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

[Mindy5767]

i am always requesting maps, dvd's i "saved" a few trips in my disney account and i get pins ALL the darn time! i also got the 40% off trip but we already booked 40% off with another pin they gave us! If you married and have different emails id make two disney accounts and save different trips and stuff. Twice as likly to get a pin!!!

That is a great piece of advice! Thanks. I haven't requested a DVD in a while because I've "seen it all" or planned a trip online. I'll do that too.

 

[Craftsman Revival]

We are starting to make reservations, so it feels more 'official' now.

So here goes:


*Where are you staying? et
Right now we are staying for two days at the CR (part of our group is at AKL), 1 week at condos at the Marriott, and a few days that aren't yet booked.

*When are you going?
As of right now, the plan is Nov 20 - Dec 4

*Who's in your group?
Right now there are 8 of us. Me, hubbie and son. My sister, her hubby and son. Our Mom & Dad.

*What is everyone hoping for as far as ADRS?
So far we have ADRs at Boma, O'hana and The Plaza. I'm pretty happy with what we have so far.

*What are you looking most forward to?
Spending time w/ my family and actually getting to take a vacation, which we haven't done in years. This is also to celebrate our son's high school graduation, so I'm looking forward to that as well!

*Are you using any other site to help you plan?
Mostly the Dis and the official WDW site (as well as the occassional YouTube video!)

*What are you doing to get in the Disney spirit now?
Planning

 

[princess-rn]

Ok..so here's our updated plans with ADRs. Just thought I'd share......(You guys already have my info from pg one..this is just FYI. )

December 3-4th- we are driving down from B'ham, Alabama. Since there are so many of us that drive (5) we are most likely going to leave around 9pm or so Friday night and drive overnight to miss traffic and such. This first day we are staying at the Downtown Disney Hilton. We started this tradition a few years ago and are now going to share it with DH's family. It's like a little "vacation" before our official vacation starts! No sure where we will eat Saturday night..but it will be somewhere in DTD and NOT the Earl of Sandwich or Captain Jacks. (see my past trip reports for explanations on that)

December 5- checking into our "home" POFQ. Our FAVORITE resort (With GF running a close 2nd) Spend the day at Magic Kingdom with Lunch as Casey's and dinner at Chef Mickey's (first night tradition). After dinner head to HS for EMH.

December 6- Hollywood Studios with lunch at Pizza Planet (a must for DS) and dinner at Ohana. After Dinner head to MK for EMH.

December 7- Epcot. Not sure where we will have lunch as DH and I usually eat different "bites" around WS for lunch. Not sure if the fam is going to want to do the same thing or acutally sit down and eat. Dinner (HOPEFULLY) at LeCellier with the Candlelight processional package. Followed by Candlelight Processional and Illuminations.

December 8- Animal Kingdom with lunch at Pizzafari and Dinner at 1900 Park Fare. After Dinner possibly head back to Animal kingdom for EMH.

December 9- DH, DS and DFIL going on a fishing trip. The girls will probably sleep in this day. Not sure where lunch will be. Dinner is at Liberty Tree Tavern followed by MVMCP!!

December 10- Totally open day. We will be out of DDP TS credits. (if we get the CP package and it's 2 TS credits) so we are heading to DTD to eat at Planet Hollywood.

December 11- We are heading back home but will prob try to make it to a park before we leave.



I've left more open days than I usually due mainly because we are traveling with MIL, FIL and SIL and I'm not sure how that is going to go.

 

[princess-rn]

BTW...when I booked LTT it said this was not a character meal. Every other time we've been there it's been a character meal. Anyone know anything about this?

 

[princess-rn]

Hey! Just saw that as of January 2009 LTT is no longer a character meal. Guess I missed that. **OOPS** We didn't eat there last May.

