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  1. #1

    Christmas 2010 Parents Tag Along School Trip

    We went as a family in August 2009 and had an awesome time. I remember thinking as we left that it would be a very long time before we were there again. Luckily that has not proven to be true! My children's HS chorus decided to go this December and we decided that the parents just could't be left behind! The kids have been assured that this is a time for them to be with their friends so other than seeing them perform at the candlelight ceremony they can be with their friends and we would do our own thing.

    Tentative Plan
    - Due to my work schedule, we hope to fly out about 6:00 on 12/7. The school will probably fly out earlier, but I am only able to get 3 days off that week.
    - We had hoped to stay at Wilderness Lodge, but decided to save money to stay at POFQ. I hesitated about that at first because that is where the chorus is staying, but I really don't want to stay at another moderate. We did splurge on a waterfront room so our room won't be near the kids. I'm on the lookout for deals for that time of the year. If we could get a 20-30% discount, we will go with a standard room at Wilderness Lodge.
    - Even if they have Free Dining, we won't be doing the dining plan this time because it just doesn't fit into our shortened schedule. We may eat at a couple of table service, but plan to do mostly counter service. For table service, we are considering eating at Le Cellier for lunch or dinner and Kona Cafe for breakfast (I really want to try Tonga Toast). For counter service, Columbia Harbour House, Yak & Yeti (mango pie is great), and the Earl of Sandwich are on the list. I plan to have at least 2 Dole Whips as well. Most of these restaurants are ones that I would have liked to try, but the kids wouldn't have enjoyed.
    - We have a minimal list of must do rides - 2-3 @ EP, 2-3 @ AK, 1-2 @ MK, 2-3 @ HS. Instead we want to focus on all of the holiday festivities and shows. We also want to visit all the deluxe resorts (except AKL I think) and check out all of the decorations. Downtown Disney is a must this trip too.
    - We will head back home on 12/12, hopefully getting back before the kids. If not, Mom & Dad are on call.

    Any suggestions/thoughts from people who have been this time of year would be greatly appreciated.


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  3. #2
    Registered User momof three's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Bradenton, FL

    I just wanted to let you know that you can get Tonga Toast at Captian Cook's Counter for breakfast at the poly if you can't get an adr at Kona. This also might be a time saver for you with your schedule. It also less expensive.

    How special to have your kids perform in the Candlelight Processional. I love WDW at Christmas time.

    Mily


  4. #3

    Thanks Mily. I am so looking forward to see them sing there. I was thinking that counter service tonga toast might be a good option too especially if I combine it with a morning extra magic hours. If I can't get a Le Cellier (which I loved last time I was there) ressie, I may not do any sit downs just because of the time constraint. There are a ton of counter service that I wouldn't mind trying, but I avoided in previous years due to kid tastes.


  5. #4

    dont forget CINDYS CASTLE & OSBORNE LIGHTS. DISNEY IS SO SPECIAL @ XMAS TIME . HEY GREAT ABOUT CANDLELIGHT @ EPCOT .IT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE ME.


  6. #5

    All of those things are on my list. I think I'm going to buy MK Christmas Party tickets too just so I can see the parade and see snow on main street!


  7. #6

    Airline tickets are bought. We're going to fly Airtran. The time/price was as planned so that was good.

    Next on the agenda

    • dining ressie for Le Cellier (hopefully - only sit down planned for trip)
    • waiting for December specials - may upgrade to a deluxe if price is right
    • tickets for Mickey's Christmas party

  8. #7

    one more thing to do - notify Magical Express with plane arrivals/departures. I actually have to talk to someone about this. I don't arrive until 10:30 pm so I have to get my own luggage, but can still ride the bus. Do I still attach the Magical Express tags so that I have them for the return trip? Obviously not something that I need to know now, but just happened to be thinking about it.


  9. #8

    We just upgraded to the QSDP - it was very convenient last time to just have it all set. We went during free dining last time. I don't want to spend a lot of time doing table service for our quick trip so quick service seemed the way to go. We're only there 4+ days, but I'm sure we'd easily spend the extra $325 on food as we went. We get 2 quick meals and 2 snacks a day plus refillable mugs.

    I let Magical Express know our flight numbers, but we're getting in so late we have to pick up our own luggage which is a bit of a bummer. Oh well - at least we'll have everything 1st thing.

    Christmas party tickets are out, but I'm ready to buy those yet.


  10. #9

    Planning is moving along. Last month I got my coveted one ressie - Le Cellier! I didn't get my 1st choice date, but did get my 2nd so all is good. This week, I purchased Christmas Party tickets which I'm excited about. The plan is to immerse ourselves in Disney Christmas and only ride a few select rides. According the website that I'm using to gauge how busy it will be 3 of our 4 park days will be relatively quiet and the last will be busier, but still not that busy. Now, as long as the planes don't get grounded up here due to snow LOL life will be very good!

    Tenative Schedule

    Day 1
    Work during day, Arrive at room about midnight via Magical Express - will have to get own luggage, but no biggie

    Day 2
    Sleep in slightly - possible breakfast at Captain Cook's to try Tonga Toast - Monorail resort tour for decorations - arrive at Epcot - spend remainder of day/night there - must do rides: Soarin' & Test Track - explore World Showcase Christmas - eat dinner at Tangerine Cafe - kids are performing in 2 Candlelight Ceremonies that evening then Illuminations

    Day 3
    Animal Kingdom day - be there at opening - must do rides: Expedition Everest (maybe more than once!, Safari, and Dinosaur. Lunch at Yak & Yeti counter service for Kung Pao Beef and Mango Pie - afternoon rest at hotel - Dole Whip snack - Mickey's Christmas Party - watch shows, parade and fireworks -must do rides: Space Mountain & Transit authority (they were closed when we were there last) - stay until bitter end so that we can see Magic Kingdom all lit up with less people around

    Day 4
    Hollywood Studios day - be there at opening - must do rides: Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Tower or Terror, and Toy Story Mania - Downtown Disney - lunch at Earl of Sandwich - check out decorations and stores - possible hotel decor tour (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge) back to hotel for rest -Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios

    Day 5
    Hits and Misses day - that could include rides, shows, snacks, or decorations depending on what we've already done - lunch at Le Cellier - mostly pack

    Day 6
    Sleep in - Magical Express to airport & home


    Any thoughts?


  11. #10

    just upgraded to Beach Club!


  12. #11

    Sounds like everything is coming together for you! I can't wait to hear about it!

    I know you will have a "magical" time!


  13. #12
    Self-proclaimed Diz nut
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    TinaMouse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Minnesooooota

    Yay!

    Working hard for that next WDW trip! December 2013

  14. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by tdelaney_98 View Post
    Yay!
    I know! I am so excited. Just for kicks and jollies, I checked out the pricing when yesterday's 40% promo came out. I had never been able to get any discounts for POFQ this time around (not even with new promo) so was going to pay rack but needed to avoid the pop warner cheerleaders so what can you do right? Anyhow, with the promo, I'm only paying $146 more at Beach Club. Definitely my dream resort - never ever thought it was a possibility

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