November 2012 Code Watch!!

[LaDonna]

I know we are doing POR because it is the cheapest option for the 5 of us

 

[CristinaML]

What is ADR? Sorry there are so many abbriviations I don't know what they are refering to. It will take me a while to catch on.

 

[exwdwcm]

So DD12 tells me she wants to try lobster......well Narcoosee's it is! And we added CRT....that will open a few days...now on to writing everything down and praying i get ALL the ADR's! ACK!

yeah, your new plans look good. DHS will be a packed day, but like you said, if there isn't as much you want/need to do at that park, then it should work. Plus you can book breakfast before opening and dinner right near close to maximize your hours. When my DS4 is too tired from going all day, he can be a maniac at a sit down dinner, so we try and avoid too many for that reason, we sort of can tell if it is going to be a good meal or not. LOL!!! But our midday breaks usually help and make sure he is rested so he behaves at dinner. I can't wait to read your TR afterwards to hear about all the good eating!!!

" Deluxe is definitely the way to go to impress someone! After always staying in mods (mainly POR), the first time we stayed in a deluxe- AKL, happened to be on a business trip (yep, i looked to see if any Disney hotels were on the approved list!)----DH was hooked. He was like, why did we ever stay anywhere else? LOL! So that led us to buy DVC so we can always stay deluxe now! Can't wait to hear what plans you have!!! "


Ahh I totally agree! We talked about it tonight and decided on staying at the Beach Club!!! I am so excited- we love the pool and the breakfast buffet and the seafood buffet for dinner. It will also be super nice being in walking distance to Epcot for F&W.

Now what is the best way to go about getting a PIN that everyone speaks of? I would love to get the Free Dining one because that would be right up my SO alley to not have to pay for meals OOP when we are there! Is it best to wait to hear when public dates for Free Dining are announced (or if they even are)? I'm a little confused as to how it all works so any info would be appreciated!!

Yeah, congrats. Never stayed at BC, but have visited and love it. Plus, you can't get the pools! Pretty much just staying active on the Disney site is what folks say, to increase your chances of getting a PIN. I think it is completely random. So just no way of knowing. Did you order the custom maps? Those are a fun souvie anyhow. I would wait to hear if FD comes out. You have your room/package all booked, you can always add dining to it later if you wanted. Or you can add it now and if FD comes out, you can call back and have them apply that to your package too. AT least I believe that is how it works, it's been a while since we've booked packages since we are DVC now.

Just booked our November 12-18 trip - so excited! We went with the Wilderness Lodge after almost endless discussion and debate.

I have already learned so much from reading this thread and can't wait to get our ADRs planned, too. Cinderella's Royal Table is top of that list!

woo hoo-our dates overlap! WE did CRT dinner in October and loved it. I didn't have high expectations since I hear the food isn't all that great, but we really enjoyed it. And that was with my 4yo son. Since I don't have a girl, I figured I better do CRT while he is still little and likes the princesses. He had a ball. LOVE the WL. One of my favorites and one of the best deals for a mod.

Good Morning! I haven't booked yet. I must admit the pricing is a bit scarey. I'm considering Wilderness Lodge, Carribean, and Art of Animation for 10 nights - I'm taking my 4 year old son and treating my Mom (she has not been there since 1978!). I have never stayed on property, my son has never been there and the last time my Mom was there only Magic Kingdom exsisted. So I'm hoping for a nice long trip Nov. 8-18 where we can take our time and see everything.

I want to start at the beginning and read this whole conversation I see there is much for me to learn. Thank you for the welcome and in advance for all the knowledge you're sharing.

OH and I"m on what I'm calling my Disney Diet so I'm in better shape to have the most fun possible!

Good luck in your planning! Sounds like a fabulous trip. If you want deluxe, WL is one of the cheaper deluxe options (as is AKL). the new art of animation sounds so cool too! 10 days is an amazing trip and you should be able to fit a lot in. We usually try and do at least 8 nights. I have a 4yo son as well and any advice you want- let me know. WE just came back from 9 days in October at BLT. He did Pirates League and the Pirates and Pals Cruise and loved them. For November, we are going to try the Family Magic Tour.

