Our Royal Adventure: Nine Nifty Nights in November (Updated 6/4)

[scottny]

Chef Mickey's is fun. I have not been in years but need to change that.

Too bad you can't do Star Tours. Great ride.

Mama Melrose is good.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

So I realised our plan to go the first 2 weeks of November next year isn't going to work as we'll miss my FIL's 70th birthday on the 9th, so we'll either go earlier or later meaning our dates could be similar to yours. I think you said the Thanksgiving crowds weren't too bad? How warm was it? Pool weather or not?

The week before Thanksgiving is AMAZING as far as crowds are concerned. Starting on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the crowds pick up and peak Thursday-Saturday. We thought it was still very manageable through Wednesday, but we left Thursday morning, so I can give you input on the most crowded days.

November weather is great, particularly because it is one of the drier months. On most of our November trips, we have had some days good for swimming and some that were cooler. We are from the southern US (Tennessee), so we don't swim if it is much below 80. This time, we had 2 or 3 days above 80. The rest were 70's. The weather is perfect for park touring.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Great update and nice job getting on the headliners twice!

Glad you are still reading!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

your kids faces on rides are absolutely precious great family picture.. I am excited to try the package for the first time in Sept when we go. We tried Mama Melrose last year when we went and it was good and we had great seats for Fantasmic, can't go wrong.

Thanks, and I think you will love the package!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Chef Mickey's is fun. I have not been in years but need to change that. Too bad you can't do Star Tours. Great ride. Mama Melrose is good.

I have done it, and I've seen lots of it, but not all because I had to close my eyes to keep from getting sick. I know it is very well done, but not worth the way it makes me feel! At least I'm not a huge Star Wars fan!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Oh, the joys of house-selling! Our first contract fell through yesterday, so I am busy cleaning the house to get it back on the market tomorrow. Still hoping to post some updates tonight. Thanks for your patience!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

After some relaxing pool time, we returned to Hollywood Studios for a fun evening.

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First, we went to Pizza Planet for a quick dinner. DD and I had eaten there a few days before, but DS enjoys it, so I was willing to repeat. I didn't care too much about eating the pizza again, but as I mentioned earlier, the Chocolate Cappuccino cupcake is amazing, so I was happy to get another one of those!

After dinner we walked over to Fantasmic. On the way, we stopped at Sweet Spells, where DD wasted a snack credit on a huge sucker. She loves the gimmicky stuff!

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We got to the reserved section about 15 minutes before the show and claimed a spot at the top. I prefer to sit in the back so we can get out faster. It was so nice to walk in and have seats without the wait! We definitely thought the dinner package was worth it for this reason. Of course, Mickey managed to conquer his bad dream, and we cheered for him. We hadn't seen the show for several years, and we really enjoyed seeing it again on this trip.

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After Fantasmic, we used Fastpass+ for Toy Story Mania and then walked over to enjoy the Osborne Lights. We love this!!! With the snow falling, the music playing, and the lights dancing, we couldn't help but get in the Christmas spirit. We took our time walking around, dancing to the music, and finding the hidden Mickeys.

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It was a wonderful, relaxing night, probably one of the best nights of our trip. We left Hollywood Studios happy to be in our favorite place and ready to head to Animal Kingdom on Sunday!

Coming Up: Day Six: A Roaring Good Time at Animal Kingdom!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I have to get to WDW to see the Christmas decorations!!!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

I have to get to WDW to see the Christmas decorations!!!

They really are amazing. The Osborne Lights and Main Street, USA are my favorite parts. I also love the way Germany in Epcot is decorated. You should definitely go!

 

[BurleyGirl]

I'm following your TR closely, as we will be there this year from the Thursday evening before Thanksgiving (moving to the Dark Side on the day before Thanksgiving), and it's funny because I plan on doing MK on that Friday and HS on that Saturday, just like you! I'm hoping the low crowds continue again this year for those days leading up to Thanksgiving...

Enjoying your TR

 

[Chilly]

The week before Thanksgiving is AMAZING as far as crowds are concerned. Starting on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the crowds pick up and peak Thursday-Saturday. We thought it was still very manageable through Wednesday, but we left Thursday morning, so I can give you input on the most crowded days.

November weather is great, particularly because it is one of the drier months. On most of our November trips, we have had some days good for swimming and some that were cooler. We are from the southern US (Tennessee), so we don't swim if it is much below 80. This time, we had 2 or 3 days above 80. The rest were 70's. The weather is perfect for park touring.

Thanks for that. Decisions decisions!

Great photo of Fantasmic, mine are always rubbish.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

I'm following your TR closely, as we will be there this year from the Thursday evening before Thanksgiving (moving to the Dark Side on the day before Thanksgiving), and it's funny because I plan on doing MK on that Friday and HS on that Saturday, just like you! I'm hoping the low crowds continue again this year for those days leading up to Thanksgiving...

