Mouseowners Hayride 12/5/07--UPDATE!! Check Post 114

[ghost1000]

The point here is to get our own wagon. So we'll need enough folks to pay for a wagon. I did this a couple of years ago and it was relatively inexpensive. 30 people were more than enough to pay for the wagon.

I'll contact Tri Circle D Ranch this week and get prices. But in the meantime, how many folks are interested in doing this, and how many will be in your party?

I'll keep an updated list.

ghost1000 (party of 2 adults): confirmed for 12/5
nono (party of 3 adults, 2 children): confirmed for 12/5
Rozzie (party of 2 adults): confirmed for 12/5
mickeyndvcfan (party of 1 adult): confirmed for 12/5
DVCerLee (party of 5): confirmed for 12/5
doombuggy (1 adult): confirmed for 12/5
Colorado Belle (party of 1): confirmed for 12/5
Skelster (2 adults, 2 children): confirmed for 12/5
Lisa (1 adult): confirmed for 12/5
erikthewise (2 adults, 2 children): confirmed for 12/5
zulaya (2 adults, 2 children): confirmed for 12/5


Dropped out:
idratherbeinwdw (party of 2)
jiggerj (party of 3 adults, 1 child)
matysgranma (party of 3 adults, 1 child)

[nono]

The Nonos, party of 5 3 adults, 2 children

[Colorado Belle]

I think this would be fun, tho I wish we could get a reprise of the Haunted Hayride (headless horseman). Do they have a Xmas themed one?

[Rozzie]

The Rozzie's, errr, The Rozzie, Party of 1. :thumbsup:

[matysgranma]

Rita, count Tom and I in on this one, too. Should be loads of fun!

[mickeyndvcfan]

mickeyndvcfan....party of 1

[DVCerLee]

I need to know what day. If we can, we'll be five, me, DH, DM, DD and DS.

We would love a hayride!

Lee

[Stimpy]

Same boat as Lee. If it's during our short trip, we'll be excited to go....2 adults

[idratherbeinwdw]

Me and my daughter Sarah, party of two! How many can fit in one wagon Rita, do you know?

[jiggerj]

Oh this sounds like FUN! :woohoodan Count the jiggerj family in...3 adults and one child! (me, 2dd's and ds)

[ghost1000]

Me and my daughter Sarah, party of two! How many can fit in one wagon Rita, do you know?

I have a call in to the manager of the Tri Circle D Ranch. I'll get details on how much a dedicated wagon will cost and how many it will hold.

I think a wagon will hold a maximum of about 35 guests (if there are a lot of children). I'm pretty sure 20 people (using the standard charge for a haywagon ride) was enough to pay for a dedicated wagon. But I'll know for sure when I get a call back.

[doombuggy]

Count me in; I am assuming that this is in December. I can go, as long as it is during the week.

The hayride takes you thru the camp ground, and hopefully, may of the RVs will be "dressed up" for the holidays. you end up at the beach to watch wishes....it was really neat. Ghost1000 mentions the last time she got a group together for our own waggon, it was around Halloween and just as fun!

[ghost1000]

I still have the song sheet from 2004, which includes the words to Grim Grinning Ghosts, Yo-ho (A Pirate's Life for Me), Heffalumps and Woozles, It's a Small World, Wreck the Halls (from the Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland), Zorro, In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, and Cruella de Vil.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I still have the song sheet from 2004, which includes the words to Grim Grinning Ghosts, Yo-ho (A Pirate's Life for Me), Heffalumps and Woozles, It's a Small World, Wreck the Halls (from the Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland), Zorro, In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, and Cruella de Vil.

OOO singalongs I LOVE singalongs!! I'll be happy to print out some more song sheets with Disney lyrics, you can use what you want or toss 'em all. It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow is the first one that comes to mind. This hayride is gonna be great Rita, thanks for suggesting it and coordinating it. :woohoodan

[ghost1000]

I have Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow in my Disney songbook. I'll make some modifications to the 2004 song sheet and bring it in December.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I have Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow in my Disney songbook. I'll make some modifications to the 2004 song sheet and bring it in December.

Eggs-ellent! :cheerlead

[ghost1000]

Here's the information I just got from the Tri Circle D Ranch.

The cost for a dedicated wagon is $300. It will hold about 30 adults. They said when they sell tickets for the haunted hayride, they sell about 32 tickets for each wagon. That allows children to be added into the mix, since obviously kids take up less room. The more children, the more people overall the wagon will hold. So if we only have 20 adults, we'd be able to accommodate something like 13-15 kids.

The fireworks hayride is only on nights when Wishes is at 10:00, and that wagon leaves at 9:30.

All other nights the wagon leaves at 7:00 (and again at 9:30 if Wishes is at 10:00).

The current pricing (she thought) for single tickets is $8 per adult and $5 per child.

So we probably should wait until WDW's calendar for December is up, to see if Wishes will be at 10:00 on any of the nights we're there.

[Colorado Belle]

Would the firework hayrides be on the nights when MK is closed for MVMXP?(or are those fireworks at 9:30 instead of 10...cant' remember)


...I'd like to do the hayride on a night when most of us can't get into the park due to MVMXP...and we can instead watch it from the hayride. Does that make sense?

