***OFFICIAL*** October 2011 - Updated 10/08/11

[sjs314]

Wow..that sounds great. Glad it all worked out for you

I keep looking at my planning sheet second guessing myself about everything...do you guys do that I keep changing my mind about dining and which days to do what. Trying to decide if we should do MNSSHP..or take the girls back to Universal. They had so much fun there last year and my daughter is now obsessed with Harry Potter...she wants to watch it every day (she's 4) We really had a great time at the Halloween party last time we went during October but do I really need to spend an extra 200$ to go???

Yes yes yes ! Although I do believe I have finally made all the adjustments and have everything ironed out with the exception of I have one days lunch which I am debateing still about San Angel we have been going to eat there since our first trip in '89 and still have not ever made it there and Coral Reef, we have dined there before but I think we would enjoy the food more.

I have decided to nix going to Fantasmic! and MNSSHP. DH is not thrilled about either one since our main focus this trip was to be F&W Festival.
Planning on booking Wishes Dessert Party instead I know he will enjoy that more and I still get to see my beloved fireworks. The other option is dinner at 'Ohana(which we will still do) and then watch the fireworks from the Poly Beach? DH likes that idea

I have until April 22 to figure out what to do so I should be ok

Ugh it started to snow....were expecting 6 inches

 

[Rorey]

Count me in for Oct 22-29 2011!! It will just be DH and I, DH has never been to a Disney park, and I've never been to WDW. I grew up going to DL annually, but am quickly learning WDW is a whole other world. lol We're so excited to be going during MNSSHP, it's one of the few holidays I haven't spent at a part before.

 

[exwdwcm]

Wow..that sounds great. Glad it all worked out for you

I keep looking at my planning sheet second guessing myself about everything...do you guys do that I keep changing my mind about dining and which days to do what. Trying to decide if we should do MNSSHP..or take the girls back to Universal. They had so much fun there last year and my daughter is now obsessed with Harry Potter...she wants to watch it every day (she's 4) We really had a great time at the Halloween party last time we went during October but do I really need to spend an extra 200$ to go???

i know, me too. you are so NOT alone! i did two different schedules yesterday and can't figure out which one i like better. I think i might have it sorted out today though. We are definitely doing MNSSHP and i have also planned for the Pirates cruise and Pirates League. Of course if i can't get those or a few of the meals we want, then it might be back to the drawing board! Love HP too- but DS is too young I think to really get much out of Universal, so we will wait until he is older and until the HP 'newness' wears off and crowds slow down.

Yes yes yes ! Although I do believe I have finally made all the adjustments and have everything ironed out with the exception of I have one days lunch which I am debateing still about San Angel we have been going to eat there since our first trip in '89 and still have not ever made it there and Coral Reef, we have dined there before but I think we would enjoy the food more.

I have decided to nix going to Fantasmic! and MNSSHP. DH is not thrilled about either one since our main focus this trip was to be F&W Festival.
Planning on booking Wishes Dessert Party instead I know he will enjoy that more and I still get to see my beloved fireworks. The other option is dinner at 'Ohana(which we will still do) and then watch the fireworks from the Poly Beach? DH likes that idea

I have until April 22 to figure out what to do so I should be ok

Ugh it started to snow....were expecting 6 inches

We've always enjoyed San Angel but more for the atmosphere than the food. We are from Dallas, so more used to Tex-Mex than traditional mexican. We did Coral Reef last year and it was my first time- we did lunch and enjoyed it. I would go back. WE are skipping F! too. I've seen it once at WDW and didn't quite get it back then. I saw it at DL this past September and WOW! amazing there on the river. We will skip it for a few more years until DS is older. it just isn't on my must see list now that I've seen it at DL (which i think is much better). We did the WISHES dessert party year before last in December. We loved it. Food was great, the view was amazing and since we don't like crowds, it was a great way for us to view the fireworks. Both DH and I hate having to line up hours early to get a spot for a parade or fireworks- we just refuse to do it. We will walk up 30 minutes early max and just take what we can get. So the dessert thing was great for us to avoid the crowds and hassle and still get a great view. I highly recommend it. I've done the O'hana and Poly beach thing too- while they do pipe in the music on the beach, you can barely hear it- it was so low. It is an interesting view, but nothing like you will get at the dessert party.

Count me in for Oct 22-29 2011!! It will just be DH and I, DH has never been to a Disney park, and I've never been to WDW. I grew up going to DL annually, but am quickly learning WDW is a whole other world. lol We're so excited to be going during MNSSHP, it's one of the few holidays I haven't spent at a part before.

