November 2012 Code Watch!!

[mydisneyobsession]

No free dining code=staying off site for the first time this year. We are going to try Bonnet Creek if a code doesn't come our way. It might be a nice change but I love being in the Disney magic 100% of the time. So I realllllly hope it happens soon!!!

And we are leaning towards the Beach Club Resort because of the pool and location to Epcot and Hollywood Studios; however, I do not want to spend all that money on a resort with a great pool and not enjoy the pool because of the weather.

I just wanted to post, because I'm the official cheerleader for the Swan and Dolphin! I thought the resorts might work for both of you - many of the benefits of staying on site - great Epcot area location, extra magic hours and park transportation - but much, much lower cost. While the Disney resorts are raising their rates to Holiday rates, the Swan and Dolphin are offering discounts Thanksgiving week. Just something to consider...

 

[Smileybug]

Good morning ya'll.

And welcome to all of our new planners.

 

[dazednconfused]

HI guys!!

Just wanted to ask... Have any of you tried calling WDW recently and asking if there's a PIN code attached to your existing reservation? There's a thread here on Dis about calling and enquiring about codes and some have even posted the CODES itself. Looks like some disers have been successful with these posted codes. BUT, none of their reservations are for Nov 2012. I'm tempted to call WDW myself.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

HI guys!!

Just wanted to ask... Have any of you tried calling WDW recently and asking if there's a PIN code attached to your existing reservation? There's a thread here on Dis about calling and enquiring about codes and some have even posted the CODES itself. Looks like some disers have been successful with these posted codes. BUT, none of their reservations are for Nov 2012. I'm tempted to call WDW myself.

me too!!!

Good morning!!! all the new planners!

 

[Smileybug]

HI guys!!

Just wanted to ask... Have any of you tried calling WDW recently and asking if there's a PIN code attached to your existing reservation? There's a thread here on Dis about calling and enquiring about codes and some have even posted the CODES itself. Looks like some disers have been successful with these posted codes. BUT, none of their reservations are for Nov 2012. I'm tempted to call WDW myself.

me too!!!

Good morning!!! all the new planners!

I have in the past. And nothing. As a matter of fact, the CM that I had didn't seem to know what I was talking about.

 

[dazednconfused]

Smileybug,
I understand that some had to call several times before they could get a knowledgeable CM to plug in the codes and work it so that the discount could be applied. Apparently, it works for some, but not others.

 

[DisneyLover75]

We'll be there November 25th to December 2! Can't wait! I've never spent a holiday in Disney! I've been there the weeks before or after thanksgiving but never ON Thanksgiving.

Very excited. We're staying at the Poly, no discount, obviously, right now. Waiting impatiently!

We're going to MVMCP at least twice! Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

We'll be there November 25th to December 2! Can't wait! I've never spent a holiday in Disney! I've been there the weeks before or after thanksgiving but never ON Thanksgiving.

Very excited. We're staying at the Poly, no discount, obviously, right now. Waiting impatiently!

We're going to MVMCP at least twice! Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!

WOW!!! Congrats!! we are going to be thre at the same time and staying at POR. We styed at the Poly in 2010 and loooooved it!

 

[CristinaML]

Here's a picture of my picture itinerary... (crossing my fingers that it posts)!

3rd try is the charm!

That is amazing!!! I'm hoping to do a spread sheet at best just to organize myself to make ADR I wish I could creat such a master piece what software did you use?

 

[Happy Mom2]

I have been holding off booking our trip because I have been waiting for a code, but I decided to go ahead and book for fear of our dates being sold out. So excited now!!!
So, until a code comes out, I booked room only for November 13-25th POR. We went this same time last year and loved it! Previously we would go during spring break. It was a welcomed break from the cold and snow...but being at Disney during the Christmas season was awesome. The lighter crowds (as compared to the week and 1/2 before Easter) for most of the days were a bonus, too!

No free dining code=staying off site for the first time this year. We are going to try Bonnet Creek if a code doesn't come our way. It might be a nice change but I love being in the Disney magic 100% of the time. So I realllllly hope it happens soon!!!

I'm thinking of booking our room also, but I keep flip flopping on where to stay.

I just wanted to post, because I'm the official cheerleader for the Swan and Dolphin! I thought the resorts might work for both of you - many of the benefits of staying on site - great Epcot area location, extra magic hours and park transportation - but much, much lower cost. While the Disney resorts are raising their rates to Holiday rates, the Swan and Dolphin are offering discounts Thanksgiving week. Just something to consider...

I would consider the Swan or Dolphin, but I can't get the dining plan if I stay there. I would even consider staying off site, but the dining plan is a must for us.