I just scared my dh last night with a trip staying at POR for only 7 nights hope he doesn't change his mind!

lol! fingers crossed he doesn't change his mind!

My DH doesn't even know how much ours is costing, and I plan to keep it that way. Of course, he won't ask because deep down he doesn't want to know. He just knows I have a vacation savings account that I have money go into each month and that pays for all of our vacations. He's happy taking a back seat and letting me deal with all that.

LOL- love this! Yeah, I think my DH has an idea in general, but typically I pay for the flights, rental car etc. Our room is taken care of by DVC, and then he pays for all the meals on his CC while we are there (using TIW discount). He did comment on the food a few times, but he knows it is pricey! Now he knows how much the rooms are too, which is one reason he was on board with DVC since he decided deluxe was the only way to go in the future. I was perfectly happy with POR, but once he stayed deluxe, he was hooked. LOL! I might be afraid to really add up the costs.

I'm hoping to afford 10 nights - anyway that is what I am planning for. How do you get a PIN??? I sent away for the DVD last year and again this week. Do they show up in emails, in the regular mail? I'm afraid I may have missed something YIKES

I see many are staying at POR what about Caribbean? Any advise for which would be best for 3 people, one is a seinor citizen who has issues with walking to far and one is a very energetic boy who will nearly be 5?

There is no way to get a PIN for sure. It is all random apparently. But folks say the most active you are on the disney web site, the better your chances, at least that way you are in their system. So be sure you have registered and have a log in on the site, complete with your email, address etc. Order the free DVD, custom maps, create an itenerary, price some vacations on there etc. PINS usually come via email or mail as a postcard.

I am a POR fan, just love that theme more. But I've stayed at CBR too. It is beautiful and if you love that tropical feel, you will enjoy it. The new pool is amazing and they also offer the pirate rooms now. The food court has a big selection too. However, the CBR is very spread out, so unless you get a room close to the food court/bus stop, it si a LOT of walking. I would say, shoot for maybe POFQ, it is the most intimate moderate, so not as much walking. It is gorgeous too. The pool there is awesome so your 5yo would enjoy that!

What is ADR? Sorry there are so many abbriviations I don't know what they are refering to. It will take me a while to catch on.

Advanced Dining Reservation- so making a reservation (or ressie) for a sit down meal. You can make them 180 days (6 months ) out and I suggest you do that, especially for hard to get meals like CRT (Cinderella's Royal Table).

 

[Happy Mom2]

Im on one of those too...hoping to lose 17 pounds Iv put a few on over the holidays and my girls got a cake pop maker for Christmas which IS NOT helping!!!

We will only be there 7 FULL days-well our arrival day is a 3/4 day
Ill admit I have joined the group but havent made much progress... I think its women problems

Have a hysterectomy like me. Tomorrow will be two weeks since my surgery and as of Sunday I've lost 10 pounds. Granted, it's mostly water weight, and I haven't had an appetite.

Our first couple of trips we did Sun-Sat.......now I'm kind of obsessed with making sure we are there at least 8 park days.....and now I'm obsessed with making sure they are full park days, so I'm wanting to add extra nights to the beginning and end which starts bumping up the price, especially when the rooms are $200 a night!!! Oh well at least if free dining all 5 of us will be in dining heaven

Oh, think of the fun you'll have!!

What is ADR? Sorry there are so many abbriviations I don't know what they are refering to. It will take me a while to catch on.

