November Check In 2010

[mariezp]

Happy 4th of July Weekend! Enjoy and be safe!

Good luck with your airline fare shopping everyone. I agree getting good deals on flights around the Thanksgiving holiday is tough.


One of the reasons SWA works for us is we take the first flight out in the morning going to DL and the last one out coming home so neither are jam packed flights.

In January, we'll be taking SWA to Orlando for the first time so we'll see how it goes for the cross county flights. I figured I'd need the two free bags for our long cruise.

Those holidays are always good but it has been chaos around our house so I am secretly wishing tomorrow would get here fast so I can slip back into our normal routine! It's surely been quiet around here so I assume everyone had a busy weekend.

How early to you have to head out to get the first flight of the morning? My lazy heads would never go for that! I could! I would love to get there early and have part of an extra day in the park. We usually devote an entire day to travel... get there late and plan to go to the park the next day. DH complained about jetlag last time but I was ready to head on into the park even if it was for only a few hours. Maybe I can change his mind this year!

Have you ever taken a cruise before? That would be fun!

Packing is always a problem! I would love to get free bags but I am just resigned to having to pay the extra. Since we stay 2 weeks you can imagine how hard it is to pack enough clothes! No way I could really pack that much so I have to squeeze in as much as I can and then do laundry while we are there. Thankfully, that is probably the only downside to staying 2 weeks!

Hello group! My crew and I are planning a trip to CA in mid November (12-19). This will be our first time at Disneyland! I booked our flights today. I'm hoping to get a room at the Desert Palm Inn and Suites, because I like the layout of their rooms. We haven't gotten any tickets yet, though. I thought I would wait until this fall to see if they come out with some deals. We will only get a couple of days at Disneyland, unless we try to cram in an evening after we fly in. We want to take a day and see SeaWorld also. I do hope that they start the festivities on the 12th, because if they don't start until the 19th we will miss out. It should prove to be an amazing time no matter what, though. It still feels so far away!

Welcome! Feel free to join in and help us stir up some excitement! How many people will be traveling in your group? Which airline are you flying with? Where are you traveling from? And, did you get a great deal on airfare? Can't say as I know anything about the Desert Palm. I looked at their site and it does look nice. We have stayed at the Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites for all 9 of our trips. My DS says it's tradition now so unless they ever go terribly downhill it looks like they are stuck with us for all of our forseeable trips. Looks like several of us will be hoping for the Christmas season to start early again. Since this is your first time you will be in for an amazing treat even if the holidays are not in full swing yet! Nothing like the first time at the park!

 

[mariezp]

We now have 27 lucky DISers traveling to Disneyland in November!

List updated 07/05/2010
10/30-11/13 -----lampardcl --------------Park Vue Inn
11/2 -11/7 ------Brady's Mom ------------Hojo
11/4-11/14 ------scrappychar ------------Hojo *****************anniversary celebration
11/6 -11/11 -----Littleprincess2010 -------Hojo **************** DD birthday celebration
11/10-11/15 -----DisneyHeather ----------VGC
11/10-11/17 -----jessicaerv --------------????
11/10-11/18 -----Aussie Princess ---------Hojo
11/10-11/24 -----mariezp ----------------Anaheim Desert Inn
11/12-11/19 -----fostapeepz -------------Desert Palm Inn & Suites ************first trip!
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!
11/13-11/21 -----ams1201 ---------------Hojo
11/15-11/19 -----ACDSNY ----------------VGC
11/17-11/19 -----StephNJer --------------Hojo
11/18-????? -----CruisinEars --------------Residence Inn *********DD birthday celebration
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
11/28-12/4 ------Todd Lee ---------------w/family

 

[Littleprincess2010]

Wow, I can't believe we are down to 4 months!!!

 

[ACDSNY]

How early to you have to head out to get the first flight of the morning?

Have you ever taken a cruise before? That would be fun!

Our flight is for 7AM so we'll leave home between 4:30 - 5AM and we're at DL once the park opens since it's only a hour & a half flight. We usually go for a character breakfast as soon as we get there and then off to the parks.

Yes I've cruised before and I'm really looking forward to this long cruise in January right before my busiest season at work.

