*****Official October 2011 Thread*****

[LJD2143]

We are in the teens today! 19 DAYS!


Just placed my GardenGrocer order!
Does anyone know if they charge your credit card when you place the order, or upon delivery?

 

[tlenzendorf]

We are in the teens today! 19 DAYS!

Welcome to the teens club! We sit at 18 today! Only 14 days left of work

 

[DLo]

4 days!!! ya'll are making me nervous. Haven't even thought about packing yet and we leave friday! I have - sort of - in my head what I need to bring though. In fact, I should be putting my stuff together now instead of hanging out on disboards. well, I'll give myself 5 more minutes

 

[jfugina]

We head out on Friday too!

We'll be driving from St. Louis, and we hope to spend Friday night in Atlanta and maybe catch a sight or two Saturday morning. Our check-in at Kidani is Sunday.

The kids and I just started packing last night. DH will wait until 11pm on Thursday night to gather clothes, throw in laundry, clean out the van, and gather all of his gadgets, and it will be chaos. But the kids and I are almost completely ready to go. The only stuff left for me to pack are our non-perishable groceries (placed an order from Garden Grocer but I'll still bring the coffee, cereal and pop-tarts from home) and road trip snacks. But I can do that while DH is rushing around trying to figure out what he's forgetting.

 

[exwdwcm]

So I have a major debate going on in my house right now. We are thinking of skipping MNSSHP

Which sucks, because that was one of the main things we wanted to do. But I just don't think I want to spend over 200 dollars for the 4 of us. We don't do crowds all that well, and DH flat out refuses to wait in line for characters if it's going to be an hour or more wait. And to be honest, I don't think my DS or DB will want to wait that long either. Especially my DS. All these threads talking about how crowded it is that they can't even move and how there isn't even room to walk are kind of scaring me.The main reason why we would want to go is the parade and fireworks. The parade we can do nothing about, but instead we're thinking of going to the beaches at Poly and watching them there one night. While we enjoy Halloween, we're not "into" it.

However, it's not completely certain we will skip it yet. We still have 3 weeks to decide. Ahh I'm so torn.

what night were you planning to go again? just because it has been crowded, doesn't mean it will be for your night. This weekend was really bad, the Friday party sold out becuase it was the half marathon/5k weekend, the 40th anniv and food & wine opening. Lots of folks came in Thursday/Friday and left today- doing a long weekend, so that party sold out. Plus there are fewer parties offered in September, so they are busier. October shouldn't be as bad except maybe the last few parties. We still plan to go and have a great time. We refuse to wait more than 30 minutes for a character. Now if there is one DS is really into, we will, but otherwise that is our rule. We try and plan so that we don't have to. We always see the second parade, in Frontierland and have great luck (this is with MVMCP). So doing the same for this. If you plan right, you can avoid some of the crowds, i think

We are in the teens today! 19 DAYS!


Just placed my GardenGrocer order!
Does anyone know if they charge your credit card when you place the order, or upon delivery?

They charge when you order. They did with mine last month.

 

[im4kycats]

I posted this on the other Oct. thread, too - so you aren't going crazy!

Morning everyone!

We are getting so close and I am more obsessed than ever! I know I've posted our schedule before, but I have made some adjustments so you are getting it again!

10/15 – Arrival Day! Afternoon and evening at HS – dinner at 50’s Prime Time
10/16 – AK – going to try for RD – dinner at O’hana’s
10/17 – Epcot – ride and eat as much as we can!
10/18 – Morning pool/resort time – MK around 2 pm – dinner at CP @4:45 – MNSSHP!
10/19 – WWHP @ IOA – DTD or resort after IOA
10/20 – Whatever we want in the AM – HS for EMH in the PM
10/21 – 1900 Park Faire @ 9:05 – MK – Epcot
10/22 – departure day. ME around 3 pm, so will have morning for whatever the family wants.