[idratherbeinwdw]

After much discussion in the planning thread Pam (matysgranma) agreed that we should do this event on Thursday night. There may be fireworks, there may not be, because as Rita already posted the hayride only sees fireworks on nights that the fireworks go off at ten.

A few of us on the planning thread already said we'd go whether were fireworks or not, as this sounds like a ton of fun.

So to make it official, I want to be the first to say I am up for the Ft. Wildnerness Hayride fireworks or not. Practicing my loudest singing voice! :crazy:

Can we get a count of those who already said they were going to this event to see who's still interested even if there aren't fireworks?

[Stimpy]

Sounds like fun but since it will take place after we leave, I have to say we won't be there now. I know everyone will have a great time!

[Colorado Belle]

Hey, why am I not on the list???????????? MEMEMEMEMEMEMEM

Oh Stimpy girl, we will miss you! But hopefully we'll get to hear you sing at Jelly's so we'll know whether or not this is a good thing!:ROTFL: :ROTFL:

[nono]

Oh yeah, we're in. But I think it'll be 2 adults and 2 kids. Found out my friend has a hay allergy, so I think she's gonna pass on this event. :hyper:

[ghost1000]

I've updated the headcount, making whatever adjustments I saw. If anyone else can't make it, let me know. If anyone else is interested in joining us, let me know.

[Colorado Belle]

THanks RIta...now I feel included. Party of 1

Nono: unless I'm thinking of something else, they don't use hay on the hayride. I wish they did, as it would bring back memories of childhood hayrides for me, but I'm pretty sure that there is no hay. So one more?

[nono]

Nono: unless I'm thinking of something else, they don't use hay on the hayride. I wish they did, as it would bring back memories of childhood hayrides for me, but I'm pretty sure that there is no hay. So one more?


REALLY???? If that's so, then we are a party of 5 again!:dancingba

[DVCerLee]

Thursday sounds just great to me!. It will be our second-to-last day at WDW and a great send-off.
Be warned, we love to sing Christmas carols!

Lee

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thursday sounds just great to me!. It will be our second-to-last day at WDW and a great send-off.
Be warned, we love to sing Christmas carols!

Lee

Oooo Christmas carols in addition to WDW songs sounds like a TON of fun! I'm up for that too!:cheerlead

[Rozzie]

Any more room for 1 more adult to the Rozzie party?? Seems Mr Roz has found his singing voice!! :ROTFL:

So to update: Rozzie party of 2.

:cheerlead

[ghost1000]

I just called the Ranch Manager again and asked about a dedicated wagon on a party night, since last year Thursdays were MVMCP nights with fireworks later (I think they were 9:45). She told me that it might be possible to arrange a dedicated wagon ride later to view the MVMCP fireworks.

So we'll still need to wait until the December schedule is announced, but if it's a party night there's still a possibility for a later wagon ride to watch the fireworks.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I just called the Ranch Manager again and asked about a dedicated wagon on a party night, since last year Thursdays were MVMCP nights with fireworks later (I think they were 9:45). She told me that it might be possible to arrange a dedicated wagon ride later to view the MVMCP fireworks.

So we'll still need to wait until the December schedule is announced, but if it's a party night there's still a possibility for a later wagon ride to watch the fireworks.

MVMCP schedule is out, and 12/6 is listed as one of the nights of the party. This sounds SO COOL Rita! Thanks for suggesting it and thanks for keeping on top of it. :thumbsup: :highfive:

[matysgranma]

Rita, just found out DD and DGD will be joining us in Dec. So will you please add 1 adult and one child to our rsvp. thanks.

[jiggerj]

Rita, just found out DD and DGD will be joining us in Dec. So will you please add 1 adult and one child to our rsvp. thanks.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

I am soooo excited to finally be able to meet DD and DGD!!!!!!!!! :bluebloun :bluebloun :bluebloun

[matysgranma]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

I am soooo excited to finally be able to meet DD and DGD!!!!!!!!! :bluebloun :bluebloun :bluebloun
I know, Laura!! I can't tell you how excited I am. Though this will cut down on some of our event attendance as I'll want to spend as much time as possible with Matylda. Oh, and did I tell you how excited SHE:jumpingbe is!!!!!

[nono]

Yea! More little ones!

[skelster]

Put us down for it too if there is still room...2 adults, 2 kids (DS4/DD1.0)

[Lisa]

Not sure if you still have room for one more, but I'd like to hop on board if available. Sound like fun!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Any news on this Rita? Is this a defiinite at this point?

[ghost1000]

There are enough people for a wagonload. I'm just wondering how to pay for it. I'll need to put down a credit card as security. Maybe if everyone PayPals me the money in advance. That will ensure that everyone will show up and we won't be short the night of the hayride.

[idratherbeinwdw]

There are enough people for a wagonload. I'm just wondering how to pay for it. I'll need to put down a credit card as security. Maybe if everyone PayPals me the money in advance. That will ensure that everyone will show up and we won't be short the night of the hayride.


Works for me Rita. If someone would rather mail a check are you ok with that as well (as long as it clears of course, LOL)?

A question: if others want to join us can they do so or once it's paid for are we locked into the number we have?

[mickeyndvcfan]

Sounds good to me also.

