November Check In 2010

[ACDSNY]

Okay, so I thought of a question to ask my fellow travelers. When you are planning for a DL trip I know there are about a gazillion different sites out there with amazing info. I have to confess that I probably do not utilize as much of the DIS as I probably should. Do any of you have a favorite area where you garner info? Or perhaps any other sites that are your favorites? I'll share my favorites if you will share yours!
First of course, is this thread!!!!!
My other favorite is on Mouseplanet. They put out a new update every Monday morning. Love to check and see what the latest news is plus they list all the refurbishments and upcoming events. http://www.mouseplanet.com/search.php?type=c&cid=dl

I must confess, we've been going to DL for so long I don't do too much planning especially compared to WDW. I probably do more planning for an adults only trip than I do for trips with young kids. When we have little ones with us we just go with the flow.

I check the DL calendar a few weeks before our trip and I like Mouseplanet too for their weekly update. I'll usually make a few breakfast reservations if the kids want to go to Goofy's, Storytellers or PP and that about it.

 

[1Mouse2RulethemAll]

Hello! I finally convinced my DH he had to try DL. We are staying at the DLH 11/28-12/5. We are also taking the Amtrak from OK to Anaheim.

 

[ACDSNY]

Hello! I finally convinced my DH he had to try DL. We are staying at the DLH 11/28-12/5. We are also taking the Amtrak from OK to Anaheim.

Welcome! I'm curious, how long does it take from OK to Anaheim on Amtrak? I'm sure you'll see some great countryside.

 

[1Mouse2RulethemAll]

Welcome! I'm curious, how long does it take from OK to Anaheim on Amtrak? I'm sure you'll see some great countryside.

It will take 2.5 days in all.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

You are making it harder and harder to resist the urge to go ahead and buy my tickets!!!
Must wait....

but I want my tickets now too! LOL!

Frontier has a big sale going on starting today for travel through November 17. If we were going a week earlier, it might work for us, but maybe it will work for somebody out there.

It will take 2.5 days in all.

Do you get off at any stops you make? I'm thinking that AMTRAK comes through Denver, but was wondering if you just stop long enough to pick up or if you can actually get off the train.

 

[mariezp]

I must confess, we've been going to DL for so long I don't do too much planning especially compared to WDW. I probably do more planning for an adults only trip than I do for trips with young kids. When we have little ones with us we just go with the flow.

I check the DL calendar a few weeks before our trip and I like Mouseplanet too for their weekly update. I'll usually make a few breakfast reservations if the kids want to go to Goofy's, Storytellers or PP and that about it.

Compared to WDW.... Disneyland is a breeze and doesn't require much planning! Really I don't plan much more than you do. It is still fun to keep up with the latest info buzzing around in different places.

Hello! I finally convinced my DH he had to try DL. We are staying at the DLH 11/28-12/5. We are also taking the Amtrak from OK to Anaheim.

It will take 2.5 days in all.

Welcome! Good for you talking your DH into a DL trip. Hope he enjoys it! Have you taken Amtrak before? We have traveled with them on several occasions from Texas. It used to take us 1-1/2 days to get to California from Texas. It was a great build up to get there but the ride home seemed like it took forever. After 3 or 4 trips we decided to go the faster method and started flying. I would still recommend trying the train just for the fun of it. Hope you enjoy your train ride! Oh yeah.... they used to have really good food in the diner.
I've added you to the list!

 

[mariezp]

Updated list! We are up to 40 now!!!

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
11/19-11/28 -----King_of_FastPass -------????
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
11/24-11/29 -----mom2dzb ---------------VGC
11/25-11/27 -----Gidget -----------------Anaheim Resort RV park ** DS birthday celebration
11/26-12/7 ------darren123 --------------HoJo ************** DS Graduation celebration
11/27-11/30 or 11/29-12/2 - kailuagirl -----BWPPI
11/27-12/1 ------hockey mom ------------VGC *************************** first trip!
11/28-12/3 ------DizDragonfly ------------VGC ******************* birthday celebration
11/28-12/5 ------1Mouse2RulethemAll -----DLH
11/29-12/6 ------Todd Lee ---------------w/family

 

[mariezp]

Frontier has a big sale going on starting today for travel through November 17. If we were going a week earlier, it might work for us, but maybe it will work for somebody out there.