 

[kprincesskate]

My fam will be at Disney Nove 15-19. My birthday is on the 19th and I hope that we will be able to enjoy the Christmas decor the week we are there!

 

[ams1201]

I wanted to bump this up. I also want opinions on what days of the week we should go to Disneyland? We will be there Sunday Nov. 14th and leave Sat. the 20th. We are wanting to go 3 days that week and not sure which ones. I know Friday will be busy, but they do more shows on Friday. Plus if that ends up being the first day of Christmas it would be awesome to see, but very crowded I'm guessing. Also since we have 2 days of nothing planned, are there any suggestions of fun places to go that won't wear us out. We want to keep our kids feet from hurting so much on the days we aren't at Disney.

 

[ACDSNY]

I wanted to bump this up. I also want opinions on what days of the week we should go to Disneyland? We will be there Sunday Nov. 14th and leave Sat. the 20th. We are wanting to go 3 days that week and not sure which ones. I know Friday will be busy, but they do more shows on Friday. Plus if that ends up being the first day of Christmas it would be awesome to see, but very crowded I'm guessing. Also since we have 2 days of nothing planned, are there any suggestions of fun places to go that won't wear us out. We want to keep our kids feet from hurting so much on the days we aren't at Disney.

I would think Tues -Thurs would be the least crowded days. I would wait until the schedule is posted to decide.

Beach days are always fun for non park days.

 

[mariezp]

Wow, I can't believe we are down to 4 months!!!

You are up at the top of our list so I bet you are now under 4 months!
I am down to 4 months and 1 day or 124 days. How exciting!

Our flight is for 7AM so we'll leave home between 4:30 - 5AM and we're at DL once the park opens since it's only a hour & a half flight. We usually go for a character breakfast as soon as we get there and then off to the parks.

Yes I've cruised before and I'm really looking forward to this long cruise in January right before my busiest season at work.

That would be too cool to be able to head right to the park for opening on the first day! I bet ya'll are pretty darn tired by the time you head back to your room that evening.
I hope you get in a good rest on your cruise!

My fam will be at Disney Nov 15-19. My birthday is on the 19th and I hope that we will be able to enjoy the Christmas decor the week we are there!

Welcome, kprincesskate! I've added you to the list. BTW, where are you staying? Disneyland is going to be a great place to spend your birthday! Not sure if all the Christmas stuff will be happening by then but if we go by last year it just might. If not, there are still enough pretty decorations and such going up that the park is still absolutely beautiful.

I wanted to bump this up. I also want opinions on what days of the week we should go to Disneyland? We will be there Sunday Nov. 14th and leave Sat. the 20th. We are wanting to go 3 days that week and not sure which ones. I know Friday will be busy, but they do more shows on Friday. Plus if that ends up being the first day of Christmas it would be awesome to see, but very crowded I'm guessing. Also since we have 2 days of nothing planned, are there any suggestions of fun places to go that won't wear us out. We want to keep our kids feet from hurting so much on the days we aren't at Disney.

I totally agree with ACDSNY's suggestion for Tues -Thurs in the park and a day at the beach. If you want to see the shows I'd pick either Sunday or Friday over Saturday night.



Today I am debating over airfare. AA came out with a sale that ends today. Roundtrip for us would be $355 which is a darn sight better than over $400 but not quite as good as our last time of $321.... and I am not crazy about the times available. If I wait I might get a better rate and time BUT if I do wait I might run the risk of the rates only going higher and the times to choose from being even worse! If they sell out what they have now will they add flights or do I run the risk of having no way to get to DL? Decisions, decisions!

 

[mariezp]

Here's the latest update!
Already there are 21 DISers who will be there during the same time I am!

