November 2011 Check In

[jernysgirl]

I already told DH that I have a responsibility to those who have posted so many and that's to give back. He's thinks I'm crackers.

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

Happy Birthday, Traci! You youngster, you!



Thanks for the birthday wishes, from both of you! Today's the big day! And I'm sitting at work, reading the DIS. Marie, we're not going to DLR for another 3 1/2 weeks, so I don't think I'll ask for a BDay button, so long after my actual BDay. But who knows? Maybe I'll feel capricious and do it anyway. In any case, thanks again for the heads-up on the Patina Group birthday promo, Traci. I think I'll call today to make my reservation. Which do you think would be better for 2 adults and an 8 year old -- Tortilla Joe's or Catal? We're not big on pizza, so Naples is probably out. Though we do love pasta. Hmmm.

-Birthday Boy

We decided to go with Tortilla Jo's for our dinner. After looking at both menus, we just aren't adventurous enough eaters for Catal And even if DH and I were, I don't think DD would enjoy the food. We love Mexican, and it's usually a pretty safe bet. The tableside guacamole at Tortilla Jo's is was did it for me!!!

Now as for YOUR birthday button, even though you won't be there right on your birthday, I say get the button! Sjpeaking from experience after being in DL for mine and DD's b-days three times, you feel so special having all of the CM's and other guests wishing you happy birthday left and right. It is something I wish everyone could experience just once, so if you haven't, then you really should. Let us know which restaurant you choose. I'm still waiting for my coupon, so fingers crossed!

Happy Friday!

 

[mareeld86]

I will be there. Im Lauren and my BF Ricky. We are staying at the Desert Inn from the 5th November until the 16th November. 14 days All the way from Australia YAY

 

[teddygurl28]

i have a question about the weather i was hoping someone could help me with.

i checked the averages for disneyland and im going the 11-13, and it states the average is 75/52. so the day time 75, is it a warm 75 like shorts? or a cool 75 like jeans?

i know its strange, but in Boston- 75 in August, and 75 in November are two very different types of weather.

...im thinking with the drop, id be best to go to the hotel around dinner and change into Jeans, but im so confused about what to pack for the day!

any insight or thoughts are appreciated

 

[rentayenta]

i have a question about the weather i was hoping someone could help me with.

i checked the averages for disneyland and im going the 11-13, and it states the average is 75/52. so the day time 75, is it a warm 75 like shorts? or a cool 75 like jeans?

i know its strange, but in Boston- 75 in August, and 75 in November are two very different types of weather.

...im thinking with the drop, id be best to go to the hotel around dinner and change into Jeans, but im so confused about what to pack for the day!

any insight or thoughts are appreciated

I think it's a cool jeans 75* not a hot 75*. I totally get what your saying- there is a difference.

 

[stardusty21]

We will be at HoJo Nov 19-24. We usually go every two years during this week to celebrate my birthday (Oct. 21) and my daughters (Oct. 24) but now that she is in high school I didn't want her to miss any school so we have to go during school break. I know it will be crowded but we will get to the park early and make the most of it until the lines get too long. When I ask her what her favorite childhood memories are, without hesitation, she says "spending my birthday at Disneyland"!

 

[Sherry E]

About the issue of temperatures being somewhat different at different times of year - like 75 degrees in August vs. 75 in November - it's that way to an extent here in SoCal too, although it's still warmer overall here.

In fact, I commented on that exact same phenomenon last November, while I was at DLR. I went to DLR last year on the day after the holiday season began, so it was 11/13. It was in the mid-to-upper 80's that day. I am not someone who likes heat. At all. Not even a little. I like nice, cool, crisp Fall or Winter days. I get cranky, miserable and quite ill if it is too hot for me - and too hot for me is pretty much anything over 70 degrees!

I happened to notice that the mid-80's day of 11/13 last year was more bearable to me than I knew a mid-80's day in August would have been. It was most definitely warm, but it did not have that certain unrelenting harshness to it that Summer heat has - that's the best way to describe it, I think. Also, the peak of the heat didn't last as long as it would have in Summer.

I commented to whoever I was talking to at that moment (it may have been Marie, but I don't recall) that "80 degrees in November is definitely not the same as 80 degrees in Summer."

