Chit Chat Thread - November ADRs...

[loveshak22]

Congrats on your first WDW trip!! Exciting!!

What are your dates? 11/11 - 11/19?

Here are some thoughts...see my comments in red within your message below (click on "click to expand" on your message to see my comments), and please just take my comments as opinion - LOL!! You've got to plan your trip around all that you and your family like and want to do!!

Hello there everyone!

I would like to start by saying 11/11 will be my very 1st day at WDW! WHOOHOO! lol So in my head for the last oh 28 years I pictured arriving at Disney World and getting lost at MK seeing the castle but thinking it may not be best. - So I have reading some of bloggers and crowd prediction calendars they all predict the same thing for MK 11/11 from the what I have read CRAZY TOWN. Most are saying Epcot is the way to go.. Below I am going to type of what we have planned and what I am thinking of doing instead. IM A BABY 1ST TIMER if my plan sounds bad just tell me.

-Plane lands 10:45am
-Go to the resort on magic express if room is ready takes some stuff up
-Head to MK
In my head I will arrive in MK between 12pm and 12:30
I don't see this happening. Assuming you are on time, it will take you about 10-15 minutes to get to the MDE location and at least 30 minutes to wait in line to get on your bus. Other people may have comments on this but when I went in 2006 I was able to walk right on to the bus, but in 2011 when I went it was a good 30 minute wait. Then you have to factor in time to load the bus. Since WDW is more packed than ever I would plan for 30 minutes and hope it's less. Then the bus ride is about 30 minutes I'd say from the airport the Disney property. And then you have to factor in the bus stopping at other resorts. What resort are you at? You can probably find information on the Dis about which stop your resort is in the line up. Then you have to get into your resort, check in, and if available drop stuff off in your room. If not you can check your bags and then head out to the park. I'd give it at least 90 minutes to get off the plane to your resort, which will be about 12:15. Then you have to account for checking in and checking luggage. Then you have to figure out time to get to MK. Again, which resort? I wouldn't expect to be sitting down inside a park for an ADR until at least 2:00 assuming everything goes perfect. But I like to account for wiggle room and I don't know which resort your coming from? If Contemporary it's a short walk to MK. If Beach Club, well then you need quite a bit more time to drive using Disney transportation.

According to easywdw, 11/12 MK is the most recommended park. I don't know what your FP and ADRs look like, but in a perfect world, I'd try to get a pre park ADR breakfast for 11/12 and see the walk down Main Street in front of the castle with only a few other families for your first MK experience! Then spend 11/12 at MK. It's a short day with the Christmas Party but you have tickets to MK for another day and a 1/2 so you should be OK. And for your first visit and your first visit to MK, I think lower crowds that day would be best to experience all the magic. Plus, easywdw says that for 11/12, Epcot is the worst park to visit because of the extra magic hours.

Going to Epcot would be fun on 11/11 but you have a lot of park days it looks like? It might be fun to use your first day to get settled in, have a nice TS lunch at one of the resorts, go back and explore your resort, then try to find a dinner somewhere at another resort to explore. Find somewhere that has a dinner location with a view of the MK fireworks with the music piped in as an "appetizer" to the next morning on 11/12.


-The Plaza 1:15
I really don't see this as possible - see above

-FPS
-6pm Tony's
If you push your lunch back, this will be an early dinner I think.

-Electric light parade and fireworks.

That is the current plan on 11/11

I am instead thinking about skipping MK 1st part of the day. Go to Epcot go to Akershus for lunch between 1-2pm IF I get a ADR hasn't happened yet. If we don't get it then see if we might get Pixie dusted or whatever yall call it by the desk ppl or someone. If nothing comes up can't get in then graze at the food and wine or do a QS. Hang out in Epcot till 4 or 4:30. THEN head to MK for the electric light parade and fireworks. If any of these times I think are going to happen are NOT going to happen PLEASE let me know I am delusional. We are almost there!

On another note we will have another day and a half in MK for sure. Also 2 other full days of Epcot 11/12 & 11/15- MK is the 17th half day afternoon then Christmas party. Then all day the 18th.. which we have park hoppers so we can always change it up to some degree ... though we are upgrading to deluxe so we haves LOTS of ADRs. If anyone would like to look them over I would LOVE some constructive criticism! lol
I'm always willing to give my 2 cents - LOL!!