10/30-11/13 -----lampardcl --------------Park Vue Inn
11/2 -11/7 ------Brady's Mom ------------Hojo
11/4-11/14 ------scrappychar ------------Hojo *****************anniversary celebration
11/6 -11/11 -----Littleprincess2010 -------Hojo **************** DD birthday celebration
11/10-11/15 -----DisneyHeather ----------VGC
11/10-11/17 -----jessicaerv --------------????
11/10-11/18 -----Aussie Princess ---------Hojo
11/10-11/24 -----mariezp ----------------Anaheim Desert Inn
11/12-11/19 -----fostapeepz -------------Desert Palm Inn & Suites ************first trip!
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!
11/13-11/21 -----ams1201 ---------------Hojo
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
11/18-11/27 -----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
11/28-12/4 ------Todd Lee ---------------w/family

 

[tracyvansmith]

I have a group of 3 familys of 4 going. We are doing a Carnival Splendor MR 7 day cruise from Oct. 31 - Nov. 7 then on Nov. 7 we are heading to Disneyland.

Two of the families will be staying until Wed. the 10th and my family will be staying until about Sat. 13th. We have not booked our hotel yet. The two families have booked their flights but I have only booked our flight to LAX and not home yet. I am waiting to see what deals Disney comes out with for Nov.

 

[jessicaerv]

One of the reasons SWA works for us is we take the first flight out in the morning going to DL and the last one out coming home so neither are jam packed flights.

In January, we'll be taking SWA to Orlando for the first time so we'll see how it goes for the cross county flights. I figured I'd need the two free bags for our long cruise.

I totally agree with your plan of action on your flights. We're in Natomas, so our trek to the airport takes, if I'm being generous, 10 minutes. SWA is so convenient for flying throughout California, or even into our neighboring states. Going across country is a different story, though. I don't like all the stops that are required.

Having said THAT -- we did the Orlando trek last February. It took the better part of a day, but besides being so keyed up about going to WDW for the first time ever, it wasn't too bad. I felt like when I was a kid on a long drive... "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" And yes, the luggage restrictions are what REALLY makes SWA good for long hauls. We did 10 days at WDW and needed all the space.

Very jealous about your cruise. [Insert Green With Envy Face Here]

 

[DisneyHeather]

So do you guys think it's worth it to wait to buy the park tickets until closer to November? Do they usually run specials that time of year? I was just wondering. Thanks

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Today I am debating over airfare. AA came out with a sale that ends today. Roundtrip for us would be $355 which is a darn sight better than over $400 but not quite as good as our last time of $321.... and I am not crazy about the times available. If I wait I might get a better rate and time BUT if I do wait I might run the risk of the rates only going higher and the times to choose from being even worse! If they sell out what they have now will they add flights or do I run the risk of having no way to get to DL? Decisions, decisions!

I've been watching fares like mad but there really hasn't been any change for our dates. Currently, all of the sales or deals require travel by Nov. 16 or 17 and we're not leaving until Nov. 20, so I'm hoping the next round of sales will include us. I just can't imagine paying $85 more per person than we paid when we booked about a year ago.

 

[MattsPrincess]

DH and I will be heading out November 18th-22nd, at the Carousel. I'm also hoping Christmas will be in full swing by then, as we just changed our dates specifically TO be there for that.

Over in the Halloween thread, since those dates have been released, they are saying that that season is starting a week early this year, so maybe the same will hold true for Christmas as well? I really hope so, otherwise we may just have to switch our dates back to a Halloween trip. I'm really looking forward to the xmas decorations, parade, fireworks, food, tour, etc. It's the only reason we're going. How about some xmas pixie dust for good luck? lol.

 

[Sherry E]

DH and I will be heading out November 18th-22nd, at the Carousel. I'm also hoping Christmas will be in full swing by then, as we just changed our dates specifically TO be there for that.

Over in the Halloween thread, since those dates have been released, they are saying that that season is starting a week early this year, so maybe the same will hold true for Christmas as well? I really hope so, otherwise we may just have to switch our dates back to a Halloween trip. I'm really looking forward to the xmas decorations, parade, fireworks, food, tour, etc. It's the only reason we're going. How about some xmas pixie dust for good luck? lol.

I think you'll be really pleased that you chose those dates, MattsPrincess! You have a lot to look forward to during the holiday season. Yes, Halloweentime is starting a week earlier this year than it did in 2008 or 2009. The last time it started early like this was in 2007. Not sure why they keep switching it up on us.

Last year, Christmastime began a week earlier than it had in 2008 or 2007. It started 2 weeks before Thanksgiving rather than only one week before. Let's hope they do that again this year.