WELCOME Rorey!!!! A first timer!! woo hoo! WDW is a totally different world. I recently did my first trip to DL in over 25 years and that was a learning experience too. WDW just has so much more to offer and is so much more spread out and secluded from the rest of the world. You will have a blast!! Where are you staying?

 

[lmc318]

Woohoo!!!! We went with AirTran since I checked Southwest this morning and the ticket prices for the good times actually went UP! Like they weren't already high for SW!!! $183 one way from Philly? 2 years ago we had $59 each way tickets! Oh, how things change.

Anyway, we got great times so we'll get in on 10/23 at 1:30 and leave on the 4PM on the 29th. DTD the last day for some last minute shopping and lunch and we should be good! Now I just need to firm up my plans before it's ADR time. Yeah - that'll happen around 5 minutes before I make the call!

 

[ckacherm]

We officially booked Oct 17th - 28th at the Beach Club Villas. We'll be sharing a 2BR with my parents. I hope it wont b too crammed with 4 adults 2 kids and 2 babies. LOL.

 

[exwdwcm]

Okay, so question- who's reworked their plan already based on the hours? Let's see them!!

and who is planning to book their dining ADRs online or call? I will have to call anyhow to get the Pirates and Pals cruise and probably CRT, but i might multi-task and try and get the others online while i am calling.

here's our plan- hopefully it won't change too much! This is assuming the MNSSHP is on the same days it was last year. We are skipping Fantasmic and Illuminations isn't a must either, since we had a perfect view of it in December, if we catch it, great, but we aren't planning around it. We saw MSEP in Dec too and same thing, if we see it, great, if not, no biggie. We aren't huge parade people (and i love spectro more anyhow). We will catch the halloween parade and fireworks at MNSSHP.

We do take a midday afternoon break. Usually at 2pm-4pm and then we get back out in the evening.

• FRIDAY, 10/14-
  arrive 8:30pm at MCO
  get rental car, check in BLT
  QS dinner at Contempo Cafe or if not too tired, DTD for Earle
  

• SATURDAY, 10/15-
  breakfast at Crystal Palace prior to MK opening (8am)
  AM- MK
  break in room in afternoon, snack if needed
  O'hana dinner (early- at like 5)
  PM- back to MK (open until 10pm)
  

• SUNDAY, 10/16-
  breakfast in room,
  AM- DHS (hit Jedi Academy, TSM, TOT, RnR)
  QS lunch (Toy Story PIzza Planet?), break in room
  PM- Epcot
  Via Napoli dinner
  
  
• MONDAY, 10/17
  breakfast in room
  AM at AK (hit EE, safari first)
  QS lunch at AK (yak and yeti?)
  stay at AK until 3 or 4 (our only day here)
  break in room
  QS dinner at Contempo Cafe at CR
  PM- Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage (assuming it will be at 7;30 for a 9pm wishes)
  
  

• TUESDAY, 10/18
  breakfast at O'hana
  AM- Blizzard Beach at 10am-3pm, then break/rest/change
  PM- walk to MK at 6pm for MNSSHP!
  MNSSHP!!!! parade/fireworks/trick or treat!
  
  

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• [FONT=&quot] WEDNESDAY, 10/19
  breakfast in room
  AM- Epcot, lunch at Food & Wine! (hit F&W right at 11am)
  break in room
  PM- DHS
  dinner at Mama Melrose (6:45, park closes at 7pm)
  head to DTD for shopping or TOW lounge for fireworks if not tired
  [/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot] [FONT=&quot]THURSDAY, 10/20
  AM- MK, breakfast on Main ST- cinnamon roll!
  break in room
  PM- Epcot
  dinner at Teppan Edo
  
  [/FONT][/FONT]
• FRIDAY, 10/21
  breakfast in room
  AM-Epcot- morning EMH!!!
  lunch at F&W (head to F&W at 11am)
  break in room
  dinner (6:45pm) at CRT (MK closes at 7pm for MNSSHP)
  PM- DTD after dinner (not doing MNSSHP)
  
  [FONT=&quot][/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]SATURDAY, 10/22
  sleep in if we want, breakfast in room
  this day is open- check out/baggage service by 11am
  head to MK or Epcot, whatever we missed
  stop at DTD on way to airport- grab sandwiches at Earle
  3:30pm- head for airport, return car
  6:20pm flight (if we get the flight we want)
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

 

[sjs314]