Are you traveling with kids? I'd suggest not be afraid of some downtime. I know it's tempting to try to pack every minute with park time, but if you wear yourself by going constantly for 8 days you are going to get tired. And even with "low" crowds, Disney is crowded. Dealing with crowds when you are tired will put you all in a bad mood if you are tired and worn out. Just a thought!

 

[loveshak22]

Just keep at it! It will come. Sending some Pixie Dust your way!

I love all the pixie dust you're sending!! I feel an alert coming soon!! LOL!!

 

[clevmom]

I just picked up a 1900 Park Fare Brunch, but when I checked the menu, it's listed as "casual dining" not character dining (like breakfast and dinner). Can anyone confirm that it is or isn't character dining for brunch?

 

[Pumbaa_]

Hello there everyone!

I would like to start by saying 11/11 will be my very 1st day at WDW! WHOOHOO! lol So in my head for the last oh 28 years I pictured arriving at Disney World and getting lost at MK seeing the castle but thinking it may not be best. - So I have reading some of bloggers and crowd prediction calendars they all predict the same thing for MK 11/11 from the what I have read CRAZY TOWN. Most are saying Epcot is the way to go.. Below I am going to type of what we have planned and what I am thinking of doing instead. IM A BABY 1ST TIMER if my plan sounds bad just tell me.

-Plane lands 10:45am
-Go to the resort on magic express if room is ready takes some stuff up
-Head to MK
In my head I will arrive in MK between 12pm and 12:30
-The Plaza 1:15
-FPS
-6pm Tony's
-Electric light parade and fireworks.

That is the current plan on 11/11

I am instead thinking about skipping MK 1st part of the day. Go to Epcot go to Akershus for lunch between 1-2pm IF I get a ADR hasn't happened yet. If we don't get it then see if we might get Pixie dusted or whatever yall call it by the desk ppl or someone. If nothing comes up can't get in then graze at the food and wine or do a QS. Hang out in Epcot till 4 or 4:30. THEN head to MK for the electric light parade and fireworks. If any of these times I think are going to happen are NOT going to happen PLEASE let me know I am delusional. We are almost there!

On another note we will have another day and a half in MK for sure. Also 2 other full days of Epcot 11/12 & 11/15- MK is the 17th half day afternoon then Christmas party. Then all day the 18th.. which we have park hoppers so we can always change it up to some degree ... though we are upgrading to deluxe so we haves LOTS of ADRs. If anyone would like to look them over I would LOVE some constructive criticism! lol

you are seriously underestiamting travel times

First, you are assuming your flight lands on time. Might, might not
even if it lands at 10:45, it does not mean you are off the plan. Allow 15-30 minutes to deplane
then you have to get over to baggage claim, at least 15 min, plus factor in a bathroom stop (these things are important!)

A good rule of thumb is at least 2-3 hours to get to your resort after landing. You might get there earlier, but using DME, it will not be an hour from landing

Check in - you and a busload of people all arrive at the same time. You stand in line waiting for your turn. Room may or may not be ready. If it is, allow 30 min to get there, jump on the beds and be excited

If not, then you have to check your carry on luggage with bell services if you are not taking it to the park

Still with me?

Time to head to the park. Go out front and wait for a bus. Should be within 20 min or so. Is there more than one stop or does your resort share buses? factor that in

Ok off to the park!! figure 15-20 min for the bus to drop you off

But you are not in yet! now you must walk all the way over to the front area to go through security. then you get to head up to the turnstiles. Yea!! you are now IN the park

you might be able to get a 3pm adr, but i would not do any earlier. My personal motto is nothing non-refundable on travel day. Stuff happens.

From leaving your hotel to get a dining adr, the rule of thumb is 90 minutes. If you are taking a taxi, 45 min to an hour

Nothing is close at Disney, everything takes longer than you think. Going from a park to park, again allow min of 60-90 minutes.

good luck!

