November Check In 2010

[jessicaerv]

The holiday season at DLR starts on 11/12/10 this year!!! Our question has been answered!!!

I just got an email from Disney Destinations (DNews), and on the right-hand side it said:



11/12/10–1/2/11
Holidays at the Disneyland® Resort


Let the planning begin!!!

I am officially over the moon happy!!!!! I don't think there is a smiley face I can choose (or any combination thereof) that would be sufficient...

 

[mariezp]

Thanks for letting us know. Looks like I will have to look at flights home on the 13 or 14 so I can be there a few days during the holiday time.

Sounds like a good plan!

It would be a real shame to be so close and have to miss it!

The fares we've been tracking on SW have dropped by $17 today. Still hoping it will drop below $200 r/t, which is still a lot more than we paid last year.

I've been watching mine on American today they dropped some but still not for the return flight. I'll be hoping too but in my case I will have to settle for something closer to $300. Guess you are $100 closer than I am!

Ok ladies, I've got a predicament. Our plan was to head down on the 4th (drive 2 days) and have the following plan

Sat 6th: Parks
Sun 7th: Parks
Mon 8th: Parks
Tues 9th: Free Day
Wed 10th: Parks and Daughters Birthday
Thurs 11th: Parks

Now Im debating getting there on the Sunday 7th and staying until the 12th or Monday (8th) and staying until 13th so we can experience the Holiday stuff. This will likely be the only trip my mother takes to DL.

WWYD??? Our schedules are fairly flexable.

ETA: We'd also now be paying full price for 2 rooms for the 12th and 13th.

Since you asked..... if it were me and I was flexible with my dates and the money did not make too much difference I would switch in a heartbeat! Since it's your mom's only trip it would be a nice treat for her to see the park when it is so purty! You never know! You just might find a lower rate later and they just might adjust it for you.

I am officially over the moon happy!!!!! I don't think there is a smiley face I can choose (or any combination thereof) that would be sufficient...

I know just what you mean!

Just thinking about our trip usually makes me feel the same way!

I had a feeling the earlier start date would make some folks around here happy!

 

[mariezp]

For anyone who might be interested I just received an e-mail from Southwest Airlines. They are running a sale starting at $49 one-way. Won't work for me but I just thought I would post the info just in case it might help someone else out.

 

[fostapeepz]

Oooh, VERY excited that the park will be decked out for Christmas during our stay!

Wondering if I could get your input on something?

We should be arriving at the airport about 4pm on Monday the 15th - then I suppose it will take us some time to get to our hotel, and we will want to get settled in and something to eat. That still leaves us an evening. We are currently planning on going to see SeaWorld on Tuesday, and spending Wed and Thur at Disneyland. Then home again on Friday. I had planned on getting us 2 day park hopper tickets. There isn't a huge difference between the two day and the three day tickets (it would run our family $150 more). I just wondered if it would be worth the extra to have the option to spend Monday or maybe Tuesday evening in the park. If they're only open until 8, that would still give us a couple of hours. If they're open until midnight then we could actually get quite a bit of extra time in the parks, and maybe we wouldn't feel the need to cram so much in to our two days.

Thoughts, opinions??

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Did anyone go the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving last year. We are looking at Thursday-Sunday Nov. 18-21. I know it was busy the week prior to Thanksgiving, but did it start that weekend?

 

[StephNJer]

Thanks for filling us in Sherry! This means it will officially be the Christmas season for the majority of our trip! I think this earlier start date will be very beneficial for many people already planning to go in November. This way all the ones going a week earlier than the third weekend of the month, as has often been the start date in the past, will get to see the park in all her holiday splendor. I can't wait!

SO excited! Yaaay! So happy we'll get to experience the holiday magic while we're there.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

We've changed our dates and will be staying at the HOJO from Nov.6-13. Im so glad they are starting it early because it means an even more magical trip for my family, which I already thought this was going to be the most magical trip ever! I love Disneyland!!

For those of you who have gone during this time before, is there alot of Christmas stuff going on before the 12th?

What would you reccommend be our top priorities in the way of rides and activities for the 12th?

Im sure it will be insanely busy so if I can't figure out a game plan Im going with Ridemax.

YAY!! This is all so exciting!!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

For those of you who have gone during this time before, is there alot of Christmas stuff going on before the 12th?

What would you reccommend be our top priorities in the way of rides and activities for the 12th?

