***Official November 2013***

[FigmentChick]

Planning first family trip 11/6-11/11-cant wait... We are staying off site. Need any advice people can give me. My husband and kids have never been and the last time I went was in 1998.

My family stayed off-site (we rented a house in Davenport) our first two years. We did enjoy it and the primary reason we stay on-site now is because of free dining. If we don't get a good discount, we may be back to the house! LOL Do a Google search of the address where you are staying and look for a local Wal-Mart or Target or anything else you might need.

What other advice were you looking for?

OH! And since you are staying off-site....when the hours come out, make sure you avoid the parks that have morning extra magic hours.

I was one of those people that was planning to meet and didn't get there. I found it difficult to be in the right place at the right time, especially with a 3 year old. I wanted to be at that meet, though, and DH got a call from work. I remember because I was almost out the door to the monorail to head back to MK! I met one other October 2011 DISer on that trip, and that was after about 20 texts back and forth while we were in AK. Wound up about 4 hours after we started that we finally caught up to each other. And AK is small!

Totally understand!!! I think, this trip, I'm going to miss a lot of people because we are going so early in the month. It looks like a lot of you guys will be there the 10th and after.

No free dining announcement last night. Also Danny25 let it out that free dining was changing this year..... QSDP for mods and deluxes and nothing for values. He didn't give dates yet but made it sound like next offer would be for last summer.

Sorry to crush everyone's free dining dreams. And Danny25 is VERY reliable. He has informed us here on the Dis about upcoming promotions for a while and has always been right.

I agree that Danny25 has solid info. I'm disappointed because I really like FD, but I will upgrade if I need to.

I am happy with any discount. The next deal has already been announced. It isn't a good one and only for dates up to June. Right now it is only available to Disney Visa, but January 3Rd will be released to everyone. It is a percentage off room discount plus a small savings on tickets, if you buy them through a package. I would be happy to get free QSDP. I would pay to upgrade to regular though. I think what is going to happen with their new idea is that they won't be able to fill value resorts. Many people will upgrade to moderate to get the free dining, even if it is just QSDP.

Yup....I'll be one of those. I will definitely upgrade if the only free dining that is offered is QS. However, if no free dining is offered, we may stay off-site.

Going or 5 days - kids will b 5 and 2. Which parks do u think is best? Also should we do park hopper?

In 2006, we travelled with our then almost 5 year old and a 6 year old. We did all the parks. We are nerds, so we tend to gravitate towards Epcot. It is a park we all like. However, we enjoy all the parks.

We do get park hoppers and have on every previous trip. We are very early risers so we start the day at one park and then hop somewhere else in the afternoon (usually Epcot. lol). Sometimes we take a midday break, but not often. Usually we leave from, say, MK or AK and head over to Epcot and just lazily walk around Future World and World Showcase (and that's why we go during the F&W Festival as well).

As for MGM (sorry...DHS...I'm old school!), I agree with Lisa....I could leave it for the most part. I like the old-Hollywood feel, but there's really not enough to do to last all day. We are usually done by 11am. Although, I could ride Star Tours over and over and over again! (told you I was a nerd! )

 

[taaren]

We will be heading back November 29-Dec. 4 staying at The Wilderness Lodge. It's not as long of a trip as I would like...but I'm a teacher and can only use 3 personal days...and I can't talk DH out of missing Thanksgiving at home! So I figure we'll just plan, plan, plan...and hopefully the crowds calm after Thanksgiving!!

The crowds should be great on Dec 1-4, I think the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th TouringPlans has listed as a 2 out of 10. I really wanted to go this week, but atm it looks like we're going to be going the week prior to Thanksgiving instead.

 

[taaren]

Nothing booked yet, but I've settled on our "if we can get it" dream itinerary. At 7 month mark I'll be trying for/waitlisting for Nov 16/17 in a studio at Boardwalk, probably pool/garden view, will wait list for a standard or Boardwalk view if I have a wait list available; then on Nov 18-21 in a Bay Lake Tower 1 bedroom for 4 nights Lake view, with AK Savannah view as a back up and waitlist BLT if I can't get it. Thinking we'll probably get the dining plan for the first two nights at Boardwalk so I can go to Garden Grill, and pick one other decent TS at a reasonable price and use our CS credits over 3 days.

