September 2010 Check-In

[Belle Ella]

There's something so wonderfully irrevocable about plane tickets that makes it seem so real!

Isn't that the truth!!

Hi there all.

We are heading to Disneyland Sept. 23-28.

I started planning this trip shortly after I broke my ankle on Memorial day weekend. I am planning it for a couple of weeks after what I hope to be my final surgery and an end to a long summer in a cast.

I am traveling with my husband and two boys - 6 and 4. It will be their first trip to Disneyland and we are all very excited!!

I got our plane tickets with Alaska mileage - yay!! So that is set. Where we are staying is another story completely. I have made and cancelled reservations at PPH. I currently have a room reserved at BWPPI and have also purchased a package through Getaway travel with a room at HOJO -- I am now planning on cancelling both those and going with a Costco package I have on hold for DLH as it will only be about $100 more than the hojo pkg. I am normally not wishy washy and have no problem making up my mind with confidence. I think I just have far too much time on my hands with this ankle issue.

My only concern with the DLH is that they are starting construction on the pool in late August. I have talked to a few people in reservations who don't really know what the schedule is but have assured me that some pools will be available at DLH at all times throughout the renovation. Pool time in the afternoons with the kids is very important. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or any more info - or a number I can call for more info??

Actually is this thread a good place to ask such things or should I just start a new thread? Also would this be a good place to ask opinions about making PS arrangements or for feedback on other plans?

I have been reading tons on the DIS forums for several weeks and have a huge list accumulated of great tips and to-do lists. Now that I am getting close to that 60 day mark where I need to start making PS I am ready to chat and not just lurk about!

Thanks for the thread!

Carla

Welcome to the thread!! I'll probably get you added tomorrow. I'm feeling sick today and I really need to get off the computer before I face plant into my keyboard!! Not everyone checks in often, but if you'd like to bounce ideas off of those of us who do (myself included) by all means do!! I'll probably be posting my PS dilemma in here as soon as I remember how to copy and paste

 

[lovintheland]

Hi Carla

I have sent you a PM about your post

 

[cmpaige]

I called DLH today and the CM assured me that the pool is fully open to all guests all of Sept. She did say there will be "some construction" behind the pool, but nothing that will disrupt using it. Yay!

 

[Belle Ella]

Thanks so much to you both for helping with information you have!!

 

[MAMACARLA]

That's great news - I have called DLH twice a couple days ago and the CM's I talked to had no clue - they just knew it was going under construction in August. The Costco reservation agent was the one that was most assuring to me - glad you got a better update about the pools than I!

I'll watch this thread and others about PS etc....

Thanks!

Carla

 

[akashellrae]

Speaking of PS, if I want to make my first PS on Sept. 20th, then I can call July 20th, but if I want to make a PS for Sept. 22, do I have to call back July 22, or will they take all my requests for my vacation on July 20th? I guess I can wait till July 25, since my last day is Sept. 25, but I want to make sure I get what I want. Thanks.

 

[VictoriaAndMatt]

Speaking of PS, if I want to make my first PS on Sept. 20th, then I can call July 20th, but if I want to make a PS for Sept. 22, do I have to call back July 22, or will they take all my requests for my vacation on July 20th? I guess I can wait till July 25, since my last day is Sept. 25, but I want to make sure I get what I want. Thanks.

You would have to call back on the 22nd. Waiting until the 25th to call shouldn't be a problem for most places, but if you want the first available seating for Blue Bayou I would call ASAP.

 

[masonite]

Next week I should be able to make PS!!!

Not that we have a ton, but we are doing a character meal [thinking Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast]....since it came with our Costco package. Might fit in a few others, but we aren't an overly planned bunch.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Ok fellow September DISers...I need some help! I am finally getting some dates narrowed down and cannot decide between the 2! We are looking at September 4-11 (includes Labor Day weekend) or September 16-23.

Both have pros and cons for us. Obviously Labor Day weekend could be very busy, but we would primarily be in the parks Tues-Fri of that week. I think it would be so cool to be there to see the Halloween fireworks and the Space Mt overlay (plus HM would be open which is one of my favorites), but I am thinking it might be crazy busy being there the opening weekend of Halloween activities.

