NOVEMBER 2012 Trip Planners Part 2~yes there IS another!

[Smileybug]

Hi, I am new to DIS and I am planning a Nov. 24-Dec. 1 trip for my DD and me. First time as a single mom and I am SO EXCITED.
It is going to be a surprise, even though my DD isn't a big fan of surprises.

We are staying in POR Royal Room, garden view. I am plannning to attend the MVMCP on Nov. 29.

Hoping to get lots of great tips and advice.

Made some ADRs on Monday and got 'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and Akershus exactly when I wanted. Had to take Crystal Palace at a time I don't love, but I am going to check back for an 8:05 a.m. and hope it opens up. And I need a couple more. Hoping for Be Our Guest (with everyone else) and we might try Garden Grill.

Welcome!! There is always someone here that can answer your questions.

 

[jenseib]

This is my PTR...come over and join the fun!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2892848

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Hi, I am new to DIS and I am planning a Nov. 24-Dec. 1 trip for my DD and me. First time as a single mom and I am SO EXCITED.
It is going to be a surprise, even though my DD isn't a big fan of surprises.

We are staying in POR Royal Room, garden view. I am plannning to attend the MVMCP on Nov. 29.

Hoping to get lots of great tips and advice.

Made some ADRs on Monday and got 'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and Akershus exactly when I wanted. Had to take Crystal Palace at a time I don't love, but I am going to check back for an 8:05 a.m. and hope it opens up. And I need a couple more. Hoping for Be Our Guest (with everyone else) and we might try Garden Grill.

We will be in a RR at the same time!!!!! Only ours is standard view. Oh well. Im glad you got some ADR's you wanted. I thought I got the 'ellusive' RD Crystal Palace ADR only to find out its on a Extra Magic Hour morning so MK opens at 8am anyway oh well

Thanks to everyone that keeps posting in this thread, it has been a huge help for me planning my family’s first visit to Disney Nov 8th-17th.

So far I have ASM booked as we are a family of 5(DD 13,DS 10,DD 7) and each child having their own “bed” will save me a huge amount of work (sibling rivalry). I have most of my ADR’s (18) done including an illusive 8:05@ crt on the 10th. We also have MVMCP, BB, Fantasmic and Dolphins in depth booked.

Currently I am working on minor adjustments and tour plans. A couple of questions have popped up and I am look for everyone’s opinion.

As I said we are staying at All Star Music family suite so each child has their own bed. It was the only affordable option I saw at the time. A few people here have mention getting 2 rooms. I am curious about the pro’s and con’s of this and cost differences.

Something else is the dessert party. My wife is a big sweets fan, especially chocolate I was thinking it would be something to look at.. but with a family of 5 it will be over $100 for dessert. Not sure it’s worth it.

Thanks for everyone’s input, and send some pixie dust my way still waiting on a FD pin (although the CM I was talking to said typically they go out to returning people not first timers).

Never stayed in 2 rooms so cant say...... I can say that I have done the dessert party and as a lover of desserts, I want them at the meals too besides the party! I LOVED the party...great location, yummy desserts. Just an all around great experience I think you should try atleast once. And if you do get FDing, surely add it! Tix come out about 60 days in advance.

This is my PTR...come over and join the fun!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2892848

Joining in!

 

[exwdwcm]

Thanks to everyone that keeps posting in this thread, it has been a huge help for me planning my family’s first visit to Disney Nov 8th-17th.

So far I have ASM booked as we are a family of 5(DD 13,DS 10,DD 7) and each child having their own “bed” will save me a huge amount of work (sibling rivalry). I have most of my ADR’s (18) done including an illusive 8:05@ crt on the 10th. We also have MVMCP, BB, Fantasmic and Dolphins in depth booked.

Currently I am working on minor adjustments and tour plans. A couple of questions have popped up and I am look for everyone’s opinion.

