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

[ThreeAngels]

Good morning!

Welcome to the newcomers!!

I think I'm going to work on my picture itinerary today. It's raining, the house is clean, and the kids are coloring their Disney Junior color sheets. It's going to be a wonderful, lazy, Disney planning day. We may even do our Mickey tie dye shirts today. Ohhh...the possibilities!

I received my new (first) Vera Bradley hipster. I it! It is the perfect size. I can easily carry everything I need. The bag is well made, soft, and comfortable to wear cross body. I like the pockets on the inside and outside, and the inside is roomy enough to fit the kids autograph books, if I need to. I can't wait to use it on our trip to Dallas in July! If you sign up to be on the mailing list on verabradley.com, you'll receive a coupon for $20 off or 20% off... it varies. Sometimes it takes a few days to receive the email. Oh! Did I mention DD wants one?!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Sounds like a great plan for a rainy Sunday!

I got MY first VB Hipster at the mall on Friday. It's a little smaller than my other bag, but I think it will work. I just love the Lime's Up pattern. Once I saw it in person, I knew I couldn't resist! I've only had VB Betsy's before, so as a purse it may take getting used to.... I'm so glad you like yours, too. Wish MY DD wanted one. She actually found one she liked a bit, I was going to get it and she changed her mind. Said she'd never use it. I have hoped for so long for her to start liking VB, but she just doesn't...

Coral Reed isnt open yet for ADR's in November BUT right now we have Cape May Cafe clambake dinner planned. I wanted Coral Reef. Not sure if I want the CandleLight Processional yet or not. I want to spend the whole day in Epcot and then see Illuminations. If we can get CR, would you cancel Cape May? And should I do CLP? Never done it before. We have eaten at Coral Reef before and have enjoyed it! Also we have never eaten at Cape May Cafe but not sure if we can go to dinner then come back into Epcot? Dinner at CM is at 7pm. If we did the CR CLP, id do the 8 show so dinner would be about 545 or so

I like CR, too, but I would HIGHLY recommend fitting in Cape May if you can. It's wonderful! I see no reason why you'd be unable to come back into Epcot. We go to Cape May on a DHS day, so we take the boat over and back. We've never done CLP yet, but are planning to this time, on the day after Thanksgiving. I already have an ADR at Tutto, but hope to change it to a CLP package. I can't WAIT to see that!

Here is what I was working on today to go with DD3's princess flip flops. I think I may have to slow down soon! I will have her whole wardrobe picked out before July!

That is SO cute! Your DDs will look adorable!

to all the newcomers!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Sounds like a great plan for a rainy Sunday!

I got MY first VB Hipster at the mall on Friday. It's a little smaller than my other bag, but I think it will work. I just love the Lime's Up pattern. Once I saw it in person, I knew I couldn't resist! I've only had VB Betsy's before, so as a purse it may take getting used to.... I'm so glad you like yours, too. Wish MY DD wanted one. She actually found one she liked a bit, I was going to get it and she changed her mind. Said she'd never use it. I have hoped for so long for her to start liking VB, but she just doesn't...



I like CR, too, but I would HIGHLY recommend fitting in Cape May if you can. It's wonderful! I see no reason why you'd be unable to come back into Epcot. We go to Cape May on a DHS day, so we take the boat over and back. We've never done CLP yet, but are planning to this time, on the day after Thanksgiving. I already have an ADR at Tutto, but hope to change it to a CLP package. I can't WAIT to see that!



That is SO cute! Your DDs will look adorable!

to all the newcomers!

Thanks! The more I think about it, the more I will just have to convince my fam to walk back to Epcot for Illuminations. The only reason I was going to switch to Coral Reef was because my DD wanted to eat here and its her 13th Bday trip. I may not do the CLP package...I will look into that to see if she wants to do it or not.

 

[DisneyMom0709]

does anyone know any news on the beast castle opening

 

[dazednconfused]

Still no PIN for us. Oh well. On the up side, there's still time for pixie dust to work . Downside, there's still no PIN for us! I still have faith though. C'mon Disney!

We did manage to decide when we'll be attending MVMCP - Dec 2. Very excited! Will probably attend CP on Dec 1. These are subject to changes, of course. Could we be added to the lists, please? Thanks in advance!

Mommyof3princess27, you're really creative and great with your hands! Those bows you've made look gorgeous! Kudos to you!

