The LUCKY Muffin Spoke to Me - Halloween at WDW & Summer 2011 at DLR - 01/09/11

[HeatherBelle614]

Hi! ive very much enjoyed catching up on your PTR and now IM IN! i am so thrilled for you getting to stay at AKV!! i will be at WDW for MNSSHP twice but my stay is in the end of september ..ive always wanted to actually be there for halloween but its never happened due to my work.
i was planning on doing the whole "no adr" thing this trip .. but, like you, i ended up booking a few ADR's and sci-fi is one on mine too! im really trying to book less ADR's coz (especially at resorts!) coz it takes so much time away from the parks! i cant wait to hear more about your trip and im SUBBING NOW!

Hiii!!!

This will probably be our only year that we'd be able to go during Halloween, too. (Although, we leave the day before Halloween because of our schedules, but close enough, I think! )

Have you done MNSSHP before? I'm so concerned we won't get to experience everything! I don't plan on riding rides or taking time to eat, so hopefully we'll be OK. I do know I want to see the parade and the fireworks, and find some of the rare characters. I also want to do a few trick-or-treat lines and see Cinderella's carriage. Eeep! Stressed just thinking about it! I know we'll have a great time, though!!

Are you going to dress up? I need to post pics of our costumes!!

That's how we feel about ADRs this trip. We're only doing one day in each park, so I don't want to waste time at a ton of ADRs like we normally do. The only reason we booked Boma was because it's on our day off, so hopefully we'll find some great QS thanks to suggestions I've gotten on here!

Are you going to Sci-Fi for lunch? Mmm, burger, mmmmm.

Ok you guys need to stop telling me how great Pop Warner week is because I'm really close to changing my dates...the only thing holding me back is it will add another 3 weeks of waiting for my trip! And DH would be mad...but I could always not tell him it's THIS week...

I'm gonna go see how much $$$ I'd save by switching to value season from regular!

UPDATE: I checked prices and I'd save $500...which would be great, but I just did a search on the DIS and no one has anything good to say about going during this week! I'd rather not chance it, I guess I'll just stick with my week in November!

I don't know; I just know that I saw no kids and definitely no drunken parents. Like I said, we were at POP and had no issues. (Actually, we got upgraded to preferred rooms at check-in and never saw lines at the bus stop, either.) We went to the food court during peak times too, and never waited in a line or for a table there, either.

I saw a few negative reviews before we booked for that time, but nothing like what you've been reading. I think the big issues might arise if you stay at their resort(s), but we never saw them anywhere near a park, DTD, or POP. I'd go again at that time in a heartbeat if we decide to do Christmas again. I think you'll find people say negative things about any time of the year because everyone has a different opinion, and of course, I come to the boards for advice, but I'd never rely soley on anyone else's opinions until I tried something for myself. (There are restaurants that people say are great on here that I hated, or that people say are terrible and I loved them. Ya know?)

Hi!! I am going to WDW in December--11th-16th. What dates did you research with bad reviews? I know my time is a Value season and we are going super cheap with a 40% off code. Just looking for ANY advice for Christmas I can get!! I am excited to read how you like MVMCP too (HeatherBelle) !!

I don't think any time the first few weeks could be bad. Like another poster and I have been saying, even during POP Warner, we had great experiences. Part of your dates overlap when we were there last year (we were in Orlando for 2 weeks), so I think your trip will be fantastic!

Our only issue last year was the weather, but to my understanding, December weather is always a hit or miss. We had a few days that were beyond cold and rainy, but we still trucked along. Our last few days (which are your trip dates), it was sunny and hot. So who knows! But, the lack of crowds and Christmas decorations make up for any crummy weather!

We didn't do MVMCP last year, but I've done it before. We had a lot of fun and everything was really pretty, but I don't think I'd do it again for the cost. If your family hasn't experienced it before, I'd definitely say to go at least once! I've heard MNSSHP is much better, so I'm looking forward to finding out this year!

Make sure you see the lights at DHS, too! We love that experience more than the party; we stood there for over an hour and just stared at the lights. They're beautiful! Try to get there and get a good spot before they turn them on, too. We got there about 45 minutes early and found a good spot at the end of the street where we just sat and waited. They had a little lighting party, too. Very, very special experience!!

If you'd like any other Christmas tips, please let me know!

Ummm....ouch just plain ouch....and double ouch....

Aw, you posted again!

 

[Gelfling_Jen]

Ok, everyone in unison, "Hiiii, DH!" Haha!

Hello Heather's DH!!!! Welcome to the DIS! You'll have to proove her wrong and post here every week!

