There's a First Time for Everything! A Christmas In November TR

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

(This update begins on page 44.)

Our first Mickey head ice cream!!

We all fell in love with this ride!

We ate at the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus in Norway. This was one of the best meals of the week. The potatoes here are divine!

The princesses here were beautiful! I love Mary Poppins in her white dress!

This is the prettiest Belle I have ever seen and her yellow dress is unreal!

DD loved the fancy glasses. She really felt like royalty!

Poor baby. She loves the princess dresses, but they make her itch like crazy. She really wanted to look like Belle but she had to leave her clothes on underneath. As soon as we left, she snatched that dress off. I feel for her because I have the same sensitive skin.

In the Norway gift shop.

Mexico

I love the CMs in the countries. Pictures like these are some of my favorites from the whole trip. I wish I had taken one like this in each country. I meant to do that on our '09 trip so I could have a picture for each country to put in our passport, but I forgot!!!!

I love the colors on Donald's Grande Fiesta boat ride.

Mariachi band at San Angel Inn. They were SOOOOO good! We listened for a long time. Although this place gets horrible reviews from lots of people, we really liked our meal.

Stay tuned! The rest of our Epcot days will be coming up soon!

 

[sharonW]

I'm having so much fun enjoying even more of your diz pics.
Its great you've decided to keep things goin for all we disney
lovers out there!!! Ok, so both trips were over nj convention wk,
right? Would you say most all christmas decos are up then?? We
are thinking of a possible trip with our grandaughter....trying to
decide on convention wk or thanksgiving
Decisions, decisions...dd-in-law is a teacher, she can't get
more then two extra days off, if we went thanksgiving it gives
us the extra day. I like the idea of low crowds in the earlier nov
time frame

 

[MaryAz]

I really think you should do photography as a possible money maker for your Disney trips. Ypu really do have an eye.

 

[lmillercrew]

Dangit! Just when I catch up, it's all over!

 

[sugar1967]

I have loved reading along with your adventures!! You take some amazing pictures and your DD is sooo cute!

As you have gone to WDW at the same time of the year twice now, how do you find the crowds at this time of the year? I am planning on a girls trip with my two daughters, a good friend of mine and her daughter around Nov 10th of this year and we were curious as to the crowd levels. As my friend has MS I will have her in a wheelchair probably part of the time and her daughter has never been there before so I really want them to experience all that Disney has to offer minus the crowds. Not sure when the best times are to visit Disney with low crowds, but we do still want nice warm weather so we have been thinking the beginning of November. Any advice??

 

[Charleston Princess]

All the Toy Story icons are so neat, and I always love seeing Mickey head ice creams and princesses enjoying breakfast!

 

[MeMom]

We were staying at All Star Movies. We really enjoyed staying there, but I think Pop has some advantages over the All Stars. Pop has their own busses, but the three AS resorts share. Also, Pop has standard rooms even in the buildings closest to the lobby like the 60's building. The AS resorts do not work that way. They have all their standard rooms in buildings at the far back of the property. For those two reasons, we prefer Pop over the All Star resorts.


Look at how empty the park was!!! I'm telling you, early November is an awesome time to go!

You know how I love the palm trees!

The fountain pictures are great.

I like the outside decor at All-Star Movies - great photo ops, especially fun for the kids. The Dalmations TV is a fun one. Herbie going in mid-air through the building is crazy. The jack-in the-box is a little freaky! The rooms are in need of refurb, though. When sharing buses, they were the last pick-up. When we stayed at Sports and Music a couple of times, I remember feeling sorry for the people at Movies, because they had standing room only when we pulled up to them. Those were the two cons I saw on Movies. Brooklynn loved the kiddie pool, and we had a great stay there.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I agree! ME does look like a magic carpet on the way there, but INCREDIBLY unmagical on the way out. Leaving is no fun. I'm sorry to hear about the turbulence as well.