[ghost1000]

A question: if others want to join us can they do so or once it's paid for are we locked into the number we have?

A wagon only holds about 35-37 people tops. This includes children who take up less room. They tend to sell only 32 tickets for each wagonload, and anyone else would be put on standby. We currently have 31 people and that headcount includes children.

We may have room for a few more folks, but that would be about it.

I'll call after we get back from California and reserve the wagon. Since it's a MVMCP night, I'll see what they can offer us. I'll put the $300 on my credit card (it's only to hold the wagon, it's not an actual charge) and we can see how this all develops.

[matysgranma]

Rita, do they work this reservation like the fireworks cruise reservations? I know in the past, I've had to reserve the boat with a credit card, and then everyone paid when they arrived. Though I must admit I'm not talking about 32 people. I think you should get monies either from paypal or check (for those who don't have a paypal account). That way everyone's committed, and whether they show up or not, is up to them.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Rita, sounds like a plan.

[ghost1000]

Rita, do they work this reservation like the fireworks cruise reservations? I know in the past, I've had to reserve the boat with a credit card, and then everyone paid when they arrived. Though I must admit I'm not talking about 32 people. I think you should get monies either from paypal or check (for those who don't have a paypal account). That way everyone's committed, and whether they show up or not, is up to them.

When I did a dedicated wagon a couple of years ago, that's exactly the way it worked. However I got payment up front (in advance), and just charged the wagon to my room.

I'm thinking about $10 per person, and any extra funds we take in will go to Kim toward website maintenance fees.

[nono]

Some time ago, someone mentioned there's no actual hay on this ride. Can you confirm or deny? That would affect my count by 1.

$10 sounds reasonable to me, but I might pull the allergic adult off the tour and leave her with the baby -- he'll be a not-quite 1 yr.old yet, and may not even be awake for the majority of the ride. Probably a waste of $10 on my part, if I bring him, eh?

[Rozzie]

Some time ago, someone mentioned there's no actual hay on this ride. Can you confirm or deny? That would affect my count by 1.

$10 sounds reasonable to me, but I might pull the allergic adult off the tour and leave her with the baby -- he'll be a not-quite 1 yr.old yet, and may not even be awake for the majority of the ride. Probably a waste of $10 on my part, if I bring him, eh?

I still owe you $10, if that helps in your decision making process. (Yep, you thought I was too drunk to remember, eh, showed you! :slyasafox )

I love it we have so many kids coming, I love to hear little kids sing! :loveisint

[ghost1000]

There's no hay in the hayride. Personally I don't think I would charge for a baby or any child under 3. But I'll double check that when I call.

[skelster]

There's no hay in the hayride.

I'll see if I can bring some...that way everyone with hay fever can get the full benefit...see, aren't I nice?:goodnevil
(Don't worry Nono, JK)

Seriously though, if I am following the conversation correctly, the $300 is just the deposit. Anyone have an idea of the actual cost of the ride per person? I have no problem sending a paypal deposit for either the deposit of the entire cost.

By the way, I too am interested in price breakdown by age group with us having DS4 and DD1.

[ghost1000]

I should have explained better. $300 is the cost of a dedicated wagon. But I'll have to give them my credit card number as a deposit. That's just in case we cancel without notice and don't show up. But if we show up they won't charge the credit card. We'll either have to pay cash or charge it to the room that night.

A couple of years ago friends went to Fort Wilderness for the evening hayride. A special wagon was reserved, and none of the party showed up. Since there was a credit card on deposit, my friends got a dedicated wagon all to themselves (they weren't part of the group that reserved the wagon, but since it was considered paid for they took advantage of the offer). These are the people who got me the contact information for reserving a wagon. They were talking with the wagon driver that night and knew that I was planning that for a group.

[nono]

There's no hay in the hayride. Personally I don't think I would charge for a baby or any child under 3. But I'll double check that when I call.

Cool. Keep my numbers the same. It's not the $10, it's just that I was thinking it might be special for D to have both parents to herself....but since my friend can attend, we'll bring the baby too! :lovestruc

[nono]

BTW, I should share with all of you that I am sitting here typing this with my D's First Haircut Minnie Ears on my head with the strap coming down across my face and hooked under my nose. She says I'm "bootiful." And now she's literally rolling on the floor laughing at me!
:violinist

[erikthewise]

Excuse for not responding sooner.
Are you full yet? Do you have a date?
We are tentatively interested. 2 adults, 2 children.

[ghost1000]

The anticipated date is Thursday, 12/6. It's a MVMCP night, and we're hoping to get a wagon that will take us to the beach to watch the MVMCP fireworks.

At this time we have 32 people for the wagon. We should be able to fit your party of four, but you'll most likely be the last ones that we can accept. A wagon will hold 30 adults. It can hold more if there are children in the party. So a wagon may comfortably hold as many as 20 adults and 15-17 children.

I'll add your party to the list.

[zulaya]

I know you are full as of today (6/14), but if you have anyone drop out for any reason, could you email or PM me as I think my family would be interested in joining the group.

Thanks!

~Mary

[ghost1000]

Mary, how many adults and children in your group, and are the children small (under the age of three) or older?