As I said we are staying at All Star Music family suite so each child has their own bed. It was the only affordable option I saw at the time. A few people here have mention getting 2 rooms. I am curious about the pro’s and con’s of this and cost differences.

Something else is the dessert party. My wife is a big sweets fan, especially chocolate I was thinking it would be something to look at.. but with a family of 5 it will be over $100 for dessert. Not sure it’s worth it.

Thanks for everyone’s input, and send some pixie dust my way still waiting on a FD pin (although the CM I was talking to said typically they go out to returning people not first timers).

We loved the dessert party. it was a great way to see the fireworks pretty much unobstructed without a long wait (well waiting while we ate and enjoyed, not guarding a curb!). I do recommend it. I have a few pics of the view we had in my PTR- linked in my sig for NOv.

Someone mentioned travel time in vehicle vs Disney buses. I thought I quoted it, but I guess not. Anywho... I have never taken a Disney bus, but we drove last time. I generally gave us 30 minutes from our room door to get where we wanted to be (park, other resort, etc.), but most of the time it only took us 10 - 15 minutes. We'll be driving this trip also. The only place we had an issue with was DTD. It took us 45 minutes to find a parking space. We'll drive or take a boat to DTD this year. We used a GPS program on our phones to guide us around. If I remember correctly, it was from mousesavers, but I'll have to check with DH to be sure.

Oh! One other tip for those who drive their own vehicles to the parks. I drive one of the most common vehicles sold, and sometimes there would be 5 of the same vehicle on a parking row. We put a small but noticeable local sports team sticker on the back glass. It made finding our vehicle on the row so much easier.

We prefer to rent and drive a car too. Just has always been my preference since I worked there 15 years ago. I know my way around pretty well. I agree, we don't spend more than 10-15 minutes typically. AK obviously takes a little longer getting to, but not bad. We stay at BLT (DVC) typically and so parking is great there. We walk to MK. We only drive to DHS, AK and DTD- and sometimes Epcot (instead of monorail). We arrive at opening, so always get great parking spots, and walk to the front, never have to wait on a tram.

DTD is the only problem child unless you get there at opening. The marketplace parking area is always jam packed. I hate it. But taking a bus down there is just as bad. They seriously need a parking garage!

i agree on the tip too- we tied a colored bandana on our antenna to make it easy to find and always try and pick out a not common color if we can when we pick out car. We use national emerald aisle, so we walk out and pick which car we want. i try and avoid white! lol

Hi, I am new to DIS and I am planning a Nov. 24-Dec. 1 trip for my DD and me. First time as a single mom and I am SO EXCITED.
It is going to be a surprise, even though my DD isn't a big fan of surprises.

We are staying in POR Royal Room, garden view. I am plannning to attend the MVMCP on Nov. 29.

Hoping to get lots of great tips and advice.

Made some ADRs on Monday and got 'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and Akershus exactly when I wanted. Had to take Crystal Palace at a time I don't love, but I am going to check back for an 8:05 a.m. and hope it opens up. And I need a couple more. Hoping for Be Our Guest (with everyone else) and we might try Garden Grill.

Welcome- what a fun trip!!! How old is your daughter- have you thought about BBB or pirates league? We are hoping for BoG too and we have GG booked!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Ok I need help with this and PLEASE NO FLAMMING ME!!! I WILL cancel it tonight or tomorrow just need advice and cant ask my family because its a place we have never been before

Let me start by saying we plan to do the photopass plus so Ohanas best Friends breakfast is included in that as well as CP

Right now I have an 8:05am Crystal Palace resservation booked on an EMH morning day. I am not sure if I should keep it or not. We also have CRT scheduled at 2pm and Ohanas after the park closes but some ppl are iffy about 3 TS meals a day

I have Ohanas Breakfast scheduled for the morning of our departure day and I just called and booked a Crystal palace breakfast that morning(I will cancel one today) under my days reservation. I am so nervous and dont know what to do! I really want the kids to experience Ohanas breakfast but CP would be wonderful on our Departure day. The pictures would also be cherished forever. I dont think we are going back for a few years anyway.