I'm enjoyed the flashback report! More beautiful pictures and it appears to be another very magical trip! I haven't seen many pictures of Movies, that Andy's Room courtyard is adorable! If there is time on our next trip I just might have to go over there and explore so Henry can enjoy it, he'd flip! He LOVES Buzz!

 

[lexmas]

So, I have a confession. I opened up the window for your update, and I saw someone else's post saying they were so happy that you got to see the lights. So I was upset that I ruined it for myself. And then I went back and read your update, and I STILL fell for your fakeout that the lights were off again!

I'm so happy that you got to see the lights! And I'm sad that your trip is over. I don't remember them rolling a red carpet out for us when we left! I was probably in too much of a depression. Well, last time I was both in a post-disney depression and a beginning-of-morning-sickness queasiness, so maybe it's no surprise I don't remember!

But, once again you made it all better! I'm loving the flashbacks. What a cute idea to get a picture with a cast member from each country. I'm definitely going to try and do that when we go. Makes it feel more like you took a trip "around the world".

Looking forward to more!

 

[Stasieki]

All caught up now (DD's birthday party was this weekend so I got no DIS time). The last day is always so sad, but I am loving the flashback trip pictures. Keep them coming - they are fun to look at and relive with you.

 

[njtinkmom]

There was still plenty of evening left, so we took a ride on Star Tours. There was no one else in line or on the ride! Kind of weird. I have decided though, that I hate this ride. Yes, I know those are harsh words. I have tried to like it. I really have, but that thing should be called claustrophobia barf tour. It is so small inside there when they shut the doors and the 3D effect combined with the jerky seat is just more than my equilibrium can handle. I starred at the floor the whole time trying to maintain a reference point inside that bottled up, fifth layer of Hell. I was so thankful when it was over and those doors opened up to a nice, spacious, fresh air filled, Florida sky. DH and DD love it of' course. How am I related to them?

First let me say what a great TR you have written! So glad you did get to see the OL! When we went in November the first night I was there they were not on either due to who knows what - but anyway they are truly breath taking. Also, sorry I too did get the blanket - but because I am OCD I won't take it out and use it for fear of it getting ruined - so in my closet it safely remains! As for Barf Tours - yes this summer I went on it with the family and I thought I was having some kind of panic/anxiety attack. I felt like I could not catch my breath and that there was no air circulation going on - it was awful. The feeling of being trapped because you could not get out was terrible. It sort of ruined my day, and then the next day when we went to go on Soarin I backed out as everyone got on and walked right thru, I was afraid the same thing would happen. Oh well they can't all be winners huh!

 

[jenbear123]

Great pictures from All Star Movies. The pool and the overall resort looks a better then All Star Music. I love that Fantasia pool! I never even knew they had a pool like that. The Toy Story location looks really cool too! Maybe I'll keep All Star Movies in the back of my mind when we can get into Pop for a value.

Too bad those dresses make DD itch. She looks so pretty!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I'm having so much fun enjoying even more of your diz pics.
Its great you've decided to keep things goin for all we disney
lovers out there!!! Ok, so both trips were over nj convention wk,
right? Would you say most all christmas decos are up then?? We
are thinking of a possible trip with our grandaughter....trying to
decide on convention wk or thanksgiving
Decisions, decisions...dd-in-law is a teacher, she can't get
more then two extra days off, if we went thanksgiving it gives
us the extra day. I like the idea of low crowds in the earlier nov
time frame

I would go for the second week of November if it was me. The week of Thanksgiving is going to be crowded. Any holiday week will be. I can't predict the future for you, but I can tell you that for the last two years the weather has been PERFECT and the crowds have been VERY low.

As for the Christmas decos, here's the breakdown of what we saw in '08 and '09...........

