NOVEMBER 2012 Trip Planners Thread~ Everybody is Welcome~Part 3 already!

[Smileybug]

Thanks!!

I actually NEVER thought we would be able to afford AKL, I have looked at rack rates and even rates with room discounts/pins, so I was over the moon when I realized that my DH and I could stay there for 3 nights renting points for the same price as a mod! So looking forward to it, it's our 21st Anniversary!

Happy anniversary!!
I hope ya'll have a wonderful time!!

My flights went down $41 per person! Woohoo!

Wow .... Thats awesome!!
I want to fly just fot the experience of going to Disney that way. Magical Express sounds like fun.

 

[dazednconfused]

Is there another one you liked? Or a Mod or another value? Personally, Id pick POP for value and POR or POFQ as a mod

We've toyed with the idea of staying at Pop. And maybe we might do just that. But we do so love the coziness of the AS resorts. The deciding factor as to which alternative value resort I'd pick will be if the Pop Warner kids will be invading. We had a less-than-magical experience in 09 when they ploughed into AS Music and made a nuisance of themselves. Teens and adults alike. I understand that AS Movies is usually spared. But am not 100% sure. Will have to do a little more research on that.

 

[Tulles]

Okay so if we do get FD for our first portion of our trip at POR I just realized it includes the regular DP. Now I need to get 3 ADRs done! I've got these booked for right now:

Nov. 9 (our arrival day) Rainforest Cafe DTD 5pm
Nov. 11 (DHS day) SciFi Cafe 1:20pm
Nov. 12 (shopping/no park day) Kona Cafe @ Poly 9:05am

We also have Ohana's booked for Nov. 16 @ 9:40am for a character meal. Debating whether to switch that to Nov. 12 @ 8:45am and have it covered on the DDP. Right now its going to be OOP. But I've heard such good things about the Tonga Toast at Kona. Big debate. Help!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Okay so if we do get FD for our first portion of our trip at POR I just realized it includes the regular DP. Now I need to get 3 ADRs done! I've got these booked for right now:

Nov. 9 (our arrival day) Rainforest Cafe DTD 5pm
Nov. 11 (DHS day) SciFi Cafe 1:20pm
Nov. 12 (shopping/no park day) Kona Cafe @ Poly 9:05am

We also have Ohana's booked for Nov. 16 @ 9:40am for a character meal. Debating whether to switch that to Nov. 12 @ 8:45am and have it covered on the DDP. Right now its going to be OOP. But I've heard such good things about the Tonga Toast at Kona. Big debate. Help!

I would book any character meals on the DP but breakfast character meals are cheaper. Maybe switch them?

 

[momto2inKC]

In the event that this is indeed true come July 12, I will have to change my current reservation from AoA back to AS Movies. Sad, but it'll be madness to give up FD. Even if it's 'just the QS plan'. We can always visit AoA to take in the sights and sounds. We really want to stay at AoA, but... Would you pick AoA over another resort with FD?

I would go for free dining at another resort. Pop is our favorite Value and it's just right over the bridge from AoA, so you could still go over and check it out. As far as Mod's, we've stayed at POFQ and CBR and are trying out CSR this time (moderate was the same price as value when upgrading the DDP for us). We chose CSR because it has the best pool for teens and lots of dining options!

 

[Smileybug]

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

 

[momto2inKC]

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

That, and at the 45 day mark. We've gotten some great ADR's at that point because a lot of people have to cancel if they don't get their package paid off

 

[Smileybug]

That, and at the 45 day mark. We've gotten some great ADR's at that point because a lot of people have to cancel if they don't get their package paid off

Forgot about that. Maybe I will get that reservation after all.

 

[princesshope1982]

i'm torn about making more adr. Does everyone find it helpful or is it a pain to have to plan your day around reservations. right now i only have them for the things i dont want to miss (crt,1900 park fare and akhersus) Is it better to make them or just eat when your hungry where you happen to be and hope for the best?


trying to let the fd option go and be happy with what we have planned

 

[brandijo5]

This is gonna be crazy BUT do you think you should switch now? Or wait? Its a tough call BUT if it were me, Id switch to POR and do a royal guest room If a themed room is what you are after Or a pirate room at CBR

I'm thinking a royal room at POR....hoping one is available for our dates and FD....will sit down and figure out the $$$...we have to put a new AC unit in our house so my hope of staying at WL went out the window with that..may switch to movies and upgrade DP...doesn't matter where we stay as long as my girls have a great trip!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

LOL so very true! I am switching ADR's again im still trying to keep GG somehow. But to do that Id have to give up MK for our rist day, which isnt all that bad I guess because with the exception of my 2 youngest daughters, everyone else in the group loves epcot.

I had a question(not an adr but a park ?) I am toying with switching my schedule to Epcot for the first day, when you go for a week (7 or 8 days) how many days do you allow for each park? This will be what I have:
Sunday Epcot
Monday DHS
Tuesday AK/MK for MVMCP
Wednesday BB?Epcot
Thursday MK
Friday DTD/DHS
Saturday Epcot
Sunday MK
So 2.5 in MK, 2(and an evening for CLP) days in Epcot, 1.5 in DHS and 1 in AK

I havent looked at Park hours or crowd levels yet, I just want to schedule enough time in each park. How much weight do you put on the crowd levels or crowd trackers ?