Enjoying your TR

I guess great minds think alike. Thanks for reading!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Thanks for that. Decisions decisions!

Great photo of Fantasmic, mine are always rubbish.

Most of mine are, too. That one just turned out better than the others. You can't use a flash, or the pics will be terrible, but without a flash, you really need a tripod for them to be clear.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Although I think the theme/design of Animal Kingdom is amazing, it is the park in which we spend the least amount of time. Our Animal Kingdom day has become a rest day of sorts. We don't force ourselves to get there by rope drop, and we are gone from the park by 3. Since we weren't in as big of a hurry, we went to Riverside Mill for breakfast. We usually eat packaged food from home in the mornings, but we try to have a few counter service breakfasts so my DS can have some Mickey waffles.

It worked well for us to have a bigger breakfast on this day because of our table service reservations. I had originally booked 'Ohana dinner for this day. We have only eaten breakfast there, and I had been looking forward to the dinner since the 180-day mark! Once we were in WDW, however, we decided that we wanted an evening to relax--we didn't want to make the trek to MK, then to the Poly, then back to MK, and then back to POR just for dinner. We decided this on Saturday, and I checked to see if we could find any other options on the My Disney Experience App. I was thinking we might have to do a Downtown Disney restaurant, but I was able to book Tusker House lunch for 2:00 on Sunday. Although we hated to lose the 'Ohana reservation, Tusker House was a good alternative and perfect for our schedule, so we made the switch. Because of this, loading up on bacon, sausage, pancakes and waffles at breakfast that morning helped us make it until our late lunch at 2:00!

Sunday was cooler. I think the high was in the upper 60's/low 70's instead of the 80's. This was still perfect for park touring and made for a very comfortable day. We arrived at AK ready for a relaxing time, and were pleasantly surprised that the crowds were still very manageable.

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I walked over to Everest to grab some paper Fastpasses, and the kids and DH headed to Primeval Whirl. I met up with them in Dinoland.

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Years ago, my DS rode Dinosaur and was SCARED. TO. DEATH. Somehow, I managed to convince him that we could try it again. It still wasn't a favorite, but everyone survived.

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Next, we headed to Everest, which is one of the kids' favorite attractions at WDW (this was using FP+).

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After the first ride on Everest, we went to Kali. There was no line because it was cooler, and DH and I didn't want to get wet and freeze. But, the kids didn't want to miss out, so they rode twice. They did listen to our advice and wore ponchos. Normally, they want to get as wet as possible, but with cooler temps and no sunshine, I'm glad they took the ponchos with no fussing.

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After Kali, we went back to Dinoland to visit the Boneyard (and kill some time before our paper Fastpass time for Everest). My DD has always LOVED this playground, particularly the sand box (that isn't really sand). DS, however, has now passed the stage of wanting to play here, and has gotten a little big for most slides, so we didn't stay long.

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Back to Everest we traveled for another visit with the Yeti!

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Coming Soon...A Roaring Good Time at Animal Kingdom, Part Two!

 

[KelleyK75]

Just came across your TR and have enjoyed reading it. I love that you did the girls days at the beginning of your trip. I don't have any girls to do that with so it's fun to see (although I did get my nephews(6&4) to meet some of the Princesses this last trip a few weeks ago). It looks like you are having a lot of fun so far.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Just came across your TR and have enjoyed reading it. I love that you did the girls days at the beginning of your trip. I don't have any girls to do that with so it's fun to see (although I did get my nephews(6&4) to meet some of the Princesses this last trip a few weeks ago). It looks like you are having a lot of fun so far.

Thanks for reading! I bet you had so much fun with your nephews and the princesses. My DS used to blush like crazy around them (he probably would even more now if I could get him anywhere near them).

 

[kleighh1]

I have subscribed and am enjoying your trip report so much! Your kids are too cute. I notice that your daughter wears dresses and skirts everyday. She reminds me of my DD9, she is a girly girl and I have to make her wear shorts and pants sometimes. Our next trip is in November and she has asked for a skirt everyday. I better start sewing!!!!

 

[KelleyK75]

Thanks for reading! I bet you had so much fun with your nephews and the princesses. My DS used to blush like crazy around them (he probably would even more now if I could get him anywhere near them).

Yes they were a lot of fun. They really wanted to meet Anna and Elsa, so I did the 8am Akershus ADR to get that early entry, and wondered how the boys would do with Cinderella, etc. and they really liked meeting them.

 

[awalker1015]

Love your TR! Reading through it with DD9 who swears your daughter looks familiar. We are from Nashville too.

We also love POR. I would love to take DD alone a few days as my son who is 7 isn't enamoured with the princesses!

 

[caitlinnf]

I'm really loving your TR. It looks like your family has such a great time together!