MK: completely decorated except for the big tree, MVMCP starts around the 10th

Epcot:decorated at the entrance and in the countries, Candlelight Processional and Santas around the World were not available

HS: fully decorated and OL were out in '09, no decos or OL in '08

AK: fully decorated and Christmas parade was running

Resorts: hit and miss....... some were decorated, like the GF, and some had nothing out yet, resorts usually are the last to decorate

In my opinion, you will see 75% of the Christmas offerings if you go that week. OL is the wild card though. One year they were up and one year they were not????? I think it is worth missing just a few decorations to go when the crowds are so low. FYI, I used Touring Plans to choose my park days also, so that may have helped with crowds levels. And remember that room rates and restaurants are more expensive over Thankgiving. Good luck making a choice and planning your trip. If you think of any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll be happy to help if I can.

I really think you should do photography as a possible money maker for your Disney trips. Ypu really do have an eye.

You are too kind! Thank you. I would love to make money at photography, but I don't have enough training or equipment to charge people for pictures. Maybe once DD is in school all day next year, I can take some more photography classes. That would be my dream job!

Dangit! Just when I catch up, it's all over!

I'm so sorry!!! I hate for the fun to end too! But you are welcome to join me for the '08 flashbacks. It's not as entertaining as a real TR, but it's FREEZING outside, so what else do we all have to do!

I have loved reading along with your adventures!! You take some amazing pictures and your DD is sooo cute!

As you have gone to WDW at the same time of the year twice now, how do you find the crowds at this time of the year? I am planning on a girls trip with my two daughters, a good friend of mine and her daughter around Nov 10th of this year and we were curious as to the crowd levels. As my friend has MS I will have her in a wheelchair probably part of the time and her daughter has never been there before so I really want them to experience all that Disney has to offer minus the crowds. Not sure when the best times are to visit Disney with low crowds, but we do still want nice warm weather so we have been thinking the beginning of November. Any advice??

Thank you so much for your kind comments!

I think the crowd levels are about as good as it gets during the second week of Novemeber. I HATE CROWDS, so I promise you that if it had been crowded in '08, I NEVER would have gone that same week in '09. I've read that January and September are low crowd months also, but the weather doesn't appeal to me in either of those months. We had PERFECT weather both years during that Nov. week. Temps were in the 70's (and low 80's a few days as well one day around 68) and we had no humidity. There was also minimal rain. It may not be that way in 2010 b/c there is never a guarantee, but I would give it shot anyway. If you notice the backgrounds in my pictures, I think you will see that crowds and weather were awesome both years! Also, we were able to get the free dining both years in November. That is such a great deal! Go back and read my response to "SharonW" just before yours. That may have some info you'd be interested in as well. Good luck planning and I hope you guys have a wonderful trip!!!

All the Toy Story icons are so neat, and I always love seeing Mickey head ice creams and princesses enjoying breakfast!

Isn't that Toy Story section so cool! My DD loved it. And the princess breakfast has some really good food as well as great princesses!

You know how I love the palm trees!

The fountain pictures are great.

I like the outside decor at All-Star Movies - great photo ops, especially fun for the kids. The Dalmations TV is a fun one. Herbie going in mid-air through the building is crazy. The jack-in the-box is a little freaky! The rooms are in need of refurb, though. When sharing buses, they were the last pick-up. When we stayed at Sports and Music a couple of times, I remember feeling sorry for the people at Movies, because they had standing room only when we pulled up to them. Those were the two cons I saw on Movies. Brooklynn loved the kiddie pool, and we had a great stay there.

I posted that palm tree picture just for you! Really, I did! I love them too though. Nothing says tropical paradise like a swaying palm tree!

I agree with you on ASMo. It is a super cute place, but being last on the busses was not so fun. I have heard lots of people say the rooms need a refurb., but ours was fine. Maybe the Toy Story building has had some work done to it. I think having all the standard rooms way at the back was a big disadvantage too. I just don't want to walk that far every day for 10 days after being in the parks for so long. It's just too much on the feet! I really liked being able to get a standard room in the 60's building which was so close to the lobby. I just don't like paying extra for the preferred room when it is EXACTLY like the standard rooms. Even with a few flaws, I still think the All Star resorts are nice and have some fantastic photo ops! I'd stay there again if I couldn't get Pop.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I agree! ME does look like a magic carpet on the way there, but INCREDIBLY unmagical on the way out. Leaving is no fun. I'm sorry to hear about the turbulence as well.

