General WDW Planning for 11/9-11/18

[Chickapin Chick]

Greetings, everyone! After months of posting replies, I am so excited to begin my first thread on WDW Magic. (That being said, I apologize profusely if my questions have been answered in other topics. I did a search, but I was unable to find the exact answer I was looking for.)

To begin, I got a pleasant surprise from United Airlines (isn't that funny...I just used 'pleasant surprise' and 'United Airlines' in the same sentence). Apparently, I didn't realize that I have 60,000 miles sitting in my Mileage Plus account, which must be cashed in by August 31st. Well, since destination is irrelevant in reward travel (meaning it will cost you 25,000 miles regardless if you go to Los Angeles or New York), I was not about to cash in these miles and not travel out of my timezone (I live in California). So I thought, "I am so totally going to Walt Disney World." I just got my first post-college job, too, which means I am going to earn and enjoy my vacation as a hard-working adult.

I am looking to book November 9th - November 18th (literally right before Veteran's Day). On to the questions:

1. Is the resort fully decorated by Christmas during this time? It's not that decorations are my first priority (even though I know they are beautiful). My concern is about the resort being in a state of flux as it is transformed for the holidays. I apologize if this sounds petty, but I don't want an in-between looking WDW. If it's fully decorated, awesome. I seem to recall that Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins in November. Is this wrong? If anyone can confirm the appearance of WDW during these dates, I would appreciate it very much.

2. The official Disney World website calendar is only listed through October. Are theme park hours generally shorter during this time? All my life my family and I have only visited Disney parks during the peak times of the year because of school and work, but now that I am controlling my own schedule, it's my first time visiting during a slower part of the season. Or maybe it's not slow at all. I don't know.

3. My ultimate dream is to stay at a Monorail resort, but I don't think I can afford that right now (I'm trying to pressure my family into going in on a Contemporary or Polynesian reservation with me as a birthday present later this month). However, I am probably going to end up at a Moderate. I know I know this is a vague question, but which one is best? Coronado Springs looks the nicest, but I don't want to be in the Animal Kingdom Area. I'm told that of the Port Orleans resorts, French Quarter is better because of the bus schedule. Caribbean Beach would be lovely too, but it looks awfully massive, and I've heard the rooms here aren't as clean as they should be.

I have written way too much. I suppose I'm just too excited, because now, I can read the boards here knowing I'm not just talking about Walt Disney World - I'm going to Walt Disney World.

P.S. Disney's Magical Express looks awesome, but I have one question - can you reserve a ride but NOT have them handle your luggage? Meaning, can you pick it up yourself at baggage claim and load it onto the bus? After losing my wallet this week, I don't like being separated from my luggage.

 

[raven]

P.S. Disney's Magical Express looks awesome, but I have one question - can you reserve a ride but NOT have them handle your luggage? Meaning, can you pick it up yourself at baggage claim and load it onto the bus? After losing my wallet this week, I don't like being separated from my luggage.

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :sohappy:

About Magical Express, yes you can pick up your bags and bring them with you on the bus. After our fiasco last time we prefer to do it this way now. We didn't get our bags until the next morning and didn't have anything to wear but the clothes that we wore on the plain the day before. Plus all of our personal items were in those bags. So go ahead and bring 'em aboard!

 

[nibblesandbits]

I just read on another thread...on a brochure for the Flower and Garden festival...that Osborne Specatcle of Lights (and I believe the Christmas Parties for MK) start somewhere around the 12-14. I don't remember the date exactly...but it was right in there. So the decorations will be up...at least for the most part anyway.

 

[LoriMistress]

I've been to WDW during 11/9 to 11/16 but that was back in 2003. During this time, the weather is cooler (barely humid.) It was around 70 degrees the entire time. At time, it may get a bit chilly in the evening but if you bring a sweatshirt, you should be okay.

There is very little Christmas decorations that are displayed. The Christmas decorations were not in the parks itself, but at ASMu, there was a Christmas tree up and a few wreathes. The Christmas decorations doesn't all go up until the week after Thanksgiving.