 

[Mindy5767]

its a shame you had a bad experience at Earl of Sandwich. I understand your DS not wanting crunchy bread. Little ones can be very picky and they don't like when you mess with the classics. MY DD7 loves mac & cheese, but it had better be Kraft. None of this home made slaving over the stove stuff for her!

We ate at Earl of Sandwich during our July 09 trip. It was our 2nd visit and was very positive. It was very crowded, but we managed to get a table inside that was large enough to share with others. Our sandwiches were large and very tasty. I don't remember what DD7 ordered, but she ate it. We also remembered to ask for our AAA Show your Card and Save discount! Sometimes, maybe it pays to look around at what other diners are eating and if it looks good, then maybe order that! I had something with tuna. I am always in search of the ideal tuna sandwich, and the one at Earl was great.

 

[Melodious]

December 5- checking into our "home" POFQ. Our FAVORITE resort (With GF running a close 2nd)

Hey, last time my mom and I went to WDW (in 2006) we stayed at POFQ and loved it . This time we got the white rabbit pin and are staying at the GF! We've always wanted to stay there. I think we'll be happy at the GF particularly considering our activities this trip, but I have to admit, we loved POFQ so much we were a little nervous about the switch!

We'll have to go to POFQ to get my mom the beignets, though. Wonder how that will work. Guess we'll have to take the monorail to MK then catch a bus to POFQ in the morning?

BTW...when I booked LTT it said this was not a character meal. Every other time we've been there it's been a character meal. Anyone know anything about this?

Yeah it's not a character meal anymore, I couldn't tell you why. But we still have an ADR there for dinner too on Nov 20th. I actually just really like the food

 

[princess-rn]

its a shame you had a bad experience at Earl of Sandwich. I understand your DS not wanting crunchy bread. Little ones can be very picky and they don't like when you mess with the classics. MY DD7 loves mac & cheese, but it had better be Kraft. None of this home made slaving over the stove stuff for her!

We ate at Earl of Sandwich during our July 09 trip. It was our 2nd visit and was very positive. It was very crowded, but we managed to get a table inside that was large enough to share with others. Our sandwiches were large and very tasty. I don't remember what DD7 ordered, but she ate it. We also remembered to ask for our AAA Show your Card and Save discount! Sometimes, maybe it pays to look around at what other diners are eating and if it looks good, then maybe order that! I had something with tuna. I am always in search of the ideal tuna sandwich, and the one at Earl was great.

Yeah..I was REALLY looking forward to EOS because I had heard SO much good stuff about it! Needless to say we were very disappointed. I must say though..my soon to be 8 yr old is a bit more adventurous on what he will eat (as long as it's not green..we are still working on our love of veggies with him) so he might actually like the crunchy bread now. I should have looked around at what other people were eating to get a better idea of what to order. Lesson learned!

Hey, last time my mom and I went to WDW (in 2006) we stayed at POFQ and loved it . This time we got the white rabbit pin and are staying at the GF! We've always wanted to stay there. I think we'll be happy at the GF particularly considering our activities this trip, but I have to admit, we loved POFQ so much we were a little nervous about the switch!

We'll have to go to POFQ to get my mom the beignets, though. Wonder how that will work. Guess we'll have to take the monorail to MK then catch a bus to POFQ in the morning?



Yeah it's not a character meal anymore, I couldn't tell you why. But we still have an ADR there for dinner too on Nov 20th. I actually just really like the food

CONGRATS on the pin!!! Woo-Hoo!!! POFQ is our favorite by far...but like you I had ALWAYS wanted to stay at GF so Christmas 2007 my DH suprised me with a split stay at POFQ and GF. It was WONDERFUL!! I LOVED it. I think on our next trip (with just the 3 of us) we may try to stay there again. I think DH liked it MUCH more than he thought he would! Don't be nervous you will LOVE it! Ahh yes..the beignets...yum! Maybe instead of taking the Monorail to MK you could take it to the Transportation and Ticket center for a bus. It might be quicker than MK.. Good luck!! Let us know how you like GF!

