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

[exwdwcm]

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.

Great point.....i thought about that, but then thought he could handle it. I need to rethink it for sure. We will be paying OOP for BB, so i want to be sure we can really enjoy it. We get season passes to a local waterpark here (last two summers, it's a must in TX!). He usually is good for 3-4 hours. So i might try and get there right at opening at 10am and be done by 2 like you said. I might even keep playing around iwth our plans more. originally i had BB on the day after MNSSHP, so we could sleep in and head over there later. decisions, decisions! lol

 

[ReneeDisney]

Hi All!
I make my ADR's on Sunday, April 3rd for our October trip. Here is my schedule! Would love feedback from my fellow Dis friends. THANKS!

Friday, September 30th (Arrival Day)
Dinner at 50’s Prime Time Café

Saturday, October 1st
5K Run (7 am at Animal Kingdom)
Breakfast at Rainforest Café at AK
Dinner at JIKO

Sunday, October 2nd
Breakfast at Crystal Palace
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – 4:00 pm
Dinner at Plaza Restaurant
*Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Monday, October 3rd
Breakfast at Kona Café
Dinner at Le Cellier

Tuesday, October 4th
Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café
Dinner at La Hacienda De San Angel

Wednesday, October 5th
Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Haircut Harmony Barber Shop
Dinner at Ohana

Thursday, October 6th
Breakfast at Kouzzina
Dinner at Yachtsmens Steakhouse

Friday, October 7th
Breakfast at Princess Norway EPCOT
Dinner at Via Napoli

Saturday, October 8th
Breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe
Dinner at Flying Fish

Sunday, October 9th (Departure Day)

 

[PEANUT1]

We try to have a pretty low key relaxing day on the day of a party. For our family to go its over 200$ on top of the tickets we already bought for the week and I like to make sure we get our money's worth


Here are my tentative plans..i have a few that I am still working on

Sat Oct 15

arrive 9am via autotrain and head to BLT
Lunch Kona Cafe
MK for the afternoon
California Grille dinner
fireworks at TOTWL

Sun Oct 16
AK 8am for EMH
snacks for lunch (AK has great egg rolls and noodles)
Jiko dinner (my new fave!!)

Mon Oct 17
EPCOT (daughter has class at 8am for YES program in EPCOT)
Lunch Le Cellier
Dinner Narcosses or Teppan Edo

Tues Oct 18
Chill day..maybe golf or disney quest
The Wave for dinner
MNSSHP (I am not def we are going....just thinking about it)

Wed Oct 19
CP breakfast 8am
Alice in Wonderland Tea party at GF 2pm
not sure what we'lll do at night...maybe just chill or head to DTD

Thurs Oct 20
Water park 10-2p
back to room for a chill
Fanstasmic dinner package at Mama Melrose

Friday Oct 21
HS
CS lunch at Pizza Planet (a tradiition for us)
Ohana dinner

Saturday Oct 22
departure day (have to leave for the train by about 1:30pm

probably just a relaxing morning...maybe one last walk to MK to say good bye

What do you guys think? We are doing the Deluxe dining plan for 3 nights, off a day and then regular dining plan the last 3 nights
If we don't do the Halloween party, we may do Universal. I have tickets for my hubby and I, I'd just need tickets for the girls.(one of the perks of DVC)

 

[PEANUT1]

Those plans look great Renee

 

[ReneeDisney]

Those plans look great Renee

THANKS!
Your plans look like fun too! I might re-think the Flying Fish and add California Grill- now that I've seen your plans and completely forgot about watching the Fireworks there! THANKS!

 

[PEANUT1]

THANKS!
Your plans look like fun too! I might re-think the Flying Fish and add California Grill- now that I've seen your plans and completely forgot about watching the Fireworks there! THANKS!

You can't go wrong with Flying Fish either..we love it there. I just really love the sushi at Cali Grille

 

[FigmentChick]

THANKS!
Your plans look like fun too! I might re-think the Flying Fish and add California Grill- now that I've seen your plans and completely forgot about watching the Fireworks there! THANKS!