We've always enjoyed San Angel but more for the atmosphere than the food. We are from Dallas, so more used to Tex-Mex than traditional mexican. We did Coral Reef last year and it was my first time- we did lunch and enjoyed it. I would go back. WE are skipping F! too. I've seen it once at WDW and didn't quite get it back then. I saw it at DL this past September and WOW! amazing there on the river. We will skip it for a few more years until DS is older. it just isn't on my must see list now that I've seen it at DL (which i think is much better). We did the WISHES dessert party year before last in December. We loved it. Food was great, the view was amazing and since we don't like crowds, it was a great way for us to view the fireworks. Both DH and I hate having to line up hours early to get a spot for a parade or fireworks- we just refuse to do it. We will walk up 30 minutes early max and just take what we can get. So the dessert thing was great for us to avoid the crowds and hassle and still get a great view. I highly recommend it. I've done the O'hana and Poly beach thing too- while they do pipe in the music on the beach, you can barely hear it- it was so low. It is an interesting view, but nothing like you will get at the dessert party.

The atmosphere is why we keep saying we want to eat at San Angel Oh I wish I could decide. I think I am going to print out the menus and show them to DH and let him decide

We don't care that much for the crowds and while I have been known to stake out a spot up to 2 hours ahead of time , I just do not want to do that this trip so the dessert party sounds just perfect from what you describe especially if you can not hear the music on the Poly Beach that well

You helped solve one of my problems, thanks

 

[FigmentChick]

Woohoo!!!! We went with AirTran since I checked Southwest this morning and the ticket prices for the good times actually went UP! Like they weren't already high for SW!!! $183 one way from Philly? 2 years ago we had $59 each way tickets! Oh, how things change.

Anyway, we got great times so we'll get in on 10/23 at 1:30 and leave on the 4PM on the 29th. DTD the last day for some last minute shopping and lunch and we should be good! Now I just need to firm up my plans before it's ADR time. Yeah - that'll happen around 5 minutes before I make the call!

Told ya so! I know...when we went 2 years ago, the prices weren't bad, but this year they started out high and jumped quickly.

Welcome to rorey and ckacherm. I'll make sure I add you guys to the first post within two hours (I am "the researcher" at work today.....I think everyone else's brain melted).

And my goodness....another 6 inches of snow?!?! Haven't you guys gotten enough this year? It's just rainy here, but it's interfering with baseball practice. Soon, we will have warmer weather - I can't wait!


exwdwcm - as I typed this you added your post. Oh, my god, woman!!!! I feel like I am sooo lacking right now! lol My plan is hardly on paper at this point and I make ADRs in 30 days! UGH....I'm just gonna put my head on my desk for awhile......

 

[lmc318]

Told ya so! I know...when we went 2 years ago, the prices weren't bad, but this year they started out high and jumped quickly.

I know, I was waiting for today to see what Southwest would do, but I'm disappointed. Not surprised, but disappointed. I was hoping to get on SW for what AirTran is offering so we wouldn't pay for seats or baggage. oh well! We have our air miles through Capital One that will cover at least one of the tickets (gotta put those day care fees somewhere - so we're getting something out of it!).

Yeah - snow! We had just a coating today but we're expected to get the same tonight and I hear Sunday as well. BLAH!! Can't imagine being more north now! yuck!

 

[FigmentChick]

Told ya so! I know...when we went 2 years ago, the prices weren't bad, but this year they started out high and jumped quickly.
QUOTE]

I know, I was waiting for today to see what Southwest would do, but I'm disappointed. Not surprised, but disappointed. I was hoping to get on SW for what AirTran is offering so we wouldn't pay for seats or baggage. oh well! We have our air miles through Capital One that will cover at least one of the tickets (gotta put those day care fees somewhere - so we're getting something out of it!).

Yeah - snow! We had just a coating today but we're expected to get the same tonight and I hear Sunday as well. BLAH!! Can't imagine being more north now! yuck!

The baggage fees are why I bit the bullet and decided to go with Southwest (besides...I've NEVER had a bad flight attendant and most of the time they're very funny). I hate the thought of spending $120 for a one-way ticket and than an additional $25 for my bag to come with me. Ridiculous. But, I guess the airlines have to make money, too.

psst - can you tell I'm an accountant? lol

 

[lmc318]

The baggage fees are why I bit the bullet and decided to go with Southwest (besides...I've NEVER had a bad flight attendant and most of the time they're very funny). I hate the thought of spending $120 for a one-way ticket and than an additional $25 for my bag to come with me. Ridiculous. But, I guess the airlines have to make money, too.

psst - can you tell I'm an accountant? lol

I'm totally with you! That's why we were waiting some. But the SW flights right now are $160-$183 each way and the AirTran flights are $110 each way. Paying for luggage, and we should only need two bags, didn't justify the cost of SW. I love SW because of their excellent service and big comfy seats, but we'd still be paying more overall. A LOT more! Stupid gas prices!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

We do take a midday afternoon break. Usually at 2pm-4pm and then we get back out in the evening.