We'll be at POFQ, as I know several folks here will be! I will have my LGMH buttons on my back pack or whatever I will be carrying each day. I know we will be at the pool multiple times - my two are water dogs!

Here is a picture of all of us:

We'll have me-Shelly, DH-Tim, DD(8)-Alexis, DS(14)-Timmy, and DM-Jo. Can you guess who is who in the picture?

If you spot us, say hi! We are always up for meeting new peeps!

 

[KatieCollette]

what night were you planning to go again? just because it has been crowded, doesn't mean it will be for your night. This weekend was really bad, the Friday party sold out becuase it was the half marathon/5k weekend, the 40th anniv and food & wine opening. Lots of folks came in Thursday/Friday and left today- doing a long weekend, so that party sold out. Plus there are fewer parties offered in September, so they are busier. October shouldn't be as bad except maybe the last few parties. We still plan to go and have a great time. We refuse to wait more than 30 minutes for a character. Now if there is one DS is really into, we will, but otherwise that is our rule. We try and plan so that we don't have to. We always see the second parade, in Frontierland and have great luck (this is with MVMCP). So doing the same for this. If you plan right, you can avoid some of the crowds, i think

We're going Tues the 24th. We might just wait and see when we get there if its sold out already or not. And have back up plans if it is sold out

 

[BaysMom]

We leave tomorrow!!!!!!! (driving 2 hrs to my moms then plane leaves 7a wed)
What do guys think about online check in?? I can't decide if it's worth it!??!

 

[KatieCollette]

We leave tomorrow!!!!!!! (driving 2 hrs to my moms then plane leaves 7a wed)
What do guys think about online check in?? I can't decide if it's worth it!??!

Don't do it!

 

[Catira]

Don't do it!

why? My online checkin is also coming up soon.

 

[JoanneDisFan]

I'm also contemplating if I should do online check in. I've no requests but a pack n play and have paid for preferred.

 

[summerlady]

I've always done online check in ever since it's been available. Mainly, I think, because I'm so excited and it's something to do 10 days before my trip. I've always made room requests at POFQ and have always gotten at least two out of three of what I've asked for. I haven't made those requests during online check in though, I do it when I book initially, over the phone.

 

[lmc318]

We're going Tues the 24th. We might just wait and see when we get there if its sold out already or not. And have back up plans if it is sold out

Tuesday the 25th? It better not be busy!! I think of all nights a Tuesday will be our best bet. School night, no major event going on then. We switched from the 27th to the 25th just for this reason. And the reports I've seen most nights say the longest wait is for the dwarves and that's an hour. All others are less. We'll be ok!!

 

[KatieCollette]

why? My online checkin is also coming up soon.

I haven't gotten my requests last time that I did it.

Tuesday the 25th? It better not be busy!! I think of all nights a Tuesday will be our best bet. School night, no major event going on then. We switched from the 27th to the 25th just for this reason. And the reports I've seen most nights say the longest wait is for the dwarves and that's an hour. All others are less. We'll be ok!!

Yeah I meant the 25th! I guess I'm just going to have to keep checking the DIS for the reviews and see how it is on Tuesdays. Still not sure though...

 

[KEPE]

Hi!!

It's getting close.... in the teens now :0

I will not be doing on line check in. I'm so anal. We requested Casistas 4 and if we don't get that I'm hoping for anything but Ranchos (sorry Ranchos fans) so I'd like to be able to ask if we can switch if we end up there. I also need to request bedrails.

