Fall visitor's first winter trip questions

[Mukta]

Well, I went ahead and booked my first solo trip. It is also my first time staying at a value resort. It is also my first time going in December. With so many firsts, I have a few questions for the experts.
I will be there Dec 10-13th. I am staying at the Pop. I am taking a red-eye and arriving at the airport around 6 am.

I will hit Epcot the first day. Some of my favorite things are the background music. Will the Innoventions plaza loop still play during the holidays? Will the Illuminations pre-music be the same? I have been listening to Busindre Reel everyday and I am hoping they don't change Illuminations for the holidays.

How will the weather be? What kind of clothes should I pack?

How badly will pop warner affect my trip? I plan to be in the parks opening to closing.

I will have the quick service dining plan (for free). Is there anywhere I can get a PB&J shake on my plan?

Thanks! :wave:

 

[lilclerk]

I will hit Epcot the first day. Some of my favorite things are the background music. Will the Innoventions plaza loop still play during the holidays? Will the Illuminations pre-music be the same? I have been listening to Busindre Reel everyday and I am hoping they don't change Illuminations for the holidays.

How will the weather be? What kind of clothes should I pack?

How badly will pop warner affect my trip? I plan to be in the parks opening to closing.

I will have the quick service dining plan (for free). Is there anywhere I can get a PB&J shake on my plan?

Thanks! :wave:

This sounds silly, but a big reason that I will never go to WDW at the holidays again is there is NO Innoventions Plaza loop! That music is what tells me I am at WDW and I was absolutely devastated not to hear it last year. It was just the same Christmas music they played everywhere else. The IllumiNations pre-show music was the same though, and the Peace on Earth tag to RoE is amazing.
The best part of WDW at the holidays for me was the Osborne Lights. They blew me away, make sure you take the time to see them!

I wouldn't worry too much about Pop Warner. You won't see them at Pop Century, and they don't tend to get into the parks until later in the evening... even then, we didn't see them much.

Last year, we had some days where we needed jeans and sweatshirts, and some days where I wore capris and a t-shirt, but it was always a bit nippy at night. It also rained a lot when we were there, so I'd bring a cheap poncho or umbrella just in case.

The only place I know that has a PB&J shake is 50s Prime Time and that's a table service restaurant.

Have fun on your first solo trip! I'm taking mine in 10 days and can't wait!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We're going to be at WDW around that time as well. Dec 10th is evening EMH at Epcot. That's the day we're planning for Epcot and I hope it's not too crazy. I'm a little worried about the Pop Warner crowd that night - more than any other. We're hoping to be seated for dinner on the Rose and Crown patio area just to avoid the Pop Warner kids during Illuminations. I have no experience with Pop Warner- I just don't like what I've been hearing.

As for weather...it's usually upper 60s to low 70s...at least that's how it was when I lived in FL. HOWEVER, last year was frigid. We're scheduled to arrive on Dec 7th and I believe it snowed in FL around that time in 2009. At 10 days out- I'd just look at the 10 day forecast to get an idea of what weather will be like.

 

[twoweirdos]

not to hijack a thread but who/what is Pop Warner?

 

[goofykt]

We went from Dec 12-16 last year and the weather was perfect. I wore long jeans and a tshirt every day and I was perfectly comfortable - even at night. I packed a thin pullover jacket but didn't use it once.

You can get a PB&J shake at 50's Prime Time, but it's a table service. It's one of our favorite restaurants though, and I think it would be worth paying for. You may not want to deal with the hassle of reservations and table service stuff, but if you find there are a few TS restaurants you'd like to eat it, you might consider upgrading to the Disney Dining Plan....it was only $160 total for my husband and I to upgrade for a 9-day stay. Just a thought.

P.S. If you go to the 50's Prime Time, ask them to use chocolate instead of vanilla ice cream for the shake. Sounds disgusting, but it's a tip our waitress gave us one time and we are SO glad we listened to her. It's a million times better!

 

[WendyTinkerbell]

50's Prime Time also has a bar in the waiting area that you may be able to get just the shake without having a reservation for a table. I remember, many years ago, getting drinks at the bar while waiting.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

not to hijack a thread but who/what is Pop Warner?

Pop Warner is a youth cheerleading and football organization. They come to WDW early December each year to do competitions, etc.

 

[Mukta]

Thanks for the info everyone.

A special thank you to lilclerk. I know it sounds silly, but I am really in love with the Innoventions Loop. I am glad I can mentally prepare myself not to hear it.

I have eaten at 50s a few times, goofkt, but it just isn't in the budget this time. I am hoping not to veer off of my free food too often. I was really hoping for a way to get a PBJ milkshake on my plan, but that's ok.

I booked my plane ticket today for $80 under budget, so I am on my way! Thanks for the help everyone. :wave:

 

[disneygirl1]

Well, I went ahead and booked my first solo trip. It is also my first time staying at a value resort. It is also my first time going in December. With so many firsts, I have a few questions for the experts.
I will be there Dec 10-13th. I am staying at the Pop. I am taking a red-eye and arriving at the airport around 6 am.

I will hit Epcot the first day. Some of my favorite things are the background music. Will the Innoventions plaza loop still play during the holidays? Will the Illuminations pre-music be the same? I have been listening to Busindre Reel everyday and I am hoping they don't change Illuminations for the holidays.

How will the weather be? What kind of clothes should I pack? It is so hit our miss you really have to pack for every season... It can be 80 during the day and then drop to 40 at night! When we were there most days I was comfortable is capris and a short sleeved shirt, but had a sweat jacket with me.

How badly will pop warner affect my trip? I plan to be in the parks opening to closing. Honestly not at all... They are rarely in the parks during the day as that is when they compete. This is the 2nd year I am going during pop warner week. Now if you were staying a a resort they are at then you might have a problem with noise and the buses, but you should be A-OK staying at POP!

I will have the quick service dining plan (for free). Is there anywhere I can get a PB&J shake on my plan? Sorry not sure about this one... Possibly Sci Fi cafe?

Thanks! :wave:

Answered your questions above in purple!!! You are going to love it during christmas time!

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I was there on a solo trip last year from the 13-18th and it was HOT! The 1st 3 days it was above 80 during the day, and only went down to 70 at night. Needless to say, I didn't pack for that kind of weather, and ended up spending $40 for a pair of Disney Crocs trying to keep my feet from sweating off! But I do love Disney at Christmas!