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

[diamondpixienc]

I just had to share this I just received a Free Dining Pin Code in the mail valid for the following dates: 9/30-10/4, 10/19-11/1, 11/9-11/15, 11/23-11/29, and 12/10-12/13. It appears that Jersey week is still blacked out The Art of Animation is included in the choices. This may have already been posted by someone else so forgive me for repeating this info. Just wanted to share since we rarely get pin codes so they are defineately floating around out there. Happy planning guys and magical vacay wishes to all.

 

[sanapp]

Yeah I finally got free dining!! I have been calling weekly to see if I had a pin or not. I didn't receive an email or a snail mailer. I called and said that I had called a week or so ago and that they had stated I should call back this week to see if I had a discount. Her reply very quickly was yes you have a pin right here for free dining and she asked me to hold a minute so she could apply it! I am so excited that I can stay a POFQ and get free dining oh and that I upgraded to deluxe!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really don't think she had time to actually look on my account for a discount as it seemed every other time it took them a few minutes. I am in no way complaining as I am soooo happy to have it otherwise I was going to be canceling some of my ADRs.

 

[HeatherL]

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a little frustrated that Disney waits this long to release their fall discounts. I don't know many people who can plan a vacation only a month or two ahead of time. I'm also frustrated that the FD pins floating around exclude "Jersey week". That is the week we have booked, and I didn't realize it was actually considered a Disney holiday. I just don't see how Disney can wait this long. I"m holding off on booking flights, but flights from the Philly area are already selling out for that week. Ugh!!

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a little frustrated that Disney waits this long to release their fall discounts. I don't know many people who can plan a vacation only a month or two ahead of time. I'm also frustrated that the FD pins floating around exclude "Jersey week". That is the week we have booked, and I didn't realize it was actually considered a Disney holiday. I just don't see how Disney can wait this long. I"m holding off on booking flights, but flights from the Philly area are already selling out for that week. Ugh!!

We knowingly chose Jersey week because my oldest is in 1st grade and I didn't want her missing too much school, so I am not shocked that we probably won't get free dining -- but I'm still hoping it might open up for our dates. As for flights, we booked ours the first week of this month and we paid WAY more than I anticipated ($360/per person). My travel agent said Phila Int'l has "caught on" to Jersey Week as well and all flights to Orlando that week are insane. My family isn't even sitting together on the plane. I almost feel bad for the person who has to sit next to my talkative 3 year old. Anyway, I share in your frustration.

 

[Divaofdisney]

Please pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is Jersey Week? I have seen it referenced many times and just wonder what it is all about. Thanks alot. Any ideas of when we can start booking CLP? Just wondering...we want to go the first night it opens on the 23rd and I know it will book up fast. Thanks in advance.

 

[ksack]

A straight jacket would be a little hard to manuver in as well.

But I've seen your tie dying work... You could make the straight jacket look fabulous!!!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Anyway, I'm excited to revel in the joys of trip planning with all of you. DH says he's glad there are so many trip planning fanatics like me out there because otherwise he would start to question my sanity .

I think we are all a little bit crazy. That's what makes it so fun!

Most of my planning is done as well now I'm starting to thinking about silly stuff like - what cute nail design can I do for the trip? Anyone have any good pictures? I'm not artist so it will have to be fairly simple and something I can hopefully show the manicurist and say - "this please!"

Oooohhhh...Disney nails! I'm going to have to check this out. I've already go ideas running through my head.

In our school district students are allowed to go on vacation during the school year w/out penalty. They understand that parents can't always take their vacations during the summer and they try to accomodate those that have the desire to take the time during the school year. The only time they frown upon this is the week ending each semester The parents do have to discuss the absence with the principal and everyone involve has the opportunity to express their views on the effects of the absence. The absence is labeled as an authorized UNexcused absence but won't be a factor in determining grades unless the make-up work is not completed. This will be the first time my Freshman son will be missing school for a vacation so hopefully it will run smoothly They normaly don't have much going on leading up to a Holiday so he shouldn't have a problem with getting his work finished before/after our trip at home.

Wow! That is a pretty lenient policy. State law here dictates students 7 and older at the start of a school year can only miss 5 unexcused days per semester. In order for a day to be excused, you have to have a doctor's note. Don't get me started on that! However, most principals (including ours) leave it up to the teacher to decide if they will allow work to be made up. We have taken DD out of school every year for a week vacation in October or November, and have never had an issue. DD is a straight A student, and her teachers never even have her make up work.

I have been practicing my Mickey nail art. Not sure which one I'm going to go with.

I'd love to see pictures!!