KatieCollette, we're going on the 25th too and I am so freaked out by the reviews of the parties. I think most people have had nothing good to say. Even saying that people that didn't pay are being allowed to reamain in the park. I'm so bummed as this to be the highlight of our trip. DD is going to BBB, dinner in the castle, a pic at cinderella's carriage, trick or treating, mix and mingles, low crowds. I was most excited about this and now I am dreading it a little. The reviews sound really terrible. I hope LMC is right and that with 40th anniversary weekend, F&W opening and the marathon thing it was just crazy. But then again that is the week before halloween so.... I did my research and it said Tues. would be the better night to attend. Now after all of the reviews I wonder if everyone will try to attend on a Tues. If I hadn't had my tix already I would surely be rethinking it. Expensive night to not enjoy it

I wanted to add that they said to go in w/ a plan and priorities so I will surely be doing that. Carriage and any princesses we didn't see w/ be priority (Rapunzel, princes) trick or treating as DD will love that and the parade. I don't care about the fireworks DD hates them so I'll be getting on line for something while everyone tries to watch them. No rides for us, we'll do them the next day. I need to do some more research and fine the exact characters that will be musts, a good place to watch parade (with an easy escape route, lol) Hopefully, we'll have a great night!

 

[KEPE]

LMAO I just realized that I posted about online check in and my room request and this ISN'T the CSR thread so people probably have no idea what I was talking about Forgive me it's still VERY early

 

[lovethattink]

Hi!!

It's getting close.... in the teens now :0

I will not be doing on line check in. I'm so anal. We requested Casistas 4 and if we don't get that I'm hoping for anything but Ranchos (sorry Ranchos fans) so I'd like to be able to ask if we can switch if we end up there. I also need to request bedrails.

KatieCollette, we're going on the 25th too and I am so freaked out by the reviews of the parties. I think most people have had nothing good to say. Even saying that people that didn't pay are being allowed to reamain in the park. I'm so bummed as this to be the highlight of our trip. DD is going to BBB, dinner in the castle, a pic at cinderella's carriage, trick or treating, mix and mingles, low crowds. I was most excited about this and now I am dreading it a little. The reviews sound really terrible. I hope LMC is right and that with 40th anniversary weekend, F&W opening and the marathon thing it was just crazy. But then again that is the week before halloween so.... I did my research and it said Tues. would be the better night to attend. Now after all of the reviews I wonder if everyone will try to attend on a Tues. If I hadn't had my tix already I would surely be rethinking it. Expensive night to not enjoy it

I wanted to add that they said to go in w/ a plan and priorities so I will surely be doing that. Carriage and any princesses we didn't see w/ be priority (Rapunzel, princes) trick or treating as DD will love that and the parade. I don't care about the fireworks DD hates them so I'll be getting on line for something while everyone tries to watch them. No rides for us, we'll do them the next day. I need to do some more research and fine the exact characters that will be musts, a good place to watch parade (with an easy escape route, lol) Hopefully, we'll have a great night!

LMAO I just realized that I posted about online check in and my room request and this ISN'T the CSR thread so people probably have no idea what I was talking about Forgive me it's still VERY early

LOL!! I was able to follow. I'm doing online check in today!! My requests are on my reservation already, but I am also anal and will call at the 3 day point to make sure they were noted.

As for easy escape route, if you are trying to leave the park, it is very difficult to leave from Tomorrowland Terrace and Plaza area, it bottlenecks big time around the ice cream parlor. Unless, they open up the backstage exit between the Plaza and the rest room. Then it's easy exit from there to the hat shop area up front. Through the stores from Casey's to Emporium is often the fastest route. With the slowest route being through Main Street.

We had Casitas 5 and I loved it last time, it was so nice and quiet!! I hope you get 4. I am hoping for Ranchos 7B so that I can say I stayed at each village this year. But I would be crushed if it's any other rancho. I've requested, 7b, 8 a or b, or Castitas 4 or 5. That is my order of preference this trip. We had Cabanas 8A in March, best location for Dig Site!! Casitas 5 water view in August, the Casitas are my favorite area so far, but further walk to Dig Site. About the same distance to El Centro from Cabana 8A as it was from Casitas 5.

 

[KatieCollette]

I will not be doing on line check in. I'm so anal. We requested Casistas 4 and if we don't get that I'm hoping for anything but Ranchos (sorry Ranchos fans) so I'd like to be able to ask if we can switch if we end up there. I also need to request bedrails.