I am worried that I have scheduled too much to do in the MK, 3 meals and BBB BUT we have been there like 3 other times and by the time we get there on our trip, we will have been there once maybe 2x and then another time before we leave, not including this day....

does anyone ever do Morning EMH? What should I do? I am so confused!

My other idea was on our arrival day, cancel RFC, schedule MK so we are there for the afternoon, then we will be there another night for MVMCP and our departure day(start with the MK and end with the MK) that way on the thursday we have a full day at MK scheduled, We can do the things we have never done BBB/CRT and so fourth. That might be the best option. Id rather lose RFC then Ohanas....... thoughts?

 

[mydisneyobsession]

Thanks to everyone that keeps posting in this thread, it has been a huge help for me planning my family’s first visit to Disney Nov 8th-17th.

So far I have ASM booked as we are a family of 5(DD 13,DS 10,DD 7) and each child having their own “bed” will save me a huge amount of work (sibling rivalry). I have most of my ADR’s (18) done including an illusive 8:05@ crt on the 10th. We also have MVMCP, BB, Fantasmic and Dolphins in depth booked.

Currently I am working on minor adjustments and tour plans. A couple of questions have popped up and I am look for everyone’s opinion.

As I said we are staying at All Star Music family suite so each child has their own bed. It was the only affordable option I saw at the time. A few people here have mention getting 2 rooms. I am curious about the pro’s and con’s of this and cost differences.

Something else is the dessert party. My wife is a big sweets fan, especially chocolate I was thinking it would be something to look at.. but with a family of 5 it will be over $100 for dessert. Not sure it’s worth it.

Thanks for everyone’s input, and send some pixie dust my way still waiting on a FD pin (although the CM I was talking to said typically they go out to returning people not first timers).

We're a family of five, too, but luckily the kids don't mind sharing beds on vacation. This opens up Port Orleans Riverside and most of the deluxe resorts for us. The Dolphin is a personal favorite of mine - getting such great rates in such an amazing location feels like a major score! But we don't usually get the dining plan, so there is very little downside for us.

We have never tried a value, because word on the boards is that connecting rooms can't be guaranteed. I'd be so unhappy if my husband and I had to split up on vacation! I'm not sure how often this actually happens, but the threat of it is enough to keep me from choosing that option.

We're a little bit close to the trip now for DVC point rental, but this can be a really affordable option for bigger families. Some of the 1 bedroom units have room for five. I'm a little foggy on which DVC resorts have the higher occupancy units and which resorts might be likely to still have availability for a November trip. If you're interested, you might swing over to the DVC board for a little reading!

 

[qzar33]

What sort of AP discounts are people expecting for November (week after thanksgiving) at the values and moderates? Specifically AoA.

 

[exwdwcm]

Ok I need help with this and PLEASE NO FLAMMING ME!!! I WILL cancel it tonight or tomorrow just need advice and cant ask my family because its a place we have never been before

Let me start by saying we plan to do the photopass plus so Ohanas best Friends breakfast is included in that as well as CP

Right now I have an 8:05am Crystal Palace resservation booked on an EMH morning day. I am not sure if I should keep it or not. We also have CRT scheduled at 2pm and Ohanas after the park closes but some ppl are iffy about 3 TS meals a day

I have Ohanas Breakfast scheduled for the morning of our departure day and I just called and booked a Crystal palace breakfast that morning(I will cancel one today) under my days reservation. I am so nervous and dont know what to do! I really want the kids to experience Ohanas breakfast but CP would be wonderful on our Departure day. The pictures would also be cherished forever. I dont think we are going back for a few years anyway.

I am worried that I have scheduled too much to do in the MK, 3 meals and BBB BUT we have been there like 3 other times and by the time we get there on our trip, we will have been there once maybe 2x and then another time before we leave, not including this day....

does anyone ever do Morning EMH? What should I do? I am so confused!