So this means the official Christmastime season has to start on either November 12th or November 19th this year, and you will be in luck any way you look at it. Even if it starts on 11/19, all the trees and decorations will be up on the 18th when you go. It's just that the stuff like IASW Holiday, the snow on Main Street and the other nighttime highlights of the season won't start until the next day, as well as Santa and the carolers. But either way you look at it, you will be there when Christmas is in full swing and you will have a wonderful time!!

 

[ACDSNY]

I totally agree with your plan of action on your flights. We're in Natomas, so our trek to the airport takes, if I'm being generous, 10 minutes. SWA is so convenient for flying throughout California, or even into our neighboring states. Going across country is a different story, though. I don't like all the stops that are required.

Having said THAT -- we did the Orlando trek last February. It took the better part of a day, but besides being so keyed up about going to WDW for the first time ever, it wasn't too bad. I felt like when I was a kid on a long drive... "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" And yes, the luggage restrictions are what REALLY makes SWA good for long hauls. We did 10 days at WDW and needed all the space.

Very jealous about your cruise. [Insert Green With Envy Face Here]

Hi NorCal Neighbor

OK I'll really make you jealous...we'll be four adults with no kids, probably acting like kids on our cruise. Our kids our grown and they normally travel with us so this cruise will be only our third trip we've done without them. For our Orlando flight we have only one stop in Las Vegas so not too bad.

 

[fostapeepz]

We have 5 in our group. My husband and I, our 12 yr old son, and twin 7 yr old daughters. The tickets I bought are on SouthWest airlines. We will fly out of Omaha NE, change planes in Denver, and then on to CA. I'm not sure if it was a fabulous deal, but it seems in line. Our tickets were $109 per person 1way and the same back. Total was just under $1300 for the 5 of us.

Some concerns/thoughts/questions I have right now are how to get from the airport to the hotel. Are there shuttles or cabs?

I am worried about how one of our daughters is going to do walking all day and wondering if maybe a stroller isn't a bad idea. Since we're only getting 2 days at Disneyland, I don't want the fact that she wears out easily mean that we don't get to experience as much as possible. She has aspergers, so I have a feeling the entire experience is going to be sensory overload for her anyway. She doesn't tantrum, so I'm not worried about her exploding if she gets overwhelmed. Instead she just spaces out and gets tired. So I'm thinking pushing her around in the stroller at that point might be easier than trying to direct her through crowds.

I hear about people taking coolers with snacks. When we spend a day at the zoo I take a sling backpack with me with water and snacks. But how practical is that for the rides? Do I have to hold on to it? Or does it stay with the stroller, if we have one? I thought about fanny packs for the kids with some snacks, and my son will want to have his camera. What is the most reasonable type of pack to carry around all day?

And I had a thought about our clothes. Our trip will be 2 days of travel and 3 days of activities. I've read about people packing for a few days and then doing their laundry at the hotel? Then we would have less luggage and clothing to worry about (and less to lose in the event that something like that would happen). Anybody else have any thoughts or experiences with that?

 

[tracyvansmith]

So do you guys think it's worth it to wait to buy the park tickets until closer to November? Do they usually run specials that time of year? I was just wondering. Thanks

I am waiting to buy tickets.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I am waiting to buy tickets.

We're waiting too, crossing our fingers (and toes) for a better deal

 

[fostapeepz]

I spent the day re-researching hotels and comparing prices, distance, ammenities, and layout. I ended up back to my original choice of the Desert Palms. It's close, I like the layout of the room for our family (my choices were the Borrego suite or the Yuha Kid Suite), and the price was no more (and in many cases less) than other comparable hotels. We got the Yuha Kid Suite (king bed for us, and a separate room with bunk beds for the girls and a pull out sofa for our son) for $133 a night. I went ahead and booked it since this month there is a special where I get extra cash back on my credit card for any travel expenses. This means with the plane tickets and the hotel I will earn almost $100 back. We have been putting everything on our credit card and paying it back right away each month, and we're going to save the rewards to use for our souvenier fund! I think we're almost at $300 - my goal is $500 ($100 a person).

I, too, am going to wait to buy our Disney tickets for a while to see if any new deals come out. I know it's still 4 months away, but I'm getting excited!