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

[Divaofdisney]

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

Carnival is a great option as introduction to cruising. They offer great rates and have wonderful children's program in Camp Carnival. But for us, its a has a bit of a Las Vegas type feel/theme to their ships in way of their decor. RCCL is a step up I think but also they have great specials and hot deals. Their loyalty programs offers discounts on balcony rooms once you get to platinum level which is only after 5 cruises. Their ships have more calming colors and decor and I just love the feel of them. Its easy to navigate around. Disney reigns supreme in regard to their kids programs and their service is the best by far- but they have gotten so expensive that unless you are very well to do, or save for several years, we can't really afford them anymore, which is a real shame. I would love to try the new Disney Dream or Fantasy - they look amazing!!

 

[ireneryan]

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

I stumbled out of bed ridiculously early to check and then fell back in bed b/c I'm not really an early morning person and thankfully my DD likes to sleep at least to 830. When on earth will they release this golden nugget of info? This kinda stuff makes me crazy!!

 

[4my2girlz]

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.

I'm hoping to be able to keep it a secret until that Saturday when we move from SeaWorld Hilton to AoA...not sure I'll be able to keep my big mouth shut though!

This will be our first time visiting during the holidays, we will be doing the christmas party and Cinderella's Royal table for the first time as well!!

 

[ireneryan]

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

I'd go with tradition just because that's the one thing the kids will remind you of if you don't do it. You just never know how much it means to them and you don't really want them to keep them asking you when you're going there after you gave it up. Maybe try GG next time...

 

[ireneryan]

I'm hoping to be able to keep it a secret until that Saturday when we move from SeaWorld Hilton to AoA...not sure I'll be able to keep my big mouth shut though!

This will be our first time visiting during the holidays, we will be doing the christmas party and Cinderella's Royal table for the first time as well!!

Oh that sounds exciting!!! I can't keep a vacation secret to save my soul! But they will have so much fun with all that new stuff!!! I love it!!

 

[4my2girlz]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2946073

Since yall have started talking about cruises, I'll share the thread I started asking for info comparing Carnival vs. Disney. I really wanna do a disney cruise but am having a hard time justify the expense compared to other cruise lines!

 

[disneychic2]

I had decided not to do ressies for CL, so wasn't part of the morning madness. Then, I kept thinking about it all morning and finally went to the web site just to see what was available. I was shocked that every restaurant had availability still! Sooooo, I booked Le Cellier for Dec 5 at 11:50. I have indeed drunk the kool-aide!!!

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

Probably about as many times as you have! You know us too well!

Good Morning everyone!! Welcome to the start of another full and exciting day I bet with the release of the newest info. on BOG. Can't wait to hear all about it. Everyone here is still asleep and its nice and quiet. ahhhh Looks like you all are up early again this morning. We are planning 2 MK days maybe 3, its our favorite park- 2nd being EPCOT- love it there too. Cannot get a dinner reservation for Le Cellier what so ever for any day of our stay, so disappointed....but will keep trying in hopes of a cancellation. Have to get some work done today...so I will be checking in frequently to see if there is any news. If there is..could someone please post the link that would be awesome. Thanks so much.

Would you consider lunch? That may be available. But if not, as others have said, just keep trying. It's one of our absolute favorite places to eat. Good luck!

Big OT.............................................................................


I have a future daughter daughter in law. My oldest proposed to his girlfriend tonight. And we are so, so happy. She just fits.

Can you tell I'm thrilled!!

Wow! That's awesome! It's so wonderful when your son picks someone who really fits in with the family. (or your daughter for that matter) When our youngest son was engaged, my neighbor (mother of two sons) said that the groom's mother is supposed to wear beige and keep her mouth shut. Which is pretty much what I did...but my beige had lots of sparkle!

Not Disney. It isn't them. My husband and I are the Disney lovers in the family. The kids laugh at us, tell us to have a wonderful time and send us on our way.

That's the same in our family! Where did we go wrong????

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.

Add us to the list of people adding a day to our trip! Also, thanks for the info on the different cruise lines. I really want to take a Disney cruise, but have a hard time justifying the huge expense. RCCL was our second line we were interested in and I think you just sold me. I would love to do a Mediterranean cruise. I have never been anywhere where I needed a passport. It's time I did! Thanks for the encouragement.

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?!?

Just give us the specs! How many going? ages of kids? where are you staying? I would say go on Disney's site and order the free maps that are available. The kids seem to love going over them and choosing things that interest them. Also it gives you an opportunity to become somewhat familiar with each park layout. One more thing: is your family laid back or more of a "get 'er done" kind of group? Early risers? Need naps? Like the water? If I haven't scared you away, lets help you plan! (well, I guess that was a few more than "one more thing" )

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.

Sold!

 

[Caretames1]

I see you put up the MNSSHP on Nov 2nd, you can us us! I'm so excited to be hitting both parties on 1 trip!