Do you get off at any stops you make? I'm thinking that AMTRAK comes through Denver, but was wondering if you just stop long enough to pick up or if you can actually get off the train.

OOPS! Looks like we must have been posting at the same time so I missed you!
Checked Frontier but I still have the same problem with them that I do with American. The sale ends on the 17th. Coming back on the day before Thanksgiving seems to jack the price up. Hopefully, a new sale will extend the dates further into November soon but even then it will probably fall as a blackout date.

 

[1Mouse2RulethemAll]

Do you get off at any stops you make? I'm thinking that AMTRAK comes through Denver, but was wondering if you just stop long enough to pick up or if you can actually get off the train.

Our train leaves OKC and we switch trains in Dallas and we hook up to another train in San Antonio, I think. After that, it's off to Cali. The train will make a few stops, but the layovers aren't that long to get off.

Welcome! Good for you talking your DH into a DL trip. Hope he enjoys it! Have you taken Amtrak before? We have traveled with them on several occasions from Texas. It used to take us 1-1/2 days to get to California from Texas. It was a great build up to get there but the ride home seemed like it took forever. After 3 or 4 trips we decided to go the faster method and started flying. I would still recommend trying the train just for the fun of it. Hope you enjoy your train ride! Oh yeah.... they used to have really good food in the diner.
I've added you to the list!

Thanks for adding me to the list. We have never taken Amtrak before, but we are looking forward to it. Between the 4 of us and MIL who's joining us, the train saved us nearly $800.

 

[tracyvansmith]

tracyvansmith: hi, no it's not our 1st time to vegas, maybe our 15/20th. I'd plan if I were you. Not as detailed as for DL of course, but for shows or must see casinos or shopping. At least for shows, you can buy your tickets online. You might not get tickets if you wait until you get there. There is so much to see and do and EAT in vegas and gamble of course And the outlets are good too. Let me know if you have any questions, I might be able to help. Where are you staying?

We are staying at Harah's. And if we can't get to a show that is fine. This is our first time so we mainly just want to go see the hotels and the free shows and Fremont street. We wont be doing much shopping while we are there. I am trying to make this trip as cheap as possible.

 

[tracyvansmith]

I don't think we have all the letters anymore either. I am not sure why we still keep it on the fridge!
Single digits are not that far away!

I agree with kailuagirl. You may not need to do a ton of planning but I would try to get tickets lined up for any shows that you really, really want to see.

We still have the letters on our fridge, we also don't have all of them. My teens will still use them and write stuff on the fridge.


When I was looking into the shows there was only one that the both of us would have loved to see but it was already sold out Garth Brooks. All the other shows are no big deal to us, if we see one we see it if we don't we don't wont ruin the trip for us.

This is the same advice I give poeple going on a cruise if there is a tour that you really want to do book it ahead of time because it could get sold out.

 

[stormys]

For the rumours here in DisBorads of which DLR would raise the tickets of entry to the park , yesterday we buy them on internet , it was very simple and especially to minor prices that directly in the park .
We already have the plane tickets, hotel and tickets of entry to the park, the only thing that us absence is to save more money for the shopping that we want to do inside the park .

Disneyland, we are ready, there GOOOO!!!!!

 

[mariezp]

Our train leaves OKC and we switch trains in Dallas and we hook up to another train in San Antonio, I think. After that, it's off to Cali. The train will make a few stops, but the layovers aren't that long to get off.



Thanks for adding me to the list. We have never taken Amtrak before, but we are looking forward to it. Between the 4 of us and MIL who's joining us, the train saved us nearly $800.

I wondered if your route went through San Antonio. It's the same exact route we have gone. Are you traveling coach or did you get sleepers? We may try the train again sometime. Just not this year. Glad you were able to save some money!

We are staying at Harah's. And if we can't get to a show that is fine. This is our first time so we mainly just want to go see the hotels and the free shows and Fremont street. We wont be doing much shopping while we are there. I am trying to make this trip as cheap as possible.