It was not cool, though - not in the daytime. It was still too warm to feel very holiday-esque. If the sun is out, it will be warm for a while in DLR. If it's a gloomy day, then 75 degrees might seem much cooler in November.


Then, when I went back to DLR in December, there was one day in the 90's and another day in the 80's - it was warm, no question, and people were wearing shorts, but I could tell by the way I, personally, react to heat that the heat did not have that same unrelenting harsh edge that it has in the peak of Summer.

It's an interesting phenomenon!

 

[mjmcnns]

We are looking forward to our Nov 30 check in. Although our first day in the parks won't be until Dec 1.

 

[GrandBob]

We decided to go with Tortilla Jo's for our dinner. After looking at both menus, we just aren't adventurous enough eaters for Catal And even if DH and I were, I don't think DD would enjoy the food. We love Mexican, and it's usually a pretty safe bet. The tableside guacamole at Tortilla Jo's is was did it for me!!!

Now as for YOUR birthday button, even though you won't be there right on your birthday, I say get the button! Sjpeaking from experience after being in DL for mine and DD's b-days three times, you feel so special having all of the CM's and other guests wishing you happy birthday left and right. It is something I wish everyone could experience just once, so if you haven't, then you really should. Let us know which restaurant you choose. I'm still waiting for my coupon, so fingers crossed!

Happy Friday!

Great thoughts about the BDay button. OK, I'll probably get one. Unless my DGD looks at me funny because she knows I already celebrated my birthday, and she sent me a wonderful card. Haven't made up my mind yet on the restaurant. I'll have to get back to you on that one.

We will be at HoJo Nov 19-24. We usually go every two years during this week to celebrate my birthday (Oct. 21) and my daughters (Oct. 24) but now that she is in high school I didn't want her to miss any school so we have to go during school break. I know it will be crowded but we will get to the park early and make the most of it until the lines get too long. When I ask her what her favorite childhood memories are, without hesitation, she says "spending my birthday at Disneyland"!

Happy Birthday, Stardusty, to you and your daughter! Hope you have a wonderful day! DW took me out to a wonderful steak dinner last night for mine, but the party isn't until tomorrow. Having over about 25 friends. It would be ideal for you and your DD. Want to come?

-Bob

 

[Katiepotatie]

11 days to go for us! The kids have made signs for Jedi academy and decorated travel diaries for themselves, I'm making packing lists, so excited! I can't believe we are actually going, I am even looking forward to the 14 hours flying!

 

[mrslamb]

OK, so after reading through I am getting worried about the weather! I was thinking it would be fairly cool when we are going (11/05-11/10) and most of the adorable matching pre-bought Disney outfits I have for my 2 young DDs involves pants, lightweight long sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts for night/morning. Are they going to be sweating like pigs???!!!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

We visit from Oregon which, up here, we are used to clouds and rain with temps in the 60's-70's. Each time we have been to DL, we are amazed at how many people are wearing a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, pants, etc. when it is 80 degrees. My family, especially DH, wears shorts pretty much year round, which is also a bit strange. I guess it's just different for everyone, and it has to do with what climate they normal live in. As long as there is no rain, our family is happy

 

[BlueChariot]

OK, so after reading through I am getting worried about the weather! I was thinking it would be fairly cool when we are going (11/05-11/10) and most of the adorable matching pre-bought Disney outfits I have for my 2 young DDs involves pants, lightweight long sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts for night/morning. Are they going to be sweating like pigs???!!!

Hmmm, we go to DL the same time every year for Thanksgiving (with the exception of last year because DD was only 3 months old at the time). Its always been cool the week of Thanksgiving. In fact, the first year we went (I think it was 2007 or 2008) it was in the 60s during the day, low 40s at night.

Maybe there is a weather change from the beginning to the end of the month??

 

[Sherry E]

All I can tell you is that is that it was in the mid-to-upper 80's on 11/13 in DLR last year (but didn't feel as harsh as a Summer 80's day would feel), and it was in the 80's and 90's during my December DLR trip! It was definitely shorts & flip flops weather during the daytime. At night, maybe not so much!!

