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

[mydisneyobsession]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I am thinking about cancelling our trip this year. I've spent a year already trying to plan things, and I have our itinerary worked out. I can make ADRs in 1 week. I had planned on purchasing our MVMCP tickets yesterday, but something kept telling me not to.

Here's the deal... The trip is going to end up costing us around $4,000 (that includes everything from resort, tickets, meals, tips, souvenirs, gas, hotel stay, etc.). We are planning to buy or build a new house next spring, and if we don't take this trip, I can pay all that money to my credit cards and vehicle. By next spring, we could be debt free except for our current house. Going won't stop us from buying a new house, but I'm just not sure it's the responsible thing to do.

The kids don't know about the trip so they won't be disappointed. They know we are saving for the trip, but aren't expecting to go this year. What makes me really want to go is DD is growing up fast. She is quickly outgrowing princesses, and if we don't go this year, I don't she'll "believe" in all the magic by the time we do go. On the other hand, if we wait, DS will be definitely be tall enough to ride every ride by the time we go back. Also, if we wait, I can't go the week before Thanksgiving in 2013 because my boss is going then so I'd have to pick another week. But Fantasyland will be complete!!

Ughh... the decision is driving me crazy. I know the responsible thing to do, but the mommy/Disney side of me wants to go. /

WWYD?

Maybe it doesn't need to be all or nothing... is it possible to scale the trip back at all? Less ADR's, no hoppers, no MVMCP, downgrade resorts, less days, etc... Maybe you could spend less on the trip and put the savings towards your other financial goals?

I agree with the other posters that a Disney trip will be enjoyed much more if you can feel good about your overall financial situation. I'm sure you're excited about the house, too, and maybe you can invest your time and energy there for a while instead.

I hope you're able to come to decision soon that you feel good about!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Maybe it doesn't need to be all or nothing... is it possible to scale the trip back at all? Less ADR's, no hoppers, no MVMCP, downgrade resorts, less days, etc... Maybe you could spend less on the trip and put the savings towards your other financial goals?

I agree with the other posters that a Disney trip will be enjoyed much more if you can feel good about your overall financial situation. I'm sure you're excited about the house, too, and maybe you can invest your time and energy there for a while instead.

I hope you're able to come to decision soon that you feel good about!

I agree with this. I am by no means debt free but the girls are growing up fast and my DD will turn 13 on this trip so its kind of a celebration. I have thought about cutting all trips out but the fact of the matter is, I want those memories. If I wait til we are debt free, they wont be this age. I know I should do the more responsible thing. DH works a second job to pay for the trip. Its not taking any money out of our regular budget so I think that is why I allow myself to do it. Its a very personal choice....what ever you chose, make sure you can sleep at night.

 

[jcieutat]

Can someone refresh my memory on the free dining policy regarding dates (just in case it is offered). If FD starts on a Saturday but I am booked arriving the Friday before, do I get it for that Friday? The reason I am asking is we are booked the Friday after Thanksgiving thru the next Saturday. I might need to change to Sat thru the next Sunday. The past few years we have arrived on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were just trying to give us all a day break before the return of reality on Monday!

 

[natter]

Can someone refresh my memory on the free dining policy regarding dates (just in case it is offered). If FD starts on a Saturday but I am booked arriving the Friday before, do I get it for that Friday? The reason I am asking is we are booked the Friday after Thanksgiving thru the next Saturday. I might need to change to Sat thru the next Sunday. The past few years we have arrived on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were just trying to give us all a day break before the return of reality on Monday!

You need to check in on the days that are offered for the discount, but your days can extend after the offered has expired. So if the offer starts on Sat then your Fri would not be included. You could however do a room only day for Fri then start your package on Sat (if your days are not flexible). If they are flexible then I would just change to a Sat arrival and Sun departure.

 

[mousiemom]

add us please to 11/25-12/1 @ pop for now
Thanks!

 

[luvallprincesses]

Can someone refresh my memory on the free dining policy regarding dates (just in case it is offered). If FD starts on a Saturday but I am booked arriving the Friday before, do I get it for that Friday? The reason I am asking is we are booked the Friday after Thanksgiving thru the next Saturday. I might need to change to Sat thru the next Sunday. The past few years we have arrived on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were just trying to give us all a day break before the return of reality on Monday!

In the exact same boat as you, day for day. Last year we did room only Friday night at POFQ (that did have a % off pin of some sort in the end), and free dining started Saturday. We had to "check out" and "check in" Saturday morning (that was me at 6:30 am to make our CP 8:05 am ADR) but not move rooms. A minor inconvenience. I REALLY appreciated being home Sunday to re-coop before work/school Monday so IMO keep your dates...we are. (Although looking for a nice room only this year instead of FD due to picky, grazing kids.)

 

[Hmom]

I keep going back and forth about diner at The Royal Table. Our Anniversary is Nov. 27th. I already have the MVMCP tickets in my hands for that date. I keep thinking that a early supper in the Palace would be a wonderful way to start the evening.