Advance Dining Reservation - if you are staying on property, you can make ADRs 180 days in advance of your check in date. For some table service restaurants, it's a MUST.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Good luck in your planning! Sounds like a fabulous trip. If you want deluxe, WL is one of the cheaper deluxe options (as is AKL). the new art of animation sounds so cool too! 10 days is an amazing trip and you should be able to fit a lot in. We usually try and do at least 8 nights. I have a 4yo son as well and any advice you want- let me know. WE just came back from 9 days in October at BLT. He did Pirates League and the Pirates and Pals Cruise and loved them. For November, we are going to try the Family Magic Tour.

LOL- love this! Yeah, I think my DH has an idea in general, but typically I pay for the flights, rental car etc. Our room is taken care of by DVC, and then he pays for all the meals on his CC while we are there (using TIW discount). He did comment on the food a few times, but he knows it is pricey! Now he knows how much the rooms are too, which is one reason he was on board with DVC since he decided deluxe was the only way to go in the future. I was perfectly happy with POR, but once he stayed deluxe, he was hooked. LOL! I might be afraid to really add up the costs.

Can you tell me more about the Pirates League & Pirates & Pals Cruise? I'm trying to make sure I have an even mix of boy and girl activity planned. Yesterday I researched Jedi Training Academy (or whatever it's called), and I think we are going to do that. DD would live it just as much as DS.

Yes, it is scary. I have a budget spreadsheet worked out that includes everything... gas, hotel for overnight stay on the drive down, park tickets, resort, food, mousekeeping tips, restaurant tips, souvenirs, etc. The total is But watching DS hold Buzz's hand and stare up at him in amazement or seeing DD's complete joy when meeting the princesses is worth every penny.

 

[LaDonna]

I emailed dh with the prices and options and how much I already had saved and how much I'll be making babysitting and disneydollars we've earned/will earn, so now he sees there won't be too much coming out of his pocket Even said we could do 8 nights!

 

[CristinaML]

I emailed dh with the prices and options and how much I already had saved and how much I'll be making babysitting and disneydollars we've earned/will earn, so now he sees there won't be too much coming out of his pocket Even said we could do 8 nights!

That's fantastic!

I can't thank all of you enough. I'm going to keep asking questions please tell me to zip it if I get annoying! Were can I find maps of the individual resorts? I think it will be easier to pick if I can actually see the lay out. Some sound down right huge and sprawling!

 

[tchr414]

hi everyone!
I am so excited to be on here.. we are planning a trip Nov 11-16 It has been 10 years since my last visit and even longer since my husband has been there.. we are taking our 2 little ones ( they will be almost 6 and 3.5 yrs) and going with my inlaws we have just started looking at resorts and restaurants.. if we can afford it i would love to stay at Animal Kingdom

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I emailed dh with the prices and options and how much I already had saved and how much I'll be making babysitting and disneydollars we've earned/will earn, so now he sees there won't be too much coming out of his pocket Even said we could do 8 nights!

Thats great news!!!!!

That's fantastic!

I can't thank all of you enough. I'm going to keep asking questions please tell me to zip it if I get annoying! Were can I find maps of the individual resorts? I think it will be easier to pick if I can actually see the lay out. Some sound down right huge and sprawling!

They can be found at http://allears.net/acc/faq_hot.htm and Port Orleans resorts have http://portorleans.org/maps-and-directions.php

hi everyone!
I am so excited to be on here.. we are planning a trip Nov 11-16 It has been 10 years since my last visit and even longer since my husband has been there.. we are taking our 2 little ones ( they will be almost 6 and 3.5 yrs) and going with my inlaws we have just started looking at resorts and restaurants.. if we can afford it i would love to stay at Animal Kingdom

WOW 10 yrs!!! I cant say much my FIRST visit was 2 yrs ago and im hooked!!! I would love to stay at AKL too but its POR for us this trip. If you have any questions....just ask!!!! Ill add you to our list!

 

[ladywebby]

Hi everyone!

I am enjoying reading your posts! I am new here and just booked a trip Nov. 15-22. I had to go down to Orlando for a wedding and convinced three friends to come with me and make a Disney trip out of it. We are staying at POP and praying for FD

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Hi everyone!

