***Official December 2017 thread!

[dnllmz]

Just as a transportation/flights update. I booked our flights (me, DW and DS9) back on May 18th when Southwest released them. The way down was about $150 for a nonstop and the way back was about $90. I say "About" because I used points and don't recall what the cost associated with them was. I checked today and the prices have gone up. Maybe not significantly, but up. Our "wanna get away" fares for the way down are actually sold out already for Dec 3rd.

Keep an eye out folks!

Ugh I check everyday to see if my SW reward points have showed up yet so I could book my return home flight but nada.

 

[sarahothomas]

Welcome everyone! I am on the road home from our vacation to the Mall of America, Mount Rushmore and the places on the way home! LOL...Now I will be updating this list when I get a chance either today or tomorrow.


It's not as dead as the first week of December but the crowds are pretty decent, we still do rope drop to do everything and we are still purchasing the express transportation to avoid the bigger crowds later in the day but we booked our cruise on the 15th because we figure that weekend is when it will start getting more and more crowded, when we go back on the 21st and on, we know it will just be insane so we are sticking to the concierge lounge and resort dining with possibly a few rope drop days just to get into the park! LOL

We really wanted to go the first week of December, but husband is in college and that's exam week for him, unfortunately.

 

[Miniature Tim]

Ugh I check everyday to see if my SW reward points have showed up yet so I could book my return home flight but nada.

Thankfully the return flight (Dec 13th) hasn't gone up terribly much. It went from 4900 or so points to 5700 or so points. It was the flight down that jumped.

I feel your pain on waiting for the points to show up though.

 

[shanew21]

Thankfully the return flight (Dec 13th) hasn't gone up terribly much. It went from 4900 or so points to 5900 or so points. It was the flight down that jumped.

I feel your pain on waiting for the points to show up though.

If it makes you feel any better...our flights were 27k points round trip, and if we want the same flights now they're 44k round trip. Insane!

 

[shanew21]

Thought I'd make a post since I'd been researching. Looks like most Orlando school districts will have December 21st as the final day of classes. Most local schools had a similar schedule last year.

However, I also checked Tampa-based schools and some of them don't have ANY days off the week before Christmas. Winter break started December 19th last year, but doesn't start until December 25th this year (with the 22nd being the last day of school)!

I also researched some schools around me and their break is later this year as well. For example, one of my local school districts lets out Wednesday December 20th, whereas last year they let out Monday, December 19th. I'd expect many districts to be very similar to this and Tampa around the country since Christmas Eve doesn't fall until Sunday. Not all districts will operate this way, but enough to make a difference in travel schedules.

Basically this means that the week prior to Christmas should be a little less crowded than last year, mostly earlier in the week (18th, 19th, 20th).

Touring Plans seems to also have taken this into account. Here are levels the week before Christmas last year and (projected) this year:

Monday 19th/(18th) - 8/(7)
Tuesday 20th/(19th) - 9/(6)
Wednesday 21st/(20th) - 8/(6)
Thursday 22nd/(21st) - 6/(7)
Friday 23rd/(22nd) - 6/(7)

 

[yeitmamaof5]

For the love...we are staying December 16th - 23rd and I have been patiently (okay, maybe not so patiently) waiting for full December hours to come out. They have been later and later at uploading the hours of the last few months. I just want to finalize my plans (even though I know that as months go by the hours will change slightly). I just want to have a good plan before my ADR date. Any thoughts on when the rest of the days will be released? Are they just releasing him 1 day at a time right now?

 

[shanew21]

For the love...we are staying December 16th - 23rd and I have been patiently (okay, maybe not so patiently) waiting for full December hours to come out. They have been later and later at uploading the hours of the last few months. I just want to finalize my plans (even though I know that as months go by the hours will change slightly). I just want to have a good plan before my ADR date. Any thoughts on when the rest of the days will be released? Are they just releasing him 1 day at a time right now?

Nobody knows, unfortunately.

 

[yeitmamaof5]

Nobody knows, unfortunately.

I figured as much. Was just hoping maybe someone here had an inkling. Oh well, hopefully by June 1st they will all be released.

 

[Miniature Tim]

If it makes you feel any better...our flights were 27k points round trip, and if we want the same flights now they're 44k round trip. Insane!

