Just got back 11/5 to 11/9~ and we are HAPPY!!

[Dewdrop034]

My husband and I had a less than magical experience on our last trip in May, so I had to make up for that with a "mini vacation" this time around and WoW did it ever make up for it.
We've just been on one of the best vacations in our lives!!
After swearing up and down I would never book another value resort I went ahead and booked PoP. On the plane ride down I was kicking myself for doing it and regretting it.
Well, we got there and check in took less than 5 minutes,the clerks and concierge services were more than friendly and helpful. They activated our magic bands and we received our welcome pack and headed to our room, we were put in the back 80's section near the lake, it turned out to be dead quiet all week. The food was very good and I recommend the pork shank dinner. Mousekeeping was excellent, the drinks at petals poolside were awesome and everything was clean. We had one night where the magic band didn't open the door, no biggie, it is in beta testing and we had our key card anyway. Bus service to the parks was fast, fast, fast!!
The parks were virtually empty all week leading into MVMCP and MK was decorated for the holidays. We planned on Epcots Food and Wine Fest for the following day and we literally ate our way around the world showcase. We did extra magic hours at Epcot and we did Soarin' 4 times in a row. We did many rides mutiple times due to no lines and the fast pass plus system.
The magic band system is amazing. I really hope Disney decides to stay with this system. I didn't have to fumble through my pockets or purse to find a card, all access was right on my wrist and being able to pre plan a fast pass was great. I felt so organized throughout the trip.
Since we are not going to be able to go next year I am so glad that I will have magical memories from this last trip until I can get there again.

[Kenny1113]

I also heard crowds were not that bad this weekend. Nice to hear you had a good trip!

[VWL Mom]

A happy report I'm glad to hear things went so well for you. Jersey Week is one of my favorite times of year to go because of the lower crowds. I honestly think people hear JW and arrange their trips to avoid it making the week or two before very crowded. I believe Free Dining is blacked out for Sat/Sun arrival that week too which affects the crowds.

[faline]

Awesome!! Glad it was such a terrific trip!

[Susan A]

I think going after MNSSHP makes a difference. Were you there just before the Christmas party?

Interesting to note that free food offer wasn't available that week.

What exactly is jersey week? Are all public schools. Loses that week?

[Dewdrop034]

I've heard "Jersey Week" was a myth, but the clerk told me she was convinced the whole state of New Jersey was at the resort. I guess the theory is the NJ school system gives the kids Thursday and Friday off of the first week of November and alot of people go to WDW that week.

[princessimagineer]

It has been a while since I attended a NJ public school, but if I remember correctly, we got a day or so off for "teachers convention" and it was usually the day next to Veteran's Day. All the teachers have a convention to attend on that day. This makes for a long weekend.

One year we went to disney was the 2004 election, because we had off for election day, teachers convention, and veteran's day all in the same week.

glad to hear your trip went well though! Soarin' 4 times in a row?! now THAT sounds like a myth...

[KylesMom]

Glad to hear you had such a magical time!