11-23-2008 DCL per-Thanksgiving 3 night Wonder cruise!!

[spaddy]

We are flying in Nov.20th so we will be a WDW Thru,Fri and Sat before the cruise and of course after.
Have you been to MVMCP? I just wondered if it will still be really crowed? I just hate to spend amost $200 extra on tickets for that one day for a few hours and still be really crowed?

We went last year and had a lot of fun. We have non expiring tickets so we took that day off and swam and hung out. Then at 4 headed over to the MK. It was pretty crowded, but the rides are pretty empty. We had to line up pretty early to get in the one show and we only half saw the parade. The one thing I did not plan out very well is most of the resturants close. We sort of had to search for something to eat.

I think if I can work out the rental car thing I might come in Friday morning and go to the party Friday night. I just can't decide.

 

[pillow]

We went last year and had a lot of fun. We have non expiring tickets so we took that day off and swam and hung out. Then at 4 headed over to the MK. It was pretty crowded, but the rides are pretty empty. We had to line up pretty early to get in the one show and we only half saw the parade. The one thing I did not plan out very well is most of the resturants close. We sort of had to search for something to eat.

I think if I can work out the rental car thing I might come in Friday morning and go to the party Friday night. I just can't decide.

What is MVMCP??? Christmas party?

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

What is MVMCP??? Christmas party?

Jodie

Yes, the Christmas Party. The cookies and cocoa are good too.

 

[pillow]

FYI - can't remember who was waiting for the Southwest fares, but I just called the airline, and the November fares are supposed to be released around the 26th of June. I really wish they'd have a super great fare so that we wouldn't have to drive down!

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

FYI for those of us who are staying at WDW before or after the cruise.
I called yesterday and was able to make ADR for WDW for Thanksgiving Day!

I have been talking some on the rest. threads and they reminded me to get ADRs now.

We are eating lunch Thanksgiving day CRT and dinner at LTT!!!

 

[pillow]

FYI for those of us who are staying at WDW before or after the cruise.
I called yesterday and was able to make ADR for WDW for Thanksgiving Day!

I have been talking some on the rest. threads and they reminded me to get ADRs now.

We are eating lunch Thanksgiving day CRT and dinner at LTT!!!

Thanks! I must have miscalculated. I had it on my calendar to call one day this week.

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Thanks! I must have miscalculated. I had it on my calendar to call one day this week.

Jodie

I thought so too but found out I could have done it even a few days ago. Wish I would have done it then.

Are you going to make any ADR today?

 

[pillow]

I thought so too but found out I could have done it even a few days ago. Wish I would have done it then.

Are you going to make any ADR today?

Well, I just called. Our check in date is Nov 26th, so they said 180 days out isn't until May 30th for us. Bummer! Hope everything isn't booked since I'll need tables for 10!!

Have any of you eaten at the Norway character dining restaurant? I think its called Akershus (sp?). Any good?

Jodie

 

[aseal]

My mom and daughter ate at Askershus last year for lunch. It was the only reservation I could get for the princesses. My mom said it was the worst food she has had at WDW. I have heard the breakfast is better. Good Luck.

 

[spaddy]

Thanks for the info on Southwest. I guess I have another month to wait. Good luck on the reservations for Thanksgiving. I

I also changed our car reservation a little bit. If the flights work out we will fly in Friday afternoon and go to the parks on Saturday before the cruise. I wish they would release the November park schedule. A MGM early or late magical hour would make the day a lot more enjoyable.

 

[pillow]

My mom and daughter ate at Askershus last year for lunch. It was the only reservation I could get for the princesses. My mom said it was the worst food she has had at WDW. I have heard the breakfast is better. Good Luck.

Ugh! Maybe I'll have to rethink this one - or at least look up some reviews. Since its my nephew's first time at WDW, I was trying to pick character dining. Thanks for the info.

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Well, I just called. Our check in date is Nov 26th, so they said 180 days out isn't until May 30th for us. Bummer! Hope everything isn't booked since I'll need tables for 10!!

Have any of you eaten at the Norway character dining restaurant? I think its called Akershus (sp?). Any good?

Jodie

Since my DH is from Sweden he loves the place and I think it is ok.
The boys really didn't like the food much.
But I think everyone should try it once to see. I may not have helped too much.

 

[pillow]

I wish they would release the November park schedule. A MGM early or late magical hour would make the day a lot more enjoyable.

Thought you might be interested in this. It comes from the website for the Unofficial Guide to WDW by Bob Schlesinger. Based on all their research, they publish crowd meters (1-10) and recommended parks by date. Here is what they say for Thanksgiving week . . .