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Just checking in. Its been a ruff work week so far, least i have Disney to look forward too

 

[ag98]

Got all our ADRS and got mostly what and when we wanted!

Day 1: Trex for dinner
Day 3: Le Cellier for lunch; Garden Grill for dinner (may skip this)
Day 4: Crystal Palace for breakfast; Cindy's for dinner
Day 5: Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner before MVMCP
Day 6: Ohana for dinner

Really excited to get these locked in! December can't get her fast enough - especially since it's been so HOT here in TX lately!

 

[Melodious]

CONGRATS on the pin!!! Woo-Hoo!!! POFQ is our favorite by far...but like you I had ALWAYS wanted to stay at GF so Christmas 2007 my DH suprised me with a split stay at POFQ and GF. It was WONDERFUL!! I LOVED it. I think on our next trip (with just the 3 of us) we may try to stay there again. I think DH liked it MUCH more than he thought he would! Don't be nervous you will LOVE it! Ahh yes..the beignets...yum! Maybe instead of taking the Monorail to MK you could take it to the Transportation and Ticket center for a bus. It might be quicker than MK.. Good luck!! Let us know how you like GF!

Thanks so much!! We're really excited about the GF so I think we'll love it . It's really the 'theme' that appeals the most to my mom and I, and certainly after living in dark houses and lush tropical greenery for a year in Liberia I think the GF will be a welcome change!

But in particular we're excited about the transportation options at a monorail resort. I can't remember the last time I was on the monorail so I'm still trying to figure out how best to get places. Thanks for the advice about the TTC. Are there buses there all the time, and they're easy to get to I'm assuming?

 

[Mindy5767]

Thanks so much!! We're really excited about the GF so I think we'll love it . It's really the 'theme' that appeals the most to my mom and I, and certainly after living in dark houses and lush tropical greenery for a year in Liberia I think the GF will be a welcome change!

But in particular we're excited about the transportation options at a monorail resort. I can't remember the last time I was on the monorail so I'm still trying to figure out how best to get places. Thanks for the advice about the TTC. Are there buses there all the time, and they're easy to get to I'm assuming?

Disney buses are easy to find and are all over the place. I think just about every resort offers buses to each theme park. The resort monorail will take you between the Grand, the Poly and the Contemporary. There is also an EPCOT monorail that will take you to the TTC and EPCOT. (I think I got that right?)... The boat launches are also enjoyable transportation, especially between EPCOT and Beach Club. Or Saratoga and Downtown Disney.

 

[Melodious]

Disney buses are easy to find and are all over the place. I think just about every resort offers buses to each theme park. The resort monorail will take you between the Grand, the Poly and the Contemporary. There is also an EPCOT monorail that will take you to the TTC and EPCOT. (I think I got that right?)... The boat launches are also enjoyable transportation, especially between EPCOT and Beach Club. Or Saratoga and Downtown Disney.

Ok I'm definitely showing some stupidity here so bear with me. I hear people talk a lot about the TTC and I'm just wondering exactly what it is and where it goes. Why is it easier to get a bus there to POFQ than at MK? Isn't the TTC more crowded or is it simply less walking to get to the bus there than at MK? Are there any other forms of transportation there besides buses and the Epcot monorail? I know there is a boat from GF to MK and can't you get a boat at MK to go to WL? Can you walk from Epcot to the Beachclub, we want to eat at Beaches n' Cream? How do you get from the GF to DTD or the GF to Saratoga to DTD? I know there is a bus from the GF to AK and DHS. And there aren't buses from one park to another park or from one resort to another resort, right? Hmmm maybe this isn't the right place to be asking all this, but any help is appreciated

 

[princess-rn]

Thanks so much!! We're really excited about the GF so I think we'll love it . It's really the 'theme' that appeals the most to my mom and I, and certainly after living in dark houses and lush tropical greenery for a year in Liberia I think the GF will be a welcome change!