 

[Nermel9]

I don't know; I just know that I saw no kids and definitely no drunken parents. Like I said, we were at POP and had no issues. (Actually, we got upgraded to preferred rooms at check-in and never saw lines at the bus stop, either.) We went to the food court during peak times too, and never waited in a line or for a table there, either.

I saw a few negative reviews before we booked for that time, but nothing like what you've been reading. I think the big issues might arise if you stay at their resort(s), but we never saw them anywhere near a park, DTD, or POP. I'd go again at that time in a heartbeat if we decide to do Christmas again. I think you'll find people say negative things about any time of the year because everyone has a different opinion, and of course, I come to the boards for advice, but I'd never rely soley on anyone else's opinions until I tried something for myself. (There are restaurants that people say are great on here that I hated, or that people say are terrible and I loved them. Ya know?)

Last year when I was planning my trip, I was researching Pop Warner week and the only bad things people said were about staying in the same resorts...I don't remember a lot of negative comments about their behavior at the parks, but I guess this past year it seems like no one had anything good to say about them! I'm considering starting a thread to ask if anyone has anything positive to say about going that week! There is a slim chance I might change, to save money and to be closer to Christmas, but I'm really not sure!

I don't really go by what everyone says on here either, I mean, people have horrible things to say about WL and I LOVE that place! People also said such negative things about Whispering Canyon and I loved that place too! I don't know, PW week makes me nervous!!!

 

[Simba22]

Ok, everyone in unison, "Hiiii, DH!" Haha!

Hiiiii Heather's DH!

I got my BF to make a DIS account last year and I think he posted like 4 times...and not even on my TR! He was took busy chatting about Dole Whip!

Hi!! I am going to WDW in December--11th-16th. What dates did you research with bad reviews? I know my time is a Value season and we are going super cheap with a 40% off code. Just looking for ANY advice for Christmas I can get!! I am excited to read how you like MVMCP too (HeatherBelle) !!

MVMCP was great! They make it snow on Main Street, give you free cookies and hot chocolate...it was really nice! I was joking with my BF that we got better snow in Orlando at the Christmas Party than we get here in CT!

Lol don't worry, you should be safe, Pop Warner is the week before you are going! And some people say it's great, but some people say it's horrible, the kids run wild, the chaperones are drunk the whole time...I'm just not taking that chance! I'd go the week after, like you are, but it's just too close to Christmas for me!

Yeah I definitely did not have any of those problems! We had one minor thing happen on a bus one night going back to the resort from Epcot...the chaperones really just weren't paying attention and the kids were using language that was NOT appropriate on a bus full of small kids...but if you just avoid the All Stars, and avoid DHS on that Friday, you will be fine.

Have you done MNSSHP before? I'm so concerned we won't get to experience everything! I don't plan on riding rides or taking time to eat, so hopefully we'll be OK. I do know I want to see the parade and the fireworks, and find some of the rare characters. I also want to do a few trick-or-treat lines and see Cinderella's carriage. Eeep! Stressed just thinking about it! I know we'll have a great time, though!!


You will definitely not get to everything! It's like anything else at WDW...don't even try to do everything! We have started going twice...once to walk around and trick or treat and meet characters, and the other night we just do attractions. We only dress up on the night we trick or treat and do character meets.

Are you going to dress up? I need to post pics of our costumes!!
We have dressed up every year...you can see pics in my Oct 2007 and Oct 2009 TRs (there are links in my siggy) if you want. We are definitely going to dress up this year, just not sure as what yet...I was actually checking into costumes earlier today to get some ideas.

I don't know; I just know that I saw no kids and definitely no drunken parents. Like I said, we were at POP and had no issues. (Actually, we got upgraded to preferred rooms at check-in and never saw lines at the bus stop, either.) We went to the food court during peak times too, and never waited in a line or for a table there, either.

I know they stay at the All Stars and sometimes spill over to CBR. Not sure about any other resorts (I dont know if they stay at POP or not), but we literally only saw them twice...once at the Movies food court and once on a bus headed back from Epcot.

I saw a few negative reviews before we booked for that time, but nothing like what you've been reading. I think the big issues might arise if you stay at their resort(s), but we never saw them anywhere near a park, DTD, or POP. I'd go again at that time in a heartbeat if we decide to do Christmas again. I think you'll find people say negative things about any time of the year because everyone has a different opinion, and of course, I come to the boards for advice, but I'd never rely soley on anyone else's opinions until I tried something for myself. (There are restaurants that people say are great on here that I hated, or that people say are terrible and I loved them. Ya know?)

