Neuschwanstein castle from Munich

Not too difficult. You can buy a Bayern ticket for 2 adults for 31 EUR and the 2 kids come along for free. Look at the schedule at www.bahn.com. Put in start point at "Munich", (or anywhere else in Munich you are staying) destination "Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein" (there will be suggestions that pop up as you type, that's the one). You'll see trains to Fuessen, either direct or with 1 connection, then a connecting bus to the castle. Then you can click on return trip and pick a time and see the return options. Should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours each way. Go to the castle website http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/
and make a reservation time. Best about 1 hour after you arrive. After buying tickets at the office, it is about a 10 to 15 minute walk, uphill all the way, or pay for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

I did the day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein castle a couple of years ago.. Here are my thoughts/comments..

1) Neuschwanstein gets very busy. I've only been there in late august, so around thanksgiving I can't tell you if it would be better or worse that time of year, only that your day is probably shorter.
But it is best to get there early in the day around their opening time that way you can miss the crowds. Also the roads around the lake seem to get a bit crowded with tourists.. Again, early in the day seems to be the best advice and worked for me.
2) It was about a two hour drive (about 130 Km) when I left at 6 am. I suspect in late november the roads might be a little more of a challenge so it will depend on the weather at the time. The roads up there were good, but if not clear it could take much more time in the winter.
3) Get tickets/reservations on-line ahead of time.

4) The area around the castle is very pretty, I can only imagine how beautiful the area is during the winter. To me the drive up is worth it just for the picture of the castle.
5) There are two castles.. the one you are familiar with (King Ludwig II's was an inspiration for Disneyland) and another castle that is a little older which was his fathers. Personally I wouldn't waste my time on a tour of the "other castle". And to be quite honest if I had it to do again, I'm not sure I would have even done the interior tour of Ludwigs castle. . I would have just spent my time around the castle grounds (the bridge behind gives spectacular views of the castle) and not even bothered with the tour. Unfortunately for me I've been in so many castles in Europe, that I was kinda bored with the interior as it just didn't seem very special (also note Ludwig died a few weeks after completion and I'm not sure he ever was fully moved in). In any case if you've seen one castle inside you've seen them all, lol.. But there is a nice view from inside the castle.

I bring this up because if you are on a time schedule just visiting the grounds is worth it in my opinion and you don't have to wait in line. The line is really all about the long wait to get into the castle not the grounds. I realize not everyone will agree with me but just seeing the grounds was enough for me.

Also note it is a seep hike from the parking lot up to the castle. I walked it, but there is usually a horse cart which you can buy a ticket to go up if you choose.

6) As for the trade off of loosing time in Munich.. I definitely would want a day or day 1/2 in munich for sightseeing and that time of year your day is short.... and Nueschwanstein will probably eat your entire day, but at the same time Nueschawnstein is pretty special to see.. Yes it is a bit touristy I will admit, but I still love the pictures I got from the castle and around the lake, so you will not likely be disappointed.

But it is always a tough choice, so it depends on the kind of traveler you are.. If you have lots of energy and are ok with Go-Go-Go then it is probably a good choice. If you want to be more leisurely and slow , then I'd skip until you have more time.

Just my $0.02

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I went there with a tour. Cost 50 Euro entrance ticket included. There was time of admission printed on the ticket and you had to enter at that time. If you miss your time - too bad. There were two other castles included. It saves you a lot of time than to do it on your own.