 

[madaboutMickey]

It's been a really stressful week. Our 17 yr old kitty was not feeling well. He was diagnosed with diabetes on Tues. So lots of changes going on at our house and not much time to think about our Disney trip. Not to mention, that we leave for our Canadian/New England cruise in 24 days. Yikes! We will be gone for 2 weeks so that wil be a perfect time for BOG to be announced and ADR's to start. LOL At this point in time that's the least of my worries.
So probably won't be posting much but will be checking in to see how everyone is doing and how your planning is coming. Have fun!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Still no PIN for us. Oh well. On the up side, there's still time for pixie dust to work . Downside, there's still no PIN for us! I still have faith though. C'mon Disney!

We did manage to decide when we'll be attending MVMCP - Dec 2. Very excited! Will probably attend CP on Dec 1. These are subject to changes, of course. Could we be added to the lists, please? Thanks in advance!

Mommyof3princess27, you're really creative and great with your hands! Those bows you've made look gorgeous! Kudos to you!

We are also deciding on CP for the 1st.... I havent decided but I still want Coral Reef

 

[Smileybug]

Good morning ya'll. I hope you all had a great weekend.

 

[Smileybug]

Awwww.....The other thread was finally locked. I'm gonna miss it.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Awwww.....The other thread was finally locked. I'm gonna miss it.

me too

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I think they forgot about us over on that other one!Won't be long, this one will be right behind it!! We are moving right along here!!!

 

[OrangeCat04]

It's been a really stressful week. Our 17 yr old kitty was not feeling well. He was diagnosed with diabetes on Tues. So lots of changes going on at our house and not much time to think about our Disney trip. Not to mention, that we leave for our Canadian/New England cruise in 24 days. Yikes! We will be gone for 2 weeks so that wil be a perfect time for BOG to be announced and ADR's to start. LOL At this point in time that's the least of my worries.
So probably won't be posting much but will be checking in to see how everyone is doing and how your planning is coming. Have fun!

I am sorry to hear about your kitty, I know how it feels when they get sick and have been a part of your family that long, hope everything works out. Have fun on your New England Cruise!! That is where I live, there is no where else like it!


Still patiently waiting for a pin/discount... something!! I have called and asked, but no pin for us

 

[exwdwcm]

Not sure if you are flying SW but they offer free stroller baggage check/gate check and its not counted as one of your checked bags

I think most airlines offer this for strollers and car seats, they don't charge you. YOu can check at the gate or at the desk, either way, I've never been charged and I've carried a car seat/stroller on a LOT of flights- AirTran, Delta and American. So you don't have to worry about it counting as a bag or being charged.

 

[exwdwcm]

Good news regarding flight prices....we fly Continental out of Houston--we have been looking at $444 RT each person, well, this morning they have dropped a wee bit to $404!! I know that's still ridiculous, but at least it's dropping and not rising--It hasn't budged since Feb/March, so I am excited to see that! So, for all of you who wait till the 12 week mark like we do--there is hope!!

That's great- i noticed that for us today too. I've been checking every few days on expedia and the AA flights we want out of DFW direct were $440. Now a few of them are down to $410. Still too pricey, but a move in the right direction. Makes me hopeful to keep waiting it out at least!

Art of Animation bus service...shared or not shared with Pop?

I'm thinking about switching my family to AofA...don't wanna schlep 11 people on over crowded buses if I can help it..

The resort does look amazing though...

AoA does NOT share bus service. It always could in the future, but given the size of those two resorts (almost 2k rooms at AoA), they will probably keep their own buses. Only exception might be in off season or something.

Is anyone else NOT making reservations for a Fantasmic! package? We want to see Fantasmic!, but it's my understanding that the reserved seats aren't that great. Can anyone confirm?

We are not. You end up waiting whether you have a package or not and that is the part we hate. Plus we don't care for the dining offerings either. We plan to just skip F! We hate all the crowds involved with it!

Where do you guys look to find the crowd forecast? I had read on one list that the week we are going is rated the 7th best week to go, I hope so!
And how will we know when the new fantasyland restaraunts start taking reservations? Will they just show up on the reservation sight? It would be cool to try Be Our Guest.

I LOVE easywdw, so much detail. I've had subscriptions to all and he is my favorite. Plus it's free. I love reading his updates.

