[mahs1123]

So I am planning my Nov. 28 to Dec 3rd trip staying at WL. This is all so new, exciting and CRAZY. So here are my many questions.

What parks are better on what days! (Staying Friday to Wednesday).

What is the best time to score reservations for dinner traveling with DH and my 4 year old.

What is the weather like in late November. Will we be able to swim.

Should I just focus on MK, AA and MGM or try to add a bit of Epcot!!

Am I just obsessing over this or is it really as much work as it seems to be.

HELP from the experts is greatly appreciated. :D

[brumcg]

Mahs1123,

For the which park, which day question, you can try here. Your mileage may vary, but I think it's pretty good.

For Priority Seatings (WDW Reservations) try pscalculator.net . It's a great online application that will tell you when to call the parks.

I've never been in November, but I think it would be warm enough to swim. The WL pools are right off Bay Lake, though, so it can get a little chilly coming out of the heated pool when it's 80 or below.

Personally, I'd add a little bit of Epcot! While it's my kids least favorite park, they still enjoy it quite a bit.

IMO, you can't plan too much! I've seen lots of people with the 'deer in the headlights' look or acting bewildered and angry because they can't walk into Le Cellier at 7:00 to eat without PS.

Happy planning!

Bruce

[Erin]

Bruce is absolutely right! When my family and I went a last year, we didn't plan at all, and it was a disaster. Shortly thereafter, I found this website. From now on, we will do Disney right!!


I live in Florida, and our weather can be crazy. For example, last weekend on Saturday I got sunburned mowing the lawn, and then on Sunday morning we got ready for church and had to turn on the heater, because it was so cold! (it never got out of the 50s the whole day!)
It's pretty warm in Orlando, and the pools are heated - chances are you WILL be able to swim. But, this is florida, you NEVER know!

If you have the opportunity, go to every park. Then you will be even better prepared for your next trip, because you will know which park you would like to spend the most/least time in

:D

[MickeyMac]

I heartily second what Bruce has to say. There are things for kids to do at Epcot - the Kidcots at each of the countries are a big hit with my six year old (making things/coloring a mask) and the stuff at Innoventions is a huge hit with both, especially the robotic animals and free video games.

You are going at a fabulous time - Christmas decorations are going up and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party might be starting. I'd look into adding those to your itinerary. Osborne Festival of Lights is fabulous, and a cheaper alternative to MVMCP, if you don't want to swing for an additional ticket. Both very different events, but both wonderful. The Candlelight Processional is also planned, however it might be a little tough for a tyke to sit through.

Oh, and a tidbit, you're asking the wrong group of folks about obsessing about planning... hehehee!

[trishb]

Originally posted by mahs1123
So I am planning my Nov. 28 to Dec 3rd trip staying at WL.

What is the best time to score reservations for dinner traveling with DH and my 4 year old.

What is the weather like in late November. Will we be able to swim.

You have picked the BEST week to go to DW! My favorite time of the year is right after the Thanksgiving holiday...when the Christmas decorations are up and the crowds are down! The WL is gorgeous at Christmas time!

The weather will be mild for your trip. And, you should have no problem swimming...because the pools are all heated. Usually, I wear shorts and a light jacket or sweatshirt this time of year.

As far as reservations go...I would recommend the first seating at each meal that you get a PS for. Especially dinner. Kids like to eat early, and if you have the first seating you will not have to wait for a table. This worked great for my family (I have a 2 year old).

Happy planning!

[ArielBelle]

Originally posted by trishb
As far as reservations go...I would recommend the first seating at each meal that you get a PS for. Especially dinner. Kids like to eat early, and if you have the first seating you will not have to wait for a table. This worked great for my family (I have a 2 year old).

Trish, do all restaurants have the same times for first seatings? My three children are pretty scheduled and I would like to keep dinner at the same time we eat at home (the 1.5 year old gets fussy when he is hungry). I have all CM buffets planned for our dinners. Thanks!

[mattomouseman]

Originally posted by MickeyMac

Oh, and a tidbit, you're asking the wrong group of folks about obsessing about planning... hehehee!

Obsessive? Us NO never!!!!!!!!:whistle:

We were down Thanksgiving week 2001. The weather was in the 80's and 90's the whole time we were there! We also stayed at the WL and the decorations were beautiful!:)

[trishb]

Originally posted by ArielBelle
Trish, do all restaurants have the same times for first seatings?

No, ArielBelle, they don't all have the same meal times. Some were as early as 4:00 and some were as late at 5:30. The CM will tell you the first seating times when you make your PS (if they are not all gone!)

[quartz7]

Welcome mahs1123,

You'll never obsess, you will become addicted. You should be able to swim. Are any kids going or just adults. Either way I would add in epcot, just to see decorations and figment.

Janelle

[mahs1123]

Originally posted by quartz7
Welcome mahs1123,

You'll never obsess, you will become addicted. You should be able to swim. Are any kids going or just adults. Either way I would add in epcot, just to see decorations and figment.

Janelle

Janelle,

It would be myself, husband and a four year old. The problem I am having with this whole thing is how do I know what I will want to do, eat and want to be doing eight months from now!!!

[trishb]

Originally posted by mahs1123
The problem I am having with this whole thing is how do I know what I will want to do, eat and want to be doing eight months from now!!!

:D Stick around. All of us here at DC are planning our NEXT trip to Disney World. I hope to be going in December, too. Planning is the key to a wonderful and stress-free vacation. Remember that every question you ask is helping to make your vacation perfect for you and your family. There are loads of us with little kids...and we all help each other.

Plan away! It's free!

[ArielBelle]

Originally posted by trishb
No, ArielBelle, they don't all have the same meal times. Some were as early as 4:00 and some were as late at 5:30. The CM will tell you the first seating times when you make your PS (if they are not all gone!)

Oh, thank you, Trish. I will remember to ask.
Has anyone heard the Storybook Breakfast is becoming just as hard to get into as CRT Breakfast??

[wesleyba]

My husband and I have gone (and hope to go again this year!) to WDW in early December the past couple of years. As far as the weather goes, it's really hit or miss. The first year we were there it was really warm - low to mid 80's and sometimes even higher. But last year it was considerably cooler - at least it was for me and I'm not a cold weather person. Althought the pools are heated, it's not worth the chill you feel once you get out of the water so we went nowhere near them. But thankfully, this is WDW we're talkiing about and your options are ENDLESS as far as finding other things to do!!:D

And besides, the decorations are well worth the trip down. You should also try to catch Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Best of luck!

[mickaholic4077]

I'm sure I've said it before,but I'll say it again here: If you go to WDW from October through April,make sure you always bring at least 2 cold weather outfits with you,because the weather can turn on you overnight.

[quartz7]

Originally posted by mahs1123
. The problem I am having with this whole thing is how do I know what I will want to do, eat and want to be doing eight months from now!!!

Hi, Look at my countdown clock, I love to plan way in advanced it helps to keep my anxiety levels down. Write down your questions and ask away. It seems when you start planning out your days, then it really won't seem that far away.

About eating, MY DH and I think about what resturants we don't have in Colorado, i.e. a really good fish company etc. Then we plan for that. We also plan for a few character meals and a "fancy" meal. Just a few Ideas

Janelle