 

[mamamini]

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

I was in the same boat, had been trying for Ohana dinner reservation for weeks and final a little pixie dust granted me a 6:40 ressie! Don't stop trying you never know!!

 

[Tulles]

Only thing is if i move Ohana to our DDP days i won't get to try Kona. MIL & DH only agreed to one TS meal OOP bc Mickey is so important to DD. Did that make any sense?

 

[Smileybug]

i'm torn about making more adr. Does everyone find it helpful or is it a pain to have to plan your day around reservations. right now i only have them for the things i dont want to miss (crt,1900 park fare and akhersus) Is it better to make them or just eat when your hungry where you happen to be and hope for the best?


trying to let the fd option go and be happy with what we have planned

I used to be one that really didn't like being tied down to an ADR. But with busy as Disney has gotten.....Its just necessary if you want a TS resturant. Now I actually enjoy knowing when we are going to eat because it is also knowing that a break in the day is coming. So I guess I am saying that I find them helpful.

I'm thinking a royal room at POR....hoping one is available for our dates and FD....will sit down and figure out the $$$...we have to put a new AC unit in our house so my hope of staying at WL went out the window with that..may switch to movies and upgrade DP...doesn't matter where we stay as long as my girls have a great trip!!!

I'm sorry about the AC. But the important thing is having a great trip and I hope ya'll do.

LOL so very true! I am switching ADR's again im still trying to keep GG somehow. But to do that Id have to give up MK for our rist day, which isnt all that bad I guess because with the exception of my 2 youngest daughters, everyone else in the group loves epcot.

I had a question(not an adr but a park ?) I am toying with switching my schedule to Epcot for the first day, when you go for a week (7 or 8 days) how many days do you allow for each park? This will be what I have:
Sunday Epcot
Monday DHS
Tuesday AK/MK for MVMCP
Wednesday BB?Epcot
Thursday MK
Friday DTD/DHS
Saturday Epcot
Sunday MK
So 2.5 in MK, 2(and an evening for CLP) days in Epcot, 1.5 in DHS and 1 in AK

I havent looked at Park hours or crowd levels yet, I just want to schedule enough time in each park. How much weight do you put on the crowd levels or crowd trackers ?

Funny...I was just reading another thread about this. And what I am finding personally is that the different crowd calendars are not all agreeing anyway. But the jest of that thread was that the crowd calendars seem to go along with EMH days. And it seems that the actual touring plan for the park that you are in is the most important thing. But we never follow a touring plan and have never really had any trouble. Its just like now....you and I have some different park days planned and we are going the same time. So who knows........ I guess my opinion would be to do what fits your family best.

I was in the same boat, had been trying for Ohana dinner reservation for weeks and final a little pixie dust granted me a 6:40 ressie! Don't stop trying you never know!!

Thanks I will keep trying.

 

[AquaDame]

I had an inkling that if I rented points free dining would be out for our dates.... if it were anywhere but AKL maybe I would be kicking myself now, but it is all good! No clue when we will be able to go back anyway, so yay for treating ourselves!

 

[disneychic2]

LOL so very true! I am switching ADR's again im still trying to keep GG somehow. But to do that Id have to give up MK for our rist day, which isnt all that bad I guess because with the exception of my 2 youngest daughters, everyone else in the group loves epcot.

I had a question(not an adr but a park ?) I am toying with switching my schedule to Epcot for the first day, when you go for a week (7 or 8 days) how many days do you allow for each park? This will be what I have:
Sunday Epcot
Monday DHS
Tuesday AK/MK for MVMCP
Wednesday BB?Epcot
Thursday MK
Friday DTD/DHS
Saturday Epcot
Sunday MK
So 2.5 in MK, 2(and an evening for CLP) days in Epcot, 1.5 in DHS and 1 in AK

I havent looked at Park hours or crowd levels yet, I just want to schedule enough time in each park. How much weight do you put on the crowd levels or crowd trackers ?

I think the park days you've come up with are about right. Looks similar to what DH and I do.

When we go in September, we go to whatever park we want with no regard to crowd levels. In December, I pay a little more attention to the crowd levels. DH and I usually like to go to morning EMH, which is never a "recommended" park. But then we get park hoppers so when the EMH park gets too crowded, we just hop to another park. I do try to go to the "best" park when it doesn't interfere with something I have planned. Don't know if that makes sense, but there you have it.

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

So true!! It'll be a stampede, opening up all kinds of other options!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Hi y'all!! I'm on my lunch break so I'm just jumping in here!!

I just had a thought.......I have been trying to get a dinner reservation at Ohana at a decent time. I guess I should just wait for the Bog reservations to open up. I bet there will be cancellations all over the place.

Great idea!!!

