Hmmm, so by not being able to go, I also miss the disappointment of not being able to see you, Crystal and the kids?

I might just work myself into a good mood if this keeps going. ;)

This kind of decision can only be made by you. You know your finances, you know your personal preferences regarding save vs. spend.

Signed,

Someone who's working on buying a condo and may let her pass lapse for a bit.

Well a quarter of you aren't invited to the room party! :p

We'll probably find a way. I mean, if we do hojo, it's super cheap compared to "normal" for us. DL hotel would also be manageable.

So, how are the non-Disney hotels? We've never done that and I'm not sure we'll be able to stomach the change this time, but it would certainly help the financials.

Just becasue you're not staying there doesn't mean you can't hang out in the lobby of the Grand Cal

But it's not the same! We'd have to give up the coveted hotel delivery option that always makes us buy more stuff!

Ah, I get it now. You just want enabling. Far be it from me - you must own your own sins. *devil vanishes*

I've stayed at the Best Western Park Inn (or Park whatever it's called) which is RIGHT across the crosswalk from the park. The rooms are all suites and are pretty nice and roomy. It's not he GC or DLH but it outranks the PP IMHO.

Okay - so I'm waffling on all the details. Should I come December 16-20? Or Jan 3-7? In January the airports (and theoretically the parks) are less crowded, but December is more festive. And the 16th is my birthday.

The DL site does list things past November, but the first weekend in January is about the time that iasw and HMH shut down to remove the Holiday overlays. You MAY catch them before the shutdown, but not guaranteed. Same for any Holiday fireworks.

Also, hours are going to be much shorter in January.

Yes, it may be busier in December, but I am a big fan of the Holiday energy to be found at the park.