I am enjoying reading your posts! I am new here and just booked a trip Nov. 15-22. I had to go down to Orlando for a wedding and convinced three friends to come with me and make a Disney trip out of it. We are staying at POP and praying for FD

Ill add you to our list!!!!! Im praying for FD too!!!

 

[Happy Mom2]

I emailed dh with the prices and options and how much I already had saved and how much I'll be making babysitting and disneydollars we've earned/will earn, so now he sees there won't be too much coming out of his pocket Even said we could do 8 nights!

That's great! I know you are excited! Time to those 8 days now!

I can't thank all of you enough. I'm going to keep asking questions please tell me to zip it if I get annoying! Were can I find maps of the individual resorts? I think it will be easier to pick if I can actually see the lay out. Some sound down right huge and sprawling!

You're welcome! That's what we are here for. We bounce ideas off each other all the time. The other part of this website (www.wdwinfo.com) has resort maps, but it's easier to find them by googling "Port of Orleans Resort Map Disney" or whatever resort you are looking for. Even for the large resorts, you can usually request a room closer to your needs. It's not a guarantee, but we've had good luck. When I made my requests (quiet area away from pools), I also gave my reason (so DD and DS could take naps during the day), and my request was granted. They gave us the perfect room. Good luck!

hi everyone!
I am so excited to be on here.. we are planning a trip Nov 11-16 It has been 10 years since my last visit and even longer since my husband has been there.. we are taking our 2 little ones ( they will be almost 6 and 3.5 yrs) and going with my inlaws we have just started looking at resorts and restaurants.. if we can afford it i would love to stay at Animal Kingdom

Welcome!! We are all into the planning mode! So happy to have you join us!

 

[exwdwcm]

I emailed dh with the prices and options and how much I already had saved and how much I'll be making babysitting and disneydollars we've earned/will earn, so now he sees there won't be too much coming out of his pocket Even said we could do 8 nights!

Yeah, that is awesome news!!!! I am burning up my Disney VISA to earn more rewards. I already cash in from last year's, but up to over $60 already! Hopefully you'll earn a ton before the trip- you've got time! 8 nights is awesome!!!!! Yeah DH!

That's fantastic!

I can't thank all of you enough. I'm going to keep asking questions please tell me to zip it if I get annoying! Were can I find maps of the individual resorts? I think it will be easier to pick if I can actually see the lay out. Some sound down right huge and sprawling!

I love helping and answering questions- so shoot away!

here is a link to find all the resort maps:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/index.htm#resort

You can also click within those pages to see pics of the resorts too.
The moderates and values can be very spread out. You can request close to the main buildings or bus stops, but it isn't always guaranteed. The deluxes are most compact, but I still have had a room way down the hall that seemed like a 5 mile walk. So whatever resort you choose, getting in a request about a week before will be the key to trying to get what you want- also noting any medical issues on your reservation might help too.

Can you tell me more about the Pirates League & Pirates & Pals Cruise? I'm trying to make sure I have an even mix of boy and girl activity planned. Yesterday I researched Jedi Training Academy (or whatever it's called), and I think we are going to do that. DD would live it just as much as DS.

Yes, it is scary. I have a budget spreadsheet worked out that includes everything... gas, hotel for overnight stay on the drive down, park tickets, resort, food, mousekeeping tips, restaurant tips, souvenirs, etc. The total is But watching DS hold Buzz's hand and stare up at him in amazement or seeing DD's complete joy when meeting the princesses is worth every penny.

Sure, you can see pics in my TR of both.