We're planning on doing California Grill on our "day off". My daughter missed the one in 2009 because she didn't feel well (she stayed back in the room with her mom mom). So, I'm going to try and make late reservations so we can see the fireworks (and they'll be MNSSHP fireworks). Can anyone recommend a good time? Is 7:30 too early?

 

[PEANUT1]

We're planning on doing California Grill on our "day off". My daughter missed the one in 2009 because she didn't feel well (she stayed back in the room with her mom mom). So, I'm going to try and make late reservations so we can see the fireworks (and they'll be MNSSHP fireworks). Can anyone recommend a good time? Is 7:30 too early?

I think the fireworks on party night are 930...I would probably do 8pm resrvation.

 

[FigmentChick]

I think the fireworks on party night are 930...I would probably do 8pm resrvation.

Thanks!!!! I figured someone would know about what time they go off. I'll just give the kiddies a snack around 4:30 or so that day.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

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. :

Too funny!! That's our flight!! Your price seems a bit high, though. We got round trip from CA (SAC) for $358. Booked through Travelocity. If you see us, say "Hi". Most likely be in rows 12 and 13 with a DS3 and DD10, DH is a big guy, Mexican/Native American desent, full beard and always looks pissed off due to the promiate brow bone. I'm 5'8" white girl with long light brown hair and soild build.

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 second this plan!! I'll probably have DH take DS on his first fishing trip ever in the morning since we are staying at POFQ. Something just for Jr and Daddy!!


So, my plan (remeber I'm a first time WDWer)

Oct 14 (Friday)
Arrive at MCO at 8:30pm (hopfully)
ME to POFQ
check in, dinner in food court
play in pool for a bit since we'll still be running on west coast time

Oct 15 (Saturday)
AK day
Late dinner at Ragen Road DTD

Oct 16 (Sunday)
HS
Lunch at 50's Prime Time

Oct 17 (Monday)
EP
With F&W in full swing I imagine that we will be doing a lot of snacking all day long

Oct 18 (Tuesday)
Lazy morning at hotel
prep for MNSSHP
arrive at MK for party at 4pm (strongly looking at going as a family of super heros)

Oct 19. 20. and 21 (Wen, Thur, and Fri)
Kids choice at what parks.

Oct 22
early am check out for 9:30am flight home (DH's request, he has to have his way sometimes I suppose).

Whadoya think?

 

[msmith1026]

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.

I just sat down and starting mapping out where to go on which days. Hopefully I can post my ideas this weekend and get feedback from you guys.

I'm planning on doing my ADRs online. My 180+ 10 day is a sunday, and I'm trying to get breakfast at CRT, so I'll have to get up at 6 but it will be worth it!

 

[exwdwcm]

Andrea and Renee- your plans look great to me- you guys are eating at some wonderful places!!!

I am reworking my plan now......the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to rework it. lol. I've done 3 different revisions now.

I am thinking of moving my MNSSHP night to Friday, 10/21. Do you think it will be too crowded on a Friday? I originally had it on Tuesday. But since we want to sleep in after the party, i figure why not do that our last day, since we planned to sleep in on the 22nd anyhow? We will depart on the 22nd, so we will stay in our room until 11 probably to relax, then go hit a park before we have to leave for the airport that afternoon. is it a bad idea to try MNSSHP on a Friday and i was sort of worried about it being the last thing on our trip.....i guess it gives us something to look forward to, but we usually do it earlier in the trip. i am so torn! lol

We're planning on doing California Grill on our "day off". My daughter missed the one in 2009 because she didn't feel well (she stayed back in the room with her mom mom). So, I'm going to try and make late reservations so we can see the fireworks (and they'll be MNSSHP fireworks). Can anyone recommend a good time? Is 7:30 too early?

with 9:30pm fireworks, i would shoot for 8pm or even 8:15 or 8:30. there was one time at CG we had ordered dessert and our ice cream was melting while we were outside watching... lol! just be sure to let your server know to pace your meal appropriately for you and you'll be fine!