 

[MouseLovingMom]

you are seriously underestiamting travel times

First, you are assuming your flight lands on time. Might, might not
even if it lands at 10:45, it does not mean you are off the plan. Allow 15-30 minutes to deplane
then you have to get over to baggage claim, at least 15 min, plus factor in a bathroom stop (these things are important!)

A good rule of thumb is at least 2-3 hours to get to your resort after landing. You might get there earlier, but using DME, it will not be an hour from landing

Check in - you and a busload of people all arrive at the same time. You stand in line waiting for your turn. Room may or may not be ready. If it is, allow 30 min to get there, jump on the beds and be excited

If not, then you have to check your carry on luggage with bell services if you are not taking it to the park

Still with me?

Time to head to the park. Go out front and wait for a bus. Should be within 20 min or so. Is there more than one stop or does your resort share buses? factor that in

Ok off to the park!! figure 15-20 min for the bus to drop you off

But you are not in yet! now you must walk all the way over to the front area to go through security. then you get to head up to the turnstiles. Yea!! you are now IN the park

you might be able to get a 3pm adr, but i would not do any earlier. My personal motto is nothing non-refundable on travel day. Stuff happens.

From leaving your hotel to get a dining adr, the rule of thumb is 90 minutes. If you are taking a taxi, 45 min to an hour

Nothing is close at Disney, everything takes longer than you think. Going from a park to park, again allow min of 60-90 minutes.

good luck!

Thank you SO much! All very helpful. If I am going to Epcot when we arrive and want to be in MK for the electric light parade and fireworks. What time would you leave Epcot? I am thinking head to the bus towards the bus by 4?

 

[MouseLovingMom]

Congrats on your first WDW trip!! Exciting!!

What are your dates? 11/11 - 11/19?

Here are some thoughts...see my comments in red within your message below (click on "click to expand" on your message to see my comments), and please just take my comments as opinion - LOL!! You've got to plan your trip around all that you and your family like and want to do!!

We are staying at Pop! I meant to add that in there. I am still leaning towards Epcot when we arrive and MK for Parade and Wishes. Ditched The Plaza My newest thought is IF we go to Epcot for a little while what time should I be standing at the bus stop to get over to MK and get a good spot for the parade and fireworks

 

[MouseLovingMom]

If any of you sweet people that are lending me advice are going to be in the parks 11/11 you can find by spotting this girl!

 

[marchingstar]

If any of you sweet people that are lending me advice are going to be in the parks 11/11 you can find by spotting this girl!

this dress is adorable!

also, I know this is based on your post over on the cancellation thread, but I just wanted to say I would cancel that BOG dinner ressie too--keep searching for an earlier time, but wishes it completely magical and I would pick it over a late dinner, no question.

 

[KristiK]

We are staying at Pop! I meant to add that in there. I am still leaning towards Epcot when we arrive and MK for Parade and Wishes. Ditched The Plaza My newest thought is IF we go to Epcot for a little while what time should I be standing at the bus stop to get over to MK and get a good spot for the parade and fireworks

There is a monorail from epcot to MK. Take it to the TTC and switch to the resort monorail. I'd be in MK by six, so maybe leave Epcot at 5?

 

[Pumbaa_]

you may not get to Epcot on arrival day until 2-3. Really. Cannot emphasis enough how long things take to do. If you want to spend the night at MK, tehn I would head there once you are ready and not try to do two parks in a day. Plus, factor in how tired you may be after traveling. How early will you be getting up to get to the airport?

Try not to pack too much, especially traveling to different parks in a day. Allow 90 minutes to get from park to park. And leave at least 90 min before any ADR

 

[KCB4]

Well I just got 4 out of 6 of us a ressie at BOG 12:50 on Nov 22nd, Although we need it closer to 10:30 am since we eat at Ohana at 5pm. I can't be choosy. Hoping something still comes available because I have a few I would like to cancel if I get it Here's to stalking some more, lol

 

[loveshak22]

you may not get to Epcot on arrival day until 2-3. Really. Cannot emphasis enough how long things take to do. If you want to spend the night at MK, tehn I would head there once you are ready and not try to do two parks in a day. Plus, factor in how tired you may be after traveling. How early will you be getting up to get to the airport?