• FRIDAY, 10/14-
  arrive 8:30pm at MCO
  get rental car, check in BLT
  QS dinner at Contempo Cafe or if not too tired, DTD for Earle
  

[FONT=&quot][/FONT] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

I just noticed your incoming flight and where you're flying out of. We have a lay over in Dallas at Fort Worth, our plane arrives at MCO the same time yours does (same travel days). I was curious what airline you're traviling with? Would it, by chance, be American Airlines?

 

[FigmentChick]

I'm totally with you! That's why we were waiting some. But the SW flights right now are $160-$183 each way and the AirTran flights are $110 each way. Paying for luggage, and we should only need two bags, didn't justify the cost of SW. I love SW because of their excellent service and big comfy seats, but we'd still be paying more overall. A LOT more! Stupid gas prices!

And I agree with you there....save $$$ where you can. I would've booked with Airtran had they been cheaper, but it was the same price. I ended up on an earlier flight home than I planned because hubby was dragging his feet and the fare went up! (I swear, sometimes I could smack that man. lol).

 

[lmc318]

And I agree with you there....save $$$ where you can. I would've booked with Airtran had they been cheaper, but it was the same price. I ended up on an earlier flight home than I planned because hubby was dragging his feet and the fare went up! (I swear, sometimes I could smack that man. lol).

Just realized I think you'll be there the week or two before us. I noticed our week had much higher prices than previous weeks on SW. I don't know why, but whatever.

And you're lucky! I could smack my hubs all the time!

 

[Zife]

So happy that the hours are out! I think we have everything figured out for dining, and we're trying the '1 Night Platinum' thing this year too, so we're trying to finalize everything for that. This vacation is already far too tiring

 

[FigmentChick]

Just realized I think you'll be there the week or two before us. I noticed our week had much higher prices than previous weeks on SW. I don't know why, but whatever.

And you're lucky! I could smack my hubs all the time!

Nope...almost at the same time. You come in on the 23rd; we arrive on the 20th. Although, I think we're going to move over to POR rather than stay at the Poly. I want to stay at the Poly, but there are just so many factors that are resulting in our decision. First and foremost: foodcourt. We really enjoyed the foodcourt at POR and it doesn't seem the Poly has much of one (but, oh, how I will miss the Dole whips I can get at anytime!). Second: price. I can save about $2,000 if I switch over to POR. That's a lot of souveniers. (did I spell that right? I never do) Third: the pools. My three children (even the baby) are fish and that was one thing we really, really liked about POR - all the quiet pools. So....that's where we're at right now. Decisions, decisions. I think everything will become much more clear once (and IF) free dining for later in the year is announced.



Hey, Zife, I know, right? Planning is very tiring business. And I am soooo working at it while I am at work. At least I'm doing something productive right?

 

[Rorey]

WELCOME Rorey!!!! A first timer!! woo hoo! WDW is a totally different world. I recently did my first trip to DL in over 25 years and that was a learning experience too. WDW just has so much more to offer and is so much more spread out and secluded from the rest of the world. You will have a blast!! Where are you staying?

Thanks!!

We're staying off site, Marriott's Grade Vista or Cypress Harbour. My sister is gifting us a week at her timeshare for the trip. This trip was supposed to be for our 5th anniversary, but we couldn't afford it last year, so we're now doing it for our 6th! Though it's two months after our really anniversary as I did not want to go during the summer, I wanted somewhat of off hours.

 

[exwdwcm]

The atmosphere is why we keep saying we want to eat at San Angel Oh I wish I could decide. I think I am going to print out the menus and show them to DH and let him decide

We don't care that much for the crowds and while I have been known to stake out a spot up to 2 hours ahead of time , I just do not want to do that this trip so the dessert party sounds just perfect from what you describe especially if you can not hear the music on the Poly Beach that well

You helped solve one of my problems, thanks

woo hoo, glad i could help. you will love the dessert party!

exwdwcm - as I typed this you added your post. Oh, my god, woman!!!! I feel like I am sooo lacking right now! lol My plan is hardly on paper at this point and I make ADRs in 30 days! UGH....I'm just gonna put my head on my desk for awhile......

you will get there too!