Good morning ya'll.

And welcome to all of our new planners.

Good morning!

HI guys!!

Just wanted to ask... Have any of you tried calling WDW recently and asking if there's a PIN code attached to your existing reservation? There's a thread here on Dis about calling and enquiring about codes and some have even posted the CODES itself. Looks like some disers have been successful with these posted codes. BUT, none of their reservations are for Nov 2012. I'm tempted to call WDW myself.

I've been looking at those threads also. Everyone who is able to use the code is going in April, May and June.

I did call last week to see if there was a code attached to my account, but there wasn't.

We'll be there November 25th to December 2! Can't wait! I've never spent a holiday in Disney! I've been there the weeks before or after thanksgiving but never ON Thanksgiving.

Very excited. We're staying at the Poly, no discount, obviously, right now. Waiting impatiently!

We're going to MVMCP at least twice! Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!

Welcome! From what I hear Thanksgiving is totally doable if you have a plan.

That is amazing!!! I'm hoping to do a spread sheet at best just to organize myself to make ADR I wish I could creat such a master piece what software did you use?

Thank you! I think the kids will love it. It was so easy. Time consuming... but easy. I used Excel, made the columns, and just googled images of resorts, parks, restaurants, etc. that I needed, copied the image and pasted into the excel spreadsheet. From there just move the image where you want it and crop or re-size it. Last enter your text!

 

[iwantpeace]

Good Morning everyone! I also called to see if there was a pin attached to my name and there was not. I tried twice and got the same answers. My dh will want to stay offsite if we don't get a discount. I really prefer to stay onsite and so do the kids!!!

I've never considered the swan or dolphin. Thanks for the suggestion...will definitely look into it. Does it exclude you from anything other than the dining plan. We will not do the dining plan unless it's free since my soon to be 10 year old will be considered an adult and definitely doesn't eat like one.

I'm considering making a room only reservation now to make sure we have a room. I think those can be canceled pretty easily in advance, but I don't want to hurt my chances of getting a pin.

 

[LaDonna]

I wonder is it possible to call and have a free dining pin attached to your name?

 

[exwdwcm]

Of course a few days after we booked our November trip I got a card in the mail offering room discounts... I emailed Disney to see if we could take advantage of that and I'm waiting to hear.

I know I can call and ask a CM, but I thought I'd give the email a shot..

Yes, i would add that discount now and then if FD comes out for you, you can call and add FD and remove the resort discount. You can't have both, but good to take the room discount for now at least.

Good morning, y'all! I guess I'm going to work on my itinerary some more today. I've about got it done. I'm sure it will change somewhat once the official hours are released.

I'm not feeling well this morning. Wednesday was 3 weeks since my hysterectomy, and Thursday night I fell. DH left the bottom drawer in the bathroom open, and when I got up in the middle of the night,... well, it wasn't pretty. In an effort to not hit my stomach, I managed to really bang myself up. I have no idea how I managed to get so many scrapes and bruises, but I guess I'm just talented that way. Anyway, I feel like I've been hit by a truck today.

Oh no! I hope you start feeling better soon (and that DH pushes the drawers in)- ouch! hugs!

Here's a picture of my picture itinerary... (crossing my fingers that it posts)!

3rd try is the charm!

aweome job- i love it!

Hello. I am new to this board, so I am not sure if I am posting in the right place or not. Me, my husband, my 14-year-old daughter, and a friend of my daughter's are going to Disney World in November. We are planning on arriving to Disney on Wednesday, November 21 and departing on Monday, November 26. This will be our fourth trip to Disney World, but the last time we were there was in 2003. I have not booked a hotel yet, as I am still trying to decide between the Beach Club Resort and the Wilderness Lodge. I like the Beach Club for the pool, but have not booked it yet because I am not sure if it is worth spending the extra money on a resort for the pool if the weather may not be warm enough to enjoy the pool.

Anyway, from what I understand from above posts, there are days in November (around Thanksgiving) that are blocked off from applying discounts to. Is this correct? I have never saved a penny on lodging or dining at Disney in the past because I was completely unaware of these pin codes (which I have received many times over the years, but never understood them or used them). Now that I am a little more educated in this I would love to save a little money on this trip, especially since we are allowing my daughter to bring a friend (we are covering the cost of the friend 100%). I recently received a Game On 10% pin code, but have not used it yet. I did see if it was valid during my stay and it ended up showing me a $90 total discount for my stay. Is this the best discount I should count on seeing during my travel dates? If so, if I use the current pin to save me $90 and a better discount does become available, can I change drop the Game On pin and replace it with a better discount? And finally, if I use the Game On pin, does that mean I will no longer be sent other pins or discount codes?