 

[boysrus2]

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

You want to enjoy your meal and if your stressing about missing CLP, I would make the reservation earlier. If you do get done earlier than you can walk around and let dinner settle before CLP. Either way I'm sure you will have an awesome night.
I have a simular issue on arrival night. I made Ohanas for 8pm and plan on watching wishes at 10pm on Poly beach and I am so nervous my plane will be delayed and we won't make it. Right now we have 4 hours from landing to dinner, but it just takes one bad delay and I've ruined my Ohana dinner.. I'm going to keep it, but will be stressing about it until we are actually sitting at a table..
Good luck with your decision!

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

I was finally able to pull off my first surprise trip this past January. My DH and I usually do a solo trip in jan, mostly 3 night cruises, but sometimes Disney if we have APs. The kids thought it was one of these trips, but we had decided to take them too. We also took my in laws. We had my DMIL come to the airport with us and they walked us all the way to security and we kissed them goodbye and then I pulled out boarding passes for everyone! They were very surprised and I was proud of myself, I'm terrible with secrets.
Have to go get some work done, but will check back about BOG. Will someone post a link to the blog when it is available, not sure I know where to find it. Thanks and have a good morning!

 

[disneychic2]

Keep in mind that even though you have vouchers for CP, there will still be a considerable line to wait in to be seated. You WILL get a seat no matter when you queue up, but cutting it close would make for way too much stress IMO. The good news is, I don't think there's a bad seat to be had. To their credit, I think Disney does a really great job of timing the CL ressies to accommodate the time of the performances.

 

[k3mommy]

We've changed our dates!! When I called the first time these dates were unavailable. Now we are checking in Nov 28 and leaving Dec 3!!! My sis lives about 40 mins away from Disney and we are driving down and staying with her on the 27th. We'll get up bright and early and head to Disney. The reverse for departure. We will check out and stay at the park all day on the 3rd; sleep at Sis's and drive 10 hrs home the 4th.

I think we are leaning towards a go, go, go schedule since we've never been and it might be a few years before we make it back. It will be me, my hubby and our 3 kiddos (8,4, and 18 months when we travel.) I have a very rough draft based on the EMH and getting the most hours in at each park since we are not doing park hoppers. We are using the QS dining (FREE!!)

So, here's what I've got. Day 1 AK 8-5 and after??? Possibly the Chip and Dale Campfire thing. Day 2 MK. Day 3 Epcot. Day 4 MK. Day 5 DHS we will stay late for EMH and the Clubhouse dance party. Day 6 check out and spend all day at MK.

See? All I know so far is what park which day! I need a PLAN...or at least some guidance.

 

[mydisneyobsession]

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.

I guess I'm totally in the minority on this one, but I really don't like to cruise. I feel like I should, but by the end of the cruise I CAN'T WAIT to get OFF THE BOAT. Maybe we've just had some bad experiences.

I cruised Sitmar back in the day with my mom and dad, and as an adult I've cruised Norwegian and Carnival. I do want to try a Disney cruise. I feel like maybe that's the element I'm missing?

If I hang around with cruise-lovers maybe it will rub off on me.

 

[Smileybug]

Oh that sounds exciting!!! I can't keep a vacation secret to save my soul! But they will have so much fun with all that new stuff!!! I love it!!

I know it would be hard for me to keep a secret. But with 4 adult kids I have had to learn.

I'm hoping to be able to keep it a secret until that Saturday when we move from SeaWorld Hilton to AoA...not sure I'll be able to keep my big mouth shut though!

This will be our first time visiting during the holidays, we will be doing the christmas party and Cinderella's Royal table for the first time as well!!

Ya'll are going to have such a wonderful time!!

I'd go with tradition just because that's the one thing the kids will remind you of if you don't do it. You just never know how much it means to them and you don't really want them to keep them asking you when you're going there after you gave it up. Maybe try GG next time...

You have a point with this.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2946073

Since yall have started talking about cruises, I'll share the thread I started asking for info comparing Carnival vs. Disney. I really wanna do a disney cruise but am having a hard time justify the expense compared to other cruise lines!

Will have to check this out.

I had decided not to do ressies for CL, so wasn't part of the morning madness. Then, I kept thinking about it all morning and finally went to the web site just to see what was available. I was shocked that every restaurant had availability still! Sooooo, I booked Le Cellier for Dec 5 at 11:50. I have indeed drunk the kool-aide!!!

Oh no...... I know we are feeding off of each other. But I think it is only enhancing our trips.


Probably about as many times as you have! You know us too well!

We are just all nuts when it comes to Disney.

Wow! That's awesome! It's so wonderful when your son picks someone who really fits in with the family. (or your daughter for that matter) When our youngest son was engaged, my neighbor (mother of two sons) said that the groom's mother is supposed to wear beige and keep her mouth shut. Which is pretty much what I did...but my beige had lots of sparkle!

I'm glad you sparkled. That is just to cute. I'm gonna sparkle too!! She already calls us momma and pops. (The boys all call their dad pops ) She and our only daughter are very close. She is just......ours.


That's the same in our family! Where did we go wrong????

I can't figure it out. Sometimes I think we embarrass them. ......What do you mean you are going again? As a matter of fact this trip we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary there.