Too funny!! That's our flight!! Your price seems a bit high, though. We got round trip from CA (SAC) for $358. Booked through Travelocity. If you see us, say "Hi". Most likely be in rows 12 and 13 with a DS3 and DD10, DH is a big guy, Mexican/Native American desent, full beard and always looks pissed off due to the promiate brow bone. I'm 5'8" white girl with long light brown hair and soild build.

just know that sunday 10/16 is Fantasmic night at HS, if you plan to see it, great, but if you are planning to avoid it, you might want to change this day, as the crowds will be bigger. otherwise, plans look great!

yeah, i checked travelocity and it is showing like $370 or something, a little better than what i saw on AA, but still pretty high. we will just have to keep waiting it out. I am hoping we can take that AA flight though- same times as you! lol at DH, my DH is the same way, people that just meet him always think he is pissed off too. i'll keep you posted on what our final flight plans end up being. and we might still do MNSSHP on the same night as you, i just don't know yet.

I just sat down and starting mapping out where to go on which days. Hopefully I can post my ideas this weekend and get feedback from you guys.

I'm planning on doing my ADRs online. My 180+ 10 day is a sunday, and I'm trying to get breakfast at CRT, so I'll have to get up at 6 but it will be worth it!

it will be so worth it!!

 

[Rorey]

Eekk, so DH wants to rethink staying off site and had me price out staying at POP for 10 days (instead of the 7 off site). Comparing tickets, dining, and POP all together and off site/food/tickets/car rental, it's only about $100 difference for more days!! I'm sooo excited he's considering this!!! Though we would be at the resort without our own vehicle, but I feel with the extra days at least I won't feel so rushed with taking resort transportation. Do you think it's doable staying at a Disney Resort for 10 days with no vehicle? We are really only planning to be at the Disney Parks and then go to Universal/Harry Potter for one of the days we're there. We have no plans to go anywhere else.

 

[srauchbauer]

I am going to start planning on October trip (DH is not to crazy about the idea), but I might as well have some fun. I am either thinking the first week in October or the last week. I know that the first week in DL is extremely slow and the closer to Halloween the busier it gets. Is this true with WDW? I have a feeling I will be going a lot of asking questions so please be patient.

tia

 

[FigmentChick]

I am going to start planning on October trip (DH is not to crazy about the idea), but I might as well have some fun. I am either thinking the first week in October or the last week. I know that the first week in DL is extremely slow and the closer to Halloween the busier it gets. Is this true with WDW? I have a feeling I will be going a lot of asking questions so please be patient.

tia

I haven't found that to be true. Generally, the crowds spike for Columbus Day weekend and then go back down. But, again, that's just my experience. Happy planning and welcome!!!

 

[ReneeDisney]

Andrea and Renee- your plans look great to me- you guys are eating at some wonderful places!!!

THANK YOU! Hope you enjoy MNSSHP! I'm sure whatever night you choose it will be fun. We are going as well and I can't wait to dress my 4-year old for the party! FUN!!

 

[PEANUT1]

I am going to start planning on October trip (DH is not to crazy about the idea), but I might as well have some fun. I am either thinking the first week in October or the last week. I know that the first week in DL is extremely slow and the closer to Halloween the busier it gets. Is this true with WDW? I have a feeling I will be going a lot of asking questions so please be patient.

tia

I have found this website to be pretty acurate in terms of the best weeks to go...as you can see the last 2 weeks are actually ranked as better


http://**************.net/2009/11/20/2011-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

 

[lmc318]

Ok, so here are our plans so far. We have a then 3yo DD so I've tried to make mornings and nap times relaxing times, focusing more on breakfasts with the characters than anything else.

Sun 10/23
Arrive via AirTran at 1:16PM. ME to Poly. Naps, rest, pool?
Crystal Palace dinner (5:00ish)

Mon - MK day/nap/MK eve
Tony's dinner (5:30ish)

Tues - Akershus breakfast (8:30 ish)
Epcot Day/nap/Epcot night

Wed - Tusker House breakfast (8:00ish)
AK day
open night (pool/DTD/MK?)

