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

[ThreeAngels]

I just got my iPad app, trying it out right now. Seems pretty user friendly!

I'm glad you seem to like it. I still have to check it out. It's not a free one, is it?

Our trampoline blew across our whole backyard, ran down the side of my husbands truck and ended up a twisted, mangled mess in the street! So now I have to spend $300 Disney dollars on a new trampoline!

I'm also in Delaware, we are at the beach and we have had 2 wicked storms this week. Monday a tornado touched down in the neighborhood next to us and then tore across the bay and into Dewey. It was crazy!

WOW! Glad you are OK. Sorry about the demise of the trampoline.

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

I'm glad you seem to like it. I still have to check it out. It's not a free one, is it?

WOW! Glad you are OK. Sorry about the demise of the trampoline.

It was a free app. I had actually created my own DIS icon on my iPad and tonight when I clicked to open it, it said there was a new app and would I like to get it? Of course I'd like to get it. Still getting used to the layout but seems pretty easy, just a little different.

 

[ThreeAngels]

It was a free app. I had actually created my own DIS icon on my iPad and tonight when I clicked to open it, it said there was a new app and would I like to get it? Of course I'd like to get it. Still getting used to the layout but seems pretty easy, just a little different.

Thanks! I'll check it out in the morning. Eyelids falling down noe.....

 

[dazednconfused]

Reading all the talk and stress over adr's really makes me happy we have the quick service plan this time around. Anyone else going that route?

We are!!

We did the regular dining plan some years back. Waaaaaay too much food and we didn't like having to plan our days around our ADRs. That being said, we do have 2 TS meals planned for this upcoming trip - b'fast at 1900 Park Fare and our CP lunch package at Biergarten. We don't have FD as of yet, but I'm hopeful!! Either way, we're still gonna only have 2 TS meals.

 

[dazednconfused]

My goodness!!! This thread must be THE fastest thread on Disboards!!!

 

[ireneryan]

We did the regular dining plan some years back. Waaaaaay too much food and we didn't like having to plan our days around our ADRs. That being said, we do have 2 TS meals planned for this upcoming trip - b'fast at 1900 Park Fare and our CP lunch package at Biergarten. We don't have FD as of yet, but I'm hopeful!! Either way, we're still gonna only have 2 TS meals.

This is my first trip so in no way no what to expect but, while I can see the point of being tied down to ADR's limiting flexibility, doesn't not having ADR's take more time in finding places to eat, waiting in line, basically serving yourself, having to find a place to eat? Is it really that much of a time saver? Just curious, no disrespect meant.

 

[FosterA]

This is my first trip so in no way no what to expect but, while I can see the point of being tied down to ADR's limiting flexibility, doesn't not having ADR's take more time in finding places to eat, waiting in line, basically serving yourself, having to find a place to eat? Is it really that much of a time saver? Just curious, no disrespect meant.

Good question! WE did our first ever Disney trip last November (Tues-Tues before Thanksgiving which was marvelous timing by the way). If I did it again, we wouldn't do any table service meals with ADRs. As it was, we did not do one every day and I still felt like they were a bit of a pain. I felt like there were counter service places everywhere and we never waited in much of a line or had to struggle to find a table.
Plus...I may be the only one on the DIS, but to me there was a huge variety in counter service food. We had fish at Columbia House, Mexican food, Chinese food at Epcot, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, etc etc. I easily could go to WDW without ever eating a TS meal and be just fine. Alot of the times when it was time for our ADR, we weren't really all that hungry or we were having too much fun somewhere and it was sort of a drag having to switch gears to go eat. Waiting to be served and paying bill and such was ALOT longer than just popping into a CS place.
I am curious about some of the TS places and if we go again (I really really want to go in NOV '13) we would maybe do just 2 ADR's for a 6 night trip and both of those being evening so we don't have to stop in the middle of our day and get to an ADR.
just my opinion

 

[mommyof3princess27]

This is my first trip so in no way no what to expect but, while I can see the point of being tied down to ADR's limiting flexibility, doesn't not having ADR's take more time in finding places to eat, waiting in line, basically serving yourself, having to find a place to eat? Is it really that much of a time saver? Just curious, no disrespect meant.