My other idea was on our arrival day, cancel RFC, schedule MK so we are there for the afternoon, then we will be there another night for MVMCP and our departure day(start with the MK and end with the MK) that way on the thursday we have a full day at MK scheduled, We can do the things we have never done BBB/CRT and so fourth. That might be the best option. Id rather lose RFC then Ohanas....... thoughts?

we ALWAYS do morning EMH. I was really disappointed 2 years ago when i had an 8:05 CP booked and of course the week before, WDW goes and adds an hour for that day (it was a saturday), so it opened at 8am, not 9. My before park breakfast suddenly wasn't before the park anymore. Of course that was a last minute change to the hours, so not a lot of guests knew about it and we still had breakfast and the crowds were still low after our breakfast too. But since you know it is a scheduled EMH morning, then yeah, i would skip breakfast (or do a late breakfast) and enjoy the EMH morning.

My philosophy is to either do a pre-park breakfast before opening or a really late one (10:30am). PRIME park touring time for low crowds is the first two hours. So we don't want to spend/waste that time in a restaurant. We either schedule breakfast before opening at 8am or late. On our departure day in October, for example, we booked a 10:45 Ohana breakfast. MK had EMH, we hit it at 8am and rode so much until 10am. literally like dumbo 3x, pooh 2x, HM, Peter Pan 2x, tea cups and much more in those two hours. it was dead, no one was there and this was a Saturday! By 10am we took the boat to Poly for our late breakfast. There were only about 5 other tables by then. Ohana doesn't serve lunch so the restaurant was almost empty. We had the characters ALL to ourselves. Pluto spend more than 15 minutes playing iwth my son since we were the only ones there. It was awesome. Then when done with breakfast at about noon, we headed back to Mk for a few hours before our late flight home. When we returned to MK- it was wall to wall people- PACKED! i was so glad we had fastpasses to use (from that am) and had hit all the big rides already.

I think all three of those meals in one day is a lot. CP is a HUGE breakfast, CRT has a pretty good spread too and of course having Ohana only a few hours later- means you guys are going to be stuffed. I usually starve myself and skip lunch on my Ohana day so I can really have room to enjoy it all. so i would skip CP/breakfast on that day.

i would rather lose RFC than Ohanas too. You can find RFC in a lot of cities, it is a chain. Ohanas is more of a one time experience you only get at Disney!

 

[ekatiel]

Ok I need help with this and PLEASE NO FLAMMING ME!!! I WILL cancel it tonight or tomorrow just need advice and cant ask my family because its a place we have never been before

Let me start by saying we plan to do the photopass plus so Ohanas best Friends breakfast is included in that as well as CP

Right now I have an 8:05am Crystal Palace resservation booked on an EMH morning day. I am not sure if I should keep it or not. We also have CRT scheduled at 2pm and Ohanas after the park closes but some ppl are iffy about 3 TS meals a day

I have Ohanas Breakfast scheduled for the morning of our departure day and I just called and booked a Crystal palace breakfast that morning(I will cancel one today) under my days reservation. I am so nervous and dont know what to do! I really want the kids to experience Ohanas breakfast but CP would be wonderful on our Departure day. The pictures would also be cherished forever. I dont think we are going back for a few years anyway.

I am worried that I have scheduled too much to do in the MK, 3 meals and BBB BUT we have been there like 3 other times and by the time we get there on our trip, we will have been there once maybe 2x and then another time before we leave, not including this day....

does anyone ever do Morning EMH? What should I do? I am so confused!

My other idea was on our arrival day, cancel RFC, schedule MK so we are there for the afternoon, then we will be there another night for MVMCP and our departure day(start with the MK and end with the MK) that way on the thursday we have a full day at MK scheduled, We can do the things we have never done BBB/CRT and so fourth. That might be the best option. Id rather lose RFC then Ohanas....... thoughts?