The snow will be on the castle (was already up on Halloween last year!!) and a lot of decor will be going up starting Nov. 1. I'd do HMH before the 12th. And keep an eye out for soft openings of IASWH on the 10th or 11th. On the 12th, I'd see Santa, Mrs. C, and the Reindeer in the Reindeer Round up (Big Thunder Ranch) and IASWH. Get a picture in front of the Xmas tree (I'm not sure if they'll put it up prior to the 12th), see the Xmas parade and fireworks. AP blockouts may be in your favor for crowds on the 12th. I'm pretty sure both SoCal passes are blocked until sunday the 14th.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

OH!!! AND WE ARE CONFIRMED FOR A XMAS TRIP!!!!

We will be at HOJOS Nov. 17-21 (in the parks 18-20). It'll be a 3 generation trip: my mom, me and my kids, my sister and nephew!!!

 

[JaxsonsMom]

Question for you all

We went in Nov in like 2003, and I believe it was Nov. 18th that is Mickey's Birthday. We all got pins at the gate and they served birthday cake in toon town that afternoon.

Do they do this every year? or maybe only the milestones? (75, 80, 85, etc.)

TIA

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Question for you all

We went in Nov in like 2003, and I believe it was Nov. 18th that is Mickey's Birthday. We all got pins at the gate and they served birthday cake in toon town that afternoon.

Do they do this every year? or maybe only the milestones? (75, 80, 85, etc.)

TIA

That would be cool!!! I'll have to research it. Let you know what I find out.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

You're right it is Nov. 18th. He will be 82. I haven't found any mention of anything special last year, but I'm asking around on other boards...

 

[mariezp]

Apologies fellow peeps for being lax in my thread updates! The people in my house have been working overtime trying to find ways to occupy my time!!! I've updated the list and even went back to make a correction. Ya'll be sure to let me know if you have any change of plans I should take note of. Also do let me know if you find any errors in your info. I'm usually pretty thorough but do slip up on occasion!

Oooh, VERY excited that the park will be decked out for Christmas during our stay!

Wondering if I could get your input on something?

We should be arriving at the airport about 4pm on Monday the 15th - then I suppose it will take us some time to get to our hotel, and we will want to get settled in and something to eat. That still leaves us an evening. We are currently planning on going to see SeaWorld on Tuesday, and spending Wed and Thur at Disneyland. Then home again on Friday. I had planned on getting us 2 day park hopper tickets. There isn't a huge difference between the two day and the three day tickets (it would run our family $150 more). I just wondered if it would be worth the extra to have the option to spend Monday or maybe Tuesday evening in the park. If they're only open until 8, that would still give us a couple of hours. If they're open until midnight then we could actually get quite a bit of extra time in the parks, and maybe we wouldn't feel the need to cram so much in to our two days.

Thoughts, opinions??

I am not sure how long your flight will be so some of your decision may depend on your family. You would be looking at a couple hours in the park because they will most likely close at 8:00. You wouldn't be able to get in a great deal but you would be able to get the feel of the park and maybe get in a few rides. Or....

You could always take in downtown Disney and get your souvenir shopping out of the way and not have to take park time out of your days in the park. They also have a theater. We always enjoy seeing a movie on our trip. Makes whatever movie you see extra special since you always remember you saw it while at DL.

The guys in my family were party poopers the last year that we arrived at about the same time as you will be getting there. They were too tired to go to the park (big ol' babies!) so we ordered in pizza, rented a movie and rested up to get up early the next day. This year my DD will be older so I am counting on her to be my partner in crime. Think we will just tell them we are going to the park.... with OR without them! IMHO even a few extra hours in the park is worth it!

Did anyone go the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving last year. We are looking at Thursday-Sunday Nov. 18-21. I know it was busy the week prior to Thanksgiving, but did it start that weekend?
We have been during the week before Thanksgiving, though not last year. The early part of the week was good but does gradually get busier the closer you get to the weekend. I wouldn't say anything unbearable.

The snow will be on the castle (was already up on Halloween last year!!) and a lot of decor will be going up starting Nov. 1. I'd do HMH before the 12th. And keep an eye out for soft openings of IASWH on the 10th or 11th. On the 12th, I'd see Santa, Mrs. C, and the Reindeer in the Reindeer Round up (Big Thunder Ranch) and IASWH. Get a picture in front of the Xmas tree (I'm not sure if they'll put it up prior to the 12th), see the Xmas parade and fireworks. AP blockouts may be in your favor for crowds on the 12th. I'm pretty sure both SoCal passes are blocked until sunday the 14th.