I know, I was waiting for today to see what Southwest would do, but I'm disappointed. Not surprised, but disappointed. I was hoping to get on SW for what AirTran is offering so we wouldn't pay for seats or baggage. oh well! We have our air miles through Capital One that will cover at least one of the tickets (gotta put those day care fees somewhere - so we're getting something out of it!).

Yeah - snow! We had just a coating today but we're expected to get the same tonight and I hear Sunday as well. BLAH!! Can't imagine being more north now! yuck!

yeah, the baggage thing is killer. I swear we spent like $300 last trip between all of us RT on baggage fees. When traveling with a little one, it is just too hard for me to pack all carry on, especially in Dec when you have to be prepared for any type of weather (and thankfully we package our coats and wore them everyday, it was freezing!). I hate AA's stupid bag fees.

The baggage fees are why I bit the bullet and decided to go with Southwest (besides...I've NEVER had a bad flight attendant and most of the time they're very funny). I hate the thought of spending $120 for a one-way ticket and than an additional $25 for my bag to come with me. Ridiculous. But, I guess the airlines have to make money, too.

psst - can you tell I'm an accountant? lol

yea, it is SO ridiculous! SW has it right at least.

I just noticed your incoming flight and where you're flying out of. We have a lay over in Dallas at Fort Worth, our plane arrives at MCO the same time yours does (same travel days). I was curious what airline you're traviling with? Would it, by chance, be American Airlines?

YES...........AA. We live about 20 minutes from DFW, so we typically fly AA. We are looking at the 5pm flight out of Dallas on 10/14 that arrives at 8:30. Flight 1856? that is what we would like to book, but right now, it is about $400 a person RT for us. So we aren't booking yet. Holding out to see if it goes down at all or if something else pops up on another airline. We can also fly SW out of Love Field, but hate having a layover and even with a connection, the SW flight is also $400 for us.

So happy that the hours are out! I think we have everything figured out for dining, and we're trying the '1 Night Platinum' thing this year too, so we're trying to finalize everything for that. This vacation is already far too tiring

cool o the one night platinum- i assume you can do this just like dlx for segmented nights with DVC? I am considering doing DLX one night of our trip, i think it would save us some $$ on a night we are doing CRT (2 TS credits) and then Teppan Edo (not eligible for our TIW discount) the next night. plus we would get the mugs and snacks. Heck, CRT is $31 for my son as it is, the DLX plan is less than that for a night for him. lol

Thanks!!

We're staying off site, Marriott's Grade Vista or Cypress Harbour. My sister is gifting us a week at her timeshare for the trip. This trip was supposed to be for our 5th anniversary, but we couldn't afford it last year, so we're now doing it for our 6th! Though it's two months after our really anniversary as I did not want to go during the summer, I wanted somewhat of off hours.

 

[PEANUT1]

Michelle your plans look great...the only thing that might be tough is your blizzard beach/MNSSHP day...that might be alot for your little one to handle on the same day. Water parks tend to really tire kids out...I would try to get out of there by 2 and a little nap before the party if you can..otherwise you may have a cranky child on your hands Oh..I also see you have a breakfast ADR to boot...thats a lot to cram in.

 

[mousescrapper]

We officially booked Oct 17th - 28th at the Beach Club Villas. We'll be sharing a 2BR with my parents. I hope it wont b too crammed with 4 adults 2 kids and 2 babies. LOL.

no you won't be crammed at all...you'll have lots of space be GREAT!!!!

we stayed 2 BR at BLT last yr Nov w/ 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 11-4) if you need more than 1 pack n play ask too, there should be one in the room already...

Okay, so question- who's reworked their plan already based on the hours? Let's see them!!

Michelle I have been so busy...all I did w/ the hours was print out my days...but yet to double cross check to my pre thought plan

and who is planning to book their dining ADRs online or call?

we are mostly likely only booking 2 (sig) and I plan to do online

I will have to call anyhow to get the Pirates and Pals cruise and probably CRT, but i might multi-task and try and get the others online while i am calling.

you should be able to get CRT online...I did last yr for lunch during T-giving break w/out issue


[FONT=&quot] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

I think we have several similarities...we'll have to compare more later once I "firm" up on my end...

Michelle your plans look great...the only thing that might be tough is your blizzard beach/MNSSHP day...that might be alot for your little one to handle on the same day. Water parks tend to really tire kids out...I would try to get out of there by 2 and a little nap before the party if you can..otherwise you may have a cranky child on your hands Oh..I also see you have a breakfast ADR to boot...thats a lot to cram in.

I'd agree on this point Michelle...you know your little guy best...but this is a long day deopending on how long you want to stay at MNSSHP...