[zulaya]

ghost1000...our family is me, DH(Bryan) DS12(Stefan) and DD11 (Caitlin)

[erikthewise]

For what it's worth, Holiday Wishes has been at 9:30 during MVMCP the last couple years.

Zulaya, I hope your family will be able to join the fun. Our boys will be 14 and 11 this year.

[zulaya]

erikthewise - If there is space available for us, we'll be there. I'm just waiting to hear. Sounds like our kids might hit it off, being they are similar ages.

[ghost1000]

A situation has come up, and we either need to move the date of the hayride, or someone else has to coordinate it.

Doug and I are hoping to get tickets for the shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center on the December 6th, but they won't go on sale until about a month or so befor the launch date. The launch is scheduled for 4:30. I understand the traffic can be pretty bad afterward, and it may take up to three hours to get back from the Space Center.

If we get tickets, we'll probably just dedicate a full day to the Space Center.

I would suggest moving the hayride (and other related Fort Wilderness activities) to December 5th, and anyone who wants to do the Disney-MGM studio activities can do that on the 6th. Wishes is at 8:00 pm on December 5th. This may work out better since the dinner at Chef Mickey's will be on the 5th, and it's just a boatride to Fort Wilderness from there.

If you want to do the hayride, then please sound in with your thoughts about this.

And a thank you to Skelster for the heads up about the launch. This is (for us) a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[zulaya]

We're still interested (group of 4) if there ends up being room for us on the 5th and it gets moved to that date.

[erikthewise]

We'll just play it by ear -- if the date is moved we'll try to reschedule, and if we can't we won't complain.

I've been watching that shuttle flight as well. We're not planning to drive to the Cape, but just hoping to get a good view from WDW. The 4:30 launch time is news to me as it doesn't show on the NASA site; I guess you have inside info. :thumbsup: I was hoping for an evening launch like last year -- surely they can wait just one more hour! ;)

I'm sure you know there's a good reason why they don't sell tickets until a month in advance. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you, and for the rest of us who will be there at that time.

[Lisa]

[QUOTE=ghost1000]......This may work out better since the dinner at Chef Mickey's will be on the 5th, and it's just a boatride to Fort Wilderness from there.
/QUOTE]


This looks like it would work great on the 5th! I'm fine with the move. (I'm fine with it staying on Thurs. as well).

[zulaya]

erikthewise---

It's been on the KSC Launch list for while on Dec. 6. kennedyspacecenter.com

[idratherbeinwdw]

I am flexible, whatever is decided is fine with me.

ETA: I doubt there will be time to do both the campfire and the hayride on the 5th. I can't imagine us being done at Chef Mickey and getting to FW much before 7. If the fireworks are at 8 I would imagine we'd have to be on the wagon by 7:30 or so.

Just wanted to point that out, I am still happy to do what the majority decides. :)

[Colorado Belle]

Ghost I hope you can get tickets! How long are you staying in Florida? THe reason I ask is that last year, I had tickets for the Aug 26 shuttle launch...it finally went up on Sept 9 or so...and I did get to see it, but was the only one from our group that stuck around.

Usually the date given is the start of the 'window' for launch..that window usually extends for about 2 weeks. I think the date that was finally a go, was the last possible extension.. Also, if the time is set for 4:30, even if it is a go on that same day...there are often delays, so you are wise to get to the center in teh early morning, tour the exhibits and then go out on the bus about an hour and ahalf before the launch and then, if it is a go, leisurely come back and drive to the world.

It was a wonderful experience that I'd rec to anyone...but don't let yourself get too attached to that date. It may even change two weeks before the window opens.

[erikthewise]

erikthewise---

It's been on the KSC Launch list for while on Dec. 6. kennedyspacecenter.com

Hmmm, I've been watching http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html. It's more than a little strange that KSC would maintain its own launch schedule separate from NASA's, and give more information than them. Our government at work.

[ghost1000]

At least NASA and KSC agree on the date (for now).

KSC states (http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/launchDetails.asp?calendarId=317):

Event: Shuttle Atlantis• ISS 1E
Date: 12/6/2007

Time: 04:30:00 PM EST
Details: STS-122 will be the 24th U.S. mission to the International Space Station. The flight will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus science laboratory module to the station.
Contact: Reservations
Phone: 321-449-4444
Location: C-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

[doombuggy]

I am perfectly fine with the hayride being any night, except Saturday or maybe Sunday.

Here's a link to the KSC page listing the launch schedules: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/scheduleStatus.asp?dDate=4/2/2008&intPage=1
Please note there are multiple pages here, and there is also a link to NASA's site on page 1.

While I agree that the night launches are a beautiful site, they have to go with what they have. They prefer not to lanuch at night, and the reasons why they have a "window" are way beyond my limited science knowledge (even though I was just over there.....). Maybe someone else can fill in that blank. I told ghost1000 somethings when she called on the phone last night about KSC. If you can get tickets & have a car, I would highly recommend it. But, the traffic will be bad. And while the site says "45 minutes", it took my about 1 hour, and I live much closer to the cape (I live on the east side of Orlando).

