DLR Vet Planning Family's 1st WDW Trip! Now November 2012!!!!

[momjeeps]

Going to be so close to DLR today. But a visit is not in the plans. Gotta save for WDW trip somehow I suppose. But it's going to be hard. Maybe just DTD for a little while. That would probably just be torture to be so close to the parks. I guess we will just enjoy the beach.

 

[emmysmommy]

Going to be so close to DLR today. But a visit is not in the plans. Gotta save for WDW trip somehow I suppose. But it's going to be hard. Maybe just DTD for a little while. That would probably just be torture to be so close to the parks. I guess we will just enjoy the beach.

Hi there! I think the cabins would be so quiet and quaint. That choice would definitely be a preference for my DH rather than any other room type since he is more the rugged type!

Awww... so close to DL. Do you live in So. CA? I live near Newport Beach. Enjoy your day at the beach!!

 

[momjeeps]

Grew up in San Diego area, but now live in Arkansas. We are out visiting family and my kids picked up a bunch of brochures in the hotel lobby. They are dream touring Legoland and Disneyland right now. And the Cars Land billboards are just torture!

 

[emmysmommy]

Grew up in San Diego area, but now live in Arkansas. We are out visiting family and my kids picked up a bunch of brochures in the hotel lobby. They are dream touring Legoland and Disneyland right now. And the Cars Land billboards are just torture!

I hope you had a lovely day at the beach!

 

[momjeeps]

OMG!!! I just came soooooo close to booking WDW for THIS coming Thanksgiving week!!!! DH found out about some extra unexpected cash coming his way. We were checking the free dining tonight. The cabins weren't available for that week but we looked at AoA Cars Suite with the DDP upgrade. It's only $300ish more and DS7 would LOVE it.

Once the extra money is 100% certain I'm booking!!! Might have to change my signature badge!

 

[momjeeps]

I hope you had a lovely day at the beach!

We did! I got burnt, but very worth it. After the kids went in the water for a while in Carlsbad (where DH and I spent our first married night 15 years ago), we drove down the coast to Encinitas and went to Raul's Shack for Mexican food. Yummy!

 

[momjeeps]

OK, I'm so dreaming about this November deal now. I'm pretty sure it's going to happen, so I did it! I booked ADRs!

Saturday, November 17, 2012
Hoop-Dee will be booked once we are 100% SURE!

Sunday, November 18, 2012
The Crystal Palace
Magic Kingdom® Park
Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012
Time: 7:25 p.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

Monday, November 19, 2012
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Epcot®
Date: Monday, November 19, 2012
Time: 2:45 p.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tusker House Restaurant
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
'Ohana
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Time: 8:25 a.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

This one is an OOP Date Night for DH and I! (Notice 2 guests )
Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant
Downtown Disney® Area
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Party Size: 2 Guests

Thursday, November 22, 2012
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Disney's Hollywood Studios®
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

Saturday, November 24, 2012
Chef Mickey's
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012
Time: 8:55 p.m.
Party Size: 6 Guests

Now to go change my signature!!! I'm getting too excited, this better pan out now, or there will be major depression to recover from!

 

[momjeeps]

Now that I had all those ADRs planned I just read an amazing review of Yachtsman Steakhouse! Hmmm... What if we drop Hoop Dee, take the kids to Raglan and DTD when we arrive on Saturday and book Yachtsman for date night? Hmmmmmmmmmm....

 

[momjeeps]

So I went to officially book the Thanksgiving trip and now the Free Dining is all sold out! EEEKKK!!! So I have my Travel Agent put a 7 day hold on 11/23-11/28, less time, but also less money. But she is also going to call in the morning and see if she can work some magic and still get our original dates! Crossing my fingers!

I went ahead and made ADRs for the new dates just in case. I'll cancel the others as soon as I find out I'm stuck with my new dates. The bummer is two less days at the resort. But the good of it would be two days with much lower crowds. And its about $1,000 cheaper... Maybe I should be happy with it the way it is... Oh I just don't know. I guess I'll wait and see what my T/A friend says in the morning.

Either way, we are going to WDW!

Oh, and DD12 walked into my office right when I printed out our reservation. I wasn't fast enough she saw it and freaked out! LOL I showed her the part that says must be paid by this day... And said, this doesn't mean we are for sure going. We haven't paid. But I think she knows. Oh well, secret may be out completely.

 

[momjeeps]

The more I think about the $1,000 savings and the fact that 2 or 3 of our five days would probably be fairly drastically lower in crowds, I think I'm liking this plan more and more... I may just stick with it no matter what the travel agent says.

If my days off at work pan out, I may add a day. Of course that would probably add back $500. But we will see...

Arriving : Friday 11/23/2012
Departing : Wednesday 11/28/2012 for 5 nights
2 Adults,4 Children


Resort Name: Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Resort Category: Value Resorts
Room Type: Cars Family Suite


Park Tickets 5-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
Package Type: Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining

 

[emmysmommy]

Awwwww... I know the feeling of missing a great deal by that much! Hopefully your TA will be able to find something for you with your preferred dates but the alternative of a little shorter trip that saves you $1K - well, that's definitely not bad!

