November 2012 Code Watch!!

[Happy Mom2]

If you are going to the American Doll store anyways, then try Grand lux at the Galleria- it is right there near American Doll store inside the Galleria. It is owned by Cheesecake factory and has a HUGE menu. Plus fabulous desserts. Check them out online. Of course the Galleria should have a ton of great stores for her to check out.

There is also Grapevine Mills Mall, near DFW airport. It has a Rainforest Cafe which is fun! Plus it has a Disney outlet store which is fabulous and often carries lots of park stuff- for some reason they tend to have a ton of Disneyland shirts every time I go, but also some WDW stuff too- mainly shirts/sweatshirts. They also now have a new Lego Activity Center which has a ride (where you shoot stuff like TSM), building activities, dress up area, playground etc. There is also a new Sea Life aquarium in the mall too. So tons to do there.

If you are looking for something more fun- there is also a Gattitown in Frisco, near Stonebriar Mall (which has an ice skating rink, caraousel, Disney Store etc.)- Gattitown is much nicer than Chuck e Cheese (which I loathe as well!!!)- it has rooms where you can eat and watch movies like a movie theatre, tons of games and fun too. My 4yo loves it as does my 8yo niece. There is tons of shopping there at the mall and right outside too. It's a super nice mall and one of the best in the area I think. Sam Moon is right there outside of it. There is also the original Sam moon down near Harry Hines in Dallas.

Thanks so much. I didn't realize there was a Disney outlet in Grapevine! We will definitely have to take a drive there!

Any suggestions on hotels? I was thinking about the Westin @ the Galleria, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money. How far is the drive from Grapevine to the Galleria? It's been 10 years since I lived in Las Colinas, and I don't remember much. Was thinking about staying in Addison, but mainly I want something nice, clean, and safe since it will be just me and DD. I'd appreciate any ideas.

I found something to do.

I've never made a room request before, but I think I will be this time. I have been pondering it for a couple of days now, and I think I've narrowed it down.

Is it better to request the specific area and then the "why," or tell them what you're looking for and then specify the specific place? I would have called already, but since reservations is down this morning, I have more time to deliberate.

Anyone got any knowledge or experience in room requests?

When I made a request last time, I told then what I wanted and why. Things like...

away from pools and parking lot because we had a 2 year old and would going back to the room during the day for naps

not on 1st floor so we wouldn't have as many people walking by our room

connecting rooms since my MIL would be with us also

refurbished room because well, we heard they were nice

I faxed our request directly to the resort 3 days before our arrival. All of our requests were granted and we had the perfect room in a great location!

Hi Everyone! I'm booked at the WL and would love to stay there but am second (third and fourth) guessing the extra expense. I want it all and I want it affordable. Why can't I have it? Seriously though I am considering switching to a less expensive resort. Comments welcome

Me too! I've changed from the POP to Art of Animation to Poly and back to the POP. If I get FD, I may switch to a moderate.

DH says we are only in the room to eat and sleep, which is true, so he wants to stay at the POP. I seriously considered the Poly, but I'd rather stay there when we go during a warmer month so we can enjoy the pools more. Unless we are going to spend more time at a resort, then I don't see a reason to stay deluxe. It's just not worth it to us. However, if I get FD, I will upgrade to POFQ.

I need some suggestions... I've talked DH into considering a November trip but I have to keep it from breaking the bank so I need a discount or the best option would be free dining. The dining plan is key for us so I don't have to hear him complain about the price on EVERY menu at EVERY meal.

Our last trip was at Easter 3 years ago and while it was crowded, I thought we made out fine so Thanksgiving doesn't scare me, but we can be flexible with the dates to some degree.

I was looking at POR because of the family of 5 issue.

Do I book now and hope for a discount? I keep getting emails from Disney Destinations but they are for spring. What would be my best bet for reserving and a discount code coming along?

TIA!

If you are going during Thanksgiving week, I think you need to book now. It's better to have your room now, than not be able to get what you want.

I did that last year. I was booked in a TPV at the Poly and spent MONTHS feeling guilty about the expense. I finally decided that I was just going to change it to something more reasonable. I called and changed it, and regretted it almost immediately. I called back and there was NOTHING available at the Poly.

I know the feeling. Nothing like Disney guilt.

