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

[spaddy]

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.

My DH and I worked together in Sweden. I spent about 7 months there and my DH about a year.

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

We are heading to my inlaws after the cruise. We are only going to spend time at WDW before the cruise.

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. I have the 2007 version so I can't get the dates out that far anymore. The worst EMH I have ever been to was the MK evening the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I can't imagine the park geting anymore crowded then that. The line for Peter Pan was over an hour.

I really just wanted to ride the new Toy Story Ride. The Studios are pretty crazy when they get crowded. Also, the Tower of Terror is my 3 year olds new favorite ride.

 

[pillow]

Thanks. I have the 2007 version so I can't get the dates out that far anymore. The worst EMH I have ever been to was the MK evening the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I can't imagine the park geting anymore crowded then that. The line for Peter Pan was over an hour.

I really just wanted to ride the new Toy Story Ride. The Studios are pretty crazy when they get crowded. Also, the Tower of Terror is my 3 year olds new favorite ride.

Wow! A 3 year old loving Tower of Terror!!?? I can't even get my 8 year old on it!

I agree. The Studios are AWEFUL when it gets crowded - I guess cause its a small park. The touring plan works well for the first 2 or 3 hours, but then its pure chaos. I'm thinking that if there is a morning EMH at the Studios, then the best plan is to go there for a couple hours, then leave and go to another park for the rest of the day??? Maybe we'll try that next year.

This past Spring Break was the first time we have utilized an evening EMH - at Epcot. It was wonderful - not crowded at all.

Living is Sweden sounds wonderful. Did you travel a lot while you were working there? I love to travel! There just doesn't seem to be enough time or money to go everywhere I'd like. Alaska is next on our list.

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

My son went on the Tower of Terror three times. I loved telling everyone he met around the park about the ride.

Since we are staying at Beach Club I figured we would go over for the morning a little bit and then come back and swim for a while. I was hoping there might be an evening EMH so we could extent our day. I don't think that is going to happen. I still really want to see the Festival of the Lion King. If AK closes at 5 it might be hard to pull off in one day. Haven't a car will make it easier.

My husband and I really want to go to Alaska too. I haven't been to Italy so I would love to go there. We are trying to wait until our son is a little old.

 

[pillow]

My son went on the Tower of Terror three times. I loved telling everyone he met around the park about the ride.

Since we are staying at Beach Club I figured we would go over for the morning a little bit and then come back and swim for a while. I was hoping there might be an evening EMH so we could extent our day. I don't think that is going to happen. I still really want to see the Festival of the Lion King. If AK closes at 5 it might be hard to pull off in one day. Haven't a car will make it easier.

My husband and I really want to go to Alaska too. I haven't been to Italy so I would love to go there. We are trying to wait until our son is a little old.

We went to Italy on the Med cruise last summer and loved it. My only complaint was that we were only in each port for a day - not the best way to see the Country. However, it was perfect for the kids. We would tour around during the day and even if they got bored, they got to come back and play on the ship in the evening. I think my kids would have been pretty bored if we just traveled around Italy for a few weeks - although I have to say they enjoyed Barcelona for the few days we were there before the cruise. I doubt we'll go back to Europe with the kids. The flight prices are SO high in the summer, and there are so many places we haven't been to here at home. After my husband retires, we would love to go travel throughout Italy for a month or two - and then maybe move on to Greece. I'd better stop thinking about that - its a looong way off!

Festival of the Lion King is my favorite thing about Animal Kingdom. The park in general is pretty quick (have you been there before?). If you get there when they open, you can be done by 3:00 and still have time for the pool (truth be told, we skipped a few things we had done before). Like I was telling Disney Fans, we followed the touring plan over spring break and literally only waited in line for 5 minutes - tops. I think the 07 book's touring plan is almost the same as the new plan except for the addition of Everest.

Do you have other kids, or just your 3 year old?

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Interesting article - didn't know if you guys had seen this . . .

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-tourism1408apr14,0,7599884.story

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Interesting article - didn't know if you guys had seen this . . .

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-tourism1408apr14,0,7599884.story

Jodie

I would like to do the Disney cruise over seas!!

 

[pillow]

I would like to do the Disney cruise over seas!!

The Med trip was very nice, but holy cow, it was expensive!! We're still recovering.

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

Only one kid. DH and I both had big families so I think we are sticking with one.