Usually PINS aren't offered for holiday weeks. But you can always just keep your eye open anyhow, you never know. I would book soon though, as Thanksgiving week will sell out typically. Yes, you usually can use whatever discount you have now and then if a better one comes along, you can swap it out by calling. Hope you have a great time!

I have been holding off booking our trip because I have been waiting for a code, but I decided to go ahead and book for fear of our dates being sold out. So excited now!!!
So, until a code comes out, I booked room only for November 13-25th POR. We went this same time last year and loved it! Previously we would go during spring break. It was a welcomed break from the cold and snow...but being at Disney during the Christmas season was awesome. The lighter crowds (as compared to the week and 1/2 before Easter) for most of the days were a bonus, too!

No free dining code=staying off site for the first time this year. We are going to try Bonnet Creek if a code doesn't come our way. It might be a nice change but I love being in the Disney magic 100% of the time. So I realllllly hope it happens soon!!!

Yeah for booking and I LOVE POR! here is hoping you get a great discount so you can keep POR. Although i hear Bonnet Creek is great too.

HI guys!!

Just wanted to ask... Have any of you tried calling WDW recently and asking if there's a PIN code attached to your existing reservation? There's a thread here on Dis about calling and enquiring about codes and some have even posted the CODES itself. Looks like some disers have been successful with these posted codes. BUT, none of their reservations are for Nov 2012. I'm tempted to call WDW myself.

I would say it can't hurt to call and ask- all they can say is no. and it might not hurt to call multiple times to get different CMs. You sometimes get a different answer depending on the CM or how knowledgeable they are or if they are truly taking the time to hunt for you.

We'll be there November 25th to December 2! Can't wait! I've never spent a holiday in Disney! I've been there the weeks before or after thanksgiving but never ON Thanksgiving.

Very excited. We're staying at the Poly, no discount, obviously, right now. Waiting impatiently!

We're going to MVMCP at least twice! Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!

Yeah! It's magical already! Hopefully you will miss most of the Thanksgiving crowds, should be a great time! Poly too- wow! You will really have a ball!

 

[mydisneyobsession]

I've never considered the swan or dolphin. Thanks for the suggestion...will definitely look into it. Does it exclude you from anything other than the dining plan. We will not do the dining plan unless it's free since my soon to be 10 year old will be considered an adult and definitely doesn't eat like one.

I'm considering making a room only reservation now to make sure we have a room. I think those can be canceled pretty easily in advance, but I don't want to hurt my chances of getting a pin.

Swan and Dolphin doesn't participate in Magical Express, so you'd need to arrange for alternate transportation to and from the airport. We did that last trip, and still saved a substantial bit of money. For this next trip, I added up the Dolphin room rate + cost of transportation, and decided to bookend our Dolphin stay with Disney resort stays for a 3 way split. This will definitely be more work and will eat up some time, but we're staying for ten days so I think it will be OK. Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see some new resorts.

Aside from the dining plan and Magical Express, you won't have a "Key to the World Card" - room keys and park tickets are separate, and you can't charge to your room from the parks. Neither of these issues were a big deal to us. We had park purchases sent to our resort, participated in Extra Magic Hours, and used the Friendship boats that depart from the launch at the Swan and Dolphin. For us, it's the perfect compromise.

About making a reservation - I am usually making reservations way in advance because I love the planning. I have been pretty lucky in the past with getting pin codes while I held existing reservations, but I've generally had to make changes to apply a discount. My feeling is that the marketing and reservations systems are not connected, or that they believe a pin will generate an upgrade.

 

[CristinaML]

How reliable are the estimates on Touringplans.com? For me to make lists and plan is HUGE I'm not a list maker in general. So I'm starting a spread sheet since ADR are recommended but what I'd like to know is, am I doing all this for nothing or do those crowd estimators really make a difference? Thanks!

 

[exwdwcm]

so here is my schedule as it stands now. Orange highlight is morning EMH, green is evening EMH. This is based on current EMH/historical hours. I don't see the hours changing much.

