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

[KandJluvdisney]

I would go 12/19 to 12/23 - you could still do christmas at home and still see all the decorations and it might be cheaper
we saw a teeny glimpse of the castle from our balcony in 04
good luck
hurry back soon

[MyRapunzal]

Thanks everyone.
I just have something else I was wondering about that would help sway me a little. After the last MVMCP of the year (for this year its on 12/19) is there an opportunity to see the Christmas parade at MK? Like will they run the parade from 12/20 to like after Christmas nightly or whatnot? Also what about Holiday Wishes? Is 12/19 my last hope????
And I saw in my guidebook that they will have the castle dreamlights again this year-- is there some kind of ceremony that goes with it when the lights turn on for the night?
Help me! Help me! More please!

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

OKay so i just wanted to say im the OMG queen...seriously eric laughs at me often...okay so i read this last night and thought about it today.....i dunno if i can give my opinion in a few short sentences but this is what i would do. I think thanksgiving will be too crammed with stuff to do HOWEVER in saying that...I feel that I would see if you can cancel a few things to make it happen. I mean really looking at the overall picture to me it would depend on a few things Number one) what does rob think and does he care which dates? does he have a preference for work? NUMBER TWO) do you prefer the activities in december to those at thanksgiving?

To me those would make or break the decisions i would make. Because if he has a preference and for whatever reasons he would have I would take those into consideration but if he's anything like my DBF and could give two flips then i would base the decision on the financial reasons. For me that's always upmost important. So, like my question would be financially is thanksgiving even possible after you have laid everything out? If it is and rob doesnt care and you can still attend the MVMCP then I would choose thanksgiving for the managble crowds, the warmer weather and it would give you that space you are looking for between the two trips.

Crazy answer i know but it might help you think things out.....

To answer your questions. I think Rob would prefer to be there before the Christmas holidays in hopes of getting Christmas Eve linked into it off at work. And the price is similar across the board, the most I can save is about $150 and that is by losing the day over 12/19 to 12/23. Rob would probably just take off through Christmas Eve and then 12/26 since he gets Christmas day and has off sat/sun anyway. Ah! Decisions! This is one scenario that deserves an OMG! (or maybe 2)!

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Just catching up again, Mel. Congrats to Rob on the new job!

First, I don't think there is a MK view available at the WL. It's meant to be very secluded so it's like you're in the woods somewhere. Although it's close to the MK, it doesn't feel like you're right there. The monorail resorts are much more "Magic Kingdom" if you know what I mean. I think the closest you'll get to a MK view is a room with a view of the fireworks.

As far as when to go? I'm not sure! I think with all three choices you'll probably see everything you want to see. Some dates will be more crowded than others, and some will cost more than others. I guess you'll have to decide which is more important. Since you're not thrill ride junkies like I am and can take a more leisurely pace in the parks, I'd say go with whichever option is cheapest.

I would love to stay at a monorail resort but its not in the budget now. I can't believe how much more affordable WL is-- I mean, $100-500+ cheaper per night. I just saw pictures of people who seemed to have a "view" but I think it was before some overgrowth, as Larry mentioned.

One interesting thing about the December dates is-- if we go earlier in the month we get the first half of the trip with low crowds and then they will build by the time we leave. If we go for NYE they will be so peak that the parks will be filled to capacity the first 2 days and then they are predicted to subside. I am nervous that you and the others who suggested that many familys will stay the week out will be correct and the crowds might stick around our whole trip over New Years. I can't decide which scenario is better.

Originally Posted by DELG8TOR

The last 2 times we have gone has been the day after Thanksgiving and stayed the whole week coming home Saturday. Great times, small crowds, cheaper, etc... That's when I would pick if I were you.

Sharon is right to a degree. There is no direct view of MK.... Anymore! There used to be a few rooms but the pine trees that they planted have grown up big and tall and now block any views that there once were.

This would be a non-issue if I was not a teacher. I would go sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas Break. I just want to chose the right window in the time I have. I hate to change my ressie again but I really want to have the best trip possible.