But in particular we're excited about the transportation options at a monorail resort. I can't remember the last time I was on the monorail so I'm still trying to figure out how best to get places. Thanks for the advice about the TTC. Are there buses there all the time, and they're easy to get to I'm assuming?

Yes the 'theme' is GREAT! Bright and airy and BEAUTIFUL!!!! ESPECIALLY during the holidays!
Yes, the transportation options are GREAT at a monorail resort. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Ok I'm definitely showing some stupidity here so bear with me. I hear people talk a lot about the TTC and I'm just wondering exactly what it is and where it goes. Why is it easier to get a bus there to POFQ than at MK? Isn't the TTC more crowded or is it simply less walking to get to the bus there than at MK? Are there any other forms of transportation there besides buses and the Epcot monorail? I know there is a boat from GF to MK and can't you get a boat at MK to go to WL? Can you walk from Epcot to the Beachclub, we want to eat at Beaches n' Cream? How do you get from the GF to DTD or the GF to Saratoga to DTD? I know there is a bus from the GF to AK and DHS. And there aren't buses from one park to another park or from one resort to another resort, right? Hmmm maybe this isn't the right place to be asking all this, but any help is appreciated

You are NOT showing stupidity btw! Getting in and around Disney can be super difficult. Sometimes it's like a game to try to figure out the best way to get places. The TTC is the Ticket and Transportation Center. I think of it as the "hub" of all transportation at disney. (with the exception of the ferries..I don't think they go there...but then again we don't take them much so they may.) You can park your car at the TTC and go to the parks via disney transportation..you can connect to other forms of Disney transportation here (monorail/buses) The main reason I said go here instead of transfering to MK and THEN to a bus is b/c I think it's more equipt (sp?) for transfering from resort to resort than going to the MK/other parks.. THEN fighting the people trying to get to the entrance while you are trying to get to the buses. TTC will be crowded...but we've found it to be a better "transfer connection" though. Now.....with that said....MK is the first stop once you board the monorail at GF...so...there's that to think about. Geesh..I'm no help huh Buses do not go from resort to resort..so you have to have a transfer point. There are buses at GF that go to DHS, AK, DTD and the water parks. You can walk throught the international gateway at Epcot to any boardwalk resort/resturant. We've never done this...but I know you can!
Ok..so now that I've totally confused you good luck on your traveling/transfering. I enjoy trying to come up with the best way to get to locations...well..I enjoy doing it BEFORE I'm on vacation. Once I'm there I just want to go!

 

[princess-rn]

Has anyone heard anything about the Candlelight Processional Dinner packages??? I've been calling everyday to try to book and so far the Disney folks know NOTHING! It's the LAST ADR I need to book and it's driving me nuts. Ok..so not totally nuts..but I like everything neat and tidy when it comes to plans.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Has anyone heard anything about the Candlelight Processional Dinner packages??? I've been calling everyday to try to book and so far the Disney folks know NOTHING! It's the LAST ADR I need to book and it's driving me nuts. Ok..so not totally nuts..but I like everything neat and tidy when it comes to plans.

I talked to my person at the Itinerary Planning office for AKL yesterday. He said they are set to open up the reservations for CP in July or August.

 

[MamaCrush]

You are NOT showing stupidity btw! Getting in and around Disney can be super difficult.

If you have an iphone or itouch, you can get an app called "OLP Transportation Wizard" where you can put in your starting location and destination and it will give you various transportation options with approximate travel times. Pretty cool.

 

[princess-rn]

I talked to my person at the Itinerary Planning office for AKL yesterday. He said they are set to open up the reservations for CP in July or August.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! FINALLY someone with information!!

If you have an iphone or itouch, you can get an app called "OLP Transportation Wizard" where you can put in your starting location and destination and it will give you various transportation options with approximate travel times. Pretty cool.