Not sure but if that doesn't feel like enough park time, do one night at Universal or near the MCO airport on the way out, on Friday the 22nd and fly out Saturday the 23rd. We felt like we didn't get to see enough of Universal on our first trip since a friend who works there contacted me in the middle of the trip to offer us tickets and we just shoe-horned one day in. Otherwise we might try to squeeze a single Universal day into the middle of the trip, which would be better for taking panchos and slippers to go on water rides then heading back to our villa to wash the clothes.

 

[tillman4]

1st time to post- our family will be there Nov. 26- Dec. 1. We were there in 2009 for same dates. Loved Thanksgiving at Disney. Staying Carribean Beach pirate room (again). Can't wait to make ADRs!!

 

[DisneyLvr55]

Hello all


Just a friendly reminder to PM the OP when you have made your reservations. I know that if it is just posed on here, I will miss some of them, and I don't want to leave anyone out!

So if you don't see your name on the list right now, please PM me to be put on

 

[94Paladin]

We'll be headed down in November too. Staying at WL, 11/22-11/29 can't wait to see everything done up for the holidays

 

[FigmentChick]

Hey, all!!!! Just an FYI...there is another November 2013 thread under countdowns.

Have a great day!!!!!

 

[FigmentChick]

Hey, all!!! Went over some dining plans with my family the last few days. Has anyone be to the T-Rex Cafe? Their menu seems pretty decent (especially for my picky family), but I just wasn't sure.

And what is going on with the Disney website?!?! It can't find my package reservation. And when I call.....I'm on hold over 25 minutes, which is way unusual (I wanted to make sure my reservation was actually still there. lol).

On another note: I had a second face-to-face interview for a position yesterday afternoon. Let's just say that since then, I'm feeling more depressed than ever. I know the Director of Finance liked me and it seemed like the Executive Director did too, but the Associate ED seemed to have her mind made up before she walked in the room. The sad part is, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Well, who knows? I'll just try and be positive (and live and breathe Disney in the meantime).

OK....so, back to dining plans. I know I can't make them until May 4th, but we like to at least plot out where we'd like to eat. T-Rex would be for our arrival day (we always do DTD and never do a park....we need to "mellow out" into our vacation. lol). And Le Cellier is definitely on the list (it will be our first time there). The kids want to go back to the Sci-Fi Dine-In. I really liked my shrimp & pasta, but it was so dark I could barely see the plate and hubby and I were getting tired of seeing the same movie clips. I told him this time, we'll bring the portable DVD player for us and we can watch a movie (maybe MIB or something else Sci-Fi themed. lol).

We've got a few other ideas, but I'll leave those for later.

Am I the only one thinking like this with 10 months to go?

 

[Marshay]

Joining in! Thanks for adding me. We booked our AutoTrain tickets and will choose our resort later. We arrive WDW 11/29 to 12/7.

Can't wait to be back for the holidays!

 

[FigmentChick]

Joining in! Thanks for adding me. We booked our AutoTrain tickets and will choose our resort later. We arrive WDW 11/29 to 12/7.

Can't wait to be back for the holidays!

We're going on the AutoTrain, too!!!!

What made you decide to go that route? *oops...totaly see that you're right near the AutoTrain!*** We decided because we can save lotsof $$$$ by taking the train. Yes, it adds extra time, but we're thinking of it as an additional adventure on our Disney trip. And my almost-5-year-old is sooooo excited!!!!

 

[belias21]

OK - so looks like this is the OFFICIAL official Nov 2013 thread.

Thanks for adding me! Only 327 days until my trip...

 

[Marshay]

We're going on the AutoTrain, too!!!!

What made you decide to go that route? *oops...totaly see that you're right near the AutoTrain!*** We decided because we can save lotsof $$$$ by taking the train. Yes, it adds extra time, but we're thinking of it as an additional adventure on our Disney trip. And my almost-5-year-old is sooooo excited!!!!

We used to fly, but with all the restrictions and added costs for luggage, we decided to drive instead. We tried that and hated it. Too confined with young kids (infant and toddler then) and it took too long of just waiting.

