Who wants to plan with me? mid Nov - mid Dec - We're up to 110! WOW!

[disneyfan55]

We've done all of that for the past couple of years (through our last trip and this one) - Nada. We can hope, but we're not banking on anything. I'm already booked, and have made several (legitimate) calls inquiring on some info of late and double check on pin codes each time - still nothing. It's all up to the marketing dept I think, and they just don't have love for us x-urban Chicagans, LOL. Heck - I even have a second planning DVD on it's way, since I lost the other one (seriously - how lame am I).

Anyway - that's alright, I told the guy today that for us it just means that we won't be adding on a couple more days to our trip (which was our secret plan).

On to weather and what to consider.... I have little ones going, one boy will be just shy of his 7th birthday (we're celebrating while there) the other closing in on 4yo. Are we talking pants and short sleeves w/jackets at night. Shorts w/jackets - or what? We're from chicago, so we're used to low 60's (sometimes high 50's) at night being 'summer' w/80-90 during the day, LOL.


ETA: We didn't do the mobile alerts - we're with Sprint, and get a killer discount. Love 'em and sticking with them

At the end of Nov it can be either warm/cool or cold. We visited that week a few years ago and wore everything from shorts (only during the day) to long pants and jackets in all the evenings. We were just there in Feb and FL really was experiencing a cold spell with 30-40 at night and in the 40s in the am. Some days only were in the 50s with rain! You can never tell. You kind of should bring all types of clothe.

 

[kittycat9]

At the end of Nov it can be either warm/cool or cold. We visited that week a few years ago and wore everything from shorts (only during the day) to long pants and jackets in all the evenings. We were just there in Feb and FL really was experiencing a cold spell with 30-40 at night and in the 40s in the am. Some days only were in the 50s with rain! You can never tell. You kind of should bring all types of clothe.

I guess it's a good thing we're driving, and that we have a mini van. I can just load up some storage tubs of clothes, and swap out what we need in to suit cases before we check in (or as needed during the trip). We kind of have to bring a variety anyway for the trip - but how much is something to keep in mind.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

I have been working hard on are family webpage- if you get a chance please take a look

weheartdisney . com no spaces.

 

[kittycat9]

I have been working hard on are family webpage- if you get a chance please take a look

weheartdisney . com no spaces.

Fun - I will check them out... Here are some from our trip last year.

http://knoernschild.org/2009/03/page/2/ (start at the bottom and scroll up - there are a couple pages, including DS2s birthday surprise at Tusker House).

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Fun - I will check them out... Here are some from our trip last year.

http://knoernschild.org/2009/03/page/2/ (start at the bottom and scroll up - there are a couple pages, including DS2s birthday surprise at Tusker House).

Your boys are adorable and you took some great pictures!!!!!

 

[lee_d]

I have been working hard on are family webpage- if you get a chance please take a look

weheartdisney . com no spaces.

Great site!!

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Great site!!

thanks im still working on it when i can

 

[lee_d]

question on character meals

We got the DDP for our trip in Dec 5-12th. I have a couple of questions since we have never done the DDP and the last time my Wife and I visited WDW was in 1998. We now have 2 boys(6 and 2) with one on the way that will be 8 mos at the time we go.

During the time we are going its listed as a "value season", will the character meal locations be packed?

We are trying for CP, Liberty Tree, Biergarten right now. What are others that you had good interaction at?

Also would you recommend breakfast or lunch for the interaction meals?

thanx

 

[kittycat9]

If you're talking breakfast character dining - our very best experience was an 8:15 am ADR at Tusker House (Donald's Breakfast). Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Micky, Goofy & Pluto all showed up. It was before the park opened - so the characters were available and came through. The breakfast buffet was also the best we had while at Disney. Each character stopped at the table, and took time to pose, sign autographs and kiss. My boys were 5 and 2 (celebrating his 2nd birthday). Daisy brought him a cupcake, and all the characters gave him a signed birthday card. That was probably the most magical moment of our trip - next to the fireworks and racetrack of course.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

ETA: We didn't do the mobile alerts - we're with Sprint, and get a killer discount. Love 'em and sticking with them

I have At&t you can do mobile alerts with any phone provider as long as you have text messaging

 

[lee_d]

If you're talking breakfast character dining - our very best experience was an 8:15 am ADR at Tusker House (Donald's Breakfast). Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Micky, Goofy & Pluto all showed up. It was before the park opened - so the characters were available and came through. The breakfast buffet was also the best we had while at Disney. Each character stopped at the table, and took time to pose, sign autographs and kiss. My boys were 5 and 2 (celebrating his 2nd birthday). Daisy brought him a cupcake, and all the characters gave him a signed birthday card. That was probably the most magical moment of our trip - next to the fireworks and racetrack of course.

thanks for the info. i guess i am trying to get an overall feel for the DDP. it seems most have the breakfast character interactions and i am just trying to mix it up a little between lunch and breakfast

 

[lee_d]

I have At&t you can do mobile alerts with any phone provider as long as you have text messaging

ditto.. i have AT&T also. if you have the texting package you should be okay. but if they send out pics and you dont have the data package they might charge you?