Can you post your park days and other ADRs? It's hard to visualize without that info. I agreee that CP at 8:05 on a EMH day is not that great of a situation. By the time you get out to the park, there will already be lines at most attractions-- Kind of defeats the purpose of the whole 8:05 adr idea. Do you have a RFC anywhere near you? We live in the Houston area (home to Landry's), so we take the kids to RFC at least a couple of times a year. Since we can go there anytime, we don't do RFC at Disney. Good luck with whatever you decide! --Katie

 

[exwdwcm]

We're a family of five, too, but luckily the kids don't mind sharing beds on vacation. This opens up Port Orleans Riverside and most of the deluxe resorts for us. The Dolphin is a personal favorite of mine - getting such great rates in such an amazing location feels like a major score! But we don't usually get the dining plan, so there is very little downside for us.

We have never tried a value, because word on the boards is that connecting rooms can't be guaranteed. I'd be so unhappy if my husband and I had to split up on vacation! I'm not sure how often this actually happens, but the threat of it is enough to keep me from choosing that option.

We're a little bit close to the trip now for DVC point rental, but this can be a really affordable option for bigger families. Some of the 1 bedroom units have room for five. I'm a little foggy on which DVC resorts have the higher occupancy units and which resorts might be likely to still have availability for a November trip. If you're interested, you might swing over to the DVC board for a little reading!

We own at BLT and the one bedroom has a private master with a king and of course full bath and balcony. The living area has a pull out- i believe a queen (My MIL slept there), plus a twin pull out- it is a chair that folds out and my 9yo niece thought it was so cool, so she slept on that. My 4yo son slept in the king with us. so all five were situated nicely. He could have used the chair if my niece had slept in the pull out with my MIL. I know AKL also has the pull out chair to accommodate five in a one bedroom. The other DVC resorts i think only do four in the one bed. hopefully they will add the fold out twin/chair option later.

otherwise, you are looking at a 2bedroom which we are booked for at BLT in November. It features the full living room, fold out queen, kitchen, laundry etc. Separate master with bath and king and then a second separate bedroom with either two beds or a bed and a pull out couch. Sleeps up to 9 comfortably. has 3 bathrooms too. There are only 5 of us for this trip, but i wanted my parents to have a separate private bedroom (not just on the couch in the living room). They snore! lol! We are looking forward to having the room to spread out. We will put my son in the living room.

 

[momto2inKC]

Changed our resorts Can we be added to the list on page 1
November 23-Dec 1 CSR

 

[exwdwcm]

Can you post your park days and other ADRs? It's hard to visualize without that info. I agreee that CP at 8:05 on a EMH day is not that great of a situation. By the time you get out to the park, there will already be lines at most attractions-- Kind of defeats the purpose of the whole 8:05 adr idea. Do you have a RFC anywhere near you? We live in the Houston area (home to Landry's), so we take the kids to RFC at least a couple of times a year. Since we can go there anytime, we don't do RFC at Disney. Good luck with whatever you decide! --Katie

Hey Houston neighbor- we are in Plano, just north of Dallas. Get down to Houston often.

to be honest, i sort of despise RFC personally. it's fun to go for the theming at home (we have one 20 mins away), but i would never waste my time there at Disney. I don't care for the food- glorified bar food to me.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Can you post your park days and other ADRs? It's hard to visualize without that info. I agreee that CP at 8:05 on a EMH day is not that great of a situation. By the time you get out to the park, there will already be lines at most attractions-- Kind of defeats the purpose of the whole 8:05 adr idea. Do you have a RFC anywhere near you? We live in the Houston area (home to Landry's), so we take the kids to RFC at least a couple of times a year. Since we can go there anytime, we don't do RFC at Disney. Good luck with whatever you decide! --Katie

Yes I will post it in a few... along with possible changes. On the phone with Dining... trying to scedule another ADR if I can, then I think I can make everything work

 

[nemorocks]

We got Free Dining added! I'm so excited We are going to CBR November 10-17th, so we can be added to the list as well.

