missed free dining

[apequet]

We are going to the world Dec 3-10th ...I'm so upset that we missed the free dining, but even more bummed out that I picked the same week that they tape the Christmas Parade! From what I can tell from everyone's post on here that it's become the worst time to go! I feel like my vacation is ruined! Please, someone tell me it's going to be ok? Any tips on what to do to avoid the crowds? We can't change our dates, I already tried....grrr!!!

[KylesMom]

Take a deep breath. Your vacation is not ruined! You'll just need to track what your plans are at MK & possibly avoid the park those few days that they'll be taping. Hit the other parks during the day, visit the beautifully decorated resorts and enjoy yourselves! Celebrate the season and being at Disney!

[retiredfigment]

We went last year from Nov. 29 - Dec. 3. It was beautiful. The decorations were up, the crowds in the beginning were very low. I saw details I had never seen before having always gone at 'crowded' times. Actually was at MK during taping and it was not as crazy as some posters make it. You do not have to be part of it unless you choose. Stay out of MK while the parade is taping. Also, if you watched the special, you may have noticed many of the entertainers were taped elsewhere. Go and enjoy the magic.

[Strmchsr]

to those above. Just avoid MK on Dec 4-5 and you'll be fine. Your week is not the worst time to go. For those who used to go during December, yes, it's become much more crowded, but so has pretty much every other month. Crowds are still very manageable. If crowds are an issue, however, I would also suggest avoiding the All Star resorts if you're staying at a value due to that being Pop Warner week. Doesn't impact the parks much, but the value resorts get a little crazy with all the kids' football teams and cheerleaders.

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

We were at WDW for the taping and it wasn't really all that bad. MK was kind of a madhouse on the parade route during the taping, but the rest of the park was pretty quiet. There is much more to see, the lights at studios were amazing. We took a couple of boat rides from Port Orleans to downtown, and that was very relaxing..it is what you make it.

[disneymom15]

Don't worry, you'll be fine. We've gone the last 3 or 4 years around that time frame. We'll actually be there this year Dec 5-12, and not at all concerned about the crowds.We just stay away from MK on taping day.

[Rosanne]

I agree with the other posters. Just stay away from the MK on those days. When I worked there, 90 percent of the guests didn't even know the parade was being taped. It's evident from the thousands of people waiting at City Hall to complain on Christmas Day that Regis and Kelly weren't there!

Seriously, don't freak out. It's a terrific time to be down at the World. Just take it easy, relax and enjoy it.

Rosanne

[magicalmom]

If the crowds are watching the parade, they're not on your favorite rides - this might actually be a very good thing!

[andrew&ryansmommy]

I am starting to think the same thing, OP. AND we are staying at a value resort- POP Century! I really really hope we are not going to regret this! But it's Disney..right? Should be magical anyway....but with a 1 yr old and 3 yr old, we'll see about that!

[LandFan]

THe all-stars end up with more of the pop warner crowd. Pop tends to still be ok.

[Strmchsr]

THe all-stars end up with more of the pop warner crowd. Pop tends to still be ok.

I don't think I've heard of Pop Warner ever having Pop as a choice. It's always been the All-Stars.

[iheartdisney]

I'm a little partial to the time you're going because it's my birthday! (Dec. 3) We have been twice during that time frame and while it was a little more crowded than we expected, it was absolutely manageable. As another poster suggested, arrive before the parade, make sure you are near the attractions before it begins and then enjoy! We found the wait very comfortable because most people at MK that day were there for the parade.

[apequet]

Thanks everyone! You've all made me feel alot better! I've just had to do alot of agenda changing and re-arranged some ADR's- actually had an ADR for Crystal Palace on Dec 4th which is taping day and I just cancelled it. I don't want to be any where near MK when the taping is going on! Instead of doing MK on Sat, we are now going to do EPCOT in am and HS in the pm and eat dinner @ Sci-Fi (my kides favorite restaurant). Sunday, maybe AK in am and dinner @ EPCOT @ Le Cellier(?spelling?) I hope the taping will be done by Monday, so we can hit MK then.

I did hear about the Pop Warnder week, so instead of the All Stars, we are staying @ POR, so we shouldn't have to worry too much about the Pop Warner kids. We weren't going to do park hoppers this time, but now I think it's a must have. That way, we have freedom to leave a park if it get's too crazy. I just hope the weather is warm, so we can hit the water parks too! I just got to keep telling myself...it's Disney and not Michigan!!......see, it puts a smile on my face already!

[#1donaldfan]

Don't listen to these people !!! Your vacation is RUINED, RUINED I SAY...so, let me have your ressies and I'll go in your stead !!!

JUSTI KIDDING....your gonna have a great time....the Christmas decorations are very nice, plus it's WAY cooler than when we normally go !!!

[apequet]

[QUOTE=#1donaldfan;2074945]Don't listen to these people !!! Your vacation is RUINED, RUINED I SAY...so, let me have your ressies and I'll go in your stead !!!

Ha, ha!! I will be honest tho...now that we have to have hopper passes & already planning on the parks & more passes, we probably won't be doing the dining plan. It's $112 additional pp!! That's crazy that they charge that much just so you have the freedom to go where you want, when you want. I'm thinking we'll keep a few of our ADR's, but we just might have to cancel some of the more expensive one's that I would never pay out of pocket for.

[Simba 1]

We were there last year at the same time and it was a great time to be in the World.....BUT we stayed at POR and it was filled to capacity with Pop Warner famlies. I would definitely ask the resort if they will again be hosting Pop Warner families and switch to another moderate if they are. The buses, food courts, pools, were all packed. It seemed to me that the bigger, more well funded schools tended to be at POR. All I can say is avoid it is you can. The kids were mostly well behaved, but the sheer volume of all those kids made the resort experience less than desireable.

Good luck!

[momofdisneyprincess]

Can you check in a day early? You will then get the free dining. Not sure if you have plane tickets or are driving. I check in on 12/2 and was then able to carry over the dining for the rest of my dates.