The parks does close early. The parks open at 8am (if it was EMH) and the park opened at 9am and it normally closed around 7-8pm. Though, because the crowds are much lighter (also depending which park you go during which day) then during regular season. FPs would be frequent and as long as you follow the FP system you will not wait in line. The only time the park was actually busy was on Veteran's Day when DH and I went to MK on that day (which was crowded, but not as crowded as I expected.) The longest line we saw was 45 minute wait.

I never been to a moderate resort, but choose which fits your personality. If you're really into the old fashion New Orleans feel then I woudl choose either POQC or POR. But if you're more into the tropical atmosphere then I would suggest CBR. If you're more into the soutwest feel, then pick the CSR.

As for the Mears/Disney Express, I believe as long as the luggage is carry on and it's only one or two bags, there shouldn't be an issue...unless if the bus is crowded (which it will most likely not be), then I can't imagine how it could be an issue.

 

[daverube]

Congrats!!!

The wife and I stayed at the WL last fall (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4). Halloween decorations were up through the 31st (obviously). However, to our surprise, the Christmas decorations started popping up on Nov. 1 and were complete (at least as far as the non-Osborne decorations) by Nov. 3.

As to your staying on the Monorail line, when booking our trip, we found it a bit more pricey than the WL.....it wasn't whacko, out-of-this-world expensive, but it was a about a hundred dollars more per night if we upgraded. As noted above, we decided to stay at the WL (it was our first time) and figure that we'll stay there from now on. The WL has great theming, it is close to the MK (in fact, taking the bus to the T&TC to get to the MK and EPCOT is MUCH faster than the boats or other buses) and the staff was fantastic.....

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

my 2 cents,

dave

 

[eroyee]

:wave: Yaay! going to disney!! If you can afford a deluxe resort after all, I would recommend WL. we love it there. If not, CS is a conference hotel so there are a lot of suits there all the time. and its spread out,too. Lots of walking. We never had any trouble with cleanliness at CB. lots of walking there,too. Our fave is POR. however, the busses usually stop at POFQ first, so sometimes its standing room only when you get on. Just have a magical trip. we will be right behind you in December. :sohappy:

 

[SarahBella82]

I was in FL October 28-November 1 last year, and the weather was perfect: 80-90 and clear (not humid). The nights and early mornings were a little cool (but being from Maine, I went with sandals and shorts anyway).

I would advocate Port Orleans French Quarter. I stayed as a kid, and I remember that it was beautiful, on the small side relatively speaking. I haven't been recently, but I'm certain it still has the same charm.

In case you were wondering, crowd levels were very low when I was there. Not sure about your week in particular, since it's right before Veterans' Day.

 

[Chickapin Chick]

Thanks so much to everyone who has responded so far. I very much appreciate the various tips, and most especially the extended congratulations.

Keep the advice coming!


P.S. Eroyee - I'll be sure to leave the resort ready for you when I leave.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Isn't that Jersey Week this year?

Even if it is, crowds are not so bad that weekend. I was actually very pleasantly surprised at how lite the crowds were last year.

As for decorations, lots of them were up, especially in MK, since Very Merry starts that weekend. The resorts were starting to put them up (literally- I saw the workers at Pop setting up their tree one morning on my way to breakfast). The Osborn lights were definitely on, as I was very happy to be able to see them.

All in all, it's a nice time to visit, because of the relatively low crowds, and the fact that the holiday celebration is getting ready to start.

 

[SweetPea]

We were at WDW the week before Thanksgiving in 2004. Most, if not all, of the Christmas decorations were up in the resorts. The decorations were just starting to show up in the parks as well. That being said, we also were there the first week of December last year (2006) and the major decorations and huge Christmas tree at MK did not show up until our last day there (12-9)! We couldn't quite figure that out. Anyway, your week in November should be just lovely. The weather was fantastic and we barely waited 20 minutes for any ride and only used FP a few times.

I would recommend POR. It is just beautiful, but being from the South made me somewhat partial to the antebellum feel. Enjoy! We're headed back Nov. 10-17 and can't wait!!!:sohappy:

 

[Chickapin Chick]

We're headed back Nov. 10-17 and can't wait!!!