Hotel wise, it's about $80 cheaper to go the second set of dates.

Overall, I am looking for the least busy time, but both weeks have some potentially busy things going on! Which would you pick?

 

[Nala83]

The Halloween fireworks are only shown during the party (which is only in October) so you won't see those either way. I've been Labor Day weekend and the days following it for the last few years- crowds haven't really been too bad on the weekend, and they've been super light mid week.

That said, LA schools are starting super late this year (September 13th)! I think that week will be more crowded than normal, especially with locals trying to see WOC after the blockout lifts, but I don't imagine it will be THAT crowded.

I pushed my dates back this year. I think there will be increased crowds for the first weekend of HalloweenTime, but I expect mid-week to be relatively quiet since the kiddos will be back in school. I'm looking forward to seeing the holiday overlays for the first time!

Really though, I think you'd be fine with either choice. Got to love September!

 

[Belle Ella]

Ok fellow September DISers...I need some help! I am finally getting some dates narrowed down and cannot decide between the 2! We are looking at September 4-11 (includes Labor Day weekend) or September 16-23.

Both have pros and cons for us. Obviously Labor Day weekend could be very busy, but we would primarily be in the parks Tues-Fri of that week. I think it would be so cool to be there to see the Halloween fireworks and the Space Mt overlay (plus HM would be open which is one of my favorites), but I am thinking it might be crazy busy being there the opening weekend of Halloween activities.

Hotel wise, it's about $80 cheaper to go the second set of dates.

Overall, I am looking for the least busy time, but both weeks have some potentially busy things going on! Which would you pick?

Unfortunately there will be no Halloween Screams fireworks in September, and even when it comes to October the current news is that they will strictly be shown during the MHP only. Which is seriously lame for people going before October and those who don't want to pay for the MHP. In my opinion, between the two I would think the 16-23 might pan out better crowd wise, but I'm no expert.

 

[VictoriaAndMatt]

Ok fellow September DISers...I need some help! I am finally getting some dates narrowed down and cannot decide between the 2! We are looking at September 4-11 (includes Labor Day weekend) or September 16-23.

Both have pros and cons for us. Obviously Labor Day weekend could be very busy, but we would primarily be in the parks Tues-Fri of that week. I think it would be so cool to be there to see the Halloween fireworks and the Space Mt overlay (plus HM would be open which is one of my favorites), but I am thinking it might be crazy busy being there the opening weekend of Halloween activities.

Hotel wise, it's about $80 cheaper to go the second set of dates.

Overall, I am looking for the least busy time, but both weeks have some potentially busy things going on! Which would you pick?

Honestly, I would think that Labor Day weekend will be more crowded than the first weekend of the Halloween season. I think that Oct will be busier, esoeciall the first weekend, as the first MHP will be that Friday and Gay Days is that weekend as well. As pp mentioned there will be no HS fireworks in Sept at all. TSMM will also be down until Oct 10th. We will be there the 15-19th. I think that weekend will be a little more crowded than usual, but nothing too bad.

 

[ipdenc]

Our family will be there Sept. 15th-20th. (Me, DH, DS12,and DS4) We r super excited. I want to make some "Goodie Bags" for the boys to give them for their trip. Any ideas???? I also thought I could give them a smaill treat for the last 10 tens or so for a count down. Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

 

[Escape2Disney]

Our family will be there Sept. 15th-20th. (Me, DH, DS12,and DS4) We r super excited. I want to make some "Goodie Bags" for the boys to give them for their trip. Any ideas???? I also thought I could give them a smaill treat for the last 10 tens or so for a count down. Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

I've done this before and it was a lot of fun! If you have a Disney Outlet store near you, there are some great deals. If not, the Disney store online has a clearance section where I've found reasonably priced items. I think they have free shipping right now, so it's an even better deal.

For the younger kids, autograph books and pens are good. We also tend to get a bunch of shirts and give them to them one at a time before we go.

Have fun!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

The Halloween fireworks are only shown during the party (which is only in October) so you won't see those either way. I've been Labor Day weekend and the days following it for the last few years- crowds haven't really been too bad on the weekend, and they've been super light mid week.