There are lots of things to see without doing the shows. We didn't even see half of what I wanted to. I bet you have all kinds of info since you became a TA which will make your own trip just that much more fun. Vegas is a good place for taking a cheap trip.

We still have the letters on our fridge, we also don't have all of them. My teens will still use them and write stuff on the fridge.


When I was looking into the shows there was only one that the both of us would have loved to see but it was already sold out Garth Brooks. All the other shows are no big deal to us, if we see one we see it if we don't we don't wont ruin the trip for us.

This is the same advice I give poeple going on a cruise if there is a tour that you really want to do book it ahead of time because it could get sold out.

I guess there are lots of people who have letters on their fridge! Cool that your teens still put them to good use.
With all the shows they put on it's hard to imagine how they keep them all booked up. We were like you and only had 2 or 3 headliners that even interested us. I guess there are lots of people with varied tastes in entertainment.

For the rumours here in DisBorads of which DLR would raise the tickets of entry to the park , yesterday we buy them on internet , it was very simple and especially to minor prices that directly in the park .
We already have the plane tickets, hotel and tickets of entry to the park, the only thing that us absence is to save more money for the shopping that we want to do inside the park .

Disneyland, we are ready, there GOOOO!!!!!

Congratulations on getting your park tickets! I got mine too! Good luck saving for your Disney fund!

 

[billwendy]

Hi!

We are planning on being in the Anaheim area november 12-19. We have reservations at the HoJo's but really have no idea what days we will go into the parks. I have to go to a conference for work on that Wednesday. Any suggestions? Do you all like the HoJo's??

Thanks, Wendy

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Hi!

We are planning on being in the Anaheim area november 12-19. We have reservations at the HoJo's but really have no idea what days we will go into the parks. I have to go to a conference for work on that Wednesday. Any suggestions? Do you all like the HoJo's??

Thanks, Wendy

Love HOJOs!!! We will be there Nov. 17-21.

For your dates: Nov. 12 is the first day of the Xmas season. Normally its a pretty busy day. Luckily SoCal APs are blocked the first few days of the Xmas season this year, but it's also Vets Day weekend and schools may give their kids 4 day weekends. Sunday will be pretty busy since the SoCal APs will flock to the parks to see the holiday decor. How many days do you want to go to the parks?

 

[billwendy]

Love HOJOs!!! We will be there Nov. 17-21.

For your dates: Nov. 12 is the first day of the Xmas season. Normally its a pretty busy day. Luckily SoCal APs are blocked the first few days of the Xmas season this year, but it's also Vets Day weekend and schools may give their kids 4 day weekends. Sunday will be pretty busy since the SoCal APs will flock to the parks to see the holiday decor. How many days do you want to go to the parks?

I think we want to get a 3 day pass....does that sound reasonable? I just want to make sure I try to see WOC and all the holiday stuff!!!!!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

OOPS! Looks like we must have been posting at the same time so I missed you!
Checked Frontier but I still have the same problem with them that I do with American. The sale ends on the 17th. Coming back on the day before Thanksgiving seems to jack the price up. Hopefully, a new sale will extend the dates further into November soon but even then it will probably fall as a blackout date.

That's the same problem we had. If we were going a week earlier, it would cost us about what we paid last year to fly Frontier. I haven't checked that week for SW, but I'm sure it is around the same or cheaper. That's what traveling around Thanksgiving will do to your fare!

We are planning on being in the Anaheim area november 12-19. We have reservations at the HoJo's but really have no idea what days we will go into the parks. I have to go to a conference for work on that Wednesday. Any suggestions? Do you all like the HoJo's??

The rule of thumb is typically that weekends are busier than weekdays, so avoid Friday and Saturday nights if possible. We love HoJos. We'll be back there this year after our first visit last October. In Dec. 2008, we stayed at the Ramada Maingate, which was closer to the crosswalk, but not as nice, in my opinion. The Hojo's property is nicer overall.

I think we want to get a 3 day pass....does that sound reasonable? I just want to make sure I try to see WOC and all the holiday stuff!!!!!

