The *Official* February 2011 Thread - Happy Dance Time...The Park Hours Are Out!

[BethR9]

Lamb,

Out of my schedule, is that the only "avoid" TGM has listed?

I would switch it but then we're doing back to back days at MK....

Also, I think we'd like to see Fantasmic and it's on Sunday.

Touring plans doesn't have DHS listed on Sunday.

 

[MissMichelle]

Count me in! I'm "technically" a February planner since we arrive February 28, but will spend most of the time there in March. Can't come soon enough

 

[lamb616]

Lamb,

Out of my schedule, is that the only "avoid" TGM has listed?

I would switch it but then we're doing back to back days at MK....

Also, I think we'd like to see Fantasmic and it's on Sunday.

Touring plans doesn't have DHS listed on Sunday.

yeah, that's why it's an "avoid" day. Here's what it says:


Hollywood Studios
Please Avoid: True, we lack any EMH conflicts in the Studios today, but my main concern is that the park has proven MUCH busier on the days that host a too-rare Fantasmic later that same evening, and more importantly, we only have two nights with them this week. That the MK lacks a Spectro tonight is another strike against this park's choice today. It's possible to be 'okay' because you know everything that 'they' don't, but if you can visit the park on a day that lacks a Fantasmic, please do. Tips: IF you must be here today, arrive at the turnstiles at least 40 min. before opening to ensure you're ahead of those waiting for the rope drop and 'Toy Story Dash' at 9am. Maximize your touring tips and FP set collections, and try to stay ahead of the crowd wave as much as you can.

 

[lamb616]

Weds. is a yellow for AK:

Animal Kingdom
'Okay' with Warning: Despite what's coming tonight, you'll be okay here through after lunch. The green park choices will be better, however, because of the mistaken belief by many that they have to be here in the morning in order to see any animals. Tip: Maximize your morning, and be aware of those incoming Resort guests who want to attend the EMH Evening.

 

[BethR9]

Ugh, now I'm getting all stressed out again! This is the part I hate. We did just make our ressies at CRT for Tuesday so MK is locked in for that day for sure.

BTW, how much is the subscription to TGM?

 

[lamb616]

i wouldn't be too worried about. the week you're going is (supposed to be) a low-crowd week right? So even tho they have to pick a park to avoid each day, it's probably still not going to be bad like it would be during a really busy time.

TGM is I think $18 with $3 off from either this site or mousesavers.

 

[Marlynmik]

Yeah I'm not putting too much weight on the predicted crowd levels. I started off my itinerary by planning the shows I want to attend (since no park-hopper then I will go to that park that day) Then I looked at hours: early morning VS late nights VS EMH (I'm only taking advantage of one day EMH at AK on V-day which is supposedly the park to avoid)

BTW Beth, does your TA have a website? I used Dreams Unlimited and on their site I can review my reservations and my itinerary. I know how you feel though, even though booking ADRs is part of their services, I still booked 3 out of 5 since I'm a bit of a control freak LOL

 

[Gina]

For anyone interested, I went ahead and put together a Facebook group for anyone going to WDW in 2/11. It'll give members a place to coordinate swaps, share pictures, etc. I set it to "private", so members will have to be approved and non-members won't be able to just wander in. And no one will have to be "friends" with anyone they don't want to be.

I'm not trying to kill this thread at ALL, I swear -- we just need a place where we can share more info than we can here. No one has to abandon the DIS boards to join the FB group, really. No way I would.

Let's see if this link is going to work:
WDW February 2011 Facebook Group


-gina-

 

[BethR9]

Lynne,

That's kind of how I did my planning also, around the shows that are offered (thus doing HS a day that Fantasmic is offered).

My TA is actually my mom so she's independent.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[graceanbeauty]

We ajust booked our trip and are staying at the Coronada Springs Feb. 18-26. Most of our clan has never been but me. It will be my daughters first time and she will be turning 5 a couple weeks after our trip. SO EXCITED!!!!!

 

[robeck]

Just paid my deposit, got my confirmation number and contacted Poly IPO. Let the games begin!

 

[IheartAriel]

Beth, We're going to be there the same time as you are, tho you get to stay an extra day Lucky!

Anyway I was just comparing your schedule to mine to see what days you were going where and also to see if we had the same "planning brain" and so far we don't match up at all, LOL. I'm always curious to see how people plan their trips and what they plan them around ie, arrival time, show times, EMH, fireworks etc.

We normally have a park hopper which makes planning our trips so much easier but on this go round we're only doing a base ticket, which makes my job that much harder!
I based my park choices on a few things;
1. if the park is an "all day" park, we consider only MK & EPCOT to be "all day" parks.
2. The time we arrive for our trip and the time we leave, we usually do a "half day" park (AK & DHS)
3. The EMH schedule/park times.
4. if I can get a dinner reservation at the specific restaurant ie LeCellier in EPCOT.
Since we are going for the first time in February we're not planning on doing any swimming but we will need time for naps, our girls will be 4 & 2 when we get there. So that get's put into the decision as well. Those are my main planning guidlines as far as how I choose which park we go to.