So my question is this...we are staying 7 nights. So we need to book 7 table service places, correct? We arrive really late on Saturday, we will not be able to go anywhere that day or our departure day either because we leave for the airport early. So I have to fit 7 table services into 5 days! Any advice?? Thanks in advance

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Sunday-Arrival day DTD DisneyQuest-maybe a park? IDK yet
B:airport
L: RFC@ 2:30
D: WCC@ 7:30

Monday- DHS(Osbourne Lights)
B: Chef Mickey's @ 815am (wasnt concerned about making RD here, this park doesnt take us all day anyway)Move ohanas breakfast to here
L: Sci-Fi @ 1:20pm
D: 50's Prime Time Cafe @ 745

Tuesday- Animal Kingdom/MVMCP
B: Tusker House @8am (pre RD )
L: Flametree BBQ
D: Grand Floridian Cafe @ 530 (may drop this if BOG opens)

Wednesday- Waterpark/Epcot
B:1900 Park Fare Supercalifragilistic Breakfast @ 8am
L: oop @ BB
D: Teppan Edo @630pm

Thursday- Magic Kingdom
B:Crystal Palace @8am (thought this was Pre RD BUT found out its EMH in the morning )cancel this
L: Cingerella's Royal Table @2:05pm
D: 'Ohana's @ 7:05pm

Friday- DHS/DTD
B: POR Change Chef Mickeys to this day
L: Mama Melrose's Fantasmic! package @ 2:50
D: T-Rex @8:30pm might switch this to 845

Saturday Epcot
B: Akershus Storybook breakfast @ 810am
L: Via Napoli @ 12:45pm
D: Cape May Cafe Clambake Dinner @ 7pm

Sunday- Magic Kingdom
B: 'Ohana Best Friends Breakfast @ 945 Change Crystal Palace to this day @ 930
L: Liberty Tree Tavern

My other question is that T-Rex is scheduled for 830 on our F! night. The CM said F! takes about 30 min and then we can head to DTD so 830 would be an ok time if F! is at 630? or should I move T-Rex back?

 

[MrsBearcat]

I have tried to do a pre trip report before and never have any followers lol BUT this time might be different... theres 11 ppl and we are on the DxDP! So I think I will start another one.... now I need a catchy title

I don't have any followers on my PTR but I do it for myself to keep me busy lol

 

[mommyof3princess27]

We got Free Dining added! I'm so excited We are going to CBR November 10-17th, so we can be added to the list as well.

So my question is this...we are staying 7 nights. So we need to book 7 table service places, correct? We arrive really late on Saturday, we will not be able to go anywhere that day or our departure day either because we leave for the airport early. So I have to fit 7 table services into 5 days! Any advice?? Thanks in advance

You could do a couple things... you could schedule a breakfast or 2 and TS dinners OR you can do 2 credit meals like CRT or any other... if you have kids or esp girls I would do Cinderellas Royal Table... you eat in the castle

 

[momto2inKC]

I don't have any followers on my PTR but I do it for myself to keep me busy lol

I usually do dining reports (latest one in progress, link in siggy ). People like to see Disney food and it gives me something to do between trips. I don't get many comments but my threads always get a lot of hits

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I usually do dining reports (latest one in progress, link in siggy ). People like to see Disney food and it gives me something to do between trips. I don't get many comments but my threads always get a lot of hits

OOOOOO I may followthis... I love dining reports. and since we are doing DxDP this time I may do one!

 

[natter]

My other question is that T-Rex is scheduled for 830 on our F! night. The CM said F! takes about 30 min and then we can head to DTD so 830 would be an ok time if F! is at 630? or should I move T-Rex back?

I think you will be okay. We are giving ourselves about the same amount of time from AK (closing) 5:00 to T-Rex ADR 6:30. But we could always leave earlier if we were finished touring the park before that.