Fri, Nov 21 - crowd level = 7; best park = AK; worst parks = MK, EP,DS
Sat, Nov 22 - level 9; best = MK; worst = DS
Sun - Tues - cruising
Wed, Nov 26 - level 8; best = MK, DS; worst = AK
Thurs, Nov 27 - level 9; best = EP, AK; worst = MK
Fri, Nov 28 - level 8; best = AK; worst = EP,DS
Sat, Nov 29 - level 9; best = MK; worst = DS
Sun, Nov 30 - level 7; best = AK; worst = MK, DS

We have followed their "touring plan" over spring break, and it works like a charm. They recommend avoiding parks with morning extra magic hours since everyone goes there and it becomes too crowded - or they recommend going in the morning and leaving around lunch time when it gets too crazy. Very interesting book - great advice on which parks to avoid and which rides to ride in what order to reduce wait times, etc.

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

My mom and daughter ate at Askershus last year for lunch. It was the only reservation I could get for the princesses. My mom said it was the worst food she has had at WDW. I have heard the breakfast is better. Good Luck.

Were are you all going to eat?

 

[Disney Fans]

Thanks for the info on Southwest. I guess I have another month to wait. Good luck on the reservations for Thanksgiving. I

I also changed our car reservation a little bit. If the flights work out we will fly in Friday afternoon and go to the parks on Saturday before the cruise. I wish they would release the November park schedule. A MGM early or late magical hour would make the day a lot more enjoyable.

Aren't you all going to be here Thanksgiving at WDW? Where are you all going to eat?

 

[Disney Fans]

Thought you might be interested in this. It comes from the website for the Unofficial Guide to WDW by Bob Schlesinger. Based on all their research, they publish crowd meters (1-10) and recommended parks by date. Here is what they say for Thanksgiving week . . .


Fri, Nov 21 - crowd level = 7; best park = AK; worst parks = MK, EP,DS
Sat, Nov 22 - level 9; best = MK; worst = DS
Sun - Tues - cruising
Wed, Nov 26 - level 8; best = MK, DS; worst = AK
Thurs, Nov 27 - level 9; best = EP, AK; worst = MK
Fri, Nov 28 - level 8; best = AK; worst = EP,DS
Sat, Nov 29 - level 9; best = MK; worst = DS
Sun, Nov 30 - level 7; best = AK; worst = MK, DS

We have followed their "touring plan" over spring break, and it works like a charm. They recommend avoiding parks with morning extra magic hours since everyone goes there and it becomes too crowded - or they recommend going in the morning and leaving around lunch time when it gets too crazy. Very interesting book - great advice on which parks to avoid and which rides to ride in what order to reduce wait times, etc.

Jodie

Thanks Jodie!

We had friends go last year ( at Thanksgiving week) and they went with a group and split up each day to see which park would seem best and which would be less crowed and they said they whole week of Thanksgiving it really didn't matter it is just plain crowed the whole week everywhere. She said Monday was the best day but we all won't be able due to the DCL.
So I say just go to whatever park you want to see because most likely it will be so crowed at all parks it really won't matter. These people go like 2 or 3 times a year and have a daughter that also works there and said the level 7 and up are all really not a big difference just a few thousand.

Hope that helps.

 

[pillow]

Thanks Jodie!

We had freinds go last year ( at Thanksgiving week) and they went with a group and split up each day to see which park would seem best and which would be less crowed and they said they whole week of Thanksgiving it really didn't matter it is just plain crowed the whole week everywhere. She said Monday was the best day but we all won't be able due to the DCL.
So I say just go to whatever park you want to see because most likely it will be so crowed at all parks it really won't matter. These people go like 2 or 3 times a year and have a daughter that also works there and said the level 7 and up are all really not a big difference just a few thousand.

Hope that helps.

Here is the scale so you can see the difference between the crowd levels (copied from the Unofficial Guide website). These are PEAK wait times - first time is for MK, second Epcot, then Disney Studios and finally Animal Kingdom . . .

7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes; Around 105 minutes; Around 65 minutes; Around 90 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes; Around 120 minutes; Around 75 minutes; Around 110 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes; Around 135 minutes; Around 85 minutes; Around 120 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more; More than 150 minutes; More than 95 minutes; More than 130 mins.

As you can see, the difference between level 7 and 10 can be about 30 more minutes of line waiting (yuck). Based on my experiences over Spring Break (which is level 10 - yikes), I think there are definite differences in crowds in different parks on different days. My opinion - if you are up in the air about which parks to visit, go with the research. If you're deadset on a particular park, then go, but go early before it gets crowded (and ride the most popular stuff first). We followed the plan over spring break and didn't wait in line more than 5 minutes at Animal Kingdom for anything - pretty stellar during that time of year. We followed the guides' advice at Magic Kingdom too and never waited more than 20 minutes. The only place we had trouble was the Studios - we got to a point where we just had to get out and get out very quickly!! Needless to say, this book has been my bible for the past several years since I'm impatient and not a big fan of waiting in line!!!

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Here is the scale so you can see the difference between the crowd levels (copied from the Unofficial Guide website). These are PEAK wait times - first time is for MK, second Epcot, then Disney Studios and finally Animal Kingdom . . .

