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

[Divaofdisney]

We have actually started to look at the Disney cruise to Alaska. But, I can't imagine skipping Disney. I guess we just haven't grown up enough to really want other vacation destinations. But I am starting to gather information on it. So maybe thats a sign of maturing.



Oh, and one more thing..............................................DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID in this thread. It makes you do things. Like add a day to your vacation and feel the need to cruise.

Wow! now that is just too funny, we added a day to our trip as well- funny how really true that comment is, at least for me, lol!!! We have cruised 4x with Disney- it was incredible each and every time, 4x with Royal Caribbean- our favorite line, once with Carnival and once with Holland America. Disney and RCCL are our 2 favorites hands down. Our last disney cruise was back in 2002- and at time our kids were growing up and we just wanted to try something new and different. We LOVE LOVE LOVE RCCL- was fortunate enough to go on the Inaugural Sailing of Oasis- and I have to tell you, it was the absolute best trip we have ever done, hands down!! All the dignitaries were on board and we got 2 gifts in our room each night with so much free stuff it was amazing. And the ship OMG, as big as it is the way its laid out with all the different neighborhoods makes it feel so homey. Central Park was peaceful and beautiful- our favorite spot on ship. If ever you get the chance, I say go for it. They also have a great loyalty program with tremendous savings that increase the more you cruise with them. My husband and I have a trip planned for next Sept. on her sister ship Allure- for our 25th wedding Anniversary! We can't wait.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

If CM is a tradition......How important is it that ya'll keep the tradition?

Not really a big one, just love the interaction there. I am just scared about GG! the food looks funny

 

[mommyof3princess27]

We have actually started to look at the Disney cruise to Alaska. But, I can't imagine skipping Disney. I guess we just haven't grown up enough to really want other vacation destinations. But I am starting to gather information on it. So maybe thats a sign of maturing.



Oh, and one more thing..............................................DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID in this thread. It makes you do things. Like add a day to your vacation and feel the need to cruise.

Too late Kool aid already gone over here!!!

 

[Divaofdisney]

Keep trying for the LeCellier reservation. You know how we are changing all the time. I'm getting ready to cancel one. (Because right now I have 2) But I go the end of the month.

Yeah I am going to keep checking daily hoping one will open up for us. Thanks anyway. I surely do appreciate it.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Wow! Already to 9 pages!

Add me to the Delaware list, too! We live in Frankford, and I work in Ocean View (at the Coastal Point newspaper, specifically...). Wow! Amazing that we have so many local DisBoards members going in November!

Congrats to Smileybug and the kids! I keep imagining the day when my son is making those kinds of life decisions, and I can only hope my potential DIL "just fits"! What a great thing!

I'm in full-on nerves mode about BoG! Just got the Parks Blog email in my box, getting my adrenaline up, only to realize it was for yesterday's posts. Nothing new on BoG yet! The menu will be a major deciding factor for us, so I have such high hopes!

I also decided to book us a dinner at Coral Reef, after reading a new review yesterday. When we went last year, the food was good, but the service was poor. And when I checked for an updated menu when I was making my ADRs, there were only two seafood entrees (a complaint I had seen elsewhere recently), so I went with Le Cellier for my birthday dinner, even if only 8:45 was available (making us have to go back for Illuminations on another night). Then this review comes out and talks glowingly about improved service and mostly seafood entrees on the menu, and I checked for an updated menu, and sure enough there's four seafood entrees! So I got a better time at Coral Reef, but now I'm fixated on beet salad at Le Cellier and how much everyone seems to love eating there. I kept both ressies, for now, but now I have a hard decision to make... Any input?

I'm also still pondering whether to go to Universal this trip. I decided not to last year because, while I really, really want to see HP, I heard the crowds and lines were terrible, and we don't do roller coasters, and that seems to leave little there for us but atmosphere and souvenirs we could buy online.
This time, it seems crowds should be less, but the benefits of HP are still slim, even if I intensely want the experience. Is it worth the time away from WDW and the cost of admission? And if we're going, should we do both parks? DS will be 7 and won't ride "adult" rides without me, so no coasters, nothing too scary. Is there enough there besides HP that he would enjoy to make it worthwhile? We have PH tickets for our entire stay, so could do another WDW day or even Sea World for a second time... And part of me says wait on HP until there are more rides, attractions that are my speed, years down the road.
Any thoughts/experiences?

Someone had asked about the walking distance at AoA from LM to the buses being 20 minutes! I had read it was more like 10 minutes, so that didn't put us off. Theming-wise, we would have preferred Cars, but the cost difference for two of us is ridiculous. Instead, we'll walk through Cars when we're there.