My hubby got $200 Disney rewards $$ when he applied for his Disney Visa. I also have a nice little chunk of rewards $$ from mine. Now, I could be frugal/responsible and apply his $200 to our trip bill or I could put that toward a TS lunch or character breakfast somewhere. Since I'm leaning in the direction on the meal, tell me your fave TS lunch or character meal & why. We've only done RF and Crystal Palace in the past. TIA!!

Crystal Palace is our all time favorite breakfast. We also really enjoyed our first time at Ohana breakfast last trip. We booked a late time- 10:45 and were one of like 4 tables int he restaurant- my son got so much attention from the characters since there was no one else there. Food was good too. We also really enjoyed Tusker House breakfast.

I agree. I wouldn't want to waste precious MVMCP time with another party. It's just too much, IMO.

I agree too- i wouldn't mix the two- you are paying so much for the party, better to enjoy what it has to offer and do the DP another night.

I asked this on the FB board, but I don't think anyone answered me.. LOL BUT, when you get into the park early like that.. as in my case - 8am for an 8:30am reservation... is there music playing and stuff or is it all quiet and ghost town like?

YES, there is ALWAYS music playing in the parks when they are open to guests. Even if it is early and no one is there, if it is open, the soundtracks are going. It is all part of the show. Note- they will play holiday music closer to the holidays though instead of the regular soundtracks.

Any word about FantasyLand or Be Our Guest? Does anyone know what can be seen so far while at the parks (what walls are down, what is showing about the walls, etc)

lots of walls currently, but hopeful that most will be down in mid November. NO guarantee though as no dates have been issued for the new FL and probably won't be until a few days before soft opening. Still tents up on Main St at the bakery, over behind HM where they are building the new Tangled Tower and bathrooms (where the old skyway station was) plus at Pooh (queue/meet and greet) and of course all of the FL area.

 

[exwdwcm]

Does anyone happen to know exactly what will be open in the new Fantsyland in early November? What about the restaurant with Belle? I understand that will take 2 table service credits to go to. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

All we've been told so far is Holidays. That could mean Thanksgiving most likely, which means probably soft openings in early November. But no solid dates or guarantees and probably won't be. Currently the Storybook Circus area is half open- with one of the Dumbos (the new one) open and the new Barnstormer and new Fantasyland train station and bathrooms. The second Dumbo, interactive queue tent with playground inside, Casey Jr. water play area and more should be opening in July. You can see a video of the cool new queue here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StXRHVpTYZ4&feature=related
Parents can relax on benches in the AC while kids play on the circus themed playground areas. There are a few more tents in Storybook Circus that we haven't heard much on, but assuming those might be open in July too. We expect at least one to be a gift shop and the other has rumors flying around it might be a place to recharge your phones/electronics with charging stations etc. I guess we will see.

Then opening "before the holidays" in 2012, is Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid ride, and all of the B&B area- Be Our Guest restaurant, the gift shops, Gaston's tavern and enchanted tales with Belle (new meet and greet featuring cool effects). We can assume before the holidays means Thanksgiving......but we can't be sure. I am hopeful though and if Thanksgiving is their goal, hoping for a soft opening in early/mid November.

The new princess fairytale hall that is replacing the snow white ride/building will be open in late 2013 and will feature some cool new ways to do a meet and greet.

The Seven dwarfs mine train is in 2014.

There is still a ton of construction though. they are also building a castle wall around that area, some of which you can already see near Pinnochio's Village Haus.

There is also construction over behind Haunted Mansion- the pet cemetary is gone for now. They are building a Rapunzel tower (rumored meet and greet for her) and bathrooms, plus a new walkway from fantasyland over to HM area.

Of course there is the tent still over the bakery, hoping some of those come down soon! They've been up there for months now. The buildings on Main St should look fantastic when all done!

Here are some great links on the expansion:

Magic Kingdom “New Fantasyland” Construction Update – 6/6/12, June 6, 2012

All in the Details: The View from Belle’s Village in Magic Kingdom Park, June 5, 2012

Sneak Peek: Kids Will Star in the Show at the Big Top Tent at Dumbo The Flying Elephant, June 4, 2012

All in the Details: Introducing Prince Eric’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, May 29, 2012

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

exwdwcm...thanks for the links and updates!Gotta question for ya, I guess I missed something, but why are there tarps at IASM? I thought they just redid all that not too long ago?