So I am also planning for a large group (10 total!). After my H decided we needed to upgrade to the deluxe dining plan, I changed around some of my reservations -- here's what I have so far... any suggestions? Did we miss anything that should NOT be missed for our first family trip? We tried to do a lot of character experiences because our girls (Ages 6, 3 & 1) will really love it and buffets are usually easier with the little ones. I stalk dining reservations daily, so I'm always on the look out for something better!

Let me know what you think!

Monday Hollywood Studios
B- Arrive
L- Mama Melrose 1:35p
D- Akershus 8:40 (leaving Epcot after Fantasmic!)

Tuesday Magic Kingdom
B- Chef Mickey's 7a (we are EARLY risers, even on vacation)
L- Crystal Palace 1:30
D- Crystal Palace 5:10-- hoping to drop this for Be Our Guest If BOG isn't open we will keep the dinner ressie and go somewhere else for lunch.

Wednesday Epcot
B- Akershus 8:10a
L- ((using snack credits at Food & Wine festival))
D- Coral Reef 7p

Thursday Rest Day & Hotel (half of the group is going to Harry Potter World)
B-Cape May Cafe 8:40a
L-??? (prob eating at AoA)
D- Spirit of Aloha

Friday Animal Kingdom
B- Tusker House
L- Flame Tree BBQ (our planned quick service unless I can get an ADR between now & then)
D- We'll be at MVMCP and plan to grab something quick so we can take advantage of the park being less crowded.

Saturday Magic Kingdom
B- Cindy's Royal Table
L- Crystal Palace -- maybe. It's the day we leave, so we might do a quick service instead so we have more time in the park.
**we will leave the park after lunch to head to the airport**

I would not schedule Crystal Palace for lunch on the last day. You'll have it earlier during the week, and you'll want all the park time you can get on your last day. Other than that, I know you are planning for a large group of people, but some of your meal times (late dinners, early breakfast) may be a little much for your kiddos. Meals with a large number of people can take a 90 minutes to 2 hours. You know your family, but it's just something to think about. I think all your restaurant choice are great! Your kids are going to love it.

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a little frustrated that Disney waits this long to release their fall discounts. I don't know many people who can plan a vacation only a month or two ahead of time. I'm also frustrated that the FD pins floating around exclude "Jersey week". That is the week we have booked, and I didn't realize it was actually considered a Disney holiday. I just don't see how Disney can wait this long. I"m holding off on booking flights, but flights from the Philly area are already selling out for that week. Ugh!!

Jersey week isn't really a "Disney holiday" but Disney only offers discounts during times with low occupancy rates. That is why they wait so long to release the discounts. They want to see if enough people book rooms for that week. If so, no discount. If not, discounts.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Please pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is Jersey Week? I have seen it referenced many times and just wonder what it is all about. Thanks alot. Any ideas of when we can start booking CLP? Just wondering...we want to go the first night it opens on the 23rd and I know it will book up fast. Thanks in advance.

Jersey week is the a week in November when NJ schools are out for a few extra days for a teacher something or other. Can you tell I don't know a whole lot about it? Any way, a lot of people from NJ take the opportunity to spend the week at Disney. It's the same as Mardi Gras for us Louisiana peeps, only the date for Mardi Gras changes each year.

But I've seen your tie dying work... You could make the straight jacket look fabulous!!!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Hi! I'm Happy Mom2, and I am a Vera Bradley addict. As y'all know, I purchased my first VB piece, a lovely hipster, a few weeks ago. Well, I used it for the 1st time this weekend when I went shopping, and I it!! I loved all the little pockets, and it was comfortable to wear. I was mentally thinking of where I'd put everything when we go to Disney.

DD loved my hipster and immediately asked if she could have it. Ummm NO! But since her birthday is coming up, I did buy her a mini hipster. And since I was buy her one, well, it couldn't hurt if I bought me a little wristlet, right?

Oh my! Are there any support groups for VB addictions?

 

[Roma]

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a little frustrated that Disney waits this long to release their fall discounts. I don't know many people who can plan a vacation only a month or two ahead of time. I'm also frustrated that the FD pins floating around exclude "Jersey week". That is the week we have booked, and I didn't realize it was actually considered a Disney holiday. I just don't see how Disney can wait this long. I"m holding off on booking flights, but flights from the Philly area are already selling out for that week. Ugh!!

I completely agree! I'm getting really anxious about the fall discounts because they'll determine whether or not I'll add an extra day at a deluxe resort or not .

 

[doberlady]

well, it's a done deal!! Bought our airline tickets this morning.