Add us to the list of people adding a day to our trip! Also, thanks for the info on the different cruise lines. I really want to take a Disney cruise, but have a hard time justifying the huge expense. RCCL was our second line we were interested in and I think you just sold me. I would love to do a Mediterranean cruise. I have never been anywhere where I needed a passport. It's time I did! Thanks for the encouragement.


The only thing I have to say is.................KOOL -AID!!


Just give us the specs! How many going? ages of kids? where are you staying? I would say go on Disney's site and order the free maps that are available. The kids seem to love going over them and choosing things that interest them. Also it gives you an opportunity to become somewhat familiar with each park layout. One more thing: is your family laid back or more of a "get 'er done" kind of group? Early risers? Need naps? Like the water? If I haven't scared you away, lets help you plan! (well, I guess that was a few more than "one more thing" )

Good advice!!



Sold!

I agree........Sold!!

I see you put up the MNSSHP on Nov 2nd, you can us us! I'm so excited to be hitting both parties on 1 trip!

How fun!! Both parties. I have wanted to see the MNSSHP but we can't seem to break away from our time frame.

You want to enjoy your meal and if your stressing about missing CLP, I would make the reservation earlier. If you do get done earlier than you can walk around and let dinner settle before CLP. Either way I'm sure you will have an awesome night.
I have a simular issue on arrival night. I made Ohanas for 8pm and plan on watching wishes at 10pm on Poly beach and I am so nervous my plane will be delayed and we won't make it. Right now we have 4 hours from landing to dinner, but it just takes one bad delay and I've ruined my Ohana dinner.. I'm going to keep it, but will be stressing about it until we are actually sitting at a table..
Good luck with your decision!

Ya'll just need to keep thinking PIXIE DUST!! BELIEVE!!!

I was finally able to pull off my first surprise trip this past January. My DH and I usually do a solo trip in jan, mostly 3 night cruises, but sometimes Disney if we have APs. The kids thought it was one of these trips, but we had decided to take them too. We also took my in laws. We had my DMIL come to the airport with us and they walked us all the way to security and we kissed them goodbye and then I pulled out boarding passes for everyone! They were very surprised and I was proud of myself, I'm terrible with secrets.
Have to go get some work done, but will check back about BOG. Will someone post a link to the blog when it is available, not sure I know where to find it. Thanks and have a good morning!

You won't miss anything. We will make sure.

Keep in mind that even though you have vouchers for CP, there will still be a considerable line to wait in to be seated. You WILL get a seat no matter when you queue up, but cutting it close would make for way too much stress IMO. The good news is, I don't think there's a bad seat to be had. To their credit, I think Disney does a really great job of timing the CL ressies to accommodate the time of the performances.

Thank you for sharing this. I have never done the CLP so its a whole new experience.

We've changed our dates!! When I called the first time these dates were unavailable. Now we are checking in Nov 28 and leaving Dec 3!!! My sis lives about 40 mins away from Disney and we are driving down and staying with her on the 27th. We'll get up bright and early and head to Disney. The reverse for departure. We will check out and stay at the park all day on the 3rd; sleep at Sis's and drive 10 hrs home the 4th.

I think we are leaning towards a go, go, go schedule since we've never been and it might be a few years before we make it back. It will be me, my hubby and our 3 kiddos (8,4, and 18 months when we travel.) I have a very rough draft based on the EMH and getting the most hours in at each park since we are not doing park hoppers. We are using the QS dining (FREE!!)

So, here's what I've got. Day 1 AK 8-5 and after??? Possibly the Chip and Dale Campfire thing. Day 2 MK. Day 3 Epcot. Day 4 MK. Day 5 DHS we will stay late for EMH and the Clubhouse dance party. Day 6 check out and spend all day at MK.

See? All I know so far is what park which day! I need a PLAN...or at least some guidance.

Just remember to not push so hard that you end up not having fun because you are to tired.

I guess I'm totally in the minority on this one, but I really don't like to cruise. I feel like I should, but by the end of the cruise I CAN'T WAIT to get OFF THE BOAT. Maybe we've just had some bad experiences.

I cruised Sitmar back in the day with my mom and dad, and as an adult I've cruised Norwegian and Carnival. I do want to try a Disney cruise. I feel like maybe that's the element I'm missing?

If I hang around with cruise-lovers maybe it will rub off on me.

There is a Disney Cruise board here on the Dis. I have already started stalking it.

 

[Smileybug]

Wow.... that was a long multiquote. And I was only gone for an hour.

 

[tigger30066]

The blog is up.

 

[LifeIsDis]

IT'S UP PEOPLE!!!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ntasyland-shares-his-favorites-from-the-menu/

 

[mamamini]

The BOG menu sounds DELISH! Can't wait until August for ADRs!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2946073

Since yall have started talking about cruises, I'll share the thread I started asking for info comparing Carnival vs. Disney. I really wanna do a disney cruise but am having a hard time justify the expense compared to other cruise lines!

Now Im affraid that we booked the 'walmart' of cruises!

 

[LifeIsDis]

The BOG menu sounds DELISH! Can't wait until August for ADRs!!!

I agree! I can't wait to go!!

EXCEPT, I wish they wouldn't just put BOG will be open for the "holidays." So...which holiday?!?!

*crosses fingers it'll be open in November*