 

[momto2inKC]

Going back to the topic of the Fantasmic package...I did go ahead and rebook it. But now i'm going to be booking Hoop Dee Doo using dining credits and am going to have to cut something. I'm thinking it'll be the F! package. Here's what we've got right now.
Fri 11/23 Kona
Sat 11/24 Yak & Yeti (changing to Hoop Dee Doo)
Sun 11/25 'Ohana
Mon 11/26 hoping for Le Cellier when they release ADR's
Tues 11/27 Mama Melrose F! package
Wed 11/28 Liberty Tree Tavern
Thurs 11/29 Coral Reef (lunch) Garden Grill (dinner) when they open bookings
Fri 11/30 Sci Fi
Sat 12/1 Crystal Palace
So HDD will replace Y&Y, then i'll more than likely cancel MM for the other credit. We're still over on credits but at a couple of places the kids will probably order off the kids menu and we'll pay cash for those meals and use their credits towards other meals.

 

[CristinaML]

Going back to the topic of the Fantasmic package...I did go ahead and rebook it. But now i'm going to be booking Hoop Dee Doo using dining credits and am going to have to cut something. I'm thinking it'll be the F! package. Here's what we've got right now.
Fri 11/23 Kona
Sat 11/24 Yak & Yeti (changing to Hoop Dee Doo)
Sun 11/25 'Ohana
Mon 11/26 hoping for Le Cellier when they release ADR's
Tues 11/27 Mama Melrose F! package
Wed 11/28 Liberty Tree Tavern
Thurs 11/29 Coral Reef (lunch) Garden Grill (dinner) when they open bookings
Fri 11/30 Sci Fi
Sat 12/1 Crystal Palace
So HDD will replace Y&Y, then i'll more than likely cancel MM for the other credit. We're still over on credits but at a couple of places the kids will probably order off the kids menu and we'll pay cash for those meals and use their credits towards other meals.

I thing the Hoop Dee Doo was closed for refurbishing?

 

[momto2inKC]

I thing the Hoop Dee Doo was closed for refurbishing?

No, it was announced today that ADR's will be released tomorrow. They were holding them because they were making changes to the times (like they did last fall/winter).

 

[AquaDame]

Now that my husbands' fondest wish came true (hoop de doo being open) maybe mine will too! (Typhoon Lagoon NOT going down for refurb the day we arrive!)

 

[mistybroussard]

All we've been told so far is Holidays. That could mean Thanksgiving most likely, which means probably soft openings in early November. But no solid dates or guarantees and probably won't be. Currently the Storybook Circus area is half open- with one of the Dumbos (the new one) open and the new Barnstormer and new Fantasyland train station and bathrooms. The second Dumbo, interactive queue tent with playground inside, Casey Jr. water play area and more should be opening in July. You can see a video of the cool new queue here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StXRHVpTYZ4&feature=related
Parents can relax on benches in the AC while kids play on the circus themed playground areas. There are a few more tents in Storybook Circus that we haven't heard much on, but assuming those might be open in July too. We expect at least one to be a gift shop and the other has rumors flying around it might be a place to recharge your phones/electronics with charging stations etc. I guess we will see.

Then opening "before the holidays" in 2012, is Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid ride, and all of the B&B area- Be Our Guest restaurant, the gift shops, Gaston's tavern and enchanted tales with Belle (new meet and greet featuring cool effects). We can assume before the holidays means Thanksgiving......but we can't be sure. I am hopeful though and if Thanksgiving is their goal, hoping for a soft opening in early/mid November.

The new princess fairytale hall that is replacing the snow white ride/building will be open in late 2013 and will feature some cool new ways to do a meet and greet.

The Seven dwarfs mine train is in 2014.

There is still a ton of construction though. they are also building a castle wall around that area, some of which you can already see near Pinnochio's Village Haus.

There is also construction over behind Haunted Mansion- the pet cemetary is gone for now. They are building a Rapunzel tower (rumored meet and greet for her) and bathrooms, plus a new walkway from fantasyland over to HM area.

Of course there is the tent still over the bakery, hoping some of those come down soon! They've been up there for months now. The buildings on Main St should look fantastic when all done!

Here are some great links on the expansion:

Magic Kingdom “New Fantasyland” Construction Update – 6/6/12, June 6, 2012

All in the Details: The View from Belle’s Village in Magic Kingdom Park, June 5, 2012

Sneak Peek: Kids Will Star in the Show at the Big Top Tent at Dumbo The Flying Elephant, June 4, 2012

All in the Details: Introducing Prince Eric’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, May 29, 2012

Thanks for the info - the youtube video was great!