My DH would never agree to the European cruise. Part of what we love about travelling is eating in all the different places. I can't imagine going to Italy and not eating everywhere, and that is just a waste. I would hate to pay to eat on the boat and not.

It is going to be very interesting to see what happens with the new boats. I figure one of the old boats will go the West Coast. The new boats can't fit through the Canal yet. Disney also made an agreement to have the two new boats at Cape Canaveral.

I really want to plan something for our 10th wedding anniversary and I just can't make up my mind. We really enjoy taking our son with us, but would like to have a couple dinners alone. This makes the Disney cruise seem like the perfect option. I wish I knew right now if we are going to like the cruise. I am tempted to put down a deposit now and cancel if we don't like it.

 

[pillow]

Only one kid. DH and I both had big families so I think we are sticking with one.

My DH would never agree to the European cruise. Part of what we love about travelling is eating in all the different places. I can't imagine going to Italy and not eating everywhere, and that is just a waste. I would hate to pay to eat on the boat and not.

It is going to be very interesting to see what happens with the new boats. I figure one of the old boats will go the West Coast. The new boats can't fit through the Canal yet. Disney also made an agreement to have the two new boats at Cape Canaveral.

I really want to plan something for our 10th wedding anniversary and I just can't make up my mind. We really enjoy taking our son with us, but would like to have a couple dinners alone. This makes the Disney cruise seem like the perfect option. I wish I knew right now if we are going to like the cruise. I am tempted to put down a deposit now and cancel if we don't like it.

I wasn't very keen on the idea of cruising, but since it was Disney, we decided to give it a try. It really is fabulous! The kids like it better than the parks. In hindsight, I wouldn't really use it as a means to a destination (like Italy). I like the cruise for the cruise experience itself, with the ports being a big bonus!!

When is your 10th anniversary? You know that if you rebook while onboard, you get a 10% discount toward your next cruise. But, if you're anniversary is soon afterwards, the prices may go up enough to negate any discount - wouldn't hurt to go ahead and book - then see if the 10% discount gets you a better price.

I agree with your hubbie about Italy. We missed a lot of the good food. The next time I go, it won't be on a ship.

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

The Med trip was very nice, but holy cow, it was expensive!! We're still recovering.

Jodie

Yep that is why we didnt' go. It wasn't so much the cost for the cruise it was the cost of the air fare for us!
So we went to the Big Island of Hawaii last summer instead.

 

[Disney Fans]

We would do the Disney Med cruise if possible. We have a different spin ( way of looking at it) on going with kids.

Both me and my DH have traveled through Europe ( it is easier for me since my DH is from Sweden) before we had kids so for me I hate LONG car rides. LOL And with kids it can really be a pain.
So I love the idea of showing the kids a different county,etc. And then not having to drive ( having the ship do it for us a night - saving time and engery that wayLOL) and then wake up to a new place to visit. Kids have a short attention span so we think it would be a great way to introduce them to new cities, cultures, etc. without putting them through the long driving times. Maybe when they are in their late teens I think they would understand the driving part but when they are young I think the med DCL is a fun way to do it.
Just IMO.

 

[pillow]

We would do the Disney Med cruise if possible. We have a different spin ( way of looking at it) on going with kids.

Both me and my DH have traveled through Europe ( it is easier for me since my DH is from Sweden) before we had kids so for me I hate LONG car rides. LOL And with kids it can really be a pain.
So I love the idea of showing the kids a different county,etc. And then not having to drive ( having the ship do it for us a night - saving time and engery that wayLOL) and then wake up to a new place to visit. Kids have a short attention span so we think it would be a great way to introduce them to new cities, cultures, etc. without putting them through the long driving times. Maybe when they are in their late teens I think they would understand the driving part but when they are young I think the med DCL is a fun way to do it.
Just IMO.

I totally agree. It was a great way to introduce our kids to Europe, but I wouldn't do it again if it was just my hubbie and me. We would love to go out West to some of the National Parks and such - haven't done that yet.

I think I paid $900 each for flights - and that was the cheapest I could find. The excursions added a nice chunk onto the trip as well. I think the day we did the 12 hour Pompeii/Sorrento/Capri tour, we paid something like $700 for all 4 of us. Outrageous!! If there is ever a next time, we would nix the excursions and do things on our own.

Jodie

 

[Disney Fans]

Hello Everyone!!

Our kids only have till this next Thur. then they are out of school for the summer!!!