 

[AquaDame]

I keep going back and forth also... this will be the fourth time I have gone and never once have I gotten a PIN. We know we won't be back next year so I booked POFQ (my favourite so far) and I kept longingly looking at Poly, trying various things to get a good code that would make the cost of upgrade more reasonable than +2K for 4 nights... I've even called in, but I am slowly accepting the fact that we need to change to POP... Its a shorter jaunt before a cruise, so we will likely be in the parks a lot and will be pampered the next week while at sea... oh well, I will likely call tonight and move us!

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi Everyone! I'm booked at the WL and would love to stay there but am second (third and fourth) guessing the extra expense. I want it all and I want it affordable. Why can't I have it? Seriously though I am considering switching to a less expensive resort. Comments welcome

lol, could you consider a split stay, do a mod first, then a few nights at WL at the end?

I am trying to decide what's more important to me: a room close to the GCH with a balcony, or any room in Fiji Longhouse.

If a balcony is available and doesn't cost more, then I want it! But I like the views in Fiji.

Would it be better to have a room with a nice view and a location that sounds great, or a room with no balcony and a so-so view?

I like the idea of a place to have morning coffee, and a place to stash wet ponchos or the stroller, but would I actually do any of those things?

When I look back on our WDW trips, I'm surprised to say that we've never actually had a room with a balcony. Weird as it, that's just the way it's worked out. So maybe the balcony is really no big deal?

I am planning a lot more resort time this year than ever before, as I've decided this will be our first year traveling without park hoppers. With a split stay, I can arrange our park days to take advantage of geography and transportation advantages, and it seems so much more relaxing not to hop!

So I continue to deliberate.

We used our balcony a lot at BLT the last two trips. DH read on it while DS napped during our midday breaks. We hung wet swim clothes out there. We went out to watch the electrical water parade at night etc. We loved it! So if you think you would really use it, then do it. If you won't be in your room much, then it probably isn't a big deal.

Thanks so much. I didn't realize there was a Disney outlet in Grapevine! We will definitely have to take a drive there!

Any suggestions on hotels? I was thinking about the Westin @ the Galleria, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money. How far is the drive from Grapevine to the Galleria? It's been 10 years since I lived in Las Colinas, and I don't remember much. Was thinking about staying in Addison, but mainly I want something nice, clean, and safe since it will be just me and DD. I'd appreciate any ideas.

I've never stayed at the Westin Galleria, but yeah, it can be pricey. I've done work meetings there. You can hop on 635 west bound to get to the Grapevine mall, about 20 minutes tops probably from the Galleria, that is without traffic. 635 is undergoing a huge construction job now (and for years to come) to make it a double decker toll road. It is torn up everywhere. So avoid 635 if you can! lol- you can hop the northbound tollway to george bush 190 to get to Grapevine too- maybe 30 minutes. If you want a splurge, look at prices for the Gaylord Texan, i bet they aren't much more than the Westin probably and they have a new pool/waterpark area they opened and it is right by the mall. I would say the Galleria location isn't ideal to stay at due to all the construction and traffic.

if you want to stay up in Frisco near the Stonebriar mall- there are some good hotels up there- including an Embassy Suites that is nice right by the mall. I just had a meeting there. they do free breakfast and happy hour too. It is right off the north dallas tollway and it would only be 20 minutes to Grapevine and probably 20 minutes down to the Galleria. I would recommend looking there. Sam Moon is right there by the mall too.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en...co-Hotel-Convention-Center-Spa-Texas/index.do

The aLoft is fun and nice too in Frisco.
http://www.aloftfrisco.com/

Addison is a good alternative too. Just don't stay near 635/LBJ. It's a mess.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I've never stayed at the Westin Galleria, but yeah, it can be pricey. I've done work meetings there. You can hop on 635 west bound to get to the Grapevine mall, about 20 minutes tops probably from the Galleria, that is without traffic. 635 is undergoing a huge construction job now (and for years to come) to make it a double decker toll road. It is torn up everywhere. So avoid 635 if you can! lol- you can hop the northbound tollway to george bush 190 to get to Grapevine too- maybe 30 minutes. If you want a splurge, look at prices for the Gaylord Texan, i bet they aren't much more than the Westin probably and they have a new pool/waterpark area they opened and it is right by the mall. I would say the Galleria location isn't ideal to stay at due to all the construction and traffic.

if you want to stay up in Frisco near the Stonebriar mall- there are some good hotels up there- including an Embassy Suites that is nice right by the mall. I just had a meeting there. they do free breakfast and happy hour too. It is right off the north dallas tollway and it would only be 20 minutes to Grapevine and probably 20 minutes down to the Galleria. I would recommend looking there. Sam Moon is right there by the mall too.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en...co-Hotel-Convention-Center-Spa-Texas/index.do

The aLoft is fun and nice too in Frisco.
http://www.aloftfrisco.com/

Addison is a good alternative too. Just don't stay near 635/LBJ. It's a mess.