Now my family is different...we look forward to ADR's, we already know we are eating at a place so no standng in line, we like knowing there is a break coming so we have time to regroup and rethink what we are doing next. We lie haveing a sit down dinner each night and disney dining is fabulous! Its not normal theme park food!

 

[k3mommy]

We are also doing only the QS places. Maybe when we go back and the kids are a little older we'll try TS, but right now even by soon to be 8 yr old has a hard time sitting through a meal...and don't get me started on the 3 yr old and 1 yr old!

 

[disneychic2]

Ok So I made a decision today....to forgo LeCellier on our arrival day 11/14- since I know its a ressie I just won't get. We booked Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The menu looks amazing and it got terrific reviews. I think we will be very happy with our choice. Our dining time is 6pm which is great because it will give my daughter and hubby a good rest from their long drive from Pensacola. I am happy now!!

I've always wanted to try Jiko, but was too stingy to spend 2 dining credits. When we do le Cellier, we only do lunch which is just one. I hope you'll let us all know how you liked Jiko. The menu does look amazing and I've heard good reports. Sounds like a good fit for you and your family.

So I just sat down and told my mom about pricing and she wants to upgrade to a moderate for sure. She looked at all 4 and LOVES Coronado Springs & Caribbean Beach! Her favorite is Coronado Springs but she'd be thrilled with CBR. Guessing we'll price it out both ways and see what is available for FD!

When you call, see if they can tell you if there will be a convention at CS. I have never stayed there, but have read a ton about conventions causing problems (others have said they're not a problem). But that's so great that you're upgrading. The extra room will be nice.

Our trampoline blew across our whole backyard, ran down the side of my husbands truck and ended up a twisted, mangled mess in the street! So now I have to spend $300 Disney dollars on a new trampoline!

I'm also in Delaware, we are at the beach and we have had 2 wicked storms this week. Monday a tornado touched down in the neighborhood next to us and then tore across the bay and into Dewey. It was crazy!

Wow! So glad you're both ok! That must have been terrifying.

This is my first trip so in no way no what to expect but, while I can see the point of being tied down to ADR's limiting flexibility, doesn't not having ADR's take more time in finding places to eat, waiting in line, basically serving yourself, having to find a place to eat? Is it really that much of a time saver? Just curious, no disrespect meant.

We went QS in april when we took our DGD, who is 5, and it turned out great. She would have been fine sitting in a restaurant since she is pretty used to it, but we moved pretty slowly through the parks as it was and I was just glad not to have spent the time it takes for TS. Yes, it does take time away from the touring, but DH and I do dining every trip and love the TS. Some of them move you through very quickly while others are a bit of a longer time commitment. All in all I think it's six of one, half dozen of the other in terms of time spent with TS vs QS. As for amount of food, DH and I split our CS meals for two meals, usually breakfast and lunch and then we each have our own TS meal. We almost never have room for snacks and usually have most of them left at the end of the trip and buy rice crispy Mickeys and such to take home. We could never do deluxe dining...way too much food and restraint on our time, but I think it's great that Disney offers so many food choices so we can each have what works best for our family. And one final note, I plan what park I want to be in according to crowd levels, then I decide on ADRs to work with that basic plan. We also always park hop, so it's not an issue if we want to be in one park most of the day and then hop to another one to eat. We are always GLAD to sit down and relax a bit. I think you'll like it. (sorry I got so wordy)

We are also doing only the QS places. Maybe when we go back and the kids are a little older we'll try TS, but right now even by soon to be 8 yr old has a hard time sitting through a meal...and don't get me started on the 3 yr old and 1 yr old!

I can see where, with little ones, TS meals would be a bit of a problem. There are so many wonderful QS places, it can be an adventure in and of itself!

 

[Smileybug]

Now my family is different...we look forward to ADR's, we already know we are eating at a place so no standng in line, we like knowing there is a break coming so we have time to regroup and rethink what we are doing next. We lie haveing a sit down dinner each night and disney dining is fabulous! Its not normal theme park food!