Thurs - HS Day
50's Prime Time (11:30ish)
nap/pool
MNSSHP!!! (if they have it this day)

Fri - Open day
Kona cafe dinner (5:30ish)

Sat - Ohana breakfast (8:45ish)
Downtown Disney
Earls to-go lunch
4:00 flight home

I'm still up in the air for Friday and Saturday morning. I really want that teriyaki steak at Kona and my hubs loves sushi and it would be nice to have our last dinner at the resort, but I was also thinking I might want to do Garden Grill or even 1900 PP for my DD. I think I might make the Kona ressie and then just change it down the line if I want.

For Saturday I don't know that I want to do character for our last day since it is usually a longer meal, but then again I really liked the breakfast at Ohana last time we were there and I thought since we're not doing parks that day, DD would enjoy seeing Mickey and pals the last day before we leave.

I really wish AK was open later since DD takes a nap around noon or 1 every day and she'll sleep 3 hours if we let her. I'm sure she will there since she'll be so exhausted! And HS we're doing just 1/2 a day there because if you're not big enough to do rides, there's a limited amount of things you can do. We'll do TSM and Ariel and such (will they have playhouse Disney since it's now Disney Jr.?), but that's it. That'll be a good day to hang at the resort for nap and until the party, which I'm hoping is on Thursday since no Wishes fireworks are listed for that day!! I don't want to do MNSSHP on Tuesday because DD will just want to do it again the next night and I don't want to do Friday because it'll be exhausting our last night, I think.

any suggestions on it for those who have been there with a toddler? We're trying to make this trip all about DD and really try to enjoy it through her eyes. Thus all the character and interactive meals!

Thanks!!
Lisa

 

[lmc318]

I have found this website to be pretty acurate in terms of the best weeks to go...as you can see the last 2 weeks are actually ranked as better


http://**************.net/2009/11/20/2011-weeks-to-visit-walt-disney-world-ranked-in-order/

Fantastic site, thanks Peanut1! I'm glad to know that our honeymoon week was the #2 week and the time we're going this year is in the 2nd best group of weeks! yay for planning!

 

[mousescrapper]

Do you think it's doable staying at a Disney Resort for 10 days with no vehicle?

Yes it is way doable...but you need to be willing to deal w/ the transportation....we always stay on site w/ no car. I have done value through deluxe and only a handful of times after 7 trips can I say the buses were ick at certain points. Here are things to KIM for POP. 1) you don't share w/ other resorts so that is a perk 2) Value bus stops at the parks will be farthest from the gate 3) going from POP to anywhere is only by BUS...so always give yourself 30 + minutes going anywhere and longer to get up to MK.
4) be prepared to stand...it's inevitable...

What do you guys think? We are doing the Deluxe dining plan for 3 nights, off a day and then regular dining plan the last 3 nights

how do you do that? being DVC you can purcahase 2 diff DPP's or do you have two sep ressies???

For Saturday I don't know that I want to do character for our last day since it is usually a longer meal, but then again I really liked the breakfast at Ohana last time we were there and I thought since we're not doing parks that day, DD would enjoy seeing Mickey and pals the last day before we leave.

any suggestions on it for those who have been there with a toddler? We're trying to make this trip all about DD and really try to enjoy it through her eyes. Thus all the character and interactive meals!

Thanks!!
Lisa

I like your Sat idea I have been several times w/ one child between the ages of 2-5.

Here are my best tips:

1) have a stroller w/ good storage and a comfy place your DD likes to rest in...keep 1 bag of misc things in the stroller and a sep pull out bag w/ diaper things if not yet potty-trained for going into washrooms and then just carry your personal items (ie money, tickets, cameras) on the rides...easier in and out.
2) go by their pace...take it slow, but ulilizae the slower times like 1st hr of opening and eat at off times early lunch and dinners to avoid crowds.
3) have a small goody bag of new toys, stickers, bubbles as line distractions and a mini flashlight for the dark rides
4) bring favortie snacks from home for those just in case moments
5) if all they want to eat is grapes and goldfish..it's ok
6) yes try to have a schedule in the sense of arrival, eating, breaks...but keep it flexible...Disney is not home...and you will not be able to mimic whatever schedule you keep at home...they will ease in and get back on track once back home after a week...
7) don't force them onto rides or characters because you think they will like it...
8) most of all have fun and experience the special little magic that comes from the unexpected little things