Originally Posted by KandJluvdisney

I would go 12/19 to 12/23 - you could still do christmas at home and still see all the decorations and it might be cheaper
we saw a teeny glimpse of the castle from our balcony in 04
good luck
hurry back soon

I would have already change it if werent for 2 things: (1) We cant get to the airport in time to get a flight to Orlando before the final MVMCP would be over, which also means our first day would be meaningless. I mean, we wouldnt get to WDW until like 10 or 11 so we would either be settling in at the hotel and enjoying it only OR heading to some EMH- which couldnt be at our traditional first park MK. For both other dates we would get a full day on arrival day. And (2) the other two dates allow us an extra full park day at the same price.
I am starting to think I could get more done in the 3 full and 2 half days of the earlier Dec trip then the other busier dates.

[B.M.]

I don't know about the Christmas Party Parade but as far as crowds after New Years- I've noticed DW considers this time a value season, but I've read that its a very busy season, so I'm confused. At one point I had considered making the next trip around this same time frame due to it being value and assuming low crowds, but now I'm thinking maybe not. Good luck with your decision!

[mcc0313]

Mel - While the week after Thankgiving is low crowds I can relate to the worry about so many things going on at the same time that the final payment is due...

The 19th to the 23rd sounds good to me but with the loss of the 19th I can understand that it would make you feel like you are losing a whole day of your vacation. Is there any way you can fly out late on the night of the 18th?

After the holidays could be great as well since the decorations are still up and all but after hearing how crowded it was this year it could also end up being crowded again this year...

If I had to chose one I would probably go with after Thanksgiving, my second choice would be the 19th through the 23rd...and finally after the holidays (yet the idea of starting the New Year with Mickey does sound great as well).

Sorry I could not be more help...

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by B.M.

I don't know about the Christmas Party Parade but as far as crowds after New Years- I've noticed DW considers this time a value season, but I've read that its a very busy season, so I'm confused. At one point I had considered making the next trip around this same time frame due to it being value and assuming low crowds, but now I'm thinking maybe not. Good luck with your decision!

The value season starts right after the New Year, I believe this has to do with the fact that typically holiday breaks in the US end January 2nd. We went our first trip the 2nd to 12th of 2006 and it was VERY low crowds, however, because of the day of the week New Years will fall on this year most schools are giving the extra day instead of having students return from holiday break on a Friday (or in last years case a Thursday). I think this is why the parks were so crowded just after NYE this year- If students are not returnind to school until the following week OR if they would only be missing 1 or 2 days of school parents are extending the vacation. In a few years when the holiday is back at the weekend/beginning of the week the crowds will probably shift back.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Mel - While the week after Thankgiving is low crowds I can relate to the worry about so many things going on at the same time that the final payment is due...

The 19th to the 23rd sounds good to me but with the loss of the 19th I can understand that it would make you feel like you are losing a whole day of your vacation. Is there any way you can fly out late on the night of the 18th?

After the holidays could be great as well since the decorations are still up and all but after hearing how crowded it was this year it could also end up being crowded again this year...

If I had to chose one I would probably go with after Thanksgiving, my second choice would be the 19th through the 23rd...and finally after the holidays (yet the idea of starting the New Year with Mickey does sound great as well).

Sorry I could not be more help...

The week AFTER thanksgiving is not the option for us- it would be the week that INCLUDES thanksgiving. Weds-Sun. I feel like if we go in November I will skimp on things and be disappointed again (like how I couldnt get the photopass CD last trip because we had to move). My last day of classes before winter break is the 19th, my district would be really upset and I would put my tenure in jeopardy if I took a day off before a two week vacation like that-- the issue with the 19th is that I dont get out of work unil 2:00 and the next flight time we can make it to is 7:00pm. This would get us into Orlando by 9:40 and I figured we would not be able to get to a park until after 11. I just dont feel like the CP will be worth it at that point. We can try to hit whatever other park has EMH... but I wanted to find out if we can see the other things after the 19th (Holiday Wishes, Christmas Parade, etc).

[MyRapunzal]

I just read on wdwinfo.com that after the last MVMCP of the year in 2007, each day through the new year at 3:30 Magic Kingdom offered the Christmas Parade in addition to the Share a Dream Come True Parade- is this true of years past besides 2007? Is this always the case? I already new that the Animal Kingdom and MGM Holiday parades would be going on at this time of year but wasn't sure about MK.
They also said that there was a stageshow and lighting at MK for the Dreamlights called "Cinderella's Holiday Wish" that began mid-November... does anyone know if it also ran through the new year?