Pirate League is located right outside POTC. It isn't huge and you need to make a reservation in advance usually. It is about $29.99 I think, unless you upgrade the package or buy the pic ($15 i think). Basically the child picks a style of makeup, they have choices for girls too! William picked one that included a fake goatee, scars and black eye! They first make you choose pirate name- you go through a little ceremony that is fun for that. Then you wait in the room until it is your turn at the chair. I think they do like 8-10 kids at a time. William first got a pirate tattoo on his hand which he thought was so cool, then the makeup. He got the bandana, pirate eye patch etc. When they are done, they also do a little something special to announce he is now a pirate and his name. Then you head over to wait to go through the secret passage way. Once inside, you get a little photoshoot. Then exit into the shop and pay. YOu can select to buy the photo or not (they won't let you take your own pics in that room past the secret passageway, but you can while they are being made up). We opted to buy the photo. He had a blast and looked so cute. You can have them wear their own pirate outfit if you want or buy one. William just wore a pirate themed t-shirt. He had a lot of fun. I would say kids from anywhere from 3-10 would enjoy this. It's a great option for boys to have something special to do.

On the Pirates and Pals Cruise- AMAZING! It's pricey. I think it was like $150 for the 3 of us. It departs from the Contemporary boat dock, which was convenient for us, staying at BLT. The time can vary, since it is timed for WISHES. It is usually on Friday-Monday only. You arrive and check in at a little table- it is on the same floor as the check in for the Cali Grill, in what looks like a convention area. You are all given a pirate bandana so they know you are part of the group. then they let you into the main area where all the food and drink is located, plus a backdrop for pics with Hook and Smee. AS a HUGE fan of Hook, this was heaven for my son! We took pics, then grabbed snacks- they are all included in the price and you can take as much as you want. There are nuts, granola bars, rice krispy treats, cotton candy, chocolate and more- all portable individual wrapped snacks. Then soda, water, coffee etc. You eat and do pics there for a bit, then they line you up into two groups- one follows Hook and one follows Smee. They select a child to carry the flag and lead each group downstairs to the boats. There were two boats, both much larger than I thought. I thought the cruise was more intimate, but it was big.

You board the boat and your pirate- Patch, tells jokes, sings songs and entertains you the entire time. He was hilarious, lots of kid and adult humor. We went out onto the lake to view the electrical water parade and then they move into position for WISHES and you watch that. Music is piped in. It was great. We had a major bug issue our night- these weird non biting mosquitos were everywhere, especially on the dock and boat (and also at BLt outside), so that was annoying. But we had a great time. They do trivia too and give out small prizes. We won a pirate hook!

Then the boat returns and Peter Pan is there to meet you. We were the last ones off the boat, so the line for Peter had pretty much gone down by the time we got up there. We waited for 2 people and then were the last to see him. Will was in heaven and had a ball. We felt it was worth the cost and would even consider doing it again, maybe in November, just depends on what other extras we will do.

I highly recommend both. Will wore his Peter Pan costume on the cruise. here he is with Peter after the cruise.

here are some pirate league pics:

 

[Happy Mom2]

Hi everyone!

I am enjoying reading your posts! I am new here and just booked a trip Nov. 15-22. I had to go down to Orlando for a wedding and convinced three friends to come with me and make a Disney trip out of it. We are staying at POP and praying for FD

Welcome!! That sounds like a great trip! We loved the POP when we stayed there two years ago. We haven't decide where we are staying.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I dont wanna step on anyones toes BUT I thought Id throw some abbreviations out for the newbies If anyone wants to add ny, just quote me

ADR- Advanced Dining Reservation
MVMCP- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
MK-Magic Kingdom
AK-Animal Kingdom
DHS- DIsney Hollywood Studios
MNNSHP- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
POR- Port Orleans Resort
WL- Wilderness Lodge
FP- Fast pass- allows you to return to a popular ride at a given time
HDDR- Hoop De Doo Review
CRT-Cinderella's Round Table
and thats all I can think of right now

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Sure, you can see pics in my TR of both.