:Pinkflami

[skelster]

The days of launches happening whenever they get everything ready are gone. With the need to meet the ISS, they have only a 10 minute launch window...or they won't have the necessary orbit to reach it. If the launch happens on 12/6 it must occur between 4:30 and 4:40. KSC has a listing (sorry I don't have time to find the link) of sites in the county that have a good vantage for viewing. I am thinking we might go for one of those sites that is near the road back to Orlando and pack it up right away. I figure doing that, we can get back in time for the hayride...of course I am not certain we will do that...might just watch it from the world.

The funny thing is that there is an October launch scheduled for the day we arrive for the member cruise. About 10 hours before we arrive. I might pay the $100/ticket change fee to get us in a day before. Hearing that it may take 3 hours to get back, I may do that so as not to risk events at the meet. We could watch it from our room at the Residence Inn right outside the NASA gate. If I do that, then we will not go on 12/6.

[erikthewise]

Yes I am very much aware of the orbital mechanics and that the launch window cannot be changed. Just kidding that they should postpone it.

Last year there was a night launch about the same time, scheduled for when we were at MVMCP, just a few minutes before Wishes. I kept watching the eastern sky but it turned out the launch was delayed. A couple days later we were relaxing in our room at BCV; DW was watching TV and said "The shuttle launch is in three minutes". I had forgotten completely about the delayed launch!! I bolted out the door, sprinted down the hall, took the elevator, and literally sprinted all the way to the Boardwalk-Epcot bridge where I found a group of people watching the launch. I arrived just in time to see it rising up in the sky!

DS13 was kind of miffed I didn't take him with me. I wish I had remembered in time to do that, but as it was he would not have made it in time.

Now that I have looked at the KSC site and their launch visit options, we may try to get tickets also, if it remains on track for Dec 6.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Can you guys who want to talk space shuttle start a new thread for that please? Thanks. :howudoin:

I'd like to see if we can come to a meeting of the minds regarding the hayride change of date. What does everyone think? If they hayride is Wednesday would you still be able to go? If the MGM stuff (TOT and Lights) is Thursday can you still be there?

Any suggestions on how to best accomodate everyone?

[mickeyndvcfan]

Wed. night is fine for me. We are staying until the 14th so I have no problem with changing the MGM stuff to Thursday night. After the boat ride from Chef Mickey'swill we have to get a bus? Where do we have to go to meet for the hayride?

[Quicklabs]

I'd love to join in the fun!
It sounds as if you guys are going to have a blast together.
I'll be at a dog show that weekend, which is why I didn't sign up for the first week of December. I am going to be really cheesed off with myself if it turns out that she doesn't need it if she does well in the summer trials. I know that I would never be able to change my ressie from the 11-19 to the week before and still get my BW view....
NEXT time for sure!

[DVCerLee]

We're doing HDDR at five on Wed. Can we make it? If we could, that would be the best for us, that way we don't have to make two trips to FW.
So, depending on the starting time, Wednesday is good for us!

Lee

[Colorado Belle]

I can do either.
If we do it Thursday, as planned, we can still have the campfire singalong .
If we do it Wednesday, and move MGM to Thursday, we have time for TOT, RnR photos and a walk through of Osborne lights without rushing.

Could we push back the hayride until 8:30 so that anyone going to the shuttle launch could still make it?

[idratherbeinwdw]

Here's the list of Hayride folks:

ghost1000 (party of 2 adults)
nono (party of 3 adults, 2 children)
Rozzie (party of 2 adults)
matysgranma (party of 3 adults, 1 child)
mickeyndvcfan (party of 1 adult)
DVCerLee (party of 5)
idratherbeinwdw (party of 2)
jiggerj (party of 3 adults, 1 child)
doombuggy (1 adult)
Colorado Belle (party of 1)
Skelster (2 adults, 2 children)
Lisa (1 adult)
erikthewise (2 adults, 2 children)

We've heard from a number of you, and so far it looks good for everyone to make the change for the Hayride to Wednesday and the TOT/Lights to Thursday. , but the some have not weighed in. I'd especially like to hear from Rozzie, as she is coordinating the TOT ride.

Jigger, Pam, nono and Rozzie, What say ye?:)

[zulaya]

I know I'm sort of on the waiting list...but I'm open to either evening and would like to attend if there ends up being room for my family.

[ghost1000]

We're doing HDDR at five on Wed. Can we make it? If we could, that would be the best for us, that way we don't have to make two trips to FW.

Lee, I checked my PassPorter and HDDR shows are 5:00, 7:15, and 9:30. I think the wagon leaves 1/2 hour before Wishes, and Wishes is at 8:00 that night. I imagine the show would let out by 6:45 or 7:00 at the latest. All you would have to do is walk across the walkway and get on the wagon.

[Simba's Mom]

Is the hayride on Wednesday and the Osborne Lights on Thursday, or is it the other way around? Or has it been decided yet? Because if the hayride gets moved to Wednesday, I'd REALLY like to do it. But it's been scheduled on Thursday, and unfortunately, I'm leaving Thursday morning (hey,I got free airline tickets but it means I have to leave a day early).

