September 2011 - The Planning Has Started!!!

[haven_alise1997]

Hi Everyone! I need to be taken off the September list!!! My son is having some trouble in school, so we decided he should not miss class to go to WDW. We moved our trip to the end of August, so I'll have to go join that thread!! This will be our first time going during the summer. I hope everyone has a great trip in September!!

Sorry you don't get to go in the hopefully slower part of September but totally understand the school thing. Have fun!

 

[KellyWasHere]

Don't forget when you crunch numbers, you'll get a fridge for free. And if you booked FD by Dec 20th *and* are paying to upgrade to DDP at POP - you'll get the DDP at mods without paying the upgrade.

Thanks, I forgot about the free fridge! Not sure if that will benefit us too much though. I was thinking we could rent one at Pop and keep milk, yogurt, etc in it, the only problem is my hubby likes warm foods (eggs for breakfast, pizza for a snack, etc). If it had a free fridge and microwave then I could probably make that work.

Maybe it'll be worth it if they come back out with Free Dining, since we didn't book in time to get that. But the more I play with numbers, the more I feel the very best deal would be 3 nights at Pop and 4 nights at Bonnet Creek. I am really loving the idea of having a kitchen and washer/dryer (I'm spoiled from staying at Windsor Hills last time). Then maybe if we decide to get APs, on one of the trips next year we could do 3 nights at CSR and the rest at Bonnet Creek.

 

[KellyWasHere]

So excited my hubby and I are planning a solo trip for our 10th Wedding Anniversary!!!! We just booked today on a bounceback for 9/6~9/11
We left POR this morning and when we got home we booked all our ADRs.

How fun does that sound?? Getting back from your Disney trip just in time to book the ADRs for your next trip!

Hi Everyone! I need to be taken off the September list!!! My son is having some trouble in school, so we decided he should not miss class to go to WDW. We moved our trip to the end of August, so I'll have to go join that thread!! This will be our first time going during the summer. I hope everyone has a great trip in September!!

I hear the end of August is not too crowded at all, I hope you have a great time!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

As much as I want to talk myself into POR this year, I don't think it will be happening. Too bad POR won't have the queen beds by September. I'd hav to pay $690 to upgrade to a king-bed (wanting alligator bayou!). And that's after taking into consideration of no longer paying for a fridge & dining plan upgrade at POP. Plus, there's just too many mornings we want a hot breakfast before 7am. Ah well... Now I'm torn between AoA and POR when we go back with the kids!

I know, we were thinking of doing AoA in 2012. But, during a recent press conference, Disney noted 2013 as the opening date. So there is still confusion as to when the resort will officially be opened for booking. We'll have to wait and see!

 

[basketkat]

Thanks, I forgot about the free fridge! Not sure if that will benefit us too much though. I was thinking we could rent one at Pop and keep milk, yogurt, etc in it, the only problem is my hubby likes warm foods (eggs for breakfast, pizza for a snack, etc). If it had a free fridge and microwave then I could probably make that work.

Maybe it'll be worth it if they come back out with Free Dining, since we didn't book in time to get that. But the more I play with numbers, the more I feel the very best deal would be 3 nights at Pop and 4 nights at Bonnet Creek. I am really loving the idea of having a kitchen and washer/dryer (I'm spoiled from staying at Windsor Hills last time). Then maybe if we decide to get APs, on one of the trips next year we could do 3 nights at CSR and the rest at Bonnet Creek.

I read on someone's trip report that you can get a microwave free if they're available. I haven't looked into it myself, but I JUST read it a day or two ago.

 

[Blyssfull]

Just booked today for Sept 12-16 at ASMov. I'm so stinkin' excited!

 

[L-Harper]

I booked the Around the World on a Segway tour for my dh. Now the hard part is waiting until Father's Day to tell him about it. I'm not good at keeping these kind of secrets! He will be going with my cousins dh and I think they will love it!

That would be AWESOME!!! I know my DH would love that, but we just can't do it with the 2 little ones. I hope you guys have an awesome time!

Those pics are great. Is that the dress that comes with the package? It is GORGEOUS!! DD got an ariel dress for her bday so we are going to use that.

Well, my planning is slowing down right now as I am pretty sure the transmission just went yesterday. So I am not feeling mega thrilled right now. Oh well, better now then when driving to Disney right?

Dang, I'm so sorry about your car. I'm glad you are looking on the bright side that it didn't happen while driving to Disney.

My girls have done BBB several times and it has been great each time but we might want to try something different this year so I'm thinking about making ressies at the Pirate's League on our MNSSHP party night! I think my 4 year old, in particular, will love it because she is a huge Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan, lol. She wants to be Izzy I like that the Pirate's league appeals to both girls and boys!