So are we line up like this
2/12-DHS
2/13-MK
2/14-???
2/15-EPCOT
2/16-AK

How does everyone else plan their trips when it comes to choosing parks?

 

[lilandvisma]

Beth, We're going to be there the same time as you are, tho you get to stay an extra day Lucky!

Anyway I was just comparing your schedule to mine to see what days you were going where and also to see if we had the same "planning brain" and so far we don't match up at all, LOL. I'm always curious to see how people plan their trips and what they plan them around ie, arrival time, show times, EMH, fireworks etc.

We normally have a park hopper which makes planning our trips so much easier but on this go round we're only doing a base ticket, which makes my job that much harder!
I based my park choices on a few things;
1. if the park is an "all day" park, we consider only MK & EPCOT to be "all day" parks.
2. The time we arrive for our trip and the time we leave, we usually do a "half day" park (AK & DHS)
3. The EMH schedule/park times.
4. if I can get a dinner reservation at the specific restaurant ie LeCellier in EPCOT.
Since we are going for the first time in February we're not planning on doing any swimming but we will need time for naps, our girls will be 4 & 2 when we get there. So that get's put into the decision as well. Those are my main planning guidlines as far as how I choose which park we go to.

So are we line up like this
2/12-DHS
2/13-MK
2/14-???
2/15-EPCOT
2/16-AK

How does everyone else plan their trips when it comes to choosing parks?

Well..this is one I hope we are finished doing now. Basically I try to avoid MK on Fridays and Saturdays. I liked the EMH last visit since it was or daughters first trip and it allowed us to basically have the time to do everything we wanted to do but this time I've been more lax with planning around them. I think both days we are scheduled for Epcot have EMH, one in the morning and one at night. Apart from that we won't be getting any EMH in unless they add more. I like to plan to see Fantasmic, we it. I also plan all of my ADR's for the park we are in that day as well. OR if we are at MK or EP at least use a monorail resort for dining. We don't park hop either. I find it to be more of a hassle than anything, esp. with young children.


I can't really get into the crowd levels, etc... I mean, I try to take it into consideration to a point but we have been to Disney at the most busiest times in the past and I'm sure when we go in Feb it will be no where near what the crowd levels were when we went last summer or in the past spring, kwim?

We also like to take a break in the middle of our trip to just enjoy the resort, relax and do DTD. Not sure if you are wanting to schedule another park day in the middle of your schedule, DTD can easily take a day up and its free...just something to consider

 

[lilandvisma]

To all members,

Okay I think I have everyone added to the list now...a few stated dates but no resort or vice versa. If you'd like to be added to the main list of who's going when please post your dates and resort(s) and I will get ya added ASAP THANKS!

The updated and current list can be found on pg. 11 of this thread!

 

[ColinCodyMom]

For anyone interested, I went ahead and put together a Facebook group for anyone going to WDW in 2/11. It'll give members a place to coordinate swaps, share pictures, etc. I set it to "private", so members will have to be approved and non-members won't be able to just wander in. And no one will have to be "friends" with anyone they don't want to be.

I'm not trying to kill this thread at ALL, I swear -- we just need a place where we can share more info than we can here. No one has to abandon the DIS boards to join the FB group, really. No way I would.

Let's see if this link is going to work:
WDW February 2011 Facebook Group


-gina-

Hi Gina! I'm trying to join the facebook thread but I can't figure out how to do it. The link just takes me to my page. Is there some trick?? We're going for our first February trip in 2011! Can't wait!

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Hi everyone! I'm hoping it's okay if I join this thread. We are booked for our first February stay at CSR from 11-22. Never been that time of year and am hoping I didn't make a mistake. Couldn't resist free dining!! Look forward to chatting with all of you! So excited!!

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Hi All!

Welcome new joiners! So excited that we have so many February trip goers.

Gina- Joined the facebook group

Today has been a bit nutty with the kids- I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend (RIGHT). I broke down and bought DS the Disney Monorail and DD the Cindy castle from the disney store for christmas (free shipping)- I seriously want to open it and start playing with it NOW lol

 

[lilandvisma]

Hi everyone! I'm hoping it's okay if I join this thread. We are booked for our first February stay at CSR from 11-22. Never been that time of year and am hoping I didn't make a mistake. Couldn't resist free dining!! Look forward to chatting with all of you! So excited!!

Welcome fellow Michigander

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

um, seriously, whats up with all you michigan people??!?!? Come college football season we may have a problem- Go Buckeyes!

 

[lilandvisma]

um, seriously, whats up with all you michigan people??!?!? Come college football season we may have a problem- Go Buckeyes!

We are a divided household here. DH is State and I am U of M. That always equals a problem, esp. when it comes to which "gear" to buy the kiddos