[matysgranma]

Here's the list of Hayride folks:

ghost1000 (party of 2 adults)
nono (party of 3 adults, 2 children)
Rozzie (party of 2 adults)
matysgranma (party of 3 adults, 1 child)
mickeyndvcfan (party of 1 adult)
DVCerLee (party of 5)
idratherbeinwdw (party of 2)
jiggerj (party of 3 adults, 1 child)
doombuggy (1 adult)
Colorado Belle (party of 1)
Skelster (2 adults, 2 children)
Lisa (1 adult)
erikthewise (2 adults, 2 children)

We've heard from a number of you, and so far it looks good for everyone to make the change for the Hayride to Wednesday and the TOT/Lights to Thursday. , but the some have not weighed in. I'd especially like to hear from Rozzie, as she is coordinating the TOT ride.

Jigger, Pam, nono and Rozzie, What say ye?:)
Either night is fine with me. We have ressies for LeCellier on Thursday at 6:20 so I still think we could make the hayride, don't you think?

[nono]

Honest to G*d, I have no idea! I'm assuming (:holymoly: ) that there's no conflict with anything else I have planned.

Go with what is best for most, and we'll accomodate our schedule! :lovestruc

[skelster]

I failed previously to give my input on the night. If ToT and Osbourne lights switch nights with the hayride, then we are fine with the change. Otherwise, I guess we will go Thursday for the ride whether we are alone in that or not. I can't deny my DW the ToT photo op...she is a serious scrapbooker and it's my belief that photo ink runs in her bloodstream.

One thing though...I did not see any mention of a possible date swap on the ToT/Orbourne threads. Is everyone associated with those also associated with this thread?

[jiggerj]

Either night is fine with me- I left Wed. night open and Thursday during the day will be our SeaWorld day. So whatever works for all works for us too! :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

One thing though...I did not see any mention of a possible date swap on the ToT/Orbourne threads. Is everyone associated with those also associated with this thread?
Here are the folks signed up for the lights:

Athenna
Colorado Belle
ghost1000
idratherbinwdw, party of anywhere from 2-7 TBD
Lisa
matysgranma & DH
mickeyndvcfan
matysgranma
Rozzie
Simba's Mom
Skelster

And here is the TOT list:

Rozzie
Mickeyndvcfan
Idratherbeinwdw's Stunt Double (DD) :)
Colorado Belle
JiggerJ
Skelster
__________________

From viewing the list above it appears Athenna seems to be the only one not signed up for the hayride. I hope she can make the change, and I hope Rozzie can too.

Rita said she'd still be willing to coordinate this if we switch it to Wednesday. I don't know how much lead time is needed, but I hope we can make this change "official" in the next day or so. :bluefloweAs someone already posted the change might actually be a positive thing. This way we can go right to the hayride from Chef Mickey, and the next day we'll have more time to ride TOT and view the lights. It's great that everyone is so flexible and willing to tweak things!

[Rozzie]

I am willing to switch whatever is needed. Our schedule is the MO schedule this trip. Ya'll just tell me where to be and at what time! :ale:

[Lisa]

....As someone already posted the change might actually be a positive thing. This way we can go right to the hayride from Chef Mickey, and the next day we'll have more time to ride TOT and view the lights. ...

That will be a fun boatride to FW!!

The only negative to the MO schedule is with the campfire. In doing this switch, what would happen to the campfire event? Was that more of an add-on event or a headliner? I'm on the list but have never been so don't have much of an opinion.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Well it looks like most everyone has weighed in so I am going to change the dates on the planning thread. Rita, thanks for letting us know in advance so there was plenty of time to flip things around, and thanks for still being willing to coordinate this event.

OK, off to make these changes here and on my own personal intinerary! :yes:

[idratherbeinwdw]

That will be a fun boatride to FW!!

The only negative to the MO schedule is with the campfire. In doing this switch, what would happen to the campfire event? Was that more of an add-on event or a headliner? I'm on the list but have never been so don't have much of an opinion.

It depends on when the hayride starts. If we can get there from Chef Mickey early enough we may be able to fit in both. I do have a feeling it will be tough to make both, as the fireworks that night are 8. By the time we get to FW from Chef M it will more than likely be 7-7:30, so the campfire may have to be cancelled or rescheduled to a different night. (maybe those not going to MVMCP on Tuesday night can go to the campfire?).

[ghost1000]

I just called the Ranch Manager on duty. Since Wishes is at 8:00, the wagons will leave for a grand tour about 7:30. I also confirmed there is no hay in the wagon.

If anyone feels they will NOT be able to make the wagon on Wednesday, December 5th, let me know and I'll take you off the list. We probably should rendezvous outside the Hoop de Doo Revue/Trail's End around 7:00-7:15.

As I stated before, I need to give a credit card number as a deposit, in case we cancel and don't tell them. But the actual payment will be in cash or as a room charge. Why don't we just plan to ante up the cash that night? Just bring the appropriate cash for each person. The wagon will cost $300, so plan on bringing $9 (a five and four ones) and $10 with you for each person, and we'll split the cost of the wagon among the folks who show up.

[DVCerLee]

This is turning out so great for us! I scheduled HDDR for this night, an "off" night for us. We HDDR at 5, so we'll make it just great!
We will be caroling too, right?

[ghost1000]

Either night is fine with me. We have ressies for LeCellier on Thursday at 6:20 so I still think we could make the hayride, don't you think?