QUOTE]

This is exactly what we did in 2010. It was our 10th Anniversary. DH surprised me with CRT reservations. I just checked our plans from last year. Our reservation was at 4:10pm & after dinner we stayed for MVMCP. It was perfect!

 

[TinkPirateMom]

You paid out of pocket for the CRT? OMGosh thats crazy but you get to eat in the castle Im glad you got all the ones you wanted!

Yes, we are paying out of pocket for all of our meals. I must be nuts for doing CRT and MBYBBQ while paying OOP!!!

Here's my itinerary, what do you think?

Tuesday: Arrive and checked in around 2:30. early dinner at Kona, watch Main Street Electrical Parade (7:00) and Wishes (8:00)

Wednesday: Hollywood Studios, Mama Melrose (Fantasmic Dinner Package), hopefully see Osborne Family Lights, and Fantasmic

Thursday: Epcot, dinner at Chefs de France, watch IllumiNations or eat early and attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Friday: Magic Kingdom (early entry), dinner at 'Ohana

Saturday: Animal Kingdom, dinner at Boma

Sunday: Departure day, we have time to visit to the park of our choice to hit anything we missed, and depending on what we have left for meal credits, either a counter service or table service meal for late breakfast or lunch. I think I'll reserve either late Crystal Palace Breakfast or Via Napoli lunch.

All of these restaurants would be new to me except for Crystal Palace, Boma, and Chefs, very exciting!
ETA: This assumes free dining... if that doesn't come through, we'll probably wing it!
PPS: My dates are 11/13 - 18

Your plans sound good!

Hi all! I have been a long time lurker and this is my very first post! We are heading to the AKV - Kidani on Nov. 9 thru the 17. So excited. And thanks to all of you for the wealth of information.

Do you think since our 180 ADR date is Mother's Day my hubby should get up and make the reservations? Ha, ha. I'll do it and then sleep later! Have a great day!

Welcome!

Keep trying back on the Crystal Palace time. You may just get it.

I keep going back and forth about diner at The Royal Table. Our Anniversary is Nov. 27th. I already have the MVMCP tickets in my hands for that date. I keep thinking that a early supper in the Palace would be a wonderful way to start the evening.


Somebody has been playing witht the smilies again.

I will keep checking back for CP, thanks! DD and I have eaten in the castle before but she barley remembers it and DH and DS have never eaten in the castle so I feel like we should do it. It is also our 5th wedding anniversary so that will be a nice way to celebrate! That is the first night of MVMCP but we are not getting tickets. I assume we are okay with a 5:50 reservation. We will be leaving around 7 when everyone has to leave. What do you think?

This is what I have so far for the 11..yes, 11 of us..8 adults, 3 grandsons.....

11/9 Arriving late..no adrs

11/10 DHS day....8:30 H & V Character breakfast..

11/11 MK day..early Crystal Palace dinner

11/12 AK day..8:05 Tusker breakfast..5:00 Boma dinner

11/13 Back to MK day.. 5:00 Chef Mickey dinner

11/14 EPCOT day...5:00 Coral Reef dinner

11/15 MK departure day..hopefully a Be Our Guest lunch before departing..

Thoughts?

Sounds good!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Can someone refresh my memory on the free dining policy regarding dates (just in case it is offered). If FD starts on a Saturday but I am booked arriving the Friday before, do I get it for that Friday? The reason I am asking is we are booked the Friday after Thanksgiving thru the next Saturday. I might need to change to Sat thru the next Sunday. The past few years we have arrived on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were just trying to give us all a day break before the return of reality on Monday!

WE were booked Jersey week then changed to the Fri after Thanksgiving BUT then switched to Sunday after TG just in case If you can wait til it comes out and maybe switch or add a day at the end, then cancel the first day if FD, in not cancel the last day...just an idea

 

[BELLE1109]

Hey All,
Finally got off the sidelines and booked 10/29-11/3
I've been following this thread so I thought I'd join in.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thank you all so much for you thoughts and kind words. After a lot of thought, I decided to cancel the trip. While not the happiest decision, it was the right one for us. I am so very thankful that I haven't told the kids. I called DMIL, who is coming with us, to let her know we were going to cancel the trip. She begged me not to cancel and offered to pay for the entire trip. She said she didn't want to miss out on the trip, and if the only reason we were cancelling was because of money, she would take care of it. She's WAY beyond retirement age, but continues to work because she loves it, and said she has nothing better to spend her money on than her grandchildren. (Our 2 are her only 2.) She's such an incredible MIL, and I love her dearly. I'm just not sure I want to let her pay for the whole trip, but she made me promise not to cancel the trip right now. So as of now, I'm not cancelling the trip; however, I am going to see about changing to a value resort, switching from deluxe to regular dining plan or maybe even pay OOP for meals with breakfast in our rooms, and I'll definitely be watching for free dining!! I'm going to go ahead and make all of my planned ADRs next week, so that I'll have them, and I can cancel any I don't need later.

Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive.

Of course, I hadn't even told DH I was thinking about cancelling so I had to catch him up on everything. He just says, "Whatever you want, honey." I him!

 

[Hmom]

Thank you all so much for you thoughts and kind words. After a lot of thought, I decided to cancel the trip. While not the happiest decision, it was the right one for us. I am so very thankful that I haven't told the kids. I called DMIL, who is coming with us, to let her know we were going to cancel the trip. She begged me not to cancel and offered to pay for the entire trip. She said she didn't want to miss out on the trip, and if the only reason we were cancelling was because of money, she would take care of it. She's WAY beyond retirement age, but continues to work because she loves it, and said she has nothing better to spend her money on than her grandchildren. (Our 2 are her only 2.) She's such an incredible MIL, and I love her dearly. I'm just not sure I want to let her pay for the whole trip, but she made me promise not to cancel the trip right now. So as of now, I'm not cancelling the trip; however, I am going to see about changing to a value resort, switching from deluxe to regular dining plan or maybe even pay OOP for meals with breakfast in our rooms, and I'll definitely be watching for free dining!! I'm going to go ahead and make all of my planned ADRs next week, so that I'll have them, and I can cancel any I don't need later.

Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive.

Of course, I hadn't even told DH I was thinking about cancelling so I had to catch him up on everything. He just says, "Whatever you want, honey." I him!

Wow, what a MIL! We've done breakfast in our rooms for our last two trips (mainly because I am not a morning person ). Much cheaper, even with grocery delivery. We've used wegoshop twice for grocery delivery - awesome!!! DS gets way too distracted & won't eat much during the day so, in addition to breakfast, I like having PB&J or cereal in the room for when he calms down & the hunger kicks in.


Ok, Thursday is the day - ADRs!!! I double checked to make sure my reservation was showing online. I've got my list. I'll set the alarm early and prop my eyes open enough to see my computer screen. I hope it goes well!

 

[Bisoubird]

We're going 11/25-11/28 (hopefully adding a couple of days later) and staying at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[sjs314]

I did a little research as I was curious about what dates FD was offered in 2010 and 2011 I have high hopes my dates will be included.

2010 - Released 7/5

Sat Nov 12 - Thur Nov 18

Sat Nov 27 - Thur Dec 2

2011 - Released 8/3

Sun Nov 13 - Sat Nov 19*

Sun Nov 27 - Dec 3*

* initial dates, later in the promo the dates were changed to Sat - Fri dates

Also worth nothing the current BB offer which is for 25% off values, 30% off Mods and 35 % off Deluxe & villas is good for the following dates

Nov 25-30

Dec 1

 

[Smileybug]

I keep going back and forth about diner at The Royal Table. Our Anniversary is Nov. 27th. I already have the MVMCP tickets in my hands for that date. I keep thinking that a early supper in the Palace would be a wonderful way to start the evening.

QUOTE]

This is exactly what we did in 2010. It was our 10th Anniversary. DH surprised me with CRT reservations. I just checked our plans from last year. Our reservation was at 4:10pm & after dinner we stayed for MVMCP. It was perfect!

I'm thinking I'm going to try for diner in the castle!! Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Kristina]

Hi ! I will be at WDW for one week arriving on Nov. 12th -19th !! Please, can you add me to the list! I have had a very hectic time of it lately but I'm now ready to plan away!
I will be first time solo and making new memories for myself after a breakup and I'm hyped!! It will be 3 years since I've been and I can't even believe it but life got in the way, although I'm super excited because of all the new changes both to the parks and even the Pop, with AOA now across the lake . I can't wait to check everything out but I'm going to need your advice here and there . Hopefully I can add something to this thread too.
Thank you!

 

[SevsOnlyGirl]

I'm so jealous of everyone making their ADR's! I have to wait until May 26th to do mine and I feel like I have nothing left to do right now except wait. *sigh*

The part that I didn't quite expect while planning is how excited my 17yo DD is about the trip! We went when she was 6yo and her brother has never been, but she's hyped up like mad! Who knew? She's already said that she wants Disney shirts and an autograph book. DS on the other hand is all 'I'll be excited when it gets closer.'lol

 

[IlovemesomeGoofy]

I wish I had more to contribute with regards to tips and whatnot, but having only being to Disney only once (and staying offsite), I really have nothing to add. You all are a wealth of knowledge!! I've done a lot of reading, but one of the best teaching tools I have for my upcoming trip is this thread! Thanks peeps

Now, where is free dining??

 

[pixiedaisy]

Subbing. Just booked 7 nights at the Poly in November and made our ADRs yesterday. Hoping these 179 days fly by!

 

[CristinaML]

Good Morning everyone! I got my Christmas Party tickets in the mail yesterday!!!! I make ADRs in 2 days!!!!