Try not to pack too much, especially traveling to different parks in a day. Allow 90 minutes to get from park to park. And leave at least 90 min before any ADR

I agree with this! I'd try to get a 4:00 or 4:30 TS meal at MK and then get some FPs before Wishes!

 

[Maineiak]

And yep...I am one of the dads out here that does almost all of the planning.

Ditto! *Bro fistbump*

 

[Maineiak]

Grrrr...see someone posted in the November thread the perfect CRT ressie I've been hunting for. Except they posted it at 11pm....long after I was out cold!

 

[loveshak22]

Grrrr...see someone posted in the November thread the perfect CRT ressie I've been hunting for. Except they posted it at 11pm....long after I was out cold!

Boo!!!!

 

[joannamet]

The Magic Bands have shipped!

The Magic Bands have shipped!

 

[ieshapaige]

Hey guys! I have a sci-fi ressie for breakfast while they're doing the test run. Does anyone know the breakfast menu? Can't seem to find it

 

[loveshak22]

Hey guys! I have a sci-fi ressie for breakfast while they're doing the test run. Does anyone know the breakfast menu? Can't seem to find it

I don't know that the full menu is out but the Disney Food Blog has some items listed of what will be on the menu: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/tag/sci-fi-breakfast/

 

[LinaNate]

Planning freakout/ rant:

Back at 180 days out I book the highly coveted CRT reservation (a party of 4) for our family and LEFT OFF our 1.5 yr old. Later learned that he had to be on the reservation but couldn't add him, called every day, stalked the site... Been trying to add him for months! I finally snagged a party of 5 CRT breakfast, reconciled the compromise of doing breakfast instead of dinner.

Today I realized the cast member that booked my breakfast reservation didn't use my dining plan to reserve it and charged me the $192 in full at booking. I called to get it fixed, they were puzzled and needed supervisor help. The supervisor cancelled my party of 5 reservation and rebooked under the dining plan, refunded me the $192 it but the reservation booked as a party of 4! She said the "infant just falls off" the reservation since he's not eating or part of the dining plan, it's how the booking system works?!

So now I'm back to where I started, with a deal breaker reservation that doesn't include all my family but I was assured we would not be turned away and that it's really okay to NOT have him on the reservation. She made notes on the reservation about this.

I'm torn between the "he wont be turned away" and the "you have to include him due to fire code, they'll turn him away" advice I've been given by many different cast members.

Now I just totally exhausted and torn about this. Also very irritated. *sigh*
I'm posting here because nobody else will understand like you all do.

 

[jani3]

Planning freakout/ rant:

Back at 180 days out I book the highly coveted CRT reservation (a party of 4) for our family and LEFT OFF our 1.5 yr old. Later learned that he had to be on the reservation but couldn't add him, called every day, stalked the site... Been trying to add him for months! I finally snagged a party of 5 CRT breakfast, reconciled the compromise of doing breakfast instead of dinner.

Today I realized the cast member that booked my breakfast reservation didn't use my dining plan to reserve it and charged me the $192 in full at booking. I called to get it fixed, they were puzzled and needed supervisor help. The supervisor cancelled my party of 5 reservation and rebooked under the dining plan, refunded me the $192 it but the reservation booked as a party of 4! She said the "infant just falls off" the reservation since he's not eating or part of the dining plan, it's how the booking system works?!

So now I'm back to where I started, with a deal breaker reservation that doesn't include all my family but I was assured we would not be turned away and that it's really okay to NOT have him on the reservation. She made notes on the reservation about this.

I'm torn between the "he wont be turned away" and the "you have to include him due to fire code, they'll turn him away" advice I've been given by many different cast members.

Now I just totally exhausted and torn about this. Also very irritated. *sigh*
I'm posting here because nobody else will understand like you all do.

That's irritating. It sounds like wdw's wonderful IT system (insert sarcasm font) is to blame here for not recognizing the 1.5yr old as a diner since he isn't paying. Since the CM added a note about him in your party, I'd call and have another CM read to you the notes to make sure it really is there.

I don't know how strict they're going to be with having the exact number of people inside the building but how are they going to have an accurate number if the system won't recognize an infant as one. Disney really needs a good overhaul of their IT dept.