That said, LA schools are starting super late this year (September 13th)! I think that week will be more crowded than normal, especially with locals trying to see WOC after the blockout lifts, but I don't imagine it will be THAT crowded.

I pushed my dates back this year. I think there will be increased crowds for the first weekend of HalloweenTime, but I expect mid-week to be relatively quiet since the kiddos will be back in school. I'm looking forward to seeing the holiday overlays for the first time!

Really though, I think you'd be fine with either choice. Got to love September!

Unfortunately there will be no Halloween Screams fireworks in September, and even when it comes to October the current news is that they will strictly be shown during the MHP only. Which is seriously lame for people going before October and those who don't want to pay for the MHP. In my opinion, between the two I would think the 16-23 might pan out better crowd wise, but I'm no expert.

Honestly, I would think that Labor Day weekend will be more crowded than the first weekend of the Halloween season. I think that Oct will be busier, esoeciall the first weekend, as the first MHP will be that Friday and Gay Days is that weekend as well. As pp mentioned there will be no HS fireworks in Sept at all. TSMM will also be down until Oct 10th. We will be there the 15-19th. I think that weekend will be a little more crowded than usual, but nothing too bad.

Thank you guys! I remember now reading about the fireworks not starting until later and for only the MHP guests....thank you for pointing that out! I am leaning towards the second dates now....my head hurts...I need to make a decision!

 

[DisSarahK]

It looks like the last day of our time in Disneyland (Friday the 17th) will be the start of the Halloween stuff. Anyone know what that will be? Our last trip to DL was just before Halloween stuff started, so I have no experience with this. We don't do Haunted Mansion or super scary stuff anyhow, so that isn't a big deal to us.

 

[AmyPond]

It looks like the last day of our time in Disneyland (Friday the 17th) will be the start of the Halloween stuff. Anyone know what that will be? Our last trip to DL was just before Halloween stuff started, so I have no experience with this. We don't do Haunted Mansion or super scary stuff anyhow, so that isn't a big deal to us.

All of the cute Fall and Halloween decorations will be up around the parks by that day. I assume some will be up a bit earlier even too.

The Halloween overlay for Space Mountain will be open. As well as The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay for the Haunted Mansion.

The park will have all kinds of Halloween/Fall treats available.

Other than that...I'm not sure.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

It looks like the last day of our time in Disneyland (Friday the 17th) will be the start of the Halloween stuff. Anyone know what that will be? Our last trip to DL was just before Halloween stuff started, so I have no experience with this. We don't do Haunted Mansion or super scary stuff anyhow, so that isn't a big deal to us.

While it would be advisable for you or your DH to check it out first (during naptime, maybe?), you might really consider doing Haunted Mansion Holiday with your DDs if it does open while you are there (and it sounds like it will!). My DDs really loved it, but DH and I made it fun by telling them about "silly Jack" and how he really loves Christmas and tries to decorate the mansion up for Christmas, but, poor guy, he really just doesn't get it quite right because he's so used to doing Halloween. My DDs would be exclaiming "Silly Jack!" throughout the ride. I thought that after doing HMH multiple times over our December trip, they would be fine going to regular ol' HM on our February daytrip, but they were not too fond. So, I'm actually not overly bummed that HM will be closed while we're there since we probably would not have gone on it anyways. I am bummed that we will miss HMH by just a week and a half, though!

P.S. My DDs have not seen Nightmare Before Christmas because I deem it far too scary for them. Somehow the HMH attraction is way less scary than the movie. So, anyone who saw the movie and thought it was too scary for kids might consider the ride still. Do have at least one parent screen it before hand, though, if at all possible.

 

[DisSarahK]

Thanks, Amy!

Stephanie, there is no way *I* want to do HM! I'm a scaredy-cat and the whole idea of it freaks me out! I can't handle that sort of stuff at all. My 6 year old probably would be okay with it, but my 4 year old wouldn't...but regardless of their reactions, Mama is a big ol' wimp! LOL!

 

[AmyPond]

Have you been on the Haunted Mansion before? I've never thought it was scary (and I think the Holiday one is even less scary.) It's more silly than scary, I think.