If all that stuff is going on, I might have to go with all the people who (originally) and now are suggesting 12/19 to 12/23. I can work around the flight issue.

OH and BTW, here is a picture of the basket Memories By Betsy put together for my cousins (it has 2 Minnie ears headbands in the back if you cant see)..

[Colexis Mom]

Great basket Can't help with your other questions

[B.M.]

Cute basket! I hope someone comes along with more info about the Christmas parade. Keep us updated!

[KandJluvdisney]

I can't help you with any of that stuff mel, sorry
but I am lending my support for whatever descision you make
just so you know
hurry back with more

[amandal]

Well, I'm glad (and I'm sure Suzy is too LOL) that you decided to stick with your original dates. I think that will suit you two the best . . . . As far as the lighting ceremony, I think they have it everyday at around 5 or 5:30 for as long as they light them - although, I'm not sure when that is (up until NYE or whatev). Tell me more about the 5k please!!!! When is it exactly?? I am considering taking a trip in May for FGF with Jooki (Jookiba) and Meg (mcc0313) and that would be super awesome if it was at the same time (OMG) Tell me more!!!

[DyanKJ130]

When we were there for Christmas 2005, the parties had already ended and we were able to see the Christmas parade. Our last day was the 28th, so I'm not sure when it ends its run.

[scdisneyfan]

I'm not really sure how to help you out here. Its been since 2002 since I was there at christmas! Hopefully you can find some advice from someone who just knows that right answer! I do think this situation deserves a few OMG's!!! you are so right....*LOL* I love that basket it turned out so awesome! BTW if you find out any cool tips for training for the 5 K you know where to send them....i seem to be solo in my training right now...my partner for this race is a teacher and feels overwhelmed right now so she has stopped training arghhh.....

[MyRapunzal]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great basket Can't help with your other questions

Thanks- I was really impressed with Memories by Betsey when they used to be Memories by Sarah so I know she would do a great job!

Originally Posted by B.M.

Cute basket! I hope someone comes along with more info about the Christmas parade. Keep us updated!

Well, we officially switched to the earlier dates so I will def have my eyes open about the whole Christmas schedule now!

Originally Posted by KandJluvdisney

I can't help you with any of that stuff mel, sorry
but I am lending my support for whatever descision you make
just so you know
hurry back with more

Thanks! 12/19-12/23 it is!

Originally Posted by amandal

Well, I'm glad (and I'm sure Suzy is too LOL) that you decided to stick with your original dates. I think that will suit you two the best . . . . As far as the lighting ceremony, I think they have it everyday at around 5 or 5:30 for as long as they light them - although, I'm not sure when that is (up until NYE or whatev). Tell me more about the 5k please!!!! When is it exactly?? I am considering taking a trip in May for FGF with Jooki (Jookiba) and Meg (mcc0313) and that would be super awesome if it was at the same time (OMG) Tell me more!!!

Welllllll... actually we did end up switching but, as always, Suzy was totally awesome about it! Once I get more info about the 5ks I will post some stuff up. Only thing I can say for sure is that there is no Minnie Marathon weekend this Spring!
They are replacing it with a March Princess Half Marathon weekend that will probably come before FGF. BUT you get access to P&PP tickets so thats its own bonus. More details to come!

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

When we were there for Christmas 2005, the parties had already ended and we were able to see the Christmas parade. Our last day was the 28th, so I'm not sure when it ends its run.

That seems to be the consenus... mostly everything runs from the date of the last MVMCP through either christmas or new years.

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

I'm not really sure how to help you out here. Its been since 2002 since I was there at christmas! Hopefully you can find some advice from someone who just knows that right answer! I do think this situation deserves a few OMG's!!! you are so right....*LOL* I love that basket it turned out so awesome! BTW if you find out any cool tips for training for the 5 K you know where to send them....i seem to be solo in my training right now...my partner for this race is a teacher and feels overwhelmed right now so she has stopped training arghhh.....

I am going to post all about my next year plans soon, I have a 4 day weekend coming up so I will def be able to get it up if I dont have more time this week!

[amandal]

Ok - I think I got confused because the sig still has the orig dates with Jan 09 . . . . Well, I'm looking foward to hearing about more of your plans!!

[KandJluvdisney]

great choice mel
just as a sidenote - my dishes are on the way!!
I think you will be happy with your descision
can't wait to read more