That, and at the 45 day mark. We've gotten some great ADR's at that point because a lot of people have to cancel if they don't get their package paid off

Great idea too!! I may have to try that to get a better time at a couple places.

LOL so very true! I am switching ADR's again im still trying to keep GG somehow. But to do that Id have to give up MK for our rist day, which isnt all that bad I guess because with the exception of my 2 youngest daughters, everyone else in the group loves epcot.

I had a question(not an adr but a park ?) I am toying with switching my schedule to Epcot for the first day, when you go for a week (7 or 8 days) how many days do you allow for each park? This will be what I have:
Sunday Epcot
Monday DHS
Tuesday AK/MK for MVMCP
Wednesday BB?Epcot
Thursday MK
Friday DTD/DHS
Saturday Epcot
Sunday MK
So 2.5 in MK, 2(and an evening for CLP) days in Epcot, 1.5 in DHS and 1 in AK

I havent looked at Park hours or crowd levels yet, I just want to schedule enough time in each park. How much weight do you put on the crowd levels or crowd trackers ?

We will be there 7.5 whole days... we have AK (1), HS (1.5), EP (2.5), MK (2.5). I schedule my days according to the crowd trackers, but I schedule my evenings according to what we want to do (MSEP, F!, MVMCP, etc.). If there isn't anything in particular we want to do in the evening, then we go by the crowd tracker for the evening too. Does that make sense?

Only thing is if i move Ohana to our DDP days i won't get to try Kona. MIL & DH only agreed to one TS meal OOP bc Mickey is so important to DD. Did that make any sense?

That's a tough decision.

 

[Smileybug]

I had an inkling that if I rented points free dining would be out for our dates.... if it were anywhere but AKL maybe I would be kicking myself now, but it is all good! No clue when we will be able to go back anyway, so yay for treating ourselves!

So true!! It'll be a stampede, opening up all kinds of other options!

Yes......those options are sounding good.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I used to be one that really didn't like being tied down to an ADR. But with busy as Disney has gotten.....Its just necessary if you want a TS resturant. Now I actually enjoy knowing when we are going to eat because it is also knowing that a break in the day is coming. So I guess I am saying that I find them helpful.

Great advice!! I feel the same. Each person has to decide what is right for their family. Some people say it takes too much time away from the parks; others say it is part of the Disney experience.

For us, we plan early morning pre park opening character breakfast ADRs so we are done before rope drop, and it means the characters come to us so we spend less time in line during the day waiting to meet characters. We don't schedule lunch. We schedule ADRs for dinner, and it's a great chance to sit down, talk about our day, and it gives the kids a chance to rest a while so they are able to stay out a little later for parades, fireworks, etc.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

i'm torn about making more adr. Does everyone find it helpful or is it a pain to have to plan your day around reservations. right now i only have them for the things i dont want to miss (crt,1900 park fare and akhersus) Is it better to make them or just eat when your hungry where you happen to be and hope for the best?


trying to let the fd option go and be happy with what we have planned

You could always make all the adr's you *may* want now and then cancel as not needed. Im not trying to be a stick in the mud BUT I am changing everything now because once FDing is announced itll be anightmare to get adrs.... no lie LOL

I'm thinking a royal room at POR....hoping one is available for our dates and FD....will sit down and figure out the $$$...we have to put a new AC unit in our house so my hope of staying at WL went out the window with that..may switch to movies and upgrade DP...doesn't matter where we stay as long as my girls have a great trip!!!

We are in a RGR and I am happy, its only like $199 a night and I think itll fit us the best. POR is beautiful. Have you stayed there before? We loved it!
Since WL is out, stay at the Mod. I know they will love it either way. Our first trip was Deluxe resort and to go to a value was too far a fall for us(nothing wrong with value, with the exception of AoA, we will not stay in AS ones) I will try AoA once though it looks cute! I hope RGR is available for you.. we have FDing in it. IF you choose tha, YOu may want to switch before FDing comes out OR call right at 7am for that one...

I think the park days you've come up with are about right. Looks similar to what DH and I do.

When we go in September, we go to whatever park we want with no regard to crowd levels. In December, I pay a little more attention to the crowd levels. DH and I usually like to go to morning EMH, which is never a "recommended" park. But then we get park hoppers so when the EMH park gets too crowded, we just hop to another park. I do try to go to the "best" park when it doesn't interfere with something I have planned. Don't know if that makes sense, but there you have it.

That makes perfext sense!

Hi y'all!! I'm on my lunch break so I'm just jumping in here!!

We will be there 7.5 whole days... we have AK (1), HS (1.5), EP (2.5), MK (2.5). I schedule my days according to the crowd trackers, but I schedule my evenings according to what we want to do (MSEP, F!, MVMCP, etc.). If there isn't anything in particular we want to do in the evening, then we go by the crowd tracker for the evening too. Does that make sense?

I was actually looking at ADR's for awhile but today I looked at parks and noticed I planned like 3.5 days at MK and 1 full day(leaving in the evening like 6 ) at Epcot and that isnt enough epcot time!