Maybe I'll see you there! Thanks for the advice.

 

[Kman101]

I was at Disney-MGM last November, 11th and 12th, for Super Soap Weekend. If big crowds aren't your thing, I'd stay away from MGM on November 10th and 11th of this year. Soap fans will be out full force, although, if you can deal with crowds, virtually all of the rides are walk on, or very little wait as most of the folks there are for the soap stars (so that weekend might be a good time to check out MGM, if you plan to visit all of the parks)

I checked my photos from the event and I did spot a small Christmas tree ... so yes, I'd say there probably will be either full Christmas decorations, or they are in the process of decorating.

 

[DSNYKID]

We will be there around the same time too. I think we arrive on 11/10.

We went the same time last year. Here are some answers to your questions.


I would say that during this time the resport is about 90-95% Christmas decorated. Last year during this week, there was a Mickey Mouse Christmas Party and the Osborne Family lights were up and running at MGM.

The parks are open until at least 8pm with late hours on Friday and Saturday for sure.

Here is something to consider when trying to get a room. We usually stay at one of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Sunday through Thursday. I have information about people that are DVC members and you get to stay at one of these great resorts for a fraction of the price you would pay through 407-WDISNEY. It does cost alot to stay at these DVC resorts Friday and Saturday nights. Maybe you could pick a monorail resort and use the money saved from your DVC stay and spent two nights at the Poly or Contemp. DVC resorts are found at Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Old Key West, Beach and Yacht Club... and many more.

Magical Express is a nice service.... Im sure they will work with you.


Consider the Disney Dining Plan while you are there!

Let me know if you need more info!

DSNYKID!

 

[a disney child]

:sohappy: I have to tell you christmas season at Poly or Contemp is the way to go. My family and I blow off Chicago for Christmas itself. My way of keeping the cost down is 11/19 is the last day of value season. If you start your stay before that date, you lock in the value rate. Since I hate cold weather so much it doesnt bother me to have our extended family Christmas before we go. It does get a bit crowded, but its Disney,the CMs and guests just dont mind as many people. It is a fantastic time to go. Just run a few dates on the online res to get an idea. You havent done Disney till youve done Christmas!

:xmas: Enjoy:xmas:

 

[ktrevarrow]

We always go down at that time of year and love it. The crowds are generally light and the weather is comfortable. Another thing happening Nov 9-11 is the Festival of the Masters Art Show at Downtown Disney - West Side. There are about 200 artists from all over the country and all different types of art. If you are into that, it is a nice show. Regarding decorations, usually they are in progress at the resorts and Downtown Disney, but not so much at the parks with the exception of the Osborne Spectacle of Lights. The published start date this year is November 12th, but they are usually running previews a few days before that to work out any problems. Have a great time!

 

[Chickapin Chick]

:sohappy: I have to tell you christmas season at Poly or Contemp is the way to go. My family and I blow off Chicago for Christmas itself. My way of keeping the cost down is 11/19 is the last day of value season. If you start your stay before that date, you lock in the value rate. Since I hate cold weather so much it doesnt bother me to have our extended family Christmas before we go. It does get a bit crowded, but its Disney,the CMs and guests just dont mind as many people. It is a fantastic time to go. Just run a few dates on the online res to get an idea. You havent done Disney till youve done Christmas!

You know, I am becoming increasingly tempted to just book the Poly or CR, even though it's not exactly in my budget (it will work, but I'll have to be extremely frugal during the rest of the year). That's what credit cards are for, right? We won't be renting a car, and although I am a big fan of the Disney bus service, we really want the peace of mind knowing that we are saving time and stress by having a monorail at our resort. One problem - the (cheaper) CR is already booked for my projected travel dates! Should I keep trying for the CR, or should I secure a reservation at the Poly?

By the way, Disney Child - I have done Disneyland at Christmas, and I was utterly blown away by the beauty that surrounded me. I can't wait to see Christmas WDW style!

And to everyone who has responded - you totally rock!