Anyone interested in going to Disney World in December?

[Karla]

I am planning to take my granddaughter to Disney World in December but rather not just go as only adult and Gary is not able to go. Alexis is 8 years. I plan maybe Dec. 18 through the 23 or 24th. Will be flying to and from. I would not be able to pay for the other person to go but we would share a room so that cost could be split. Would need to do the package deal I am doing along with airfare. Plan to stay on disney property, the cheaper resorts.

Just thought someone might be interested or want to come along. Let me know if interested.

Karla

[okieboater]

Some years ago, my wife Francine and I took my daughter and grand daughter to FL Disney World.

Stands out as the best family vacation ever.

Grand daughter was around 6 and it was hard to tell who was the biggest kid, between Mom Michele and kiddo Kennedy.

We stayed on the premises I think the Carribean theme and did the food package and the ride package. For sure make reservations and eat lunch in the aquarium and get a seat next to the tank wall. The food was good but seeing the animals and such in the tank up close and personal is really something to experience. Our package included special events for kids every evening after the Park closed. Special breakfast's and such so Kennedy got to meet Mickey, Minnie, the Princess and most all of the characters in costume. Food was excellent in all the food spots, rooms were big and clean and staying on premises saves you a lot of time as you can ride from your room to all the various parks. Our package included bus transfers from and to the airport and is recommended as the airport is mass confusion with all the kids excitement going wild. We went in the early fall when the daytime heat was lower but you could hang out in the various swimming pools even at night. We were told the summer heat is brutal in the park.

All the parks were great but the outstanding one for me was the African Game deal with the ride thru the animal compound. We were there long enough to spend one entire day in each park and we still missed a lot of stuff. The setting and animals make you think you are actually on safari. Ride the train and the guide vehicles and if memory correct there is a boat ride as well. Don't miss any of these.

It is a unforgettable way to spend time with your kids (even grown up ones) and grand kids.

Big important tip: Michele got all the information on events, schedules and made up a schedule of what we wanted to see and when to be there. There is so much to see and do there you need a plan for sure. You need to do this else you will miss a lot. We also did the extra cost ride ticket deal that lets you buy ride tickets electronically and avoids the walk up and wait ticket lines. I cannot remember the cost but it was worth it as with the written ride schedule let us basically go direct from ride to ride and get tickets electronically. If memory correct you could only do one ride at a time and as soon as we got off one ride we set up the next.

Grandparents cannot take too many pictures. Go digital and take extra batteries and memory cards. Take a good still point and shoot and a video cam as you will use both.

Take comfortable shoes and get in shape walking. I was totally worn out at days end and missed some of the evening events due to naps while Francine and the kids were still in the middle of the action. Be ready as there is always something neat going on in the park.

Have fun and let us know how the trip turns out.

By the way, be prepared, the entire plane after the hub transfer was full of kiddos and families going to Disney World. You will not sleep on these flights. Even the flight attendants were into the Disney theme and played games etc for the kids the entire flight.

[Karla]

Thanks for your input. I have done disney world in summer with my son when he was around 9. Hubby and I went one time when he was older. This time, wanted to take granddaughter but when she is out of school in off season times. So being she is off x-mas time for 2 weeks, decided to go then. We also stayed on site last time I went and I wouldn't do it any other way. Get tired then head to your room for a rest then back for more. I have told myself I want to take grandkids when they are old enough to ride everything and Alexis is now, 53 " height. Also older so wouldn't need a nap although I might be the one needing it.

I was hoping to find another lady/girl who would like to come along and share the hotel room and go. I know it is during the week of Christmas but would be back day before or x-mas eve day.

Karla

[Trail Monkey]

Karla.. to bad your going when you are... Your just missing the best season at Disney property. The first two weeks of December are the most amazing time to be there. Everything is decorated for Christmas but there is next to NO ONE there. Splash Mt is almost a walk on. Big Thunder Railroad is maybe a 5 min wait and thats mainly if you want a front car. But I understand the needing to wait until kids out of school. The "Fast Pass" is well worth it and yes you can only get one at a time, but you do miss all the preride show. Good luck. If you have any questions I would be glad to answer.. I worked there for about 10 years lol.

Eddie

[Karla]

Thanks for your tips. Yes, would be better times to go but can't take the 8 year old out of school. I have not totally decided now on the week before x-mas. It is cheaper then, that week before as opposed to the week after. I would rather go when it is cooler but am also thinking of waiting til her birthday next July 30th. One question I haven't found the answer to. Do they offer discounts for their birthdays?

Karla

[Trail Monkey]

They use to offer a birthday package but I don't know if they do that anymore. It wasn't a discount per say but it did make them feel special. Most of the restaurants and places will offer a birthday celebration or something special for the child. Just have to let them know when your seated.

Eddie