Even if you don't have your DD convinced that this is not a sure thing - it is so great that she is excited.

Good luck with all of your plans!

 

[momjeeps]

Awwwww... I know the feeling of missing a great deal by that much! Hopefully your TA will be able to find something for you with your preferred dates but the alternative of a little shorter trip that saves you $1K - well, that's definitely not bad!

Even if you don't have your DD convinced that this is not a sure thing - it is so great that she is excited.

Good luck with all of your plans!

Yeah I was sick when I went to book and couldn't. We will see what tomorrow brings. Now if I could just sleep!

 

[momjeeps]

So, we are talking about an additional $1500 or so and not having our own car at WDW. BUT, we are also talking about more time in the parks and less time driving. AND, less tired when I go back to work.

Anyway, I think we have finalized our dates. After talking to my most wonderful boss, I think we are going to add a day and stay 11/23-11/29.

If we get the flights I'm wanting we will arrive at MCO at 11:30 a.m. on 11/23. Plenty of time to get some park time in that afternoon/evening. And our flight would leave at 5:35 p.m. on 11/29. So... How long should we allow to get to the airport. I'm thinking we need to be on the Magical Express by about 2 p.m.??? Anyone have input? I've never been to WDW, much less flown from there.

Oh and I changed my signature badge to the new later date. Whew, just barely still in the double digits!

 

[DsnyMama]

Too cool that your trip moved all the way to Nov! I'm joining along and will also be there Nov/Dec! You should join the Nov 2012 facebook group!

 

[momjeeps]

How do I find the facebook group! I'm in!

 

[DsnyMama]

How do I find the facebook group! I'm in!

Just request to join! We are a super active group!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/357230897626183/

 

[momjeeps]

Just request to join! We are a super active group!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/357230897626183/

Thanks! Request sent.

 

[momjeeps]

OK, Here is what we have for Plans and ADRs. Our first two days have ADRs left over from our previous trip plan before we had to move our dates out a little. I'm trying to decide which to keep for sure, so maybe you can give input? I've never been, so any input is appreciated!

If we end up driving, and/or if we add a room only so we arrive on Thanksgiving we will have an afternoon and evening of exploring DTD, the Beach Club and such things, including a stop at Earl of Sandwich for a quick non-dining plan dinner.

Friday, November 23 - MK - Crystal Palace 5:55PM (or I could go with my orig of The Plaza at 4:20PM, which I had because this was originally the day of our second day in MK and we had Crystal Palace on the first day...)

Saturday, November 24 - AK - Tusker House 10:15AM (or we could go with our original ressie of Chef Mickey's for this day, but this is our AK day and I thought we'd try Tusker... not sure)

Sunday, November 25 - EP - Akershus 7:55PM

Monday, November 26 - HS - Sci-Fi 2:50PM

Tuesday, November 27 - MK - Ohana 8:50AM

Wednesday, November 28 - DTD and/or explore resorts until we leave for airport for flight at 5:35PM

 

[momjeeps]

I need to stop obsessing about this! But now I'm wondering if I should look again at Thanksgiving week without the dining plan and just cut back our ADRs. I really like that week better for the kids school wise.

 

[momjeeps]

OK, I got the OK to take Wednesday off before Thanksgiving. The kids are out of school that day too, so we can get a head start on our vacation! But that means we need to stay off-site two nights. So I've been doing some shoppping. So far my favorite option that fits all 6 of us is the Doubletree by Hiltion that is in the DTD area. Looks like I can get it for $144/nt. Not terrible. Certainly cheaper than the $336/nt to add nights at AoA!

If we can pick up our park tickets early this is our plan...

Wednesday, November 21
Arrive before noon after driving all night. Explore until check-in time. Have dinner at EOS in DTD. Maybe go to BW for the Kitchen Sink for dessert. Get to bed at a decent hour.

Thursday, November 22
Maybe AK??? Not sure. I always said I wanted MK to be our first park no matter what. But I'm afraid on Thanksgiving Day it will be WAY too crowded.
All food this day is OOP. Bed at a decent hour!

Friday, November 23
Rope Drop at MK!
Crystal Palace 5:55PM (or I could go with my orig of Friday, November 23 - MK - The Plaza at 4:20PM, which I had because this was originally the day of our second day in MK and we had Crystal Palace on the first day...)

Saturday, November 24 - AK - Tusker House 10:15AM (or we could go with our original ressie of Chef Mickey's for this day, but this is our AK day and I thought we'd try Tusker... not sure) (If we do AK on 11/22, we may take this day off. Then we could keep the Chef Mickey... Hmmm...)

Sunday, November 25 - EP - Akershus 7:55PM

Monday, November 26 - HS - Sci-Fi 2:50PM

Tuesday, November 27 - MK - Ohana 8:50AM

Wednesday, November 28 - I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT... Drive like mad for home!

I need to change my signature badge yet again!