There is no telling what this year will be like!! I have lived in SoCal my entire life, so I have seen the changes in weather patterns and how weird certain months like October and November can be. And now December is getting a little crazy too.

I have been to DLR over a Thanksgiving weekend in the past when it was pouring down buckets of rain - and I don't mean just regular rain showers. I mean blinding rain that was hard to get through. But it's not like that in SoCal every Thanksgiving - not by a longshot.

I have been to DLR in December when it was only in the mid-40's in the daytime and about 30 degrees or so at night, and we were so cold (and bundled up in many layers of clothing, scarves, mittens, caps, everything) - frantically searching for fluffy Mickey ear muffs in the shops - that our teeth would not stop chattering.

I've also been to DLR in December when it was in the 50's at night but was surprisingly not that chilly (see, again, it's that "harsh edge" I spoke of in my previous post - it applies to lower temperatures as well as higher ones), and I was walking around in a t-shirt with no jacket the entire time...on a December evening. But one year prior to it, I was at DLR in December and it was in the 40's at night. I was freezing and could not get warm.

Early November still tends to be pretty warm, overall, in the daytime. But I agree that how warm or cold it feels to each person is largely based on what he/she is personally accustomed to and prefers.

 

[wvnative]

Just a little over a week and I'll be able to pull the info for the last page of our travel book. The weather report. lol It shows the high 70's and lows in the 50's during our stay. Coming from Phoenix, 50 is cold to us so jeans and jackets will be a must. Chances are we'll be in jeans all day too. I see layers in my future.

When we were there in the spring, it was about the same temps though and there were days when I had wished I'd brought a tank top. It gets toasty in the sun.

 

[Leofoenget]

We will be there Nov 28th. If I can get a second set of comps will also go 27th. Looks like a lot of people will be there on that Monday

 

[mariezp]

Wow! Miss a day and look at all I've missed! Glad to see everyone sharing excitement for their upcoming trips! I'm wanting to make a lot of responses but I don't think I will get them all done tonight but I am going to get a good start!

Before I start with some replies.... I overheard my DH on the phone tonight tell someone "My wife lives for her vacation." I have no idea why he would say something like that. Maybe it's because of things like this..... here's the chicken pot pie I made for supper tonight. What do you think? Maybe he pegged me right after all?

Marie,

The Gardenwalk sounds fun, so I will be checking out their website. I don't know about the haunted house though. It wouldn't just be DD who is running down Harbor scared. I would be right in front of her And your are right, you never know what kind of creepy might be wearing a costume.

The more I think about it, dinner at Buca and a swim, might just be it. Maybe I could make swimsuit costumes

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for anyone running down Harbor screaming! That would certainly liven things up!
Hmmm.... swimsuit costumes? Not a bad idea. Of course, you could always whip up a little mermaid costume to go right along with the swim theme.

Your DD is going to be so excited about her MP3 player and everything you have downloaded. DH has to take care of anything technology related, so I am impressed!

I think she will! Here's hoping that everything works like it's supposed to! I started using one converter that was a free trial and it only copied half of each file. Ticked me off so I darn sure didn't buy that one after I wasted so much time before I realized the files were not complete. Finally found another file converter that was free and IF it all works like it should I think I will go back and buy the full version of that one just in case I ever need to add more files to her MP3 player. Originally I did ask my son to try doing all this for me but it wasn't something he was all that interested in so I didn't press the issue. Then my DH seemed to think he would do it but his patience wore thin and he gave up. So yeah, I think I am proud of gettin it done.... especially as electronically challenged as I tend to be. Of course, that's probably enough new technology success to last me for years!

Great idea on the limo! DD was just saying a few months ago that she wished she could ride in a limo. Well, I looked into it, and it ended up only being $30 more than the shuttle to the airport so we booked it She doesn't know yet, and she won't until she walks out the door with her suitcase! Can't wait to see her face I didn't expect them to be so reasonable.

Cool! Ya'll get to do the limo thing too! Your DD IS going to love it! Heck, I bet you do too. My kids are going to be surprised and I bet we enjoy this ride even more that we did before when we had other people with us.