Cool!! I have a G1..I wonder if I have that app...hmmmmm....

 

[Melodious]

You are NOT showing stupidity btw! Getting in and around Disney can be super difficult. Sometimes it's like a game to try to figure out the best way to get places. The TTC is the Ticket and Transportation Center. I think of it as the "hub" of all transportation at disney. (with the exception of the ferries..I don't think they go there...but then again we don't take them much so they may.) You can park your car at the TTC and go to the parks via disney transportation..you can connect to other forms of Disney transportation here (monorail/buses) The main reason I said go here instead of transfering to MK and THEN to a bus is b/c I think it's more equipt (sp?) for transfering from resort to resort than going to the MK/other parks.. THEN fighting the people trying to get to the entrance while you are trying to get to the buses. TTC will be crowded...but we've found it to be a better "transfer connection" though. Now.....with that said....MK is the first stop once you board the monorail at GF...so...there's that to think about. Geesh..I'm no help huh Buses do not go from resort to resort..so you have to have a transfer point. There are buses at GF that go to DHS, AK, DTD and the water parks. You can walk throught the international gateway at Epcot to any boardwalk resort/resturant. We've never done this...but I know you can!
Ok..so now that I've totally confused you good luck on your traveling/transfering. I enjoy trying to come up with the best way to get to locations...well..I enjoy doing it BEFORE I'm on vacation. Once I'm there I just want to go!

Yeah it's always better to be prepared. So do buses go directly to the TTC from the parks or resorts? Is it a good place in general to go when park hopping?

If you have an iphone or itouch, you can get an app called "OLP Transportation Wizard" where you can put in your starting location and destination and it will give you various transportation options with approximate travel times. Pretty cool.

Wow. When I get back to the US, I may need to get that kinda phone before our trip!

 

[Mindy5767]

Yeah it's always better to be prepared. So do buses go directly to the TTC from the parks or resorts? Is it a good place in general to go when park hopping?



Wow. When I get back to the US, I may need to get that kinda phone before our trip!

Um... no... You cannot take a bus from a resort to the TTC. I do believe there must be buses from the parks to the TTC, because you might be parked there. This is why there is a TTC. MK is isolated. It is surrounded by a lake. If you drive to MK, you end up in a parking lot the size of Delaware. This parking lot is where you will find the TTC. You actually are not dropped off right by the MK entrance like you are with other parks. If you take a bus from a resort to the MK, the bus goes to the front entrance, area just beyond where the monorail exit lands you. If you were to park at a section of the MK lot, you might be for instance, parked in Minnie Mouse.. then you get on a tram to get you to the TTC. right? I'm confusing myself. Yes.. I think that's it... and you then from the TTC, take the monorail to the entrance... or the boat.

Just know that when you check into your resort, the packet that they give you has a thick brochure with the castle on it. In the center of the booklet is a guide to Disney Transportation. It is laid out very well. It will say for instance... to get to Magic Kingdom... and then under that... it will list all the ways to get there. There will be an entry for each park and other options such as DTD, resort to resort.

We usually stay at Saratoga. To get to Saratoga from any of the parks, take a Saratoga Bus from the bus bay. To get to Saratoga from DTD, you can walk around the lake (there is a path on both sides of DTD) or take the boat launch. You can walk to Beach Club (beaches and cream) from the World Gateway entrance at EPCOT (there is also a boat launch there). It is really not a long walk. We could have taken the boat, but the walk is so pleasant. I do not think that there is a bus from BC-YC or BW to EPCOT which is why the boat launch. You can also walk to DHS from the boardwalk area resorts. You can also find resort maps online. If you can't find them here on the WDWinfo.com, you can look at allears.net. I know she has maps in pdf form that you can download.

It really isn't difficult once you get here and you have your handy guide. Also.. that same guide has a listing of all the restaurants, and a brief description, and information on other recreation and what numbers to call to reserve... such as golf, boating, bikes etc.