WHAT!?!?! New menu!!?!?!?! I cant find this new review! Anywhere

 

[4my2girlz]

Not really a big one, just love the interaction there. I am just scared about GG! the food looks funny

We've eaten at GG 3 times and I will admit it's my LEAST favorite meal, but my girls FAVORITE character meal!! I'm not sure why unless it's because it's the smallest so the characters come to your table 2,3 or even 4 times or because it slowly rotates? Either way, the food isn't AWFUL, it just isn't wonderful! They offer a good variety and you can continue to ask for more of whatever it is that you find that you like. It was nice to try some new foods I wouldn't normally eat! AND you can ask for the kids dessert instead of the adult, too!

We originally made 2 weeks reservations off-site through our timeshare and explained to our girls we were paying OOP so they could only choose 1 place to eat at WDW - they both wanted GG!! (we've eaten LOTS of different places over the past 3 years with FD)

The girls have NO CLUE we changed our 2nd weeks reservations once we got FD...so we will surprise them with staying at AoA and doing LOTS of restaurants instead of just one

 

[Smileybug]

Wow! now that is just too funny, we added a day to our trip as well- funny how really true that comment is, at least for me, lol!!! We have cruised 4x with Disney- it was incredible each and every time, 4x with Royal Caribbean- our favorite line, once with Carnival and once with Holland America. Disney and RCCL are our 2 favorites hands down. Our last disney cruise was back in 2002- and at time our kids were growing up and we just wanted to try something new and different. We LOVE LOVE LOVE RCCL- was fortunate enough to go on the Inaugural Sailing of Oasis- and I have to tell you, it was the absolute best trip we have ever done, hands down!! All the dignitaries were on board and we got 2 gifts in our room each night with so much free stuff it was amazing. And the ship OMG, as big as it is the way its laid out with all the different neighborhoods makes it feel so homey. Central Park was peaceful and beautiful- our favorite spot on ship. If ever you get the chance, I say go for it. They also have a great loyalty program with tremendous savings that increase the more you cruise with them. My husband and I have a trip planned for next Sept. on her sister ship Allure- for our 25th wedding Anniversary! We can't wait.

Thank you for talking about your experience. I have family that would rather cruise than anything else. I've been told once you cruise thats it. You are hooked.

 

[k3mommy]

I feel so lost in all of this planning! Love reading about everything but I seriously have no plan. Anyone want to do an itinerary for me?!?

 

[Smileybug]

We've eaten at GG 3 times and I will admit it's my LEAST favorite meal, but my girls FAVORITE character meal!! I'm not sure why unless it's because it's the smallest so the characters come to your table 2,3 or even 4 times or because it slowly rotates? Either way, the food isn't AWFUL, it just isn't wonderful! They offer a good variety and you can continue to ask for more of whatever it is that you find that you like. It was nice to try some new foods I wouldn't normally eat! AND you can ask for the kids dessert instead of the adult, too!

We originally made 2 weeks reservations off-site through our timeshare and explained to our girls we were paying OOP so they could only choose 1 place to eat at WDW - they both wanted GG!! (we've eaten LOTS of different places over the past 3 years with FD)

The girls have NO CLUE we changed our 2nd weeks reservations once we got FD...so we will surprise them with staying at AoA and doing LOTS of restaurants instead of just one

GG is one of those places that has always intrigued me. When are ya'll going to let the girls know about the change in resorts? I bet they are going to be so excited.

 

[Smileybug]

I feel so lost in all of this planning! Love reading about everything but I seriously have no plan. Anyone want to do an itinerary for me?!?

When are you going? We love to help.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I am just scared of the long wait at Coral Reef EEK! I dont want to be late for the CLP! We have a 525 dinner ressie but thinking about the 445 one now lol

 

[Divaofdisney]

Thank you for talking about your experience. I have family that would rather cruise than anything else. I've been told once you cruise thats it. You are hooked.

In a way I suppose that's true. We love to cruise, there's just something about the sea and the calmness and serenity it brings. We always marvel at the sheer beauty of the places we've been to and its hard not believe in a God that has created such awe inspiring landscapes- the see the sun setting over the sea or from the horizon of a port you are leaving, is just an experience one has to see to believe. I am a very deeply spiritual person so I just am amazed at the beauty of our earth. Our God is truly amazing.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

In a way I suppose that's true. We love to cruise, there's just something about the sea and the calmness and serenity it brings. We always marvel at the sheer beauty of the places we've been to and its hard not believe in a God that has created such awe inspiring landscapes- the see the sun setting over the sea or from the horizon of a port you are leaving, is just an experience one has to see to believe. I am a very deeply spiritual person so I just am amazed at the beauty of our earth. Our God is truly amazing.

I can not wait to go on our cruise! I spent the other nightlooking at pictures of sunsets and Cozumel and dolphins!