Pirate's League looks like so much fun! I can't wait for both of my boys to be old enough for it. They have to be 3 and my little guy will only be 2.

just joining in over here~ 2 weeks till adr time for me! i am going to be at all star music from september 26 - october 6th... i had booked bounceback last year so free counter service dining for me YAY!!

to our group! I have you added to the first post.

Maybe you guys can help me. I am hoping to get a few things when we go this year and since it is our first time I'm sure that I'm going to be using all the extra money I have on extras for us. Can anyone tell me where I can find....

1. Children's earrings (real gold or sterling silver, we have the nickel allergy)
2. Diamond earrings (for me and then I can say I got them at Disney)?
3. Is there any where to get a family caricature drawing down?

There was something else but I can't remember and didn't right it down but it will come back to me I'm sure

I don't remember where you're staying, but I saw a photo of a caricature stand at Pop by one of the pools. I think it was the main pool, but I'm not sure. I also don't remember the prices exactly, but I think black and white was $15 and color was $20. Actually, I think those are the prices I read. I also plan on getting ours done to hang in our play room.

Also, I just logged onto the Disney site and it says 193 days until my vacation, but it has the reminder that I can made ADRs on March 20th. I guess the countdown is a little off.....by 10 days?

There is a definite lag in the countdown on the Disney site. I've learned that you have to log in for it to adjust, even if it shows that you are currently logged in. I know this because I am ADDICTED to disneyworld.com.

So excited my hubby and I are planning a solo trip for our 10th Wedding Anniversary!!!! We just booked today on a bounceback for 9/6~9/11
We left POR this morning and when we got home we booked all our ADRs.

to our group! I also have you added to the first post. Congrats on 10 years!

 

[L-Harper]

Just booked today for Sept 12-16 at ASMov. I'm so stinkin' excited!

to our group! I have you added to the first post!

 

[basketkat]

There is also a caricature stand at All Star Movies...

 

[Microcell]

ADR's made! Been planning a trip to NY so Disney has taken a back seat... Never thought I would say that!

 

[Millermom0606]

ok so just a little FYI, if you are planning on meeting Rapunzel and Flynn, get in the line ASAP, like AT rope drop, do not pass go, do not collect $200, (or a fast pass) go to the line!!! however one person in the group can stand in line while the others go do stuff......

 

[sjs314]

I have honestly booked POP once and intended on it another time and have either gotten the elusive 40% discount code or been upgraded (in 2009 they way over booked the values and gave free upgrades to Saratoga Springs and Old Key West). The lushness of POR has totally been calling to me!
ThereYouSeeHer-if you check out portorleans.org you'll see that the refurb will be done completely for POFQ by Easter, and they estimate starting at the beginning of May at POR! Should take 3 weeks a building, and that they are starting with the mansions! So they should be done with at least three of them by Sept! Can't wait! I originally wanted to stay in Alligator Bayou but we're gonna try for a refurbed room, and requested the Mansion section! WOOHOO!!

I also got my ADR's figured out and our schedule. Upgraded our tickets to park hoppers with waterpark and more. Trying a lot of new places!
Old Fave Adrs:Ohana, Coral Reef
New Adrs: La Hacienda, Wilderness Canyon Cafe, Kouzinna, Chefs de France, Big River Grill & Brewing Co., Cape May Cafe

Sat.Sept 17- Check in 12:30-1 head to MK then Epcot & La Hacienda\
Sun.Sept 18-MK Wilderness Canyon Cafe
Mon.Sept 19-DHS, Kouzinna
Tues.Sept 20-Waterpark, Big River Grill, Cape May, MNSSHPWed.Sept 21-AK Chefs De France
Thur Sept 22-Waterpark,Ohana, DHSFri Sept 23-*Boyfriends bday* Epcot, Coral Reef
Sat Sept 24-MK and departure

What do you think? my biggest problems are Tues Sept 20th and Thur 22nd...

It looks like you are struggling with the same two things I am Fantasmic! and MNSSHP?

Are the ADR for Cape May and 'Ohana for breakfast? If so then all looks good. but if they are for Dinner I would suggest the Cape May for your DHS day and 'Ohana for your MNSSHP.
The earliest dinner ADR at both is 5pm and can take up to 2+hours to eat get to the theme park afterwards

Not sure if you will have a car during your trip or using Disney Transportation it could take even longer.

 

[DaniB]

Thanks, I forgot about the free fridge! Not sure if that will benefit us too much though. I was thinking we could rent one at Pop and keep milk, yogurt, etc in it, the only problem is my hubby likes warm foods (eggs for breakfast, pizza for a snack, etc). If it had a free fridge and microwave then I could probably make that work.

Maybe it'll be worth it if they come back out with Free Dining, since we didn't book in time to get that. But the more I play with numbers, the more I feel the very best deal would be 3 nights at Pop and 4 nights at Bonnet Creek. I am really loving the idea of having a kitchen and washer/dryer (I'm spoiled from staying at Windsor Hills last time). Then maybe if we decide to get APs, on one of the trips next year we could do 3 nights at CSR and the rest at Bonnet Creek.