Good for you for getting those gift cards! Anything to spread out the money really helps. I don't know what made me check, but I went to Jet Blue today to check our flights, and it just so happened that our flight going, was $30 less per person!!! So I called, and I now have a credit to use next time. I am going to keep checking to see if the return flight also goes down. This happened last time but with Alaska, so it really is worth it to keep checking the airfare prices.

Absolutely love spreading out the money. Yippee for you getting credit. Good luck finding the return flight on sale too. Now you have a great excuse to plan another trip! I've not kept an eye on ours much but so far the fare I got has stayed lower than any others I have seen since. We fly American. Wonder if they also issue credit if you find a lower fare?

I had to chuckle (not really) when you brought up the tummy bug. That is my biggest fear right now. I have had two to three students gone each day for the last week. They weren't all for tummy's, there were some colds too, but I want to part of being sick or DD or DH getting sick. Not gonna have it! I think as a teacher I have built up some immunity, but you just never know. I just keep praying for health, and I know that The Lord wouldn't do that to us. It helps teaching in a Christian school, because the kiddos and I can get in lots of prayers I will say some prayers for your family as well

Here's hoping neither of us.... or anyone else around here with an upcoming trip.... end up getting sick before or during our trip. I keep thinking I might be starting to have symptoms but I think I have just gotten myself all psyched out. Thank you for the extra prayers! Been putting in a lot of prayers for myself and I will be sure to add you too! I'd hate to have to wear a face mask, rent a scooter and rig it up with barf bags! Seriously, I would not do that and, if DH was any indication, it would be more likely that I wouldn't even be able to make it out of bed. What a bummer trip that would be! At least DH is just about recovered and the kids are both healthy.


Only 8 more days We are having our family birthday party for DD and I this Friday, and then the weekend will be spent packing, cleaning, packing, and...making my very first LGMH

Happy Thursday!

Hope the birthday celebration is fun, fun, fun! Hope you get all your packing done and we get to see your LGMH.

Marie, we're not going to DLR for another 3 1/2 weeks, so I don't think I'll ask for a BDay button, so long after my actual BDay. But who knows? Maybe I'll feel capricious and do it anyway. In any case, thanks again for the heads-up on the Patina Group birthday promo, Traci. I think I'll call today to make my reservation. Which do you think would be better for 2 adults and an 8 year old -- Tortilla Joe's or Catal? We're not big on pizza, so Naples is probably out. Though we do love pasta. Hmmm.

-Birthday Boy

I think if my birthday was THAT close I would grab a button anyway. Mines all the way in July so that would be stretching it a bit. If I were choosing I would go with Tortilla Joe's. It's more casual and we love Mexican food.

Anyway, since this is a check-in thread.....I have to, sadly, remove myself from the list (dates are 11/28 -12/5).

I have moved out of November territory and totally into December dates. I am still getting the same super-sweet deal at the PPH, and I am still planning to catch one day of the Candlelight Processional, but I moved my reservation over by about one week so there are no November days to keep me on this list!

But, alas, my November DLR friends will still be in my heart!

Sad to see you leave us Sherry but glad to hear that you have your new dates. I missed following a few days and was wondering if you had tweaked your dates. Hope everything is falling in to place. Good luck seeing the CP. IMHO, it is something everyone should see at least once.

 

[mariezp]

Grand Bob: Happy Birthday! In our family it is a tradition to celebrate all month long! LOL! I say go for the button, if only for the free tortillas!!

Love it! Sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate! Sadly, the free tortillas are a thing of the past.They closed the Mission Tortilla Factory earlier this year to make way for a Ghirardelli chocolate shop.

Marie: Thank you for the nice welcome to this thread! We are getting really excited about our trip! Even though we have been many times before and even twice this year already, Disney is a special place for our family to just be together without school, work and extra curricular activities to get in the way. So really just being together as a family is special to us! I still need to work on Turkey day reservations. DD8 said she would gladly do the medieval times again... so maybe with the coupon deal you mentioned. We'll see!