I'm enjoyed the flashback report! More beautiful pictures and it appears to be another very magical trip! I haven't seen many pictures of Movies, that Andy's Room courtyard is adorable! If there is time on our next trip I just might have to go over there and explore so Henry can enjoy it, he'd flip! He LOVES Buzz!

Leaving is bad, but leaving knowing you have another trip ahead helps. I didn't have that so I think it was even worse this time.

That turbulence was so scary. I'd heard people describe it before, but it still caught me off guard. It wasn't really bad according to everyone else around us, but it seemed bad to me. It really feels like the plane is going to come apart!

We did have a very magical trip in '08! That's why I was on fire to go back so soon!

The Andy's room courtyard is so so neat. I didn't even post all the pictures. I took A LOT! I think your little boy would really get a kick out of it. Everything is SO BIG!! You feel like an ant on his bedroom floor! If you have some extra time, you should check it out. You'll get some great pictures of him over there.

So, I have a confession. I opened up the window for your update, and I saw someone else's post saying they were so happy that you got to see the lights. So I was upset that I ruined it for myself. And then I went back and read your update, and I STILL fell for your fakeout that the lights were off again!

That's too funny! Well, I hope it gave you a good laugh anyway! Just trying to keep it fun!

I'm so happy that you got to see the lights! And I'm sad that your trip is over. I don't remember them rolling a red carpet out for us when we left! I was probably in too much of a depression. Well, last time I was both in a post-disney depression and a beginning-of-morning-sickness queasiness, so maybe it's no surprise I don't remember!

I'd say you had a good excuse for not seeing the red carpet!

But, once again you made it all better! I'm loving the flashbacks. What a cute idea to get a picture with a cast member from each country. I'm definitely going to try and do that when we go. Makes it feel more like you took a trip "around the world".

Looking forward to more!

Really take notice of the CMs in the countries. They are all dressed very authentic. I took a few more shots like that and they will be in future updates. I am kicking myself for not getting more of them during our '09 trip. I can't believe I forgot!!!

replies in green

All caught up now (DD's birthday party was this weekend so I got no DIS time). The last day is always so sad, but I am loving the flashback trip pictures. Keep them coming - they are fun to look at and relive with you.

Aww, to your DD!!

So glad you are sticking around for the flashbacks. I know it isn't as interesting as a "real" TR, but I'm glad you are enjoying it anyway!

There was still plenty of evening left, so we took a ride on Star Tours. There was no one else in line or on the ride! Kind of weird. I have decided though, that I hate this ride. Yes, I know those are harsh words. I have tried to like it. I really have, but that thing should be called claustrophobia barf tour. It is so small inside there when they shut the doors and the 3D effect combined with the jerky seat is just more than my equilibrium can handle. I starred at the floor the whole time trying to maintain a reference point inside that bottled up, fifth layer of Hell. I was so thankful when it was over and those doors opened up to a nice, spacious, fresh air filled, Florida sky. DH and DD love it of' course. How am I related to them?

First let me say what a great TR you have written! So glad you did get to see the OL! When we went in November the first night I was there they were not on either due to who knows what - but anyway they are truly breath taking. Also, sorry I too did get the blanket - but because I am OCD I won't take it out and use it for fear of it getting ruined - so in my closet it safely remains! As for Barf Tours - yes this summer I went on it with the family and I thought I was having some kind of panic/anxiety attack. I felt like I could not catch my breath and that there was no air circulation going on - it was awful. The feeling of being trapped because you could not get out was terrible. It sort of ruined my day, and then the next day when we went to go on Soarin I backed out as everyone got on and walked right thru, I was afraid the same thing would happen. Oh well they can't all be winners huh!