Exactly...we love so many restaurants that other people despise so I never make a decision based on other people's reviews. I try things I want to try and make my own decisions.

Our only issue last year was the weather, but to my understanding, December weather is always a hit or miss. We had a few days that were beyond cold and rainy, but we still trucked along. Our last few days (which are your trip dates), it was sunny and hot. So who knows! But, the lack of crowds and Christmas decorations make up for any crummy weather!

It was a bit chilly at night when we went, but other than that it was perfect! No rain, not even clouds! And it was nice enough for jeans and a t-shirt during the day and just adding sweatshirts at night!

I don't really go by what everyone says on here either, I mean, people have horrible things to say about WL and I LOVE that place! People also said such negative things about Whispering Canyon and I loved that place too! I don't know, PW week makes me nervous!!!

We love Planet Hollywood and Nine Dragons and people never have anything good to say about those places! And on the other hand, everyone loves POP and I hated it! I would go back to ASMo ANY DAY before I'd stay at POP again.

 

[tinkgurl]

Hey girl. I don't know if you remember me but I just found your PTR and was so excited since we haven't talked in a long time!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Last year when I was planning my trip, I was researching Pop Warner week and the only bad things people said were about staying in the same resorts...I don't remember a lot of negative comments about their behavior at the parks, but I guess this past year it seems like no one had anything good to say about them! I'm considering starting a thread to ask if anyone has anything positive to say about going that week! There is a slim chance I might change, to save money and to be closer to Christmas, but I'm really not sure!

I don't really go by what everyone says on here either, I mean, people have horrible things to say about WL and I LOVE that place! People also said such negative things about Whispering Canyon and I loved that place too! I don't know, PW week makes me nervous!!!

If you start a new thread, I'd be interested to see what others say if you wouldn't mind linking me!

Hiiiii Heather's DH!

I got my BF to make a DIS account last year and I think he posted like 4 times...and not even on my TR! He was took busy chatting about Dole Whip!



MVMCP was great! They make it snow on Main Street, give you free cookies and hot chocolate...it was really nice! I was joking with my BF that we got better snow in Orlando at the Christmas Party than we get here in CT!



Yeah I definitely did not have any of those problems! We had one minor thing happen on a bus one night going back to the resort from Epcot...the chaperones really just weren't paying attention and the kids were using language that was NOT appropriate on a bus full of small kids...but if you just avoid the All Stars, and avoid DHS on that Friday, you will be fine.





We love Planet Hollywood and Nine Dragons and people never have anything good to say about those places! And on the other hand, everyone loves POP and I hated it! I would go back to ASMo ANY DAY before I'd stay at POP again.

My DH is too busy looking at Steelers stuff every time he turns on the computer. I'm surprised he hasn't gone over to the Restaurant thread yet, though!

Too funny how everyone has such different experiences at WDW locations! I had a not-great time at ASMo, but a wonderful time at POP. It's kindof sad though that things can vary so greatly with their CMs/service!!

Hey girl. I don't know if you remember me but I just found your PTR and was so excited since we haven't talked in a long time!

Hiii!!!! I know; I disappeared for a bit but I'm around much more (again) now!

I saw the link to your new PTR too, so I'll have to get caught up this weekend!!

BTW, I already noticed your ENGAGED! EEP! Congrats!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

BTW, I already noticed your ENGAGED! EEP! Congrats!!!

Thanks!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I read about the Haunted Carriage Ride at Fort Wilderness a while ago on the boards and decided that I wanted to book it as soon as we could for our Halloween trip!

I have been calling religiously because there was no specific date for when booking would be open. DH called and checked for me while I was at work one morning, and they said they had JUST opened booking!

DH quickly got on to G-Chat (anyone else us that and want to be chat buddies?? I keep it open!) to see what date and time I wanted.

So, we are officially booked! I've read mixed reviews about it, but I want to try it out for myself. It's the Sleepy Hollow story, and I'm sure we'll enjoy it even if it's corny. We've never been to that area of WDW, so I'm excited to see it, too!

Has anyone done this yet? I'd love to hear stories, if so!

Also, the CM told DH to give ourselves at least an hour and a half to get from AKV to Fort Wilderness. Anyone have any advice/tips on how to get there or if there's any thing in that immediate area to grab for dinner? We don't want to make an ADR, but I was hoping to see if there's anything we can't miss for dinner? Like I said, I don't know anything about Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness, but are they near one another? Would we be able to eat at WL then head over? How long of a bus ride is that? Or, can you walk?

I'll post our final plans and dates with what we're doing as soon as Universal releases their dates! I'm beyond excited to go to WWoHP, but two of our days are iffy until that schedule gets put out. I keep checking and it's driving me crazy that US doesn't put their calendar out as early as WDW! Come on people! There are planners out here that NEED your hours!!!