Thanks again. I had no idea 635 was under construction. A double decker toll! Holy cow! I'll definitely have to program my GPS to stay away from it. Frisco might be the way to go. I will do my best to avoid rush hour!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

obsession~ I looked at the Fiji longhouse as I walked by it..I personally wouldn't have liked it as much..the Tokelau is pretty central,..to both mono areas...and at night when you get off the EPCOT mono, it's good to be soooo close!!! i think you do get better view choices with Fiji tho', I just liked our location better,...but honestly, any of them are ok! I just requested Tokelau as my first request, and a balconey as my 2nd request..got them both, the last 2 times we were there!

 

[mydisneyobsession]

obsession~ I looked at the Fiji longhouse as I walked by it..I personally wouldn't have liked it as much..the Tokelau is pretty central,..to both mono areas...and at night when you get off the EPCOT mono, it's good to be soooo close!!! i think you do get better view choices with Fiji tho', I just liked our location better,...but honestly, any of them are ok! I just requested Tokelau as my first request, and a balconey as my 2nd request..got them both, the last 2 times we were there!

Uh oh! What didn't you like about Fiji, do you think? Was it mostly the distance from the TTC, or is there some other thing I should consider?

We'll be doing Epcot earlier in our trip because we are doing a split stay with the Dolphin. My plan is to do just MK and resort time while we're at the Poly (although my DH and oldest DD will be heading to Universal one day) so I don't think we'll be doing that walk back from the Epcot Monorail much.

I have read a lot about Tokelau, and kind of planned to request that first. Then I saw that Balcony rooms at Samoa and Tokelau were pretty popular requests, so I thought I might "shop around" a little and see if something else appealed to me that might be less popular. The views from Fiji sound really nice, and it seems to be pretty close to the GCH and the boat to MK. Either way, my backup request is "balcony room, close to GCH." I'm sure I'll love any room we end up in!

I called to put in my request tonight - big mistake. Believe it or not, I've been on hold for 2 hours and 21 minutes, when the automated system said it would be less than 7. I would just hang up, but I feel very invested in completing this phone call now! I always enjoy listening to the hold music, but the American Adventure song is really starting to get on my nerves! But I can't bring myself to hang up after waiting so long!

So I'll probably have some more time to consider the whole "room request" thing.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I'm another November Poly person. I took a look at tikimanpages and the Poly thread here and decided I will likely request Tokeleau. I like the central location and the fact that it is a "newer" building with bigger rooms and balconies on the second and third floors.

 

[Skarloey]

This is my first post here. I am trying to read through everything and get some info because I am sure it is all here but I am overwhelmed. We are planning to go in early November and want to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I see that lots of people have already booked but seem to be waiting for discount codes. My question is this - can I book now and apply a code if I receive one later? I don't want to wait too long to book but I don't want to overpay either. Help please.

 

[natter]

Yes ~ you can book now and apply a discount code or pin later. The past couple years the November discounts became available in July/August for the general public.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

it wasnt anything specific,..I just liked the area where the tokelau was located..the first time we were at the poly, we were in the Aotearoa longhouse..it was great too! And I don't remember walking to the other monorail being a big deal,..and I was pregnant with my dd...I know it was closer to the Friendships......but I just started requesting Tokelau because we have 3 kids and they are bigger rooms...i think anything there would be great....checkout the Tikiman pages...

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

This is my first post here. I am trying to read through everything and get some info because I am sure it is all here but I am overwhelmed. We are planning to go in early November and want to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I see that lots of people have already booked but seem to be waiting for discount codes. My question is this - can I book now and apply a code if I receive one later? I don't want to wait too long to book but I don't want to overpay either. Help please.

Glad you are here! Just go ahead and book,paying your deposit...when something is announced-pins or codes or Free dining,whatever it may be-you can apply it. Just call back and speak to a CM (Cast Member,which is a Disney employee) and they will fix you up! You have until 45 days away to cancel and get refunded too....

 

[Smileybug]

3 months from today I make our ADRs. And my list is empty.
I have no idea why I am having trouble pulling this together.


Good morning ya'll.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I am having trouble too. I cant seem to get disney together, catch up on all this reading and still stay sane! LOL!