Per person?!?! Gah! Grant it, I'm flying from St. Louis, MO so it's a semi-short flight, but good Lord, that's nutters! And that points jump is even worse!

Normally I'm not one of those that book flights super early, but I"m really glad I did.

 

[shanew21]

Per person?!?! Gah! Grant it, I'm flying from St. Louis, MO so it's a semi-short flight, but good Lord, that's nutters! And that points jump is even worse!

Normally I'm not one of those that book flights super early, but I"m really glad I did.

Yep, per person. They will likely come down over time but it was certainly more than expected.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Just as a transportation/flights update. I booked our flights (me, DW and DS9) back on May 18th when Southwest released them. The way down was about $150 for a nonstop and the way back was about $90. I say "About" because I used points and don't recall what the cost associated with them was. I checked today and the prices have gone up. Maybe not significantly, but up. Our "wanna get away" fares for the way down are actually sold out already for Dec 3rd.

Keep an eye out folks!

We booked as soon as dates were released for 12/2-12/9. We were able to get flights $119 non-stop each way. I just checked the same flights today and they're up to $222 each way!

 

[jeremeyp]

Add us to the list. December 28 to Jan 3 staying at the BC

I am still so unsure about ADRs but so far think
1. 1900 Park Fare
2. Sci Fi Diner
3. Beaches and Cream
4. ESPN Boardwalk

I would love some MK suggestions. Have already done BOG and Crystal Palace. Any other suggestion of a great MK place?i

I know there are some who don't like it, but we LOVE Skipper Canteen. We love the sense of humor and the connection to S.E.A.

 

[jeremeyp]

ALL ABOARD!!!
View attachment 239222
December Trip LIST ROLL CALL (Notify me of errors or changes Please)

​

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November Check-Ins:

DNllmz - 11/25 - 12/3 - BW - DH, DS 6, DD 4
DisneyJen34 - 11/25 - 12/9 - WL - Dsis & DNiece
DisneyDreamer1980 - 11/26 - 12/6 FW or ASMu still have not decided!
WithASmile&ASong - 11/28 to 12/8 - BWV & WLV - DH, DS9,DS8,DD3
SanderMC - 11/29 - 12/9 - POR (Princess) - DMom, DD5
HsMamaInVa - 11/29 - 12/9 POFQ
JennlTx - 11/29 - 12/3 - PVB - DS12
SoDAKDisneyMom- 11/30-12/7- BLT - DH, DD10, DS7, DS5, Friend
TravelsToVegas - 11/30 - 12/4 WL & 12/4 - 12/8 AOA Kids first time!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 1st Check - Ins:

AtyKay - 12/1 - 12/4 - WL - DS3, DS8
Sarahcgfr - 12/1 to 12/5 - Wilderness Lodge - DBF
Shairpdrh - 12/1 - 12/8 - BWV & VGF - DH, DD1, grandparents, Friend
MamaCoop - 12/1 - 12/8 - ASMu - DH, DD16, DD14, DD6, DS3
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December 2nd Check - Ins
BrisbaneMum - 12/2-12/2 ASMu (DCL Cruise) 12/9 - 12/23 AsMu
Rasadkowski - 12/2 - 12/10 - Polynesian - DH, Dkids 7 & 5
JMW33 - 12/2 - 12/9 - Polynesian - DH, DS 9, DS 6, Inlaws
KjbLovesDisney - 12/2-12/10 - ASSports & POR
lmcarr49 - 12/2 - 12/9 - CBR - DH, DD, DS, DD
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December 3rd Check-Ins:

FinleyD - 12/3 - 12/9 - Polynesian - DD, DGS 4 - Celebrating DGS FIRST TRIP!
LisaEll - 12/2 -12/6 - CSR - Ladie's Trip!!
JKahne9 - 12/3 - 12/8
MiniatureTim - 12/3 - 12/13 - POP
BarryCF - 12/3 - 12/9 POP
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December 4th Check-Ins:

Vrajewski10513 - 12/4 - 12/9 - Polynesian
JessyP - 12/4 - 12/14 OKW
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December 5th Check-Ins:

DisneyMommyMichelle12/5-12/15(DCL12/15-12/18)12/18-12/20Contemporary Atrium Level- Fam of5
LucyBC80 - 12/5-12/8 AKL & 12/8-12/18 POR
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December 7th Check-Ins:

Nancy155 12/7-12/17 offsite
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December 8th Check-Ins:

BlueStarryHat - 12/8 - 12/14 - ASM
BG_Disney - 12/8 - 12/16 - Contemporary - DSister - It's a Surprise!!!
ElizabethBowman 12/8-12/16 - CSR - DD
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December 9th Check-Ins:

Hurt817 - 12/9-12/13th - BLT - DH & DS16 DS12 Christmas@The World!
ItsJustRyan - 12/9 - 12/16 - POP - DW, DSs 8,6,4,2 & 9 month old
HJBvet -12/9 -12/16 -BLT-DH, DD1(7),DS1 (6), DS2 (4), DD2 (2),Uncle, Gma, Gpa
ChinaRider - 12/9-12/16 - CSR - DCL - DM, DD22
MeanViking - 12/9-12/16 AOA
SparkyCo - 12/9 -12/16 - BWV -
Grandma4ever - 12/9-12/18 - ASM - DW,DS,DN,DNBFF*30 years celebration*
MoBaBee - 12/9 - 12/16 - CBR - DH, DS13, DS14, DD7, DD7
SarahSlay - 12/9 - 12/15 WL
AidansMommy - 12/9 - 12/16 - CBR
RastaHomie - 12/9 -12/16 ASMu
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December 10th Check-Ins:

Twix516 - 12/10 - 12/16 - Contemporary - DH, Twin 3 year olds
Rickat96 - 12/10 - 12/16 - CBR
LvsTink - 12/10-12/19 - AKV
RickAt96 - 12/10 - 12/16 - CSR
Amunet - 12/10 - 12/15 - CSR - DB & DRM
KariB - 12/10 - 12/17 - CSR - DH, DS7 & Big Family Reunion!
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December 11th Check-Ins:

CrystalDawn - 12/11 - 12/17 AKV/SSR - DD13,DD8, DS6 -Birthday Celebration!
MeAndNevaeh - 12/11 -12/15 - SSR - DD8, DS, DSs Fiance, Baby & DCL!
Memma05 - 12/11 - 12/22 - CBR
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December 13th Check-Ins:
BaxterSaysMeow 12/13 - 12/19
Neitzelt - Poly - 12/13 - 12/17
StephP - 12/13 - 12/18 DH, DD9, DD7
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December 14th Check-Ins:
Belle1986 - 12/14 - 12/17 - With DS
AngieRamp - 12/14 -12/22 - Contemporary
CanadianKrista - 12/14 - 12/21 - ASMu - DH, DS9, DD7
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December 15th Check-Ins:

DisneyObsessed87 - 12/15 - 12/17 - WL
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December 16th Check-Ins:

Hodad - 12/16 - 12/22 -CBR
BlueMoon9 - 12/16 - 12/22 - BLT/BWV - DD10, DD11,Mom
MickeyFanAchey1999 - 12/16 - 12/22 OKW - DW, DS6, DS15
KRD315 - 12/16 -12/23 - CBR - DH, DD, DGD 11, DGD 13, Mom
DisCookieMonsta - 12/16 - 12/28- ? - DH, DD 13, DD 10, DS (twins) 1
TarHeelGirl1975 - 12/16 -12/26 - WL
Attain - 12/16-12/22 - POP - DH, DS8, DD5
Kirk - 12/16 - 12/26 - FWC & WLV
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December 17th Check-Ins:

WAHKOMOM - 12/17 - 12/22 - AKV - DH, DD 19, DD 17
DJC9699 - 12/17-12/31 All Star Sports
GPC0321 - 12/17 - 12/20 VGF
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December 18th Check-Ins:

DisneyMom20 - 12/18 -12/27 - Fort Wilderness
RyansGirl96 - 12/18 - 12/23 BWV - Big Group of Family!
CanuckGirl78 - 12/18 - 12/22
Tribus - 12/18 -12/26 POP
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December 19th Check-Ins:

Shanew21 - 12/19 - 12/24 - WL
JTobyKrauss - 12/19 - 12/26 - CR
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December 21st Check-Ins:

Indyannamom - 12/21 - 1/1- AKV - DH, DD12, DS10, DD9 & Grandparents
InStitches - 12/21-12/28
JeremeyP - 12/21-12/26 - DW, DS11, DD 11 months, SSR
Barnhill9586 - 12/21 - 12/30 - Poly - DW, DD, DS
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December 22nd Check-Ins:

Karlecia26 - 12/22 -12/29 POR
PoohsMate - 12/22 - 1/6 - POP
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December 23rd Check-Ins:

GlamDRing269 - 12/23 - 12/28 VWL
JStouder - 12/23 - 12/31 - POR - DH & DS
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December 24th Check-Ins:

Constanze - 12/24 - 1/1 - Polynesian - DH, DD17, DS 20
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December 25th Check-Ins:

BlbRodger1 - 12/25 - 12/31
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December 26th Check-Ins:

Mbvisitor - 12/26 to 1/2 - CBR - DH, DS, DD
BusySpeechMom - 12/26 - 12/30 POP
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December 27th Check-Ins:

lea1267 - 12/27-1/3 - POP
Dizney73 - 12/27 - 1/1 - DH, DD12, DS8
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December 28th Check-Ins:

TeresaWen - 12/28 to 1/3 - Dolphin - DH *Over NYE @ EPCOT*
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December 30th Check-Ins:

Deirdres - 12/30 -1/6 - OKW - DH, DD14, DS21, DS24, DSGF 23
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- Updated 5/24/2017 - Join our Social Media Page: https://goo.gl/K8Fk65 - We are almost under 200 days!! -

Our Dec 21 check in has changed from SSR to AKL. Thanks!

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

Joining in on this thread. We have been to WDW many times but never over Xmas so we are taking the plunge this year. We are a family of five (kids 19, 15, 15) and are DVC members so are at Wilderness Lodge from 12/22 - 12/26, then Boardwalk Villas until 12/31 and have one night at Saratoga on 12/31. We were hoping for Boardwalk on the 31st but all of the rooms are booked so we will waitlist. Planning out ADR's now and may try to book some lunches for Table Service due to the crowds. Here are some on our list.

Breakfast
Whispering Canyon
Tusker House - ROL dining

Lunch
Biergarten - CP dining
Plaza
Beaches and Cream
ESPN

Dinner
Paradiso 37
Homecoming
Via Napoli
Sci-Fi
Trail's End
Teppan Edo
Splitsville

We are nervous about the crowds but are going to be prepared and are excited to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve at our favorite place. Also, looking forward to experiencing Pandora.

 

[Meeko5]

Our RT flights on SWA have gone crazy - I'm so glad I booked the second they released them. I got all 4 of us there and back for $950 including taxes and fees. The next day they doubled!

I'm also getting nervous about making ADRs for a group of 7. The last 2 years I had no problems getting everything (including BOG multiple times!) for 4. I'll be relieved when ADR day is here and over

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

Our RT flights on SWA have gone crazy - I'm so glad I booked the second they released them. I got all 4 of us there and back for $950 including taxes and fees. The next day they doubled!

I'm also getting nervous about making ADRs for a group of 7. The last 2 years I had no problems getting everything (including BOG multiple times!) for 4. I'll be relieved when ADR day is here and over

I missed the release date for our flights on SWA by a few days and it is now coming out to over $2,000 for five of us. We are road tripping this time unfortunately.

 

[LucyBC80]

I'm loving all these reports of low crowds for early December. We're there from Dec 5-18th, will do a split stay between POFQ and hopefully Pop. Right now we have a FD room at ASMusic but I really don't like the All Stars resorts and I'm diligently looking for a room at Pop.

Just 8 more days till I can make my ADRs, I have a few hard to get reservations I want so I'll be up bright and early on June 6th and ready to go with two laptops and my ipad.

 

[Miniature Tim]

We booked as soon as dates were released for 12/2-12/9. We were able to get flights $119 non-stop each way. I just checked the same flights today and they're up to $222 each way!

Good gravy...

Normally I'm one of those that shops for flights maybe 3-4 months out. really hitting the prices hard at 3 months out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But holy cow this went crazy on price fluctuation! Is this normal this far out? Have I just not seen this because I normally don't book that far out?

Here's hoping everyone who still needs flights gets them for better prices/points!!

 

[FinnsMom7]

I booked airfare for Last December in August and it had come down to $176 roundtrip from the original $360 - which is the current roundtrip for my December dates. I am holding out until later in summer, unless i notice a major decrease.

 

[lmcarr49]

Does anyone make dining reservations or fastpasses during a party night? I've never been in December and im just curious how it goes.