise and all... it would be manageable. I remember reading somewhere never to try and park hop on Christmas or New Years Eve because those are the 2 days the parks almost always fill to capacity.

Was it worth it to be there?

[DyanKJ130]

Originally Posted by MyRapunzal

Was it worth it to be there?

Absolutely! Of course, we went in with the attitude that we knew we wouldn't be able to tour like we normally do. We arrived at park opening and I'm pretty sure we avoided all of the parks that had morning EMHs. We focused on the things that we knew we could only experience during the holidays, like the Christmas Parade & Holiday Wishes at MK, the Candlelight Processional & Illuminations with the holiday ending at Epcot, Osbourne Lights at the Studios and we took in as many of the attractions that we normally don't at AK because its usually sooooo hot when we are normally there (namely the animal trails). We looked at everything else we got to experience as a bonus.

I think a Wishes Cruise is an excellent alternative to fighting the crowds in the MK, not to mention romantic. If that doesn't work out, you can always try to view them at the Poly - 'Ohana maybe?

Hope this helps!!

[amandal]

Okay, I'm here, I'm here!! If there is not a large price difference between POFQ and WL, then obvi, I would do WL since it's so close to MK and the theming at Christmas just can't be beat. I can't say too much about the crowds during that time, because whenever we've gone around xmas, it's been a little later. Last year, we went around the 15th and it wasn't too crowded. . . . . . Just to let you know, the flights are going to be horrendously priced no matter when you go. My friends just paid around $150 more than we did for the same exact flights!!! Good luck with whatever you decide - you just have to do what is best for you and Rob timewise and pricewise, ya know???

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

Absolutely! Of course, we went in with the attitude that we knew we wouldn't be able to tour like we normally do. We arrived at park opening and I'm pretty sure we avoided all of the parks that had morning EMHs. We focused on the things that we knew we could only experience during the holidays, like the Christmas Parade & Holiday Wishes at MK, the Candlelight Processional & Illuminations with the holiday ending at Epcot, Osbourne Lights at the Studios and we took in as many of the attractions that we normally don't at AK because its usually sooooo hot when we are normally there (namely the animal trails). We looked at everything else we got to experience as a bonus.

I think a Wishes Cruise is an excellent alternative to fighting the crowds in the MK, not to mention romantic. If that doesn't work out, you can always try to view them at the Poly - 'Ohana maybe?

Hope this helps!!

I think it would work for us because we like to "see" alot more than "do"... if that makes sense. We have our favs and the stuff we want try or the refurbs we want to hit but Rob HATES rollercoasters and thrill rides so we like to do a lot of roaming, enjoying, picture taking, and such. Just being there is the greatest feeling, ya know? I am going to find out once I decide exactly if they have a cruise for the Fantasy in the Sky FW that night. I also noticed that last year they did the special FW on 12/30 and 12/31 so if they don't have a specialty cruise maybe we will just try to go the night before if they do it like that. Hmmm...

Originally Posted by amandal

Okay, I'm here, I'm here!! If there is not a large price difference between POFQ and WL, then obvi, I would do WL since it's so close to MK and the theming at Christmas just can't be beat. I can't say too much about the crowds during that time, because whenever we've gone around xmas, it's been a little later. Last year, we went around the 15th and it wasn't too crowded. . . . . . Just to let you know, the flights are going to be horrendously priced no matter when you go. My friends just paid around $150 more than we did for the same exact flights!!! Good luck with whatever you decide - you just have to do what is best for you and Rob timewise and pricewise, ya know???

We can get WL with a woodsview (standard isn't available) for about $2600 which includes an extra day. We would be paying $2000 for POFQ as it is but I figure with the extra month to save and since its only like $60 extra per night each, we can def swing it! And as for airfare- I feel your friends pain that is how the whole switcheroo started with me. We will be saving $400 if we go in December and not November! can you believe that? It almost pays for the upgrade!

[Kenny]

Mel;
Sorry to hear about your Great Grandfather.