It is no easy task putting this together and I still will change it some I bet. My priorities were:

1. Doing Food and Wine on Friday am and Sunday am (since it is the last weekend of F&W, i know it will be crowded, but hoping day time isn't as bad, we will hit booths right at 10:45am when they open).
2. Doing morning EMH at Epcot and MK if possible
3. Avoiding evening EMH- i noticed these tend to just be more crowded and our 4yo can't last that late anyhow- although he can usually make it at least until 10pm.
4. Avoid Epcot at night on that first weekend
5. Do MVMCP on a Tuesday (tends to be less crowded)
6. Build in something not too hard before MVMCP (DTD)
7. Build in a morning for the waterpark
8. Avoid MK on Saturday nights
9. Get in at least 2 mornings and 2 evenings at MK
10. Get at least 2 mornings and 2 evenings at Epcot
11. Get in at least one 3/4 day at AK
12. Get in at least 1 morning and 1 evening at DHS, but more if possible. DS loved a few of the things there last time - Disney Jr. show, ToT etc.
13. Avoid DTD that first weekend due to Festival of the Masters

I think I accomplished most of that. LOL! We really love the parks during the day more than at night. We love doing rope drop everyday too. We take a midday break usually about 1 or 2pm for two hours. Then we head out again. So what do you think?

 

[exwdwcm]

For those asking about the Be Our Guest restaurant, this is from the Fantasyland expansion thread:


When will reservations be available for Be Our Guest?

Unfortunately, there is no set answer for this. But we can look at history for WDW's 2 newest restaurants:

Via Napoli: started taking reservations on Aug 6th for Sept 10th opening, soft opening on August 5th.
La Hacienda: started taking reservations on Sept 16th for Oct. 15th opening, soft opening on September 15th.

Both restaurants opened with the Disney Dining Plan.

 

[Happy Mom2]

How reliable are the estimates on Touringplans.com? For me to make lists and plan is HUGE I'm not a list maker in general. So I'm starting a spread sheet since ADR are recommended but what I'd like to know is, am I doing all this for nothing or do those crowd estimators really make a difference? Thanks!

I think they are pretty reliable, but I would be more surprised if they didn't change a least a little when the official hours are released.

Even if you're not really a planner by nature, I think it will be worth whatever time you put into it. What I've done is plan our days tentatively according to TP...which days we will be at which parks, which restaurants we want to make ADRs for, etc. The week before I can make my ADRs, I'll review TP and move around any days that I need to so I'll be ready when I can make my ADRs. Once you've done the 1st part, it's easier to move things around if you have too.

so here is my schedule as it stands now. Orange highlight is morning EMH, green is evening EMH. This is based on current EMH/historical hours. I don't see the hours changing much.

It is no easy task putting this together and I still will change it some I bet. My priorities were:

1. Doing Food and Wine on Friday am and Sunday am (since it is the last weekend of F&W, i know it will be crowded, but hoping day time isn't as bad, we will hit booths right at 10:45am when they open).
2. Doing morning EMH at Epcot and MK if possible
3. Avoiding evening EMH- i noticed these tend to just be more crowded and our 4yo can't last that late anyhow- although he can usually make it at least until 10pm.
4. Avoid Epcot at night on that first weekend
5. Do MVMCP on a Tuesday (tends to be less crowded)
6. Build in something not too hard before MVMCP (DTD)
7. Build in a morning for the waterpark
8. Avoid MK on Saturday nights
9. Get in at least 2 mornings and 2 evenings at MK
10. Get at least 2 mornings and 2 evenings at Epcot
11. Get in at least one 3/4 day at AK
12. Get in at least 1 morning and 1 evening at DHS, but more if possible. DS loved a few of the things there last time - Disney Jr. show, ToT etc.
13. Avoid DTD that first weekend due to Festival of the Masters

I think I accomplished most of that. LOL! We really love the parks during the day more than at night. We love doing rope drop everyday too. We take a midday break usually about 1 or 2pm for two hours. Then we head out again. So what do you think?

Your schedule looks great! You seem to have everything worked out.

You're spreadsheet looks almost identical to mine! Great minds think alike!

 

[Happy Mom2]

For those of you with young kids who take breaks during the day.... what do you do for your break? And how late to you stay out at night? I know everyone is different, but I'm just curious.

Last time we went to WDW, DS was 2 (almost 3) and DD was 5. We took a break every day, except one. The day we didn't take a break, DS fell asleep during dinner. When we did take a break, it would take 3 to 4 hours out of our day. By the time we left the park, got back to the resort, got the kids down for nap, let them sleep for 2 hours, woke them up, and got back to the park, 3 to 4 hours had passed.

This year when we go DS will be 4 (almost 5) and DD will be 7. They both stopped taking naps this past year so I'm not sure I could even get them down for a nap, and if I did, it would take forever. I don't want to lose that much time from the parks this year, but I definitely don't want to deal with tired, cranky children. We won't have a stroller like we did last time.

Any suggestions?

 

[CristinaML]

ya'll have inspired me - I should be working but no I'm attempting a park/food/firework plan.