KatieCollette, we're going on the 25th too and I am so freaked out by the reviews of the parties. I think most people have had nothing good to say. Even saying that people that didn't pay are being allowed to reamain in the park. I'm so bummed as this to be the highlight of our trip. DD is going to BBB, dinner in the castle, a pic at cinderella's carriage, trick or treating, mix and mingles, low crowds. I was most excited about this and now I am dreading it a little. The reviews sound really terrible. I hope LMC is right and that with 40th anniversary weekend, F&W opening and the marathon thing it was just crazy. But then again that is the week before halloween so.... I did my research and it said Tues. would be the better night to attend. Now after all of the reviews I wonder if everyone will try to attend on a Tues. If I hadn't had my tix already I would surely be rethinking it. Expensive night to not enjoy it

I wanted to add that they said to go in w/ a plan and priorities so I will surely be doing that. Carriage and any princesses we didn't see w/ be priority (Rapunzel, princes) trick or treating as DD will love that and the parade. I don't care about the fireworks DD hates them so I'll be getting on line for something while everyone tries to watch them. No rides for us, we'll do them the next day. I need to do some more research and fine the exact characters that will be musts, a good place to watch parade (with an easy escape route, lol) Hopefully, we'll have a great night!

Yeah I don't like doing online check in either. And we didn't buy our tickets yet, I think we'll just make our decision while we are there. If its sold out we won't, and if it's not then we'll have a decision to make!

 

[jfugina]

I did our online check-in last week. We've done it before, and it didn't really gain us anything. The line for the online check-in was just as long as the regular check-in. And this time, I went to AAA to buy our park tickets (because we might actually arrive in Orlando early enough Saturday night to still catch a few rides in MK), and we're not doing DDP, so there really isn't anything involved in the online check-in except supplying the credit card.

But that's what made my decision. I've seen a few troubling threads on this board about CMs who are copying CC#s somehow during check-in. We've never ever had a problem like this, but it didn't cost me any extra time to get this set up with online check-in, and it definitely eliminates the possibility of any actual person having access to my CC at any point.

We have no special requests, and we're planning on checking in relatively early and just hanging out at the pool until the room is ready. So it should just be a matter of getting the packet with the room keys and that's it. We'd love it if the room were ready, but we're not counting on that, even with online check-in. My decision was based on not having anyone handle my credit card.

 

[lmc318]

Some of this is a repeat from the other October board, so forgive me if you've read it already...

AK is one of those parks that's actually ok when it rains. With the trees and all of the inside things to do, you really can get away with it more than other parks, I think. Between the shows, Rafiki's planet watch and the safari alone, you can kill some great rain time!

19 days!!! WE'RE IN THE TEENS!!!!!!

I can hardly stand the wait anymore! I'm in serious countdown and prep mode now. I pulled out the big suitcase and mini-packed last night. Got out the essential clothes and put them in for all 3 of us and we had TONS of room left, so I figured all of our clothes would fit in there no problem, even though that's not how we're packing. So I'll put most of the clothes, an extra pair of shoes and the toiletries in there and then cross pack some clothes, toiletries and jackets in the carry ons and still have extra room for souvenirs. I was VERY excited!

I've been fairly busy at work these days, which is unusual for me and the reason I haven't been so active lately. It's bumming me out, really. I want to share the excitement with everyone! My coworkers can just about only stand my countdown every morning and that's about it.

We're not doing online check in because we requested a balcony or patio so we have a place to sit while DD is napping and not every floor in the Poly has one, plus we requested bed rails, so I have to make sure we at the very least get them. Can't have DD falling out of a queen sized bed!!! I'm also not an anal person, but I do like to plan certain things and not standing in front of a person to check in would just drive me bonkers. If it was for one night at a hotel, I'd be fine. For a week at Disney? I'd be worried the whole week for no reason at all, I'm sure, and the whole time leading up to it!

Ok, time for lunch. I'll check in with everyone later! (online this time - ok, that was cheesy, I'll admit! )