Try the UK board you'll find it hilarious.
Try the UK board you'll find it hilarious.
Tracy, I love the way you describe your family hope they don't read the DIS
Photos soon
BTW I found this really great BBB thread and thought ooh I must tell Tracy and what do I see a little beauty under the name of Maddy, she looks so sweet.
I'll post a pic for you later.
Let’s see, Evan’s birthday party is in exactly 22 weeks from this Saturday. That’s roughly 5 months from now. Yup, you guessed it. It’s already all planned. I think I take the fun out of planning. It’s sad, really! 
I nonchalantly bring up going after Labor Day, knowing full well the CA school system starts the Wednesday after. Donald and Daisy catch on… darn, busted. They do not want their kids to miss any school. What a couple of fuddy duds. Maddie will start Kinder this September, and I have no problem with her missing a week during the first month of school. Priorities, you know! We compromise and go the last possible 10 days before Labor Day weekend. Donald and Daisy consider October, but I can’t wait that long. Ok, August 21st – August 31st. Wait, August 31st is the Friday before Labor Day, not a good day to travel. OK, August 21st – August 30th. Sweet! The days are set. Now where do we stay?
They’re not too pleased with Scenario B: WL. 
And they’re on the fence with Scenario C: POFQ. 
After a calm discussion, I am given a GASP budget. A budget, are you kidding me? 
Ok, back to the spreadsheet. 
I decide to stay with the POFQ, as it seems small enough to have that “Deluxe” feel and I really like being a boat ride to DTD. That boat ride sealed the deal! (Thanks, V!)
I drop the water parks and more from the tickets and get us within budget. Now if only the cost of airfare would cooperate.
It’s true. I plan EVERY family event. I plan every holiday, birthday, picnic, BBQ, Anniversary. You name it, I plan it. I have my children’s birthday parties planned out at least 8 months in advance. I am a planner. I think its OCD, no, I KNOW its OCD.
So, now everyone is acquainted, let’s move on.
The planning stage is set in motion. We need to decide on what time of year. I am adamant about NOT going in June, July or August. We were completely spoiled last year in September with no crowds and FREE DINING!
I have never considered a Moderate resort. Am I a resort snob? Absolutely not…. Yes, yes I am. I’m sorry, but I don’t mean to be. I’m not a snob about anything else, I promise. Just the names sound unattractive. Moderate. Value. But Deluxe… Deluxe has a nice ring to it. I’m sure that’s exactly why Disney has used those particular words. :yes: I do some research and find a few of the “Moderates” seem just a nice as the Deluxe; just some minor amenities are not included. I gather lots of info and decide on 3. Resorts, that is. The Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Port Orleans French Quarter. I know 2 of those resorts are “Deluxe”. The Poly is in a completely different price range than WL and POFQ. For only a few dollars more, one can stay at the WL instead of POFQ and still have that “Deluxe” status.
I spreadsheet out all the costs for each scenario to include, room, tickets w/ park hoppers and water parks, DDP, and airfare. Ok, so everyone’s eyes pop out of his or her heads by Scenario A: The Poly.
Up Next: Tour Guide Mike, Hello lover!
Hey - I think if you book thru AAA, they upgrade you for free to the water parks and more option...at least as of last year they did... Budget, shmudget! I do backwards budgeting if you can call it that. I choose when I want to go, how long I want to stay and where. I total up the cost and make it happen. Case closed. Yeah, it might take me another 20 or so years to stay a month in the King Kamehameha (sp?) suite on the Platinum Plan but hey, I got what I wanted didn't I? After all, it's all about what Lisa wants.
S'late that's when we're all there at 6.40 I think.
but I am so not a value girl ) I liked the fact that POR had several pools and we did use our quiet pool lots and a couple of times had it to our self.
DH is making me go for a walk with him (he has wednesday morning off) before it rains again so he's making me turn this off!
A long one? Doesn't he know we have our "quality time" right about now NOW what am I supposed to do until I have to get ready for work?
No kidding!
Now that's the way I usually plan a vacation, the ol' backward budget.
What I really wanted to say to my family was, "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!"
Not that I'm telling you to....uh...lie or anything...
NOTHING wrong with that, my friend! Strangely, the only place I'm a resort snob is WDW. Clearly, their marketing strategy works!
I spreadsheet out all the costs for each scenario to include, room, tickets w/ park hoppers and water parks, DDP, and airfare. Ok, so everyones eyes pop out of his or her heads by Scenario A: The Poly.
Yep, that was Gramma's reaction when I tried that one, too!Happy to enable, er... assist! Honest - I think you'll all really like POFQI decide to stay with the POFQ, as it seems small enough to have that Deluxe feel and I really like being a boat ride to DTD. That boat ride sealed the deal! (Thanks, V!)
The kids will LOVE the pool, for sure. PERFECT!!!
OOOOH.....did you get your track schedule????
And taking WDW newbies, too! Wow! Have you got your work cut out for you! I hope the heat/crowds don't get to your brother, Donald! Although, it's sounds like you and your SIL, Daisy will be able to put him in his place, if need be. POFQ will be a great place to stay - the boat transportation really is wonderful! Plus, it's so beautiful back there! I know what you mean about hoping for good airfare. I've been watching the rates, too, and I'm worried we won't find anything under $200 R/T this year. We got spoiled last year with a $100 R/T DING from Southwest! I hope I'm wrong and we both can find the airfare we need to stay under budget! So, are you going to do any Grand Gathering things since you have enough people???I know!!!You are ANYTHING but moderate, my friend!
Just Kidding!So riddle me this, Batwoman....HOW did you decided between POR and POFQ? That was MY quandry....Hey Jo...is "quandry" an English word?
Shhhh!!! You're on to me! I was TOTALLY itching to book all the ADR's!Tracy, you were itching to book our ADR weren't you with your OCD, can't believe how organised you are! Also we stayed at POR (didn't have a choice of FQ) and we loved it, it is was gorgeous and peaceful and the boat trip was lovely. I would have gone there this year but thought we should try somewhere different (deluxe is not in our budget
I'd have said that the WL was the only thing available...
Just saying...
I do the whole backwards budget too...Actually, it's the ONLY way I can save money....I need a goal...or better yet...a wager...I do much better if DH were to say something like "I bet you can't come up with the money"...
I love a challenge
I WAS going to lie, but I'm not a good liar. They would have seen right through me. 
Tracy!!! 10 family members in WDW - in August?!? You are a brave, brave woman!
Can't wait to read more!
Happy Planning!
-Michelle
I'm kidding, really. Or am I?