[KandJluvdisney]

yeah I am glad you decided to go in dec - it truly is awsome
pixies to getting good airfaire and the chance to go to the halloween party
it is great fun
can't wait to hear more

[scdisneyfan]

Cant wait to hear what you decide to do! December is such a great time to go. I really enjoyed that time of year at disney but then again its my favorite holiday! Cant wait to hear more!

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by Kenny

Mel;
Sorry to hear about your Great Grandfather.

Originally Posted by KandJluvdisney

yeah I am glad you decided to go in dec - it truly is awsome
pixies to getting good airfaire and the chance to go to the halloween party
it is great fun
can't wait to hear more

I don't think we will get to see MVMCP but we shoudl get to see th xmas parad in MK anyways which is awesome!

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

Cant wait to hear what you decide to do! December is such a great time to go. I really enjoyed that time of year at disney but then again its my favorite holiday! Cant wait to hear more!

We really liked January and got to see the tail end of the festivities so I think this will be tons of fun!

[MyRapunzal]

So, under the current cirumstances, losing my Great Grandpa and all I thought it would be fun to share some old pictures with you guys... you know keep you in suspense for the big announcement!


This is me, my dad, my bro, my sis, and grandpa fred... yes I am wearing a "Bartman" shirt and I totally can't understand how we didn't think that horrible late 80s hair! yuck!


Some older pics of grandpa fred... he was sooo much fun! him and my great grandma (we called her nana rose and she died in 2000) were married for over 70 years!!!!!!! He used to always take us to see his boat, and on walks, and he was so excited to see us! He sang a lot too- Rob sings like him sometimes which I think it ironic and cute- "I scream, You scream, We all scream, For ice cream!"


Grandpa Fred and my bro circa 1990-1991


This is me and my sister- my fav pic of us as babies (me on the right)!


And this baby Mel is ready for an announcement....

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WE'VE OFFICIALLY CHANGED OUR VACATION!
DECEMBER 30TH - JANUARY 4TH AT THE WILDERNESS LODGE!
BASIC DETAILS TO GET US STARTED... WE GET AN EXTRA DAY OVER THE THANKSGIVING BREAK AND SAVE A GOOD CHUNK ON AIRFARE WHICH WE HAVEN'T PURCHASED YET BUT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL SAVE BETWEEN $300-400 WHICH MAKES THE UPGRADE TO A DELUXE SEEM WAY EASIER TO SWING. PART OF OUR TRIP IS NOT DURING HOLIDAY RATES AT WDW SO WE SAVE A LITTLE THERE AS WELL! PLUS, I FIGURE WE NEED A TREAT FOR PUSHING BACK OUR TRIP! THERE ARE TONS MORE PLUSES AND MORE DETAILS TO COME, PROMISE! I WILL HAVE TO PUT OFF THE VACATION BOX UPDATE TO GET YOU GUYS SOME MORE DETAILS--- EVERYTHING IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN NOW... ITINERARY, ADRS... I WILL BE BACK THIS WEEKEND WITH MORE!!

Next Up
:::::I guess I will make it to WDW in 2009 afterall!?:::::

[jhoshowski]

Glad to hear that you have made your decision, Mel (for now, anyway) . I need to take notes to keep up with you, girl!! Can't wait to hear all about your new plans. . .

[Colexis Mom]

Great pics of your Grandpa!! And congrats on the date change

[B.M.]

Great pictures! Sounds like fun to see all the holiday decorations.

[DyanKJ130]

Nice photos, Melissa! Your great grandpa sounds like he was a really sweet man. How neat that Rob reminds you of him. Congratulations on the new trip date. If all goes as planned, maybe we'll be there at the same time and our paths will cross!

[Starla4436]

Thank you so much for sharing your pictures......I am so sorry to hear about you grandfather......I will keep you and your family in my thought and prayers.

I like the changes you made for you upcoming trip...I hear the WL is amazing decorated for Christmas.

Did you see Oprah today? It was all about Sex and the City ...all the girls where there and Big was there...ahhhh...it made me soo excited for the movie.