 

[Smileybug]

In a way I suppose that's true. We love to cruise, there's just something about the sea and the calmness and serenity it brings. We always marvel at the sheer beauty of the places we've been to and its hard not believe in a God that has created such awe inspiring landscapes- the see the sun setting over the sea or from the horizon of a port you are leaving, is just an experience one has to see to believe. I am a very deeply spiritual person so I just am amazed at the beauty of our earth. Our God is truly amazing.

I do not want to hijack this thread, but........................You have just sold me on cruising. And if you have any suggestions on how to choose who to cruise with first please, please send me a pm. I need help.

 

[Smileybug]

I can not wait to go on our cruise! I spent the other nightlooking at pictures of sunsets and Cozumel and dolphins!

Keep talking, just keep talking. You have already gotten me in trouble. Might as well add to it.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Keep talking, just keep talking. You have already gotten me in trouble. Might as well add to it.

I would LOVE to go on a disney cruise, but we are trying something different and geared towards kids as well as adults(not that Disney doesnt, we just cant afford a disney cruise) so we are going Carnival. I love the look of RC though

 

[Divaofdisney]

I can not wait to go on our cruise! I spent the other nightlooking at pictures of sunsets and Cozumel and dolphins!

Been to Cozumel, one of our favorite places. Looking to go back next year

 

[LifeIsDis]

Okay.....be honest. How many times have ya'll checked the Disney Blog site?

Too many times to count! I keep refreshing it like every two minutes!

 

[ireneryan]

Too late Kool aid already gone over here!!!

Me too!! Thanks a lot!!!

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Good Morning Y'all!!!!

Wow! Already to 9 pages!

Add me to the Delaware list, too! We live in Frankford, and I work in Ocean View (at the Coastal Point newspaper, specifically...). Wow! Amazing that we have so many local DisBoards members going in November!

Congrats to Smileybug and the kids! I keep imagining the day when my son is making those kinds of life decisions, and I can only hope my potential DIL "just fits"! What a great thing!

I'm in full-on nerves mode about BoG! Just got the Parks Blog email in my box, getting my adrenaline up, only to realize it was for yesterday's posts. Nothing new on BoG yet! The menu will be a major deciding factor for us, so I have such high hopes!

I also decided to book us a dinner at Coral Reef, after reading a new review yesterday. When we went last year, the food was good, but the service was poor. And when I checked for an updated menu when I was making my ADRs, there were only two seafood entrees (a complaint I had seen elsewhere recently), so I went with Le Cellier for my birthday dinner, even if only 8:45 was available (making us have to go back for Illuminations on another night). Then this review comes out and talks glowingly about improved service and mostly seafood entrees on the menu, and I checked for an updated menu, and sure enough there's four seafood entrees! So I got a better time at Coral Reef, but now I'm fixated on beet salad at Le Cellier and how much everyone seems to love eating there. I kept both ressies, for now, but now I have a hard decision to make... Any input?

I'm also still pondering whether to go to Universal this trip. I decided not to last year because, while I really, really want to see HP, I heard the crowds and lines were terrible, and we don't do roller coasters, and that seems to leave little there for us but atmosphere and souvenirs we could buy online.
This time, it seems crowds should be less, but the benefits of HP are still slim, even if I intensely want the experience. Is it worth the time away from WDW and the cost of admission? And if we're going, should we do both parks? DS will be 7 and won't ride "adult" rides without me, so no coasters, nothing too scary. Is there enough there besides HP that he would enjoy to make it worthwhile? We have PH tickets for our entire stay, so could do another WDW day or even Sea World for a second time... And part of me says wait on HP until there are more rides, attractions that are my speed, years down the road.
Any thoughts/experiences?

Someone had asked about the walking distance at AoA from LM to the buses being 20 minutes! I had read it was more like 10 minutes, so that didn't put us off. Theming-wise, we would have preferred Cars, but the cost difference for two of us is ridiculous. Instead, we'll walk through Cars when we're there.

I got tricked by the email from Disney Parks Blog as well!

We've eaten at GG 3 times and I will admit it's my LEAST favorite meal, but my girls FAVORITE character meal!! I'm not sure why unless it's because it's the smallest so the characters come to your table 2,3 or even 4 times or because it slowly rotates? Either way, the food isn't AWFUL, it just isn't wonderful! They offer a good variety and you can continue to ask for more of whatever it is that you find that you like. It was nice to try some new foods I wouldn't normally eat! AND you can ask for the kids dessert instead of the adult, too!

We originally made 2 weeks reservations off-site through our timeshare and explained to our girls we were paying OOP so they could only choose 1 place to eat at WDW - they both wanted GG!! (we've eaten LOTS of different places over the past 3 years with FD)

The girls have NO CLUE we changed our 2nd weeks reservations once we got FD...so we will surprise them with staying at AoA and doing LOTS of restaurants instead of just one

That is a really fabulous surprise!