You are welcome! Always happy to have another DL lover. I'm envious! Wish we lived close enough to come multiple times a year but on the other hand I am so thankful that we manage to make it once a year. There are lots of people who never make it to DL at all. Poor souls! Amen on the special place without all those everyday duties. I do think leaving all that behind is definitely one of the reasons I love the park so much. So fun to leave it all behind and become absorbed in the magic. Family time is so special and absolutely priceless.
Jealous again! I want to be at the park for Thanksgiving again but alas I have to wait until next year! Bet you will have a great turkey day wherever you decide. Hope you get to make use of that coupon.

You sound just like my DW! When she and I got together, I found out that I was required to sing "Happy Birth Month" to her every day for the entire month of September. Which I still do, to this day (I'm not dumb!). But to turn it around, she's required to sing to me for the entire month of October. And I get one more day than her!

Wow! 2 month long celebrators! What have I been missing all this time? Mine is in July so I could get an extra day too!

Thank you, Bob! Actually, to be honest, my new all-December dates will work better for me than the original dates I had booked...and I am used to the majority of my holiday trips being in December so it will be fine. I just hope I am able to catch the CP on 12/4 - it looks really lovely and Christmasy. Wonder who the narrator will be this year?

I am glad that it is going to work out better for you after all. Not to mention that delaying gives you a little more time to save for those extra days so you don't have to cut it short. I haven't heard who the narrator will be. Seems unfair considering they announce WDW's way in advance.

Oh! I almost forgot! I suppose I shouldn't take myself off of the November list entirely - Liza/funatdisney and I were planning on heading to DLR on 11/14 to check out the opening day holiday festivities (as we did for Halloween Time). Even though it seems like much of the merriment is beginning on 11/11, we want to be there on the official first day!

Yay! You get to stay for one day at least! You are getting to put that AP to some good use. I sure hope you are right and they do begin some of the festivities on the 11th. It will be our last day. Have you heard something I might have missed other than Small World and Big Thunder Ranch reopening?

I am hoping I won't have to change too much else in my plan from here on out and can just proceed with the usual planning mayhem and madness!

It would be nice if everything were smooth sailing from here on out for you and you got to leave things as they are. Bring on the mayhem and madness!

I was hoping you'd be my parade buddy! I am glad though that your dates work better. And you are getting such a long stay; it's going to be amazing! I can't wait to see all of your photos. I already told DH that I have a responsibility to those who have posted so many and that's to give back. He's thinks I'm crackers.

Those hubbys! Sometimes they just don't get it! We love DL crackers!

We decided to go with Tortilla Jo's for our dinner. After looking at both menus, we just aren't adventurous enough eaters for Catal And even if DH and I were, I don't think DD would enjoy the food. We love Mexican, and it's usually a pretty safe bet. The tableside guacamole at Tortilla Jo's is was did it for me!!!

IMHO, I think you probably made a good choice. I am betting that Catal is pretty pricey and while you will have the certificate it only covers so much and then you are responsible for the rest. We liked TJs and it seemed very family friendly. Yum! I love guacamole too! Now you have gone and made me hungry!

Now as for YOUR birthday button, even though you won't be there right on your birthday, I say get the button! Speaking from experience after being in DL for mine and DD's b-days three times, you feel so special having all of the CM's and other guests wishing you happy birthday left and right. It is something I wish everyone could experience just once, so if you haven't, then you really should. Let us know which restaurant you choose. I'm still waiting for my coupon, so fingers crossed!

I'm thinking when DH retires and we get to travel more often that I really need to brave the summer crowds and go on my birthday! It would be fun to feel so special. Plus it would be a good excuse to take another trip!

I will be there. Im Lauren and my BF Ricky. We are staying at the Desert Inn from the 5th November until the 16th November. 14 days All the way from Australia YAY

We will just miss you at Desert Inn. We'll be relocating to Dolphin's Cove on the 5th. Seems to be a popular place this November. Hope you enjoy your stay. Oh yeah, and WELCOME to the USA!

Gotta head to beddy bye for tonight. I'll be back tomorrow and it will only be 7 more days til our trip!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

25 Days for us.
ADRs = check
Fantastmic desert tickets = purchased
Excitement as we wait for the special package from Disney to arrive = mounting
Wishing I could make a chicken pot pie like Mariezp everyday for the next 3 1/2 weeks = definitely

 

[jernysgirl]

I love this!