Good advice on which rides to see and things to do that will be special just for the holidays. The rides are fabulous in their Christmas overlay. HM all decked out is my DD's favorite. I gotta admit that I am getting kinda attached to the music myself. Anyway.... Last time we went to Reindeer Roundup we spent the entire morning there! Of course, a good part of time was waiting in line for Santa but it was worth it. They have the best Santas! The entire area is decorated beautifully with plenty of characters and entertainment too. We relaxed and decorated cookies while we watched the show and just took our time enjoying the atmosphere. I'll add a few pics to the end of my post.

OH!!! AND WE ARE CONFIRMED FOR A XMAS TRIP!!!!

We will be at HOJOS Nov. 17-21 (in the parks 18-20). It'll be a 3 generation trip: my mom, me and my kids, my sister and nephew!!!

Got you added to the list! 3 generations! That's pretty cool!

You're right it is Nov. 18th. He will be 82. I haven't found any mention of anything special last year, but I'm asking around on other boards...

Be sure to let us know if you find out anything!

SO excited! Yaaay! So happy we'll get to experience the holiday magic while we're there.

You and me both!!!!

We've changed our dates and will be staying at the HOJO from Nov.6-13. Im so glad they are starting it early because it means an even more magical trip for my family, which I already thought this was going to be the most magical trip ever! I love Disneyland!!

For those of you who have gone during this time before, is there alot of Christmas stuff going on before the 12th?

What would you reccommend be our top priorities in the way of rides and activities for the 12th?

Im sure it will be insanely busy so if I can't figure out a game plan Im going with Ridemax.

YAY!! This is all so exciting!!

Got your dates changed!
As for decorations... Disney does an amazing job of transforming the park almost overnight from Halloween to Christmas! Of course, it does take a few days for them to get all the decoration in place but I would say they should have a good amount up well before the official kickoff day on the 12th.

3Minnies1Mickey gives some good recommendations on the good things to be sure not to miss!

Question for you all

We went in Nov in like 2003, and I believe it was Nov. 18th that is Mickey's Birthday. We all got pins at the gate and they served birthday cake in toon town that afternoon.

Do they do this every year? or maybe only the milestones? (75, 80, 85, etc.)

TIA

I wish they would do something like that this year! I'd be willing to eat a piece of cake

to help celebrate Mickey's birthday!

As promised here's a few pics from our Reindeer Roundup/Santa visit in 2008.

If you want to see a ton more Christmas decoration pics to get you in the holiday mood head on over to the Disney at Christmas thread! Tons of great photos there! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262171

 

[mariezp]

35 of us heading to Disneyland in November!

10/30-11/13 -----lampardcl --------------Park Vue Inn
11/2 -11/7 ------Brady's Mom ------------Hojo
11/3 -11/6 ------Ginger Renae ------------???? ******************* birthday celebration
11/4-11/14 ------scrappychar ------------Hojo *****************anniversary celebration
11/6 -11/13 -----Littleprincess2010 -------Hojo **************** DD birthday celebration
11/7-11/13 ------tracyvansmith ----------????
11/10-11/15 -----DisneyHeather ----------VGC
11/10-11/16 -----VallCopen --------------VGC
11/10-11/17 -----jessicaerv --------------Embassy Suites/Brea ****** birthday celebration
11/10-11/18 -----Aussie Princess ---------Hojo
11/10-11/24 -----mariezp ----------------Anaheim Desert Inn
11/11-11/15 -----Bread&Butterflies -------HoJo
11/12-11/20 -----wdwfan22 --------------Hojo
11/12-11/21 -----Oregonluvsdisney -------Hojo
11/13-11/17 -----letitsnow ---------------Hojo
11/13-11/19 -----Seaera -----------------DLH
11/13-11/20 -----kristenandrick ----------Comfort Suites ********************first trip!
11/13-11/20 -----stormys ----------------Hojo
11/13-11/21 -----ams1201 ---------------Hojo
11/14-11/19 -----fostapeepz -------------Desert Palm Inn & Suites ************first trip!
11/15-11/19 -----ACDSNY ----------------VGC
11/15-11/19 -----kprincesskate -----------???? ****************** birthday celebration
11/17-11/19 -----StephNJer --------------Hojo
11/18-????? -----CruisinEars --------------Residence Inn *********DD birthday celebration
11/18-11/20 -----3Minnies1Mickey ------- Hojo
11/18-11/22 -----MattsPrincess ----------Carousel Inn
11/18-11/27 -----MrsPMC00 --------------Residence Inn *****first trip/anniversary/birthday
11/20-11/25 -----Jrsy Boy ----------------Hojo
11/23-11/30 -----ShellyMouse ------------Hojo **************** DD birthday celebration
11/24-11/27 -----DisneyMomma81 --------HoJo
11/24-11/28 -----DisneyParkFan ----------DLH
11/25-11/27 -----Gidget -----------------Anaheim Resort RV park ** DS birthday celebration
11/27-12/1 ------hockey mom ------------VGC *************************** first trip!
11/28-12/3 ------DizDragonfly ------------VGC ******************* birthday celebration
11/29-12/6 ------Todd Lee ---------------w/family