So we decided to try coach on the AutoTrain, then next trip upgraded to family car and that was it-- AutoTrain all the way, now for 4 or 5 trips. We just love the train...for us it is cheaper than flying and renting a larger car... And it gets us in faster than driving since we always got a hotel plus we now arrive relaxed. The cost isn't that much more than driving if you factor in wear and tear, mileage, insurance ... Plus the non-money costs of vehicle breakdown, accidents and inconvenience of just sitting there.

As you can see, we LOVE it! You can go to any of my TR to see pics (they are marked with table of contents) of the train and see what we do. But we love being able to walk around, stretch out, eat snacks in the lounge car in booths, watch a movie with cookies and hot chocolate, dine with real silverware and tablecloth while having a carafe of wine, etc. it totally doesn't feel like you are just driving somewhere, but becomes an adventure and vacation in itself.

However if you are the type of person that would just rather drive 14 hours straight and get there ASAP, you prob won't enjoy the train (my dad tried it and hated it...said he would rather just drive bc he can't just sit still and relax).

I can't wait to hear what you think!

Of course being able to pack whatever you want for vaca, is also really nice and we don't like waiting for Disney busses nor holding a sleeping child while in a SRO bus, so we thoroughly enjoy having our own vehicle at WDW, and stop at Walmart and other nonDisney places, too.

Sorry for the huge reply. Let me know if you have ?

I forget, did you join the AutoTrain thread? I think you did, since your name is familiar.

 

[MamaJessie]

Hey, all!!! Went over some dining plans with my family the last few days. Has anyone be to the T-Rex Cafe? Their menu seems pretty decent (especially for my picky family), but I just wasn't sure.

OK....so, back to dining plans. I know I can't make them until May 4th, but we like to at least plot out where we'd like to eat. T-Rex would be for our arrival day (we always do DTD and never do a park....we need to "mellow out" into our vacation. lol). And Le Cellier is definitely on the list (it will be our first time there). The kids want to go back to the Sci-Fi Dine-In. I really liked my shrimp & pasta, but it was so dark I could barely see the plate and hubby and I were getting tired of seeing the same movie clips. I told him this time, we'll bring the portable DVD player for us and we can watch a movie (maybe MIB or something else Sci-Fi themed. lol).

We've got a few other ideas, but I'll leave those for later.

Am I the only one thinking like this with 10 months to go?

We loved TRex. We tried it because I am a Landry's Select member so I had a discount PLUS I had earned a gift card at a 'get rewarded fr shopping' type site. Even my husband, who is not a huge Rainforest fan, really liked it.

If I am lucky enough to get free QSDP with a value we will stick with that. I am still having fun menu hunting though The CS options at WDW are awesome. And we may still do one character meal, I would like to try Crystal Palace because we have never done it but we will see since the family loves Tusker so much.

And we will definitely be heading to TRex! I am halfway to my $50 gift card

 

[ned911]

Brother-in-law and I booked BC ressies for Thanksgiving. Our wives are twins and they turn 40 this year so we figured WDW would be a great way to celebrate. There will be 7 of us, 4 adults 3 kids (DS17, niece 12, nephew 10).

My wife and step-son have never been so this should be a blast.

 

[Furrybunny]

We'll be headed down in November too. Staying at WL, 11/22-11/29 can't wait to see everything done up for the holidays

We will be staying at POFQ November 15th-24th. Our family has never been during the Christmas Holiday time were everything is decorated.......I can't wait. I heard it is amazing and unbelievable. I am excited to see the castle!

 

[tillman4]

Thanks for adding me! We went to T-Rex in 2009. Our then 5 yr old loved it. The atmosphere is great. My husband & I both agree you are paying for the atmosphere not the food. Food was okay. We will either go there or rainforest on arrival day. I'm driving everyone here crazy planning ADR's already!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

We're official is that new or did I just miss it before?

Sorry about the job interview, but maybe you will get called back. Sometimes you think it went badly and nreally it didn't. Hoping that is the case.

We love TRex, but it is very loud and very dark. Food is great, IMO.

 

[lindap1]

I also booked the auto train for our November trip. Can't wait....so excited to ride the train again!