How about you all?

 

[pillow]

Hello Everyone!!

Our kids only have till this next Thur. then they are out of school for the summer!!!

How about you all?

My kids get out at 11:00 Wednesday. I'm so happy they are finished for the year!

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

My son is only in preschool but he was done this week. I don't know what we are going to do with him all summer.

 

[Disney Fans]

I love being with the kids durning the summer because I know that when they reach around the teenage years I will have to most likley force them to be with us. Just kidding and really Hope not!

It is so hot here in TX for the summer and we have a pool so we are out in the pool alot!

We made all of our ADR at WDW this week and sure glad we did!!
I called today to see if we could switch to a little later for Thanksgiving night at LTT and they said the whole day is book!! CRAZY!!
We are doing CRT for lunch so we are going a little food crazy that day.
But I think it will be so crowed we won't mind eating sit down 2 times that day.

What are your guys plans Thanksgiving day?

 

[pillow]

I love being with the kids durning the summer because I know that when they reach around the teenage years I will have to most likley force them to be with us. Just kidding and really Hope not!

It is so hot here in TX for the summer and we have a pool so we are out in the pool alot!

We made all of our ADR at WDW this week and sure glad we did!!
I called today to see if we could switch to a little later for Thanksgiving night at LTT and they said the whole day is book!! CRAZY!!
We are doing CRT for lunch so we are going a little food crazy that day.
But I think it will be so crowed we won't mind eating sit down 2 times that day.

What are your guys plans Thanksgiving day?

I hadn't really thought about the fact that it will be Thanksgiving. That day is Animal Kingdom for us until about 3:00 or so. Then we're migrating over to MGM for dinner at Hollywood & Vine at 4:30. I'm not really crazy about H&V, but Brown Derby was booked, and we wanted to do the Fantasmic package so that we won't have to wait in line. H&V is all that was left - oh well.

The next day, we're not doing a park, but booked California Grill for dinner at 7:30 so that we can see the fireworks afterwards.

Jodie

 

[spaddy]

Are you having a big breakfast on Sunday before the cruise? I figure I should maybe make an ADR for that day. I figure I don't want to eat too much before I get on the cruise, but it might be close to 12:30-1:00 before we eat lunch. I was thinking about trying to make an ADR at Chef Mickey's, but I have never eaten there before. I have also really been wanting to try Kona Cafe for breakfast.

I think I am over thinking this. My plan right now is to arrive around 2 on Friday and spend the afternoon at the pool. Then spend Saturday at the parks with some afternoon swimming. I wish they would publish the hours for November. I also can't wait until I can see Southwest's schedule and prices. Right now I could book a pretty good fare on AirTran and USAir, but the extra bag fee makes me really mad. We have to check my son's car seat so we usually have one extra bag.

 

[pillow]

Are you having a big breakfast on Sunday before the cruise? I figure I should maybe make an ADR for that day. I figure I don't want to eat too much before I get on the cruise, but it might be close to 12:30-1:00 before we eat lunch. I was thinking about trying to make an ADR at Chef Mickey's, but I have never eaten there before. I have also really been wanting to try Kona Cafe for breakfast.

I think I am over thinking this. My plan right now is to arrive around 2 on Friday and spend the afternoon at the pool. Then spend Saturday at the parks with some afternoon swimming. I wish they would publish the hours for November. I also can't wait until I can see Southwest's schedule and prices. Right now I could book a pretty good fare on AirTran and USAir, but the extra bag fee makes me really mad. We have to check my son's car seat so we usually have one extra bag.

We always do little breakfasts to save room for the nice dinners. The night before the cruise, we're just staying at a local hotel near the cruise ship dock. I think breakfast is included. Not sure what time they open the restaurant on the ship - 11:30 or 12:00 would be my guess??

Jodie

J

 

[Disney Fans]

I hadn't really thought about the fact that it will be Thanksgiving. That day is Animal Kingdom for us until about 3:00 or so. Then we're migrating over to MGM for dinner at Hollywood & Vine at 4:30. I'm not really crazy about H&V, but Brown Derby was booked, and we wanted to do the Fantasmic package so that we won't have to wait in line. H&V is all that was left - oh well.

The next day, we're not doing a park, but booked California Grill for dinner at 7:30 so that we can see the fireworks afterwards.

Jodie

I love the Fantasmic package!! I is so nice not to have to wait in the big lines!!