7 = Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes; Around 105 minutes; Around 65 minutes; Around 90 minutes
8 = Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes; Around 120 minutes; Around 75 minutes; Around 110 minutes
9 = Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes; Around 135 minutes; Around 85 minutes; Around 120 minutes
10 = Peak waits of 95 minutes or more; More than 150 minutes; More than 95 minutes; More than 130 mins.

As you can see, the difference between level 7 and 10 can be about 30 more minutes of line waiting (yuck). Based on my experiences over Spring Break (which is level 10 - yikes), I think there are definite differences in crowds in different parks on different days. My opinion - if you are up in the air about which parks to visit, go with the research. If you're deadset on a particular park, then go, but go early before it gets crowded (and ride the most popular stuff first). We followed the plan over spring break and didn't wait in line more than 5 minutes at Animal Kingdom for anything - pretty stellar during that time of year. We followed the guides' advice at Magic Kingdom too and never waited more than 20 minutes. The only place we had trouble was the Studios - we got to a point where we just had to get out and get out very quickly!! Needless to say, this book has been my bible for the past several years since I'm impatient and not a big fan of waiting in line!!!

Jodie

But really trust me WDW really won't be that much different.
We went last mid Jan. because we did like you and trusted those who researched and our friends whos daughter works for disney warned us it would be crowed because WDW has grown such that most of the year it is crowed compared to how it was even 5 years ago.
Well I haven't been at Thanksgiving but have been NYE and trust me it was so crowed in Jan. that I think it was more crowed then free dine and almost as crowed as NYE. There were line waits for 1 hour and 1/2 easy in Jan. I will never go that time again because--- At least when you go at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, etc. you get the cool decor and speical things but to be that crowed in Jan for what! nothing speical going on we went right after the run and right before the holiday and it was crowed because of people visiting from other countries. It is because WDW has been very smart and has made deals for their lower months to get those from other countries, etc. So now I just has my friend to ask her daughter to get the scoop on how things will be.
But with crowds you can never be sure with the wait times for rides, and but I still say the crowd difference will not be that much difference.
Either way the whole week will be crazy I think and will just have to take everything in and try to deal with the crowds.etc.

 

[pillow]

But really trust me WDW really won't be that much different.
We went last mid Jan. because we did like you and trusted those who researched and our friends whos daughter works for disney warned us it would be crowed because WDW has grown such that most of the year it is crowed compared to how it was even 5 years ago.
Well I haven't been at Thanksgiving but have been NYE and trust me it was so crowed in Jan. that I think it was more crowed then free dine and almost as crowed as NYE. There were line waits for 1 hour and 1/2 easy in Jan. I will never go that time again because--- At least when you go at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, etc. you get the cool decor and speical things but to be that crowed in Jan for what! nothing speical going on we went right after the run and right before the holiday and it was crowed because of people visiting from other countries. It is because WDW has been very smart and has made deals for their lower months to get those from other countries, etc. So now I just has my friend to ask her daughter to get the scoop on how things will be.
But with crowds you can never be sure with the wait times for rides, and but I still say the crowd difference will not be that much difference.
Either way the whole week will be crazy I think and will just have to take everything in and try to deal with the crowds.etc.

Interesting. In January, I noticed that the few days surrounding Martin Luther King Day are either a 6 or 7, and according to the scale thats an hour wait time during peak (ok, I know I sound anal - am missing my old analyst job), depending on the park. So, I think that even when you go in January, even though most times aren't crowded, certain days are - just like you said - cause Disney holds special events in the off season to attract more visitors, etc. Go to touring plans dot com (Dis boards blocked it when I tried to type it the usual way) and check it out - very interesting.

So, back to November . . . there is no way I'll wait in line for an hour for anything! Thirty minutes is about my limit, which is why I like the touring plans from the Sehlinger book. It does take a bit of spontaneity out of the day, but I really really really hate waiting in lines, and would really rather hang out at the pool and sip on my margherita.

Visiting WDW has become a bit of a science - crazy!! Clearly, I have too much time on my hands. I really need to return to work!

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Interesting. In January, I noticed that the few days surrounding Martin Luther King Day are either a 6 or 7, and according to the scale thats an hour wait time during peak (ok, I know I sound anal - am missing my old analyst job), depending on the park. So, I think that even when you go in January, even though most times aren't crowded, certain days are - just like you said - cause Disney holds special events in the off season to attract more visitors, etc. Go to touring plans dot com (Dis boards blocked it when I tried to type it the usual way) and check it out - very interesting.

So, back to November . . . there is no way I'll wait in line for an hour for anything! Thirty minutes is about my limit, which is why I like the touring plans from the Sehlinger book. It does take a bit of spontaneity out of the day, but I really really really hate waiting in lines, and would really rather hang out at the pool and sip on my margherita.

Visiting WDW has become a bit of a science - crazy!! Clearly, I have too much time on my hands. I really need to return to work!

Jodie

You and me both.