Pirate League is located right outside POTC. It isn't huge and you need to make a reservation in advance usually. It is about $29.99 I think, unless you upgrade the package or buy the pic ($15 i think). Basically the child picks a style of makeup, they have choices for girls too! William picked one that included a fake goatee, scars and black eye! They first make you choose pirate name- you go through a little ceremony that is fun for that. Then you wait in the room until it is your turn at the chair. I think they do like 8-10 kids at a time. William first got a pirate tattoo on his hand which he thought was so cool, then the makeup. He got the bandana, pirate eye patch etc. When they are done, they also do a little something special to announce he is now a pirate and his name. Then you head over to wait to go through the secret passage way. Once inside, you get a little photoshoot. Then exit into the shop and pay. YOu can select to buy the photo or not (they won't let you take your own pics in that room past the secret passageway, but you can while they are being made up). We opted to buy the photo. He had a blast and looked so cute. You can have them wear their own pirate outfit if you want or buy one. William just wore a pirate themed t-shirt. He had a lot of fun. I would say kids from anywhere from 3-10 would enjoy this. It's a great option for boys to have something special to do.

On the Pirates and Pals Cruise- AMAZING! It's pricey. I think it was like $150 for the 3 of us. It departs from the Contemporary boat dock, which was convenient for us, staying at BLT. The time can vary, since it is timed for WISHES. It is usually on Friday-Monday only. You arrive and check in at a little table- it is on the same floor as the check in for the Cali Grill, in what looks like a convention area. You are all given a pirate bandana so they know you are part of the group. then they let you into the main area where all the food and drink is located, plus a backdrop for pics with Hook and Smee. AS a HUGE fan of Hook, this was heaven for my son! We took pics, then grabbed snacks- they are all included in the price and you can take as much as you want. There are nuts, granola bars, rice krispy treats, cotton candy, chocolate and more- all portable individual wrapped snacks. Then soda, water, coffee etc. You eat and do pics there for a bit, then they line you up into two groups- one follows Hook and one follows Smee. They select a child to carry the flag and lead each group downstairs to the boats. There were two boats, both much larger than I thought. I thought the cruise was more intimate, but it was big.

You board the boat and your pirate- Patch, tells jokes, sings songs and entertains you the entire time. He was hilarious, lots of kid and adult humor. We went out onto the lake to view the electrical water parade and then they move into position for WISHES and you watch that. Music is piped in. It was great. We had a major bug issue our night- these weird non biting mosquitos were everywhere, especially on the dock and boat (and also at BLt outside), so that was annoying. But we had a great time. They do trivia too and give out small prizes. We won a pirate hook!

Then the boat returns and Peter Pan is there to meet you. We were the last ones off the boat, so the line for Peter had pretty much gone down by the time we got up there. We waited for 2 people and then were the last to see him. Will was in heaven and had a ball. We felt it was worth the cost and would even consider doing it again, maybe in November, just depends on what other extras we will do.

Both sound like so much fun!!!!! I think my girls might like the Pirate league

 

[Happy Mom2]

I got to get off this computer!! I've been shopping online all day. I found some t-shirts for me on the Disney site, plus a couple things for the kids to put in their goodie box when we surprise them.

Then I purchased the tie dye supplies so I can make these. Wish me luck! I doubt mine will come out near as cute as hers, but I think it will be a fun rainy weekend project to do with the kids.

 

[Happy Mom2]

EXWDWCM, thanks so much for the pirate info. I'm definitely going to have to consider doing one of both of those.

Your son is a cutie!

ETA: I noticed the autograph book. What kind is it?

 

[LaDonna]

I got to get off this computer!! I've been shopping online all day. I found some t-shirts for me on the Disney site, plus a couple things for the kids to put in their goodie box when we surprise them.

Then I purchased the tie dye supplies so I can make these. Wish me luck! I doubt mine will come out near as cute as hers, but I think it will be a fun rainy weekend project to do with the kids.

Those are cute! Good luck!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

So DH just got put on umemployment I dont know for how long..... ugh! I had so much planned now no money

I made these for our last trip

I loved making them!!!
Sorry the pic is bad...it was super hot that day lol