Thank you so much! The OL were so worth the wait!

Another blanket nabber! I think I was the only person who went to Disney this Christmas who didn't get that blanket!!! I can't believe you aren't using it. That's hilarious!

I really feel for you on the Star Tours thing. That is such a bad feeling. So sorry it did that to you. I felt a lot like that too. But that's true..... you aren't going to like every ride. I've narrowed my dud list down to about 3 or 4rides though, so that isn't too bad. We will just know better next time and we can sit that one out!

Great pictures from All Star Movies. The pool and the overall resort looks a better then All Star Music. I love that Fantasia pool! I never even knew they had a pool like that. The Toy Story location looks really cool too! Maybe I'll keep All Star Movies in the back of my mind when we can get into Pop for a value.

Too bad those dresses make DD itch. She looks so pretty!

I prefer Pop for sure, but I would stay at ASMo again if Pop was full. It is a cute place and the pool is enormous. Even bigger than the Hippy Dippy pool at Pop.

I know! I hate it that they are itchy. She sees all the little girls walking around with their cute dresses and she wants to wear one too but it only lasts 10 minutes and she wants it off! They feel itchy to me too though. I don't know why they don't line them with cotton fabric.

 

[sharonW]

thanks rinky....all your info was very helpful. no decisions
yet, just hope the decision will be a GO. We were there 10
yr ago at thanksgiving and it was crowded, and have been
many time over christmas holiday and of course then its
an absolute mob scene! We haven't been to the world in
five yrs, 5 long yrs so hopefully this trip will come to pass!!

 

[sugar1967]

Thank you so much for your kind comments!

I think the crowd levels are about as good as it gets during the second week of Novemeber. I HATE CROWDS, so I promise you that if it had been crowded in '08, I NEVER would have gone that same week in '09. I've read that January and September are low crowd months also, but the weather doesn't appeal to me in either of those months. We had PERFECT weather both years during that Nov. week. Temps were in the 70's (and low 80's a few days as well one day around 68) and we had no humidity. There was also minimal rain. It may not be that way in 2010 b/c there is never a guarantee, but I would give it shot anyway. If you notice the backgrounds in my pictures, I think you will see that crowds and weather were awesome both years! Also, we were able to get the free dining both years in November. That is such a great deal! Go back and read my response to "SharonW" just before yours. That may have some info you'd be interested in as well. Good luck planning and I hope you guys have a wonderful trip!!!

Thank you so much for the information! We are probably looking at the second week as our Remembrance Day here in Canada is November 11th so it is one day less of school that the girls would miss and once day less of work for me! I work in a school so September is out as we are just nicely back to work and not a chance of taking any time off there. And the thought of nice temps with no humidity is wonderful. When we went in the beginning of October is was soooo humid that even the kids complained about it. Looks like I will plan for the second week and hope for free dining. A question about that - if we make our reservation and add dining at the time of reservation, will it be changed to free dining if it is announced at a later time?? thanks again for all of the info!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

A question about that - if we make our reservation and add dining at the time of reservation, will it be changed to free dining if it is announced at a later time?? thanks again for all of the info!!

If you want the free dining, you will have to pay rack rate for the room, so you would have to call back and change your reservation to add the free dining code if and when it becomes available. They don't do it automatically. You may have a better deal if there is a room discount. I roughly figured that if you stay at a value it is definitely better to pay rack for the room and take the free dining (although it was QSDP last time) and maybe better for mods. If you stay deluxe, it might be better to keep the room discount. You can't combine a room discount and free dining. Plus there are only so many rooms allowed for free dining, so be sure to do it right away when it is announced. I hope you get it!!

 

[sharonW]

I wonder if the free dinning will come to pass again??
I hear disney is stopping some of these excellent perks.
Don't think they've offered the buy 4 get 3 day deal
so far this year, its the gift card offer instead which
is not nearly as good. All good things must come to an
end, I guess!!