 

[OrangeCat04]

Good morning everyone!

I apologize if I am annoying everyone with questions, but I was thinking the other day, I have never really researched the crowd situation for November. We don't have definite dates yet, but will likely go for the end of F&W, but the beginning of MVMCP so around the 10th-18th ish? . How are the crowds for early November? I know F&W gets crazy on the weekends especially starting around dinner time, so we will try to avoid that. We usually go in January so we are used to the lower crowd levels (although it seems every year it gets more and more crowded at that time, but that is a different topic, lol)

Also, do you find you do a lot of swimming in Nov? We are from New England so even 60-70 temps we would have no problem swimming in. I know some people who live in the south who find those temps to be cold, and we think they are nice and toasty... Just trying to get an idea of what to expect!

Thanks

 

[CristinaML]

It will be three of us going - Me, my Mom and my son who will almost be 5. I think the Wilderness Lodge makes the most sense for us but the cost nearly gives me heart palpatations! Mom can't walk all day so she'll be renting a scooter for the entire trip - that will be handy. She's also not an early riser so at the Wilderness DS and I can get up early and head to MK and she can get on the boat and meet us there or we can come back and get her to head back to MK or somewhere else. We'll be renting a car for the entire stay for convience as well since DS will need afternoon breaks/nap. I could make the trip shorter, but I don't want to! I just have to get over the money thing and not worry so much I think.

 

[denman007]

3 months from today I make our ADRs. And my list is empty.
I have no idea why I am having trouble pulling this together.


Good morning ya'll.

If dining isn't free this November I will probably only make 2 or 3 ADRs at the most. Ohana's and Canada.

At this point I don't really care either way. Our 'group' is so big it would be a hassle to worry about dining and ADRs. I like the idea of counter service and freedom.

 

[Smileybug]

I am having trouble too. I cant seem to get disney together, catch up on all this reading and still stay sane! LOL!

Hey you!! Seems like it has been forever since I have seen you.

You have had alot going on lately. Things will settle down and Disney will take its rightful place in your life once again.

Good morning everyone!

I apologize if I am annoying everyone with questions, but I was thinking the other day, I have never really researched the crowd situation for November. We don't have definite dates yet, but will likely go for the end of F&W, but the beginning of MVMCP so around the 10th-18th ish? . How are the crowds for early November? I know F&W gets crazy on the weekends especially starting around dinner time, so we will try to avoid that. We usually go in January so we are used to the lower crowd levels (although it seems every year it gets more and more crowded at that time, but that is a different topic, lol)

Also, do you find you do a lot of swimming in Nov? We are from New England so even 60-70 temps we would have no problem swimming in. I know some people who live in the south who find those temps to be cold, and we think they are nice and toasty... Just trying to get an idea of what to expect!

Thanks

You aren't annoying. Ask away........ But it sounds like a membership to touring plans is in your future. I think it would help you alot. If you don't want to join TP, you can check out easywdw. That is a free site that is also very helpful. I usually compare the two sites when I'm looking for info.

Swimming in Nov.......The weather is all over the place. I would say chances are that you will be able to swim at least part of your trip.

It will be three of us going - Me, my Mom and my son who will almost be 5. I think the Wilderness Lodge makes the most sense for us but the cost nearly gives me heart palpatations! Mom can't walk all day so she'll be renting a scooter for the entire trip - that will be handy. She's also not an early riser so at the Wilderness DS and I can get up early and head to MK and she can get on the boat and meet us there or we can come back and get her to head back to MK or somewhere else. We'll be renting a car for the entire stay for convience as well since DS will need afternoon breaks/nap. I could make the trip shorter, but I don't want to! I just have to get over the money thing and not worry so much I think.

Hubby and I think the WL is worth it. But only if it really works with the budget at the time. To me a vacation is only a vacation if is it truly affordable. But it does sound like the WL fits everything you need.

If dining isn't free this November I will probably only make 2 or 3 ADRs at the most. Ohana's and Canada.

At this point I don't really care either way. Our 'group' is so big it would be a hassle to worry about dining and ADRs. I like the idea of counter service and freedom.

I like the idea of freedom as well. But to keep hubby happy we make ADRs.

How big is your group? So far it is looking like I will have 21 family members in Disney at the same time. I find that to be soooo scary.