 

[dizneeat]

I read about the Haunted Carriage Ride at Fort Wilderness a while ago on the boards and decided that I wanted to book it as soon as we could for our Halloween trip!

I have been calling religiously because there was no specific date for when booking would be open. DH called and checked for me while I was at work one morning, and they said they had JUST opened booking!

DH quickly got on to G-Chat (anyone else us that and want to be chat buddies?? I keep it open!) to see what date and time I wanted.

So, we are officially booked! I've read mixed reviews about it, but I want to try it out for myself. It's the Sleepy Hollow story, and I'm sure we'll enjoy it even if it's corny. We've never been to that area of WDW, so I'm excited to see it, too!

Has anyone done this yet? I'd love to hear stories, if so!

Also, the CM told DH to give ourselves at least an hour and a half to get from AKV to Fort Wilderness. Anyone have any advice/tips on how to get there or if there's any thing in that immediate area to grab for dinner? We don't want to make an ADR, but I was hoping to see if there's anything we can't miss for dinner? Like I said, I don't know anything about Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness, but are they near one another? Would we be able to eat at WL then head over? How long of a bus ride is that? Or, can you walk?

I'll post our final plans and dates with what we're doing as soon as Universal releases their dates! I'm beyond excited to go to WWoHP, but two of our days are iffy until that schedule gets put out. I keep checking and it's driving me crazy that US doesn't put their calendar out as early as WDW! Come on people! There are planners out here that NEED your hours!!!

Congrats on booking the Haunted Hay Ride!!!

I can't help you on how to get to Fort Wilderness as we have a car and just drive anywhere, but I guess your best bet would be to go to the MK and catch a boat from there. It's fun riding the boat and they stop at the GF, Poly, WL and FW - not necessarily in that order - can't remember!

As far as dinner - there's Trail's End Buffet at FW! We only had breakfast there once, so I don't really know what they offer for dinner. Sorry!

Can't wait to hear about your UO days. We are planning a UO day too! I want a chance to try out WWoHP and the Rip Ride Rockit, which we only got to ride once last summer!

 

[onelilspark]

I've heard really great things about Trail's End. You might need an ADR, but it's pretty inexpensive for a Sit Down.

 

[therussells08]

Woo hoo!! You're doing the haunted hayride! I took my sister on that when we went in October of 2007 and it was SOO much fun! I think you will have a blast!

The only thing I was upset about when we went was they didn't do the Sleepy Hollow story. I had heard that was the story the did, but when we went on it they did a completely different story. It was still a lot of fun and pretty spooky, but I was really looking forward to seeing the Headless Horseman and all that.

I had never been to Fort Wilderness before the hayride and I had a really hard time getting there. If I remember correctly there turn for it is right before the gate to Magic Kingdom or something like that. I would definitely recommend getting there pretty early if you can because it was a really cool place and we looked around for a while. All of the people who are staying there decorated their campers and stuff for Halloween and it was very cute!

I'm not really sure about places to eat around there, though. I think Crockett's Tavern is a place where you can get pizza and nachos and stuff like that, but I've never been so I'm not sure if it's any good.

 

[klacey1]

Hi!! Joining in-- have to go back and catch up!

 

[micandminforever]

Your trip sounds like fun,fun, fun. To get to Fort Wilderness I would catch the bus to MK then the boat to Ft. Wilderness. The boat goes to Wilderness lodge and Ft Wilderness. If you eat at Wilderness Lodge you can get back on the boat or there is a trail that goes to Ft Wilderness from Wilderness Lodge.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Congrats on booking the Haunted Hay Ride!!!

I can't help you on how to get to Fort Wilderness as we have a car and just drive anywhere, but I guess your best bet would be to go to the MK and catch a boat from there. It's fun riding the boat and they stop at the GF, Poly, WL and FW - not necessarily in that order - can't remember!

As far as dinner - there's Trail's End Buffet at FW! We only had breakfast there once, so I don't really know what they offer for dinner. Sorry!

Can't wait to hear about your UO days. We are planning a UO day too! I want a chance to try out WWoHP and the Rip Ride Rockit, which we only got to ride once last summer!

I think the boat would be fun since we've never done that together! Seems to be a popular suggestion; thank you!