 

[FigmentChick]

Brother-in-law and I booked BC ressies for Thanksgiving. Our wives are twins and they turn 40 this year so we figured WDW would be a great way to celebrate. There will be 7 of us, 4 adults 3 kids (DS17, niece 12, nephew 10).

My wife and step-son have never been so this should be a blast.

Do you know your exact dates? I'll put ya into the first post.

Twins! That's cool! And it's so nice that you guys are a close enough family to take a vacation together. I am sure your wife and step-son will have a blast! We're going to try and just mosey around this trip. We'll see how long that lasts as I have OCD and plan, plan, plan.

Thanks for adding me! We went to T-Rex in 2009. Our then 5 yr old loved it. The atmosphere is great. My husband & I both agree you are paying for the atmosphere not the food. Food was okay. We will either go there or rainforest on arrival day. I'm driving everyone here crazy planning ADR's already!

No problem!

We're official is that new or did I just miss it before?

Sorry about the job interview, but maybe you will get called back. Sometimes you think it went badly and nreally it didn't. Hoping that is the case.

We love TRex, but it is very loud and very dark. Food is great, IMO.

OK...so two different takes on the food. LOL Well....how badly can they screw up chicken nuggets and a burger? lol My little guy is really excited to eat with the dinosaurs.....once he saw the pictures. I tried to convince him just with words and that didn't work so I busted out the laptop. Once he saw the pics, he was on board.

I will admit, last trip I did not think I was going to like Sci-Fi Dine-In and of everything we ate, that is the one I remember the most. Not so much for the shorts that replayed and replayed, but my food was sooooo awesome! (I can't remember whether I got a milkshake or not though.

And I am driving my family crazy already planning the ADRs, too. But that's half the fun....isn't it?

As for the job.....believe it or not, the organization called this morning and asked for my references and for me to sign an ok for a background check (there's a daycare center on site and they work with a lot of youths). So....whoo-hoo!!!! I also received two other phone calls today. One set up an interview for tomorrow and the other was one of the recruiters I'm working with asking the ok to forward my resume to their client. So....it's been a decent day.

Oh....and the Christmas tree has been put away along with most of the decorations!

And three for the AutoTrain! Right, Linda?

 

[lmc318]

OK...so two different takes on the food. LOL Well....how badly can they screw up chicken nuggets and a burger? lol My little guy is really excited to eat with the dinosaurs.....once he saw the pictures. I tried to convince him just with words and that didn't work so I busted out the laptop. Once he saw the pics, he was on board.

I will admit, last trip I did not think I was going to like Sci-Fi Dine-In and of everything we ate, that is the one I remember the most. Not so much for the shorts that replayed and replayed, but my food was sooooo awesome! (I can't remember whether I got a milkshake or not though.

And I am driving my family crazy already planning the ADRs, too. But that's half the fun....isn't it?

As for the job.....believe it or not, the organization called this morning and asked for my references and for me to sign an ok for a background check (there's a daycare center on site and they work with a lot of youths). So....whoo-hoo!!!! I also received two other phone calls today. One set up an interview for tomorrow and the other was one of the recruiters I'm working with asking the ok to forward my resume to their client. So....it's been a decent day.

Oh....and the Christmas tree has been put away along with most of the decorations!

And three for the AutoTrain! Right, Linda?

Woohoo!!! Congrats on the great news about the interview status! Looks like things are looking up!

I was going to take my Christmas tree and decorations down last night and never got around to it. Sigh. I don't feel like it. Can't someone just come do that for me??

We booked our March trip yesterday. Yay!!! Staying at Pop for 5 days, 4 nights in March. My big hoorrah before having to go back to work. It felt weird just to end treatment and then go back to work right away, so I have a week in between my next CT and starting work to take a quick trip. I need to decompress first! Plus my job is miserable, company is miserable, and I got a new boss while I was out, so I really need to bump up my spirits before going back or I'd never make it. Can't go from miserable to miserable. That wouldn't work!!

Luckily, DH loves planning for Disney almost as much as I do, so talking about it with him is fine. The rest of my family, especially my Dad, as he takes me to my chemo and doctors appointments, is getting tired of me. And now not only does he have to listen to plans about November, but he also has to listen to my plans for March! haha!

Welcome newcomers!