I think everyone should do what comfortably works for them.
But I gotta say ...... for us its the ADRs. It is a comfortable break throught the day in a nice setting. We have never toured "hard". We stroll through the parks. Well, unless I'm excited to get to a ride. Then I'm dragging hubby by the hand. Our trips are usually both TS and CS. This is our first trip with mainly all TS. So I will be happy to let ya'll know what the experience was like. One thing I like about the DxDP is that once you start booking things that are 2 TS credits. Those credits go fast.

 

[Smileybug]

Oh yeah..... Forgot to say .....
Good morning ya'll.

 

[LifeIsDis]

I've seen several people planning split stays. What's the reasoning? Just to visit more than one resort? Isn't it a hassle to move between several resorts? I'm a first timer so excuse the lack of Disney knowledge.

We will be doing a split stay in August and November. We just want to try a couple different hotels and to experience new resorts.

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

Oh yeah..... Forgot to say .....
Good morning ya'll.

Good morning to you!

 

[Divaofdisney]

I'm also in Delaware, we are at the beach and we have had 2 wicked storms this week. Monday a tornado touched down in the neighborhood next to us and then tore across the bay and into Dewey. It was crazy!

All we got was strong wind here in Ocean Pines....which is not far from you. Seems as if I am fairly close to alot of you from Delaware- it sure is a small world sometimes. Had to take my daughter to work yesterday and oh my the beach traffic was horrible - I think everyone and their brother was heading to the beach- a trip that normally takes about 10-15 min. took nearly 2 hours!! Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[Divaofdisney]

I think everyone should do what comfortably works for them.
But I gotta say ...... for us its the ADRs. It is a comfortable break throught the day in a nice setting. We have never toured "hard". We stroll through the parks. Well, unless I'm excited to get to a ride. Then I'm dragging hubby by the hand. Our trips are usually both TS and CS. This is our first trip with mainly all TS. So I will be happy to let ya'll know what the experience was like. One thing I like about the DxDP is that once you start booking things that are 2 TS credits. Those credits go fast.

Yes, they surely do! Right now for our 8 days which = total of 24 TS credits a piece for this trip- my DH and I are @ 23 and both my DD are @24! So as of now, 2 of us only have room for 1 TS meal. We may have to pay for DD's if we decide to do BOG or we may just drop 1 TS breakfast or lunch. I guess time will tell on that one!!

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Let's talk MK. We are spending one day at each of the "other" parks but are planning 3 days at MK. How should I divy up the days? I want to cover as much as possible. We are doing QS dining so I don't have any ressies to work around but food suggestions are appreciated.

Have you thought about checking out Touring Plans? I know it costs a bit, I think it's like $10/year, but the plans are fantastic! Lots of variations for big kids, small kids, etc. They keep it up for new openings . Highly recommend the site, for the crowd calendar and blog too.

 

[Smileybug]

Yes, they surely do! Right now for our 8 days which = total of 24 TS credits a piece for this trip- my DH and I are @ 23 and both my DD are @24! So as of now, 2 of us only have room for 1 TS meal. We may have to pay for DD's if we decide to do BOG or we may just drop 1 TS breakfast or lunch. I guess time will tell on that one!!

We have 24 credits as well and I am at 18 I think. But we will probably have a few room service breakfast which will take care of what is left.

Have you thought about checking out Touring Plans? I know it costs a bit, I think it's like $10/year, but the plans are fantastic! Lots of variations for big kids, small kids, etc. They keep it up for new openings . Highly recommend the site, for the crowd calendar and blog too.

Also just look at each park and see what is there that really appeals to you.

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

All we got was strong wind here in Ocean Pines....which is not far from you. Seems as if I am fairly close to alot of you from Delaware- it sure is a small world sometimes. Had to take my daughter to work yesterday and oh my the beach traffic was horrible - I think everyone and their brother was heading to the beach- a trip that normally takes about 10-15 min. took nearly 2 hours!! Hope everyone has a great day.

Don't you just hate beach traffic? I have to allow at least 30 minutes of drive time for every out of store appointment I make between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

So I looked at my countdown on DVC member site and I have 130 days! Yay! We have a 100 day calendar we use, I made a nice one a couple of years ago so I could reuse it. Almost time to take it out!
A fun thing I did with it was put a gold star on the back of about 8 of the numbers randomly and when they get a star I give them a little Disney gift!