$224 NY-MCO

Have been sitting here for HOURS making ADR's

HOURS

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Yeah I finally got free dining!! I have been calling weekly to see if I had a pin or not. I didn't receive an email or a snail mailer. I called and said that I had called a week or so ago and that they had stated I should call back this week to see if I had a discount. Her reply very quickly was yes you have a pin right here for free dining and she asked me to hold a minute so she could apply it! I am so excited that I can stay a POFQ and get free dining oh and that I upgraded to deluxe!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really don't think she had time to actually look on my account for a discount as it seemed every other time it took them a few minutes. I am in no way complaining as I am soooo happy to have it otherwise I was going to be canceling some of my ADRs.

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a little frustrated that Disney waits this long to release their fall discounts. I don't know many people who can plan a vacation only a month or two ahead of time. I'm also frustrated that the FD pins floating around exclude "Jersey week". That is the week we have booked, and I didn't realize it was actually considered a Disney holiday. I just don't see how Disney can wait this long. I"m holding off on booking flights, but flights from the Philly area are already selling out for that week. Ugh!!

Im sorry

But I've seen your tie dying work... You could make the straight jacket look fabulous!!!

Thanks though! I needed a laugh. i could make it look goooood

Hi! I'm Happy Mom2, and I am a Vera Bradley addict. As y'all know, I purchased my first VB piece, a lovely hipster, a few weeks ago. Well, I used it for the 1st time this weekend when I went shopping, and I it!! I loved all the little pockets, and it was comfortable to wear. I was mentally thinking of where I'd put everything when we go to Disney.

DD loved my hipster and immediately asked if she could have it. Ummm NO! But since her birthday is coming up, I did buy her a mini hipster. And since I was buy her one, well, it couldn't hurt if I bought me a little wristlet, right?

Oh my! Are there any support groups for VB addictions?

I have 2 of them I actually look at my local goodwill. I get some goood deals there!

I completely agree! I'm getting really anxious about the fall discounts because they'll determine whether or not I'll add an extra day at a deluxe resort or not .

well, it's a done deal!! Bought our airline tickets this morning.

$224 NY-MCO

Have been sitting here for HOURS making ADR's

HOURS

Yes I have sat for HOURS too! my behind is sore!

 

[doberlady]

No Ohana ADR's available for any of our 8 nights. Now I will have to check every day for the next 5 months.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

No Ohana ADR's available for any of our 8 nights. Now I will have to check every day for the next 5 months.

what dates are you wanting?

 

[Happy Mom2]

No Ohana ADR's available for any of our 8 nights. Now I will have to check every day for the next 5 months.

Hang in there. I'm sure someone will cancel.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I have an ADR quandary. I booked Hoop Dee Doo, but have since found out I won't have time to make it from there to MK in time for MSEP, which is an absolute MUST. So... I either have to forgo HDD or cancel Whispering Canyon. Decision...decisions...

On one hand Whispering Canyon would be fun, and we can get back to the resort at a decent hour to relax and go to bed early (this was the original plan). On the other hand, I've heard such wonderful things about HDD. I'm not sure the kids would "get" the jokes, but I think they would enjoy the music and dancing. It will be a later night out than planned.

Suggestions, please!

 

[umaangel00]

Add me to the list!!! It's a last minute decision but we are going to be staying at Arts of Animation from Nov 11-16. I called Disney today and I had a free dining pin attached to my name! So excited!!!

 

[packofprincesses]

Hi! I'm Happy Mom2, and I am a Vera Bradley addict. As y'all know, I purchased my first VB piece, a lovely hipster, a few weeks ago. Well, I used it for the 1st time this weekend when I went shopping, and I it!! I loved all the little pockets, and it was comfortable to wear. I was mentally thinking of where I'd put everything when we go to Disney.

DD loved my hipster and immediately asked if she could have it. Ummm NO! But since her birthday is coming up, I did buy her a mini hipster. And since I was buy her one, well, it couldn't hurt if I bought me a little wristlet, right?

Oh my! Are there any support groups for VB addictions?

Yes....I also have VBPD...

Vera Bradley Purse Disorder....,

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I have an ADR quandary. I booked Hoop Dee Doo, but have since found out I won't have time to make it from there to MK in time for MSEP, which is an absolute MUST. So... I either have to forgo HDD or cancel Whispering Canyon. Decision...decisions...

On one hand Whispering Canyon would be fun, and we can get back to the resort at a decent hour to relax and go to bed early (this was the original plan). On the other hand, I've heard such wonderful things about HDD. I'm not sure the kids would "get" the jokes, but I think they would enjoy the music and dancing. It will be a later night out than planned.

Suggestions, please!

cancel WCC for HDDR!!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Add me to the list!!! It's a last minute decision but we are going to be staying at Arts of Animation from Nov 11-16. I called Disney today and I had a free dining pin attached to my name! So excited!!!