Pam, you won't make the hayride at 7:30 if you have a 6:20 ressie at LeCellier. Can you change your reservation? Let me know.

To everyone else, if you plan to use the Fort Wilderness internal bus (instead of the boat from the Contemporary or the Magic Kingdom), make sure to add extra travel time.

[matysgranma]

Pam, you won't make the hayride at 7:30 if you have a 6:20 ressie at LeCellier. Can you change your reservation? Let me know.

To everyone else, if you plan to use the Fort Wilderness internal bus (instead of the boat from the Contemporary or the Magic Kingdom), make sure to add extra travel time.
Rita, we'll be going to Chef Mickey's on Wednesday. My mistake---our ressies for LeCellier are Thursday. So I think we'll be just fine.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Pam, you won't make the hayride at 7:30 if you have a 6:20 ressie at LeCellier. Can you change your reservation? Let me know.

To everyone else, if you plan to use the Fort Wilderness internal bus (instead of the boat from the Contemporary or the Magic Kingdom), make sure to add extra travel time.

I think a huge chunk of us will be coming from Chef Mickeys. It'll be fun to all ride the boat over to FW together. :teleport:

[mickeyndvcfan]

I think a huge chunk of us will be coming from Chef Mickeys. It'll be fun to all ride the boat over to FW together. :teleport:

:yes:

[skelster]

I guess my last post apparently left some doubt on my intentions...we are still wanting in on this.

[jiggerj]

Change of plans bad news but good news for Waitlisters!

The kids and I are going to have to back out of the hayride- I think it is going to be too late for us with the transportation back to BWV's. I usually have ds tubbed up and everyone in their jammies in time for Illuminations from the balcony. We are VERY early risers.

Yes...you can say wimps! :D

Have a great time all! And thanks Rita for organizing such a very cool event for us MouseOwners!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Change of plans bad news but good news for Waitlisters!

The kids and I are going to have to back out of the hayride- I think it is going to be too late for us with the transportation back to BWV's. I usually have ds tubbed up and everyone in their jammies in time for Illuminations from the balcony. We are VERY early risers.

Yes...you can say wimps! :D

Have a great time all! And thanks Rita for organizing such a very cool event for us MouseOwners!

I don't think the transportation will be that bad. The MK buses run at least an hour after the park closes. How long is the hayride? I would imagine we'd be back in time to catch the boat to the MK and then the bus to BWV.

Sorry you aren't going to join us Laura. :(

[doombuggy]

Jiggerj, I can give you a ride in my car if necessary, on my way home.

[jiggerj]

Jiggerj, I can give you a ride in my car if necessary, on my way home.

Thank you doom you are a sweetie. But will still have to back out- I appreciate the offer though for sure! :hug:

Sorry you aren't going to join us Laura.

Thanks mar..:) Hopefully though this will enable someone on the waitlist to have a great time though! :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

Sorry, but another drop-out here. Something's come up and I will have to bow out of this event. Glad to see there's a waitlist so someone will be able to fill my spot. :flowerfor

[ghost1000]

Just so everyone knows--

Plan on being outside Pioneer Hall around 7:00 pm on December 5th. If you're driving to Fort Wilderness and taking the internal bus to Pioneer Hall, allow extra time. And don't take the Orange bus if you can help it. We took the Orange bus once, and it's got the longest route to Pioneer Hall.

Just plan on extra travel time to get to the rendezvous point. The wagon won't wait for you, since they have a schedule to keep.

And bring cash. It will cost approximately $10 for each person. The driver will only take cash or it will need to be charged to someone's room. They don't accept credit cards (Even though I have to reserve the wagon on a credit card, but that's just in case no one shows up). If anyone can bring $1 bills (so we can make change), that will be a plus.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Colorado Belle]

ghost, does the 10$ include a tip for the driver...and isn't it customery to tip the driver?

[ghost1000]

I didn't think about that. We can consider the tip when we see how many people show up. Right now we have 34 people on the schedule. A wagon costs $300. At $10 a head that leaves a $40 tip for the driver. That might be another good reason to bring $1 bills with you--to throw into the pot for a tip.

[nbodyhome]

They may not accept a tip. I have done the wagon ride many times (it is a wonderful way to see the Christmas lights too!) But I did it with a group from the travel agency I work for in late 2005, and I don't believe the driver accepted the tip (I ended up getting a couple of dollars back).

But you never know!

Denise

[nono]

That might be another good reason to bring $1 bills with you--to throw into the pot for a tip.


Only if he/she dances for us....:duck:

[ghost1000]

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!

I was just on the WDW site, and it looks like they've extended the MK park hours for December 5. Wishes is now scheduled for 9:00pm that day, so our wagon will leave at 8:30 instead of 7:30.

Make sure you rendezvous at Pioneer Hall by 8:00pm, not 7:00pm as previously stated.

Someone will be calling me, maybe in a couple of days, to discuss this with me further. I'll let you know if anything changes.

[ghost1000]

I waited and waited for someone to call me back, but it never happened. So I just called and arranged for the dedicated wagon a few minutes ago.

We leave from outside Pioneer Hall at 8:00. I tried to make it 8:30, but she said they have a wagon leaving at 9:00, so if we left at 8:30 we would only get a 1/2 hour wagon ride. This is a different arrangement than the last time I did this. When I did this before, they had a separate wagon waiting for us.