We did three days for our last trip and, in part because the parks were open late, it was plenty for us...though we would have stayed longer if we could have. Let's just say that we didn't feel like we missed out on anything but who wouldn't be willing to spend more time there if they had the chance?

 

[mariezp]

I think I have that straightened out now!.....

There are definitely some downsides to reading more than one thread at a time. I posted a big long response here that was supposed to go on a different thread I was reading! Just got it erased and now will work on my post that is supposed to be going HERE on our November thread! It is Monday after all!

Before I get to the usual responses I just gotta share! TODAY I have reached double digits!!! 99 days baby!!!

Hi!

We are planning on being in the Anaheim area november 12-19. We have reservations at the HoJo's but really have no idea what days we will go into the parks. I have to go to a conference for work on that Wednesday. Any suggestions? Do you all like the HoJo's??

Welcome! Just saw you over on the Christmas at Disney thread too. Weekdays are always best to avoid crowds. Tuesday and Thursday are generally two of the least crowded days. However, if you want to do some of the shows they will most likely be running only on weekends during the fall so you will have to be willing to brave the crowds for that. I would probably go with Saturday night for any evening entertainment just in case there is a cancellation due to weather/high winds. Then you could have a second chance Sunday evening if you just happen to have to reschedule.
Never stayed at Hojos but I do know they offer great rates and come highly recommended around here.

I think we want to get a 3 day pass....does that sound reasonable? I just want to make sure I try to see WOC and all the holiday stuff!!!!!
Do you have some other plans for in the area? 3 days might work fine but I would personally go with at least 4 days. You need one day for CA which may include your late night entertainment. Then I would want to allow 3 days for DL in case it is crowded and also so you can go at a moderate pace and really enjoy it.

Love HOJOs!!! We will be there Nov. 17-21.

For your dates: Nov. 12 is the first day of the Xmas season. Normally its a pretty busy day. Luckily SoCal APs are blocked the first few days of the Xmas season this year, but it's also Vets Day weekend and schools may give their kids 4 day weekends. Sunday will be pretty busy since the SoCal APs will flock to the parks to see the holiday decor. How many days do you want to go to the parks?

It will be interesting to see if Sunday turns into a madhouse with all the APs suddenly showing up. That will definitely be a good day for a reservation at Blue Bayou or maybe even schedule a tour to have something to do that doesn't involve being just another part of the crowd.

That's the same problem we had. If we were going a week earlier, it would cost us about what we paid last year to fly Frontier. I haven't checked that week for SW, but I'm sure it is around the same or cheaper. That's what traveling around Thanksgiving will do to your fare!
Rates were down today a bit for the departure. I think I might make it one more week to see if the return flight goes down. After that... all bets are off!

We did three days for our last trip and, in part because the parks were open late, it was plenty for us...though we would have stayed longer if we could have. Let's just say that we didn't feel like we missed out on anything but who wouldn't be willing to spend more time there if they had the chance?
AMEN! I spend every extra day there that I can!

 

[mariezp]

Latest update! 41 is a good number, don't you think?

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
11/12-11/19------billwendy ---------------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
11/19-11/28 -----King_of_FastPass -------????
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
11/24-11/29 -----mom2dzb ---------------VGC
11/25-11/27 -----Gidget -----------------Anaheim Resort RV park ** DS birthday celebration
11/26-12/7 ------darren123 --------------HoJo ************** DS Graduation celebration
11/27-11/30 or 11/29-12/2 - kailuagirl -----BWPPI
11/27-12/1 ------hockey mom ------------VGC *************************** first trip!
11/28-12/3 ------DizDragonfly ------------VGC ******************* birthday celebration
11/28-12/5 ------1Mouse2RulethemAll -----DLH
11/29-12/6 ------Todd Lee ---------------w/family

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I think I have that straightened out now!.....

There are definitely some downsides to reading more than one thread at a time. I posted a big long response here that was supposed to go on a different thread I was reading! Just got it erased and now will work on my post that is supposed to be going HERE on our November thread! It is Monday after all!

Glad you caught it and were able to post the right stuff

Before I get to the usual responses I just gotta share! TODAY I have reached double digits!!! 99 days baby!!!