RRR was having a ton of technical difficulties when we were there in December; we're only planning on buying a ticket for IOA this year though, so I won't get to try RRR this time, either. I couldn't warrant paying the extra fee to go to the other park just for the ride (and the Mummy, that's my fav!) So we'll just stick with IOA. Plus, I'm probably going to stand in one place with a look of awe/stupidity on my face at WWoHP for a good hour, anyway. There is a special on NBC tomorrow night; I don't know how long it is going to be on for, but I think it was 7pm central, and the ad I got said they're going to show part of the park!

I've heard really great things about Trail's End. You might need an ADR, but it's pretty inexpensive for a Sit Down.

Definitely going to check it out; thanks!

Woo hoo!! You're doing the haunted hayride! I took my sister on that when we went in October of 2007 and it was SOO much fun! I think you will have a blast!

The only thing I was upset about when we went was they didn't do the Sleepy Hollow story. I had heard that was the story the did, but when we went on it they did a completely different story. It was still a lot of fun and pretty spooky, but I was really looking forward to seeing the Headless Horseman and all that.

I had never been to Fort Wilderness before the hayride and I had a really hard time getting there. If I remember correctly there turn for it is right before the gate to Magic Kingdom or something like that. I would definitely recommend getting there pretty early if you can because it was a really cool place and we looked around for a while. All of the people who are staying there decorated their campers and stuff for Halloween and it was very cute!

I'm not really sure about places to eat around there, though. I think Crockett's Tavern is a place where you can get pizza and nachos and stuff like that, but I've never been so I'm not sure if it's any good.

I hope it's the Sleepy Hollow story! What was your story about??

I'll have to make sure we have time to look around; I didn't even think about that. Yeesh! So much to do! I swear, you could spend a year at WDW and still not do everything!

Hi!! Joining in-- have to go back and catch up!

Welcome!!! I love new readers!

Your trip sounds like fun,fun, fun. To get to Fort Wilderness I would catch the bus to MK then the boat to Ft. Wilderness. The boat goes to Wilderness lodge and Ft Wilderness. If you eat at Wilderness Lodge you can get back on the boat or there is a trail that goes to Ft Wilderness from Wilderness Lodge.

Hii!! Thanks for the suggestions! I think the boat is going to sound like the best idea. Do you happen to know how long the trail would take to walk? That'd be my deciding factor; if it's faster than the bus, I think I'd prefer to do that!

 

[therussells08]

I hope it's the Sleepy Hollow story! What was your story about??

I'll have to make sure we have time to look around; I didn't even think about that. Yeesh! So much to do! I swear, you could spend a year at WDW and still not do everything!

Ours was some story about a family who lived on that land and haunted it or something like that. They were robbers, I think? I can't remember the story very clearly. It was still fun but I think Sleepy Hollow would have been better!

I know what you mean, I don't think I will ever see all there is to see at WDW! I guess that's one of the ways they keep people coming back again and again!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

DH is really looking forward to the Sleepy Hollow part, so I hope that's what we get! I think the CM that booked him told him that's what it was, too. I'll have to ask him, although it doesn't matter because I think we'd both do it either way. I'm glad that you enjoyed it! A bunch of people told me it's corny and not worth it. I say bah-hum-bug to them! Oh wait, wrong holiday....

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

Followed you over here from my PTR and love the story about the hidden Mickey muffin...it was definitely a sign! Hope you have fun at MNSSHP and Food and Wine! They are two things I really want to do, but being a teacher, I can't really take the time off to do them. I subbed to this thread, so I'll be looking for some new posts soon! :

 

[klacey1]

Okay, I'm all caught up!! That's so exciting to get to experience two DVC resorts in one trip! I'm going to send you a PM requesting info about who you booked from-- we'd really love to rent points for our next trip!
I've never done the carriage ride-- sounds like fun, though-- but the CS places I'd recommend are definitely WPE, and we honestly LOVED Pizza Planet! We really like Columbia Harbour House, too, and Cosmic Rays.

 

[Nermel9]

Yay, the haunted carriage ride sounds like so much fun, I don't think it will be corny, come on, it's Disney, it has to be good! Hope you get your Sleepy Hollow story, that sounds so cool!

I love the boat from MK to WL and FW, it's such a nice ride and so relaxing. From what I remember when I stayed at WL it goes to WL first then to FW, I think it's about a 5 minute trip to each place. The boat is one of the reasons I love WL so much!

I didn't know Universal didn't have their hours out yet, I haven't even looked! I'm planning to go there one day in November too, but I didn't even think to look to see if park hours were out yet, I just assumed they were! Watch the day I'm thinking of going they will be closing really early or something!

 

[micandminforever]

The trail if you walk is about 10 min. then you will take the internal bus to carriage ride. The boat ride from Wilderness lodge to Ft. Wilderness is about 5 or 10 min.