So as it stands right now, plan on being outside Pioneer Hall at 7:30. Maybe I'll call tomorrow and speak to someone else and see if I can get a different departure time.

Also, this will be charged to my credit card. This is also different than the way they used to do it. So I'll be collecting everyone's money that night. The charge is the same--$300 for a dedicated wagon. As it stands right now, everyone will have to ante up $10 for everyone in their party (both adults and children), since we have 30 people scheduled for the wagon ride.

[zulaya]

Well that makes dinner potentially tight for us. We have ADRs at 1900 Park Fare at 5:30pm. I'm not sure if we can eat and then get to Pioneer Hall in time.

Should my group bow out and let any waitlisters take our place? I'm not trying to ditch you all, but being there at 7:30...I just don't know if we can get there is time, transportation-wise.

Are there any waitlisters? If not, I don't want to leave you in the lurch, so maybe I should just pay ahead of time so you don't have to worry about being out the funds.

Advise please.

[ghost1000]

I'm going to call the manager of the Tri-Circle D ranch tomorrow. I'll see if I can arrange for our ride to start at 8:30, and still get the full ride. Since Wishes is at 9:00 on this date, and we'll want to see Wishes, he may be able to make different arrangments. If our ride starts at 8:30, we should try to get to Pioneer Hall by 8:00.

There's only one person on the waitlist (Simba's Mom). Just sit tight until I get to talk to the ranch manager. I'll provide more information after I talk with him.

[ghost1000]

Here's the story I just got from the manager at the Tri-Circle D Ranch. They have another dedicated wagon group leaving at 8:30 the same evening as our hayride. He's trying to contact them to see if they can either change their time or date. Unfortunately, because they have the sleigh ride going during this time of year, he's short on drivers.

The combination of the two reasons is why we can't leave at 8:30. As I said, he's trying to see if the other group can change their date or time. Another option is that they'll cancel their regular hayride that evening to accommodate us.

He should be calling me back with some news by Friday, or maybe next week.

[mickeyndvcfan]

Thanks for all updates and the time you have spent on this. I have never done the hayride and I am looking forward to it.

[zulaya]

Any updates on the time?

[ghost1000]

Nothing yet. I'll give him a call today.

[ghost1000]

Here's the latest. They never heard back from the other group about changing the time or date for their hayride. So Mark told me they're going to cancel the general public 9:00 hayride for that night, and give us that wagon.

We leave at 8:30 on December 5. So plan on being outside Pioneer Hall by 8:00. If you're using the internal Fort Wilderness bus system, plan on extra time. If you're taking the boat over to Fort Wilderness, then Pioneer Hall is just a short walk from the boat dock.

Since we now have 30 people scheduled, plan on $10 per person. At this point there is no discount for children. If anyone else is interested in signing up, let me know either by sending a PM or making a post. I'll need to know how many in your party.

[zulaya]

How long is the hayride?

[ghost1000]

The hayride lasts about an hour. One thing we were shooting for was to watch Wishes from the beach. Now that's something we'll be able to do.

[Rozzie]

The hayride lasts about an hour. One thing we were shooting for was to watch Wishes from the beach. Now that's something we'll be able to do.

Thanks for your work on this---we are both so looking forward to this!! We scoped out the wagons this week at FW. This is going to be a blast. :sunny:

[ghost1000]

I did the Haunted Hayride last week and can confirm there is no hay in the wagon. Also, it looks like they're using new wagons with seating. When I did this before I'm pretty sure I had to sit on the floor of the wagon.

[nono]

Soooo, my D (3 1/2) and I were just talking about the trip. She wants to know if we're going to sing songs on the hayride and if so, are we going to sing "Tin Cup Chalice" by Jimmy Buffett. :scratchch

[Rozzie]

Soooo, my D (3 1/2) and I were just talking about the trip. She wants to know if we're going to sing songs on the hayride and if so, are we going to sing "Tin Cup Chalice" by Jimmy Buffett. :scratchch

She is after my heart!! Should we get the wagon to do "Fins"? :Pssst:

[erikthewise]

Can we get a complete song list so I can download from iTunes and practice? ;) :rockband:

[nono]

She is after my heart!! Should we get the wagon to do "Fins"? :Pssst:

Oh she knows it. And knows to clap left and right. BUT, she's so finicky right now, who knows if in 3+ weeks she'll want to sing anything! :headache:

[ghost1000]

I have mini-flashlights stored in my Owner's Locker and I'm planning to do up a songsheet. But the songs will remain a mystery to all except me until the evening of the hayride.

[ghost1000]

If you have any suggestions for the songsheet, please send me a PM. I won't guarantee it will appear on the songsheet, but I'd like to get some input on everyone's favorite Disney songs.

[doombuggy]

Thanks to everyone who showed up to the hayride! I think we had a great time singing songs :sing: , viewing the RV christmas decorations :santa: and of course, Wishes!

:tinker:

Extra special thanks to Ghost1000 for organizing this fun event! I realize it was a lot of work for you, and the wagon still cost $300 no matter how many people showed up. Thanks again for your efforts!

:handshake