 

[kittycat9]

thanks for the info. i guess i am trying to get an overall feel for the DDP. it seems most have the breakfast character interactions and i am just trying to mix it up a little between lunch and breakfast

If you go early to Tusker - you also have a great chance of getting on the Kilimanjaro safari before the line picks up. Early morning was a fantastic time for us to see all the animals - our guide said it's usually the best time of the day. And we did see every one, including the elusive Cheetahs. That ride isn't far from the trains that take you up to Rafiki and back down.

You mention CP - are you referring to Crystal Palace? If so, I'll be honest, that was the worst of our entire trip. It was honestly so bad - we complained. The server that never came back to the table. The characters that barely made it around before we were done eating. Feeling rushed out by the people marking available tables hovering over us (I understand they needed the tables, but we had the ADR for the characters). And the cold, over cooked - very, very bad food. Not a highlight, very forgettable. The only thing about it was that it was the only real option in Magic Kingdom.

This time I'm thinking out of the box for MK day, and leaving the park for TS. Kona at Poly in the AM before the park opens - coupled with the (free - yay - boat ride), and Whispering Canyon at WL for Dinner. WC was a BLAST. My older son could not stop laughing the entire time, "Anybody have any ketchup!!!". Too much food - but oh so good. And of course - free boat ride there as well. Best part was on the return we saw the early fireworks at MK and all these lit up structures along the shores as we came around.

 

[newtodis]

Wow you guys have been busy!

I agree that the weather the year we were there in Dec was super nice during the day and super cold at night - the wind was terrible one night and we froze! We're from MI and have only lived in SC for a couple of years so we're still "used to" the cold. We're driving as well and packing for just about anything (which I usually do anyways! ) Thankfully we're renting a pretty big house so I just have to be able to get it in the van to get there and leave enough room for my purchases on the way home!

I'm still tossing the free dining in my head...I really hope it's offered for everyone. I'm hoping for an affordable way to stay on site to be able to get the free dining too...maybe I'll figure something out.

I'm so ready for park hours to come out so I can start figuring out some general park days!

 

[lee_d]

I was reading about Tusker last night. That will probably be a must do, exactly for what you said about the safari!!
We are staying at WL so I plan on one dinner on at WC. I have read the interaction there with the servers are very good!!

Yea on Crystal Palace, I have read both ways, some families had a blast and others said it really bad. I am still out on this one, esp since its Pooh and Tigger, my boys are all about Mickey, Goofey and the gang. I think that one will be a last minute 180 day out decision.

What about the crowds during the time we are going? Dec 5-12... I read that some places that take ADR were not full and it was no wait time on getting a table?

 

[kittycat9]

I was reading about Tusker last night. That will probably be a must do, exactly for what you said about the safari!!
We are staying at WL so I plan on one dinner on at WC. I have read the interaction there with the servers are very good!!

Yea on Crystal Palace, I have read both ways, some families had a blast and others said it really bad. I am still out on this one, esp since its Pooh and Tigger, my boys are all about Mickey, Goofey and the gang. I think that one will be a last minute 180 day out decision.

What about the crowds during the time we are going? Dec 5-12... I read that some places that take ADR were not full and it was no wait time on getting a table?

I've not been during that time of the year, but I've read the same thing as you. I've been the week of thanksgiving and spring break. Both completely, maddening insane - but I still managed to get in where I wanted for the most part. Le Cellier I didn't get until the day of - but I got in. Our stay will be the 26th-4th, but most of our scheduled ADRs will probably start the 28th for flex purposes and anticipating crowds. With 180+10, we're expecting problems the 26th-27th with it being the end of Turkeyday weekend, but from what the CMs, AAA TA, and others here have told me - we're banking that we'll get what we want after that point. And that's okay, because we're actually planning to resort hop (visit/photograph and see DTD) the first two days, just to avoid the park crowds and take in the Christmas decor.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

ditto.. i have AT&T also. if you have the texting package you should be okay. but if they send out pics and you dont have the data package they might charge you?

hmm i think they only send out text so long as you dont click the links if they send links your ok. i have an iPhone so i have data anyways

 

[lee_d]

hmm i think they only send out text so long as you dont click the links if they send links your ok. i have an iPhone so i have data anyways

I believe so also but they had "data charges may apply" also..I got the BBerry Bold so I'm in the same boat as the Iphone with the data package.

 

[newtodis]

I spent a bit of time this morning on the DIS and found a few threads that might help some of our planners here out. Feel free to link some other threads as well - we all don't have time to cruise the DIS all day (other than in our dreams!) to find things out.

Secrets for Enjoying a Nov/Dec Trip
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2416690

Ideas for Disney without the kiddos
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2416377

Official Fantasy Lane Expansion Questions
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2394175

Thread of people waiting for MVMCP dates to be announced
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2415671

MVMCP before Thanksgiving
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2409430

MVMCP Least Crowded Days
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2415983

Late Nov Trip Advice
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2415714

TGM vs Ride Max vs Unofficial Guide
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2414899

Like I said above, it's just some things I thought people here would find helpful for planning some park things. I'll check out the restraurant board here in a little bit and see if there's anything good over there!

 

[lee_d]

Awesome!!!!!!!! Thank you