November trips! Is everything already booked!!!

[Sharon/Mark]

Hi

I am coming to the US from the UK on 5th November, this is my 11th trip having worked in the travel industry for several years and acquiring a love for all things disney

I am astounded how everything seems to be booked while back in 'Blighty' we are advised that this is low season! I am getting married on November 9th at the Polynesian Resort and I am fortunate enough to be bringing my family with me to celebrate by my side, I wanted to thank them for coming with something special and I had heard about the Illuminations Cruise and I thought that would be perfect! I was advised by Disney that this could be prebooked 90 days beforehand, I consider myself fairly organised and in light of the importantance, I telephoned at precisely 7.00am EST - unbelievably it was already booked and 7 people were on standby, additionally the first 4 restaurants I had on standby were also booked so I have ended up only being able to book Hollywood and Vine the night AFTER we get married (which I subsequently see has got a right roasting on the restaurant forum! with the priority seating for Fantasmic, I have to confess to being very sad and disappointed I feel I am totally unable to repay my family with that something extra they deserve!

Has anyone of you travelled at this time to the Parks and can you let me know what to expect

My travel dates are November 5th thru to November 19th

And secondly has anyone got any reasonably priced ideas for an alternative to what I have booked as I am very concerned after reading the reviews for Hollywood & Vine on the dining forum!

Yours very hopefully
Sharon

 

[kidd_freeper]

I'm going to be at WDW the week before you.

I was very surprised to learn that Fantasmic! packages had been sold out for November 1 for all three restaurants. Fortunately, there was some openings left on October 31.

I think its busy at the time that you are travelling because you are hitting both the Food and Wine festival at EPCOT and the Super-Soaps weekend at MGM.

 

[minniesota]

Isn't Jersey Week also during your timeframe? I understand that attracts a lot of visitors. Don't give up - you may have to keep trying for your Fantasmic package and maybe something will open up later in your stay. We ate at H and V two years ago and it was a pretty decent meal - of course we had three kids with us and they like the idea of lots of choices! I see this place has gotten some bad reviews lately though. Don't despair. Good luck!

 

[disney4us2002]

Congrats on the wedding. I've seen pictures of other weddings at the Poly and it will indeed be beautiful!

When you called about Illuminations, did the CM mention a Wishes cruise instead? Apparently there are more cruises available for Wishes than for Illuminations. Also, keep trying for a cancellation as they do occur. How many are in your party? Perhaps there will be others there at the same time looking for add'l guests. I think there is a post about sharing Illum cruises.

Sorry, cannot offer advice on the Fantasmic package as we've never done it. We weren't thrilled with any of the restaurant choices so we tried Fantasmic in the standby line. It got rained out that night but we're going to try again in Dec and again without the package. I've heard that Mondays & Wed are the least crowded for the Fantasmic show so perhaps one of those could work for you.

 

[Kris-PA]

We're going Nov 13th-21st, so I'll be calling for PS next week. It's disappointing to hear that the PS's are filling up so quickly. I'm especially worried about getting Pirate's Cruise....my DS7 will be so upset if he can't go. Anyway, in past years we've eaten at H&V 4 times (3 lunch, 1 dinner) and the food has always been excellent. I found the food to be better than Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace. Relax and have a great time. Congratulations.

 

[Sharon/Mark]

I just wanted to thank you for your replies which cheered me up no end, I suppose I wasn't as organised as I should have been!

I am totally sure we will have a fantastic time - we are staying at AKL and have booked a day at Discovery Cove with the Dolphin swim so lots of special things to come
Thanks
Sharon

 

[Poohbeck]

We will be there Nov. 6 - Nov. 13th too! Iv'e been calling all week to get PS's. Like I stated in an earlier post, I start calling at 6:58est. and yesterday still waited on hold for 1 hour. I can't believe it! So far, I've been able to get all my PS's except I can't get a table for ten, have to settle for 6 & 4.

Kris-PA - I called yesterday for the Pirate Cruise (the phone call I was on for 1 hour) and was able to make PS's for all 3 boys! Good Luck.

I forget to call this morning at 7am due to a hectic schedule. I called at 2pm and Disney had closed at 1pm. I hope to be able to call tomorrow to make our dinner reservations.

Good Luck everyone and see you in November.

 

[sters]

Yes, part of the trip is during Jesey Week

 

[turnlisa]

Jersey Week is the first week of November this year so it ends on November 7th. Even so, we went last year during Jersey Week and the crowds weren't that bad. Longest waits for rides were about 20 minutes. Super Soap Weekend is November 13th and 14th.

We are travelling down to arrive on November 6th. I have had concierage making PSs for me so haven't had any problem. They were able to make CRT and reservations for my DSs for the Wonderland Tea Party.

Sharon, don't give up hope! Last year when we travelled during Jersey Week I was making and changing PSs 2 weeks before we got there. Later Fantasmic package reservations will open up before then. We did H & V last year and weren't impressed. We are trying Brown Derby this time. Wish I could give you more information than that.

Congratulations on your wedding! We will be staying at the Polynesian during that time. You are getting married the day after my birthday. Have a wonderful time!

 

[Karebear]

Hello

Veterans Day is Nov. 11 which is a Thur. Many people have that off, so that weekend might be more crowded. Nov. 15-19 should be great. I have been 3 times during this time period (week before Thanksgiving) and the crowds were light. You shouldn't have problems with PS reservations, etc. during that time period.