 

[mariezp]

So I was thinking that we should post a list of any important dates, maybe refurbs or any other relevant info that we can think of to help people out. Here's what I have heard of off the top of my head. I will also add the info to the 1st page for newcomers. Please let me know if there is anything we need to add!

Dates to remember:
Nov. 11- Veteran’s Day
Nov. 12- Official Holiday season begins
Nov. 18 - Mickey's 82nd birthday!
Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving Day


Refurbishments:
Star Tours - closes July 26 for refurbishment and addition of elements for Star Tours 2.0. Expected to open in May 20, 2011.
Village Haus Restaurant – closed August 30 to December 19 for refurbishment.
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin – closed September 20 to December 16 for refurbishment.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

So I was thinking that we should post a list of any important dates, maybe refurbs or any other relevant info that we can think of to help people out. Here's what I have heard of off the top of my head. I will also add the info to the 1st page for newcomers. Please let me know if there is anything we need to add!

Dates to remember:
Nov. 11- Veteran’s Day
Nov. 12- Official Holiday season begins
Nov. 18 - Mickey's 82nd birthday!
Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving Day


Refurbishments:
Star Tours - closes July 26 for refurbishment and addition of elements for Star Tours 2.0. Expected to open in May 20, 2011.
Village Haus Restaurant – closed August 30 to December 19 for refurbishment.
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin – closed September 20 to December 16 for refurbishment.

This is a brilliant idea!! It'll really help everyone's planning. I can't wait until the schedule's start showing for November, that will be when it really starts to sink in that we are going to Disneyland!!!

 

[tracyvansmith]

So I was thinking that we should post a list of any important dates, maybe refurbs or any other relevant info that we can think of to help people out. Here's what I have heard of off the top of my head. I will also add the info to the 1st page for newcomers. Please let me know if there is anything we need to add!

Dates to remember:
Nov. 11- Veteran’s Day
Nov. 12- Official Holiday season begins
Nov. 18 - Mickey's 82nd birthday!
Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving Day


Refurbishments:
Star Tours - closes July 26 for refurbishment and addition of elements for Star Tours 2.0. Expected to open in May 20, 2011.
Village Haus Restaurant – closed August 30 to December 19 for refurbishment.
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin – closed September 20 to December 16 for refurbishment.

thanks I was wondering what was going to be done for refurbishments.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Unfortunately it looks like Mickey's birthday doesn't get much fanfare anymore! I think we will visit Mickey at his house on his birthday with party hats. My kids will get a kick out of singing him happy birthday.

I forgot about the cookie decorating!! That was so much fun last year. And a nice way to get some downtime away from the crowds.

 

[fostapeepz]

It wasn't your mistake Mariezp, it was mine. I had been thinking of the week of the 12th or the 19th for our trip, and somehow it came out that we were coming the 12-19th. I WISH!

I ordered all our tickets! SeaWorld is having a special that a child's ticket is only $5 with the purchase of an adult ticket. So I saved us $80 on our tickets from what I had previously figured. I went ahead and ordered our Disney tickets today, since there is a rumor the price tends to go up early August. I just got the 2 day park hoppers. I think my daughter is going to be really exhausted and overwhelmed as it is, so I decided not to tempt myself to push it. I have a feeling we'll be very overwhelmed and jetlagged after our flight, so the pizza and a movie sounds better than experiencing Disneyland for the first time, for two hours! LOL!

The only thing I have left to figure out are our shuttles. I'm going to wait until the November schedule comes out for Disneyland before deciding which day to go to SeaWorld. I'm thinking if it works out that we can split our Disney days so we can get a break in between.

 

[JaxsonsMom]

Unfortunately it looks like Mickey's birthday doesn't get much fanfare anymore! I think we will visit Mickey at his house on his birthday with party hats. My kids will get a kick out of singing him happy birthday.

That's kind of a bummer,... Cute idea for the kids though.

I will probably make a day trip around that time, but was going to go that day is something was going on.


TB