I read on someone's trip report that you can get a microwave free if they're available. I haven't looked into it myself, but I JUST read it a day or two ago.

Yes, you can get a microwave for free at CSR. It's on a first come first serve basis.

I so love the look of Bonnet Creek!! When we can't get Free Dining, I'll will be seriously considering a stay there. All that extra room, washer & dryer, porch - it calls my name!

 

[meachell13]

There is also a caricature stand at All Star Movies...

That is awesome because that is where we are staying!! I thought it would be a fun way to keep a memory from our first trip down to WDW.

 

[meachell13]

It looks like you are struggling with the same two things I am Fantasmic! and MNSSHP?

Are the ADR for Cape May and 'Ohana for breakfast? If so then all looks good. but if they are for Dinner I would suggest the Cape May for your DHS day and 'Ohana for your MNSSHP.
The earliest dinner ADR at both is 5pm and can take up to 2+hours to eat get to the theme park afterwards

Not sure if you will have a car during your trip or using Disney Transportation it could take even longer.

Why would it take 2 hours to get the MK from the Poly especially if you have the first ressie of the night?

 

[sjs314]

Why would it take 2 hours to get the MK from the Poly especially if you have the first ressie of the night?

Someone on the October thread posted how last year they went to 'Ohana before MNSSHP, had the earliest ADR you could get for dinner which is 5pm and between check-in wait time to be seated, and eating and taking the monorail to MK they arrived just at 7pm. She said there were already long lines for the charactors by time they entered.

 

[dizziedupbaby0127]

Maybe you guys can help me. I am hoping to get a few things when we go this year and since it is our first time I'm sure that I'm going to be using all the extra money I have on extras for us. Can anyone tell me where I can find....

1. Children's earrings (real gold or sterling silver, we have the nickel allergy)
2. Diamond earrings (for me and then I can say I got them at Disney)?
3. Is there any where to get a family caricature drawing down?

There was something else but I can't remember and didn't right it down but it will come back to me I'm sure

DTD also has a large caricature stand 3 or 4 artists. I'm looking at the one DH and I got in 07 that's hanging on our wall. I know the price goes up by number of people, if you want color or blk and wt and just head or full body too. We got heads only (which included our shoulders and a bit of our shirts, 2 people in color. we also purchased the frame and it coat about $85! but WORTH it!

Also when we went in 2008 for our Honeymoon we had a 8:05 ADR at Crystal Palace, we entered at 8am on the dot, seperate entrance we were the first people on MAIN ST! we stopped to take a picture, but there WERE NOT any Photopass people out. Maybe they come out a bit after? but I wanted to share our expirence so no one gets their heart set on a photopass and there isn't one!

 

[L-Harper]

DTD also has a large caricature stand 3 or 4 artists. I'm looking at the one DH and I got in 07 that's hanging on our wall. I know the price goes up by number of people, if you want color or blk and wt and just head or full body too. We got heads only (which included our shoulders and a bit of our shirts, 2 people in color. we also purchased the frame and it coat about $85! but WORTH it!

Also when we went in 2008 for our Honeymoon we had a 8:05 ADR at Crystal Palace, we entered at 8am on the dot, seperate entrance we were the first people on MAIN ST! we stopped to take a picture, but there WERE NOT any Photopass people out. Maybe they come out a bit after? but I wanted to share our expirence so no one gets their heart set on a photopass and there isn't one!

A few things.... those caricature pictures are seriously ADORABLE!!! I so cannot wait to get one of each of us!!!

As for you not having Photo Pass Photographers out, I am SOOOO obummed about that. We have an 8:05 reservation at Crystal Palace on day and I'm really hoping to get a photo. Now I'm thinking I should see if I can get a reservation for 8:30 or so. I wanted to use a photo in front of the castle with no one else around for our Christmas card. Hmm....

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

A few things.... those caricature pictures are seriously ADORABLE!!! I so cannot wait to get one of each of us!!!

As for you not having Photo Pass Photographers out, I am SOOOO obummed about that. We have an 8:05 reservation at Crystal Palace on day and I'm really hoping to get a photo. Now I'm thinking I should see if I can get a reservation for 8:30 or so. I wanted to use a photo in front of the castle with no one else around for our Christmas card. Hmm....

If anything, you could maybe just ask someone else coming in early for their ADR to snap a picture of your family in front of the castle?

 

[mayfam2010]

185 more days!!!

Does anyone know a good side/resource of where the most likely place to find certain characters is? My kids have a wishlist of who they'd like to see, and as I'm planning I want to be sure we account for trying to locate certain ones! Anyone have any tips? Websites?