 

[sugar1967]

Thanks Sheree for the dining info. We are looking at the values or possibly POR/POFQ depending on whether 4 or 5 of us go. Fingers crossed for the free dining but if not hoping for a great pin code.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

thanks rinky....all your info was very helpful. no decisions
yet, just hope the decision will be a GO. We were there 10
yr ago at thanksgiving and it was crowded, and have been
many time over christmas holiday and of course then its
an absolute mob scene! We haven't been to the world in
five yrs, 5 long yrs so hopefully this trip will come to pass!!

5 years is too long!! You need to get back there asap! Keep us posted on your plans. And if you book something, you must come on here and tell all of us! We can celebrate together!

I think the crowd levels are about as good as it gets during the second week of Novemeber. I HATE CROWDS, so I promise you that if it had been crowded in '08, I NEVER would have gone that same week in '09. I've read that January and September are low crowd months also, but the weather doesn't appeal to me in either of those months. We had PERFECT weather both years during that Nov. week. Temps were in the 70's (and low 80's a few days as well one day around 68) and we had no humidity. There was also minimal rain. It may not be that way in 2010 b/c there is never a guarantee, but I would give it shot anyway. If you notice the backgrounds in my pictures, I think you will see that crowds and weather were awesome both years! Also, we were able to get the free dining both years in November. That is such a great deal! Go back and read my response to "SharonW" just before yours. That may have some info you'd be interested in as well. Good luck planning and I hope you guys have a wonderful trip!!!

Thank you so much for the information! We are probably looking at the second week as our Remembrance Day here in Canada is November 11th so it is one day less of school that the girls would miss and once day less of work for me! I work in a school so September is out as we are just nicely back to work and not a chance of taking any time off there. And the thought of nice temps with no humidity is wonderful. When we went in the beginning of October is was soooo humid that even the kids complained about it. Looks like I will plan for the second week and hope for free dining. A question about that - if we make our reservation and add dining at the time of reservation, will it be changed to free dining if it is announced at a later time?? thanks again for all of the info!!

You don't want to come to the south in September anyway. It is HOT and there's always the chance of a hurricane. So I think going in November is a great choice. We have Veteran's Day during that week so my DD also had one less day of school to miss. Any little bit helps.

And to answer your question on the dining plan...... YES! Go on and book all your reservations (at the 180 day mark if possible) and then if the free dining is offered, Disney will add that to your reservation and you will not have to pay that portion of your package. You will have to call them and request it though. They don't automatically give it to you.

And usually, you can only use one discount. So if you book your package with a room discount now (say you have a 40% off pin code or something), that will come off when you add the free dining. You can't get a room discount and free dining.

And there may be rules and stipulations on the free dining if it comes out. For example, last year, you had to stay at a moderate or a deluxe resort to get the regular dining plan for free. If you chose to stay at a value resort, you only got the counter service dining plan for free. However, I got an email pin code to get the regular dining plan free no matter what resort I chose, so I booked Pop and still got the regular DP. My advise would be to order the free vacation planning DVD off of the Disney World web site. Make sure you fill out the questions they ask you about the trip you are planning, especially when they ask you what month you are interested in. I think if you mark November, it will increase your chance of getting an email offer like I did. That way, even if they have restrictions on the FD this year, you will still be able to get it if you choose to stay at a value resort.

And one more thing....... When FD came out in '08, it was only offered to Disney Visa cardholders. So if you don't already have that card, and you are interested, you might want to get one. There are other benefits as well, like a private character meet and greet. But that is totally up to you and you may not even need it this year to get the FD. In '09, FD was open to everyone, so the card wasn't neccessary. But here's a link to info on the card if you want to check it out:

http://disney.go.com/visa/today/index.html

I hope all that makes sense! If not, let me know and I'll try to explain it better!