 

[SevsOnlyGirl]

Happy Mom2 - Thanks for the warm welcome!

dazednconfused - we've talked about connecting rooms or a family suite, but aren't sure we can swing the cost. However, if we got some kind of discount, it might happen!


exwdwcm - we're looking at the All Stars Movies resort, would love to upgrade but our budget is set. For the character meals, we're considering 1900 Park Fare (think that's the name of it) for a breakfast, but not sure yet.

 

[denman007]

How big is your group? So far it is looking like I will have 21 family members in Disney at the same time. I find that to be soooo scary.

Right now it is 11 with a max of 15.

Ohana's would be fun for a large group - we did that before. Other than that is too much of a hassle trying to please everyone. Since I am was put in charge of booking rooms I don't need the stress of ADRs too.

With 21 how do you determine who wants to eat with who and where and when? lol

 

[exwdwcm]

Thanks again. I had no idea 635 was under construction. A double decker toll! Holy cow! I'll definitely have to program my GPS to stay away from it. Frisco might be the way to go. I will do my best to avoid rush hour!

Yes, AVOID 635 at all costs, it is pretty nasty!!! I think staying in Frisco or Grapevine is your best bet. Then only venture near 635 when you are hitting the American Doll store. Did you live here when they were doing the 75 Central construction way back when (I think I was in HS, like in the late 80s, early 90s?)- 635 is worse than that was, I swear!

This is my first post here. I am trying to read through everything and get some info because I am sure it is all here but I am overwhelmed. We are planning to go in early November and want to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I see that lots of people have already booked but seem to be waiting for discount codes. My question is this - can I book now and apply a code if I receive one later? I don't want to wait too long to book but I don't want to overpay either. Help please.

Welcome!!! Definitely easy to be overwhelmed! Ask anything- there is so much knowledge on the boards and with this group! Definitely book now and you can apply discounts later if they are available for your dates/location.

3 months from today I make our ADRs. And my list is empty.
I have no idea why I am having trouble pulling this together.


Good morning ya'll.

Any ideas on what you are thinking? Or are you waiting to see if FD comes out first?

I am having trouble too. I cant seem to get disney together, catch up on all this reading and still stay sane! LOL!

LOL- i know the feeling, work keeps getting in the way of my DIS'ing!

Good morning everyone!

I apologize if I am annoying everyone with questions, but I was thinking the other day, I have never really researched the crowd situation for November. We don't have definite dates yet, but will likely go for the end of F&W, but the beginning of MVMCP so around the 10th-18th ish? . How are the crowds for early November? I know F&W gets crazy on the weekends especially starting around dinner time, so we will try to avoid that. We usually go in January so we are used to the lower crowd levels (although it seems every year it gets more and more crowded at that time, but that is a different topic, lol)

Also, do you find you do a lot of swimming in Nov? We are from New England so even 60-70 temps we would have no problem swimming in. I know some people who live in the south who find those temps to be cold, and we think they are nice and toasty... Just trying to get an idea of what to expect!

Thanks

I haven't been in November before, but I hear other than Thanksgiving it can be great, especially week days. We are doing Nov 8-17th. So we are planning to hit end of F&W and MVMCP too. As mentioned, be prepared, that first weekend will be busy due to:

• Festival of the Masters (art fest) at DTD - Nov 9-11
• Jersey week ending - hopefully all gone by Nov 11th
• Wine and Dine half marathon weekend- Nov 9-11
• End of F&W- last day Nov 11
• Veterans Day- Nov 11

I hear the week after Thanksgiving is nice too and I bet early November if fabulous as well- you just wouldn't get the MVMCP. If you do after Thanksgiving, you miss out on F&W. That is why we chose that week of 8-17th, to hit both. The crowd calendars from last year on easywdw were showing like 3-5s for the most of November (excluding Thanksgiving week). 6s for the weekend we are talking about of the 9-11th. This is all last year. for TP, it is showing a 9 for that Saturday, 11/10. But the rest of that week is showing 2s and 3s! Yeah!

It will be three of us going - Me, my Mom and my son who will almost be 5. I think the Wilderness Lodge makes the most sense for us but the cost nearly gives me heart palpatations! Mom can't walk all day so she'll be renting a scooter for the entire trip - that will be handy. She's also not an early riser so at the Wilderness DS and I can get up early and head to MK and she can get on the boat and meet us there or we can come back and get her to head back to MK or somewhere else. We'll be renting a car for the entire stay for convience as well since DS will need afternoon breaks/nap. I could make the trip shorter, but I don't want to! I just have to get over the money thing and not worry so much I think.

WL definitely sounds convenient for you guys! Hoping it all comes through for you!