Well imagine my surprise!June 2009 PTRw/pics 7/7 pg. 76 NEW TR started link on pg. 76

[dddisrunner]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU all for your wonderful words of wisdom, kindness and support! They meant the world to me!


Well as of tomorrow we are officially in the 30's!!

Bryan has spent alot of time on allears looking over all of the menus and that coupled with information from Jackie(Charleston Princess) we have decided to stick with the deluxe plan. There are many options that are appropriate and safe for Bryan!

Also, I have been shopping again I hit the crocs outlet and Dick's Sporting Goods. I got Cleos and I bought Scutes for the boys. When the boys arrive, I will take pictures and post!

I still need to figure out our tipping budget, mousekeeping money , print out itineraries and too much more to type

Countdown looks like this..........

27 days left of school
19 days until Mary Poppins
39 days until Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good night!
Diane

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for being in the 30s and all the other countdown numbers!!!

And hip hip hooray for sticking with the deluxe plan!!!

 

[IluvXU]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU all for your wonderful words of wisdom, kindness and support! They meant the world to me!


Well as of tomorrow we are officially in the 30's!!

Bryan has spent alot of time on allears looking over all of the menus and that coupled with information from Jackie(Charleston Princess) we have decided to stick with the deluxe plan. There are many options that are appropriate and safe for Bryan!

Also, I have been shopping again I hit the crocs outlet and Dick's Sporting Goods. I got Cleos and I bought Scutes for the boys. When the boys arrive, I will take pictures and post!

I still need to figure out our tipping budget, mousekeeping money , print out itineraries and too much more to type

Countdown looks like this..........

27 days left of school
19 days until Mary Poppins
39 days until Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good night!
Diane

We have 23 days of school - I count teacher workdays. I wish I had Mary Poppins to go to... I can't wait to hear about that show...

 

[Trentmom]

So glad to hear that with help of others you were able to keep the deluxe dining plan


Yay for being in the 30s


Can't wait to see your new purchases

 

[CRSNDSNY]

This next month is going to FLY BY!!!

Will you be reporting while in Disney or waiting to post until you get back?

 

[dddisrunner]

Yeay for being in the 30s and all the other countdown numbers!!!

And hip hip hooray for sticking with the deluxe plan!!!

Thanks Jackie, for everything!!

We have 23 days of school - I count teacher workdays. I wish I had Mary Poppins to go to... I can't wait to hear about that show...

Thanks Laura! 23 days is GREAT...27 stinks, well now it is 26!

So glad to hear that with help of others you were able to keep the deluxe dining plan


Yay for being in the 30s


Can't wait to see your new purchases

Thanks Kelly! I hope the crocs come soon, the kids are excited to try them out!

This next month is going to FLY BY!!!

Will you be reporting while in Disney or waiting to post until you get back?

We will have our laptop, so a live update may happen every now and then!

 

[dddisrunner]

Hey everyone! I am pleading with you all to please help me! I have been stressing about this all day. I have to warn you, this is long but PLEASE take the time to read and give me your honest opinions.

OK, even though Bryan looked at the menus on allears and said the deluxe will still be fine, I am having 2nd thoughts and here is why. I started thinking about how much time will be taken up eating meals. I thought at first it might be a great escape from the heat but then so is the pool. I started thinking about eating counter service breakfasts at Saratoga and what a PAIN that would be because...if we get our request of Grandstand, we will be walking over to the Springs almost every morning to eat. Does it make sense to walk all the way back over to the Grandstand just to be at the first bus stop? The Springs is the last bus stop! Next, if we do downgrade, there are a few nights that were 2 credit meals that I would now be scrambling to find 1 credit meals. Also, we would still pay OOP for our coveted 8:05 breakfast ressies which also incur the "summer surcharge" which is about $20 per buffet and we have 3! We would also still buy mugs which come with the deluxe but not the regular. That is $50 altogether. Will we be to hot to want to eat so much? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am really stressed about this decision. I also don't want to get there and start paying OOP for certain things and then it all adds up to the cost of the deluxe in the 1st place I think being at SSR is a problem as it isn't condusive to convenience! I am also worried about the temptation that Bryan would face with all that eating. BUT on the deluxe he could at least get some nice suitable appetizers where on the regular plan it is only an entree and dessert! PLEASE HELP, what would you do?

Diane

 

[timandlesley]

Hey everyone! I am pleading with you all to please help me! I have been stressing about this all day. I have to warn you, this is long but PLEASE take the time to read and give me your honest opinions.

OK, even though Bryan looked at the menus on allears and said the deluxe will still be fine, I am having 2nd thoughts and here is why. I started thinking about how much time will be taken up eating meals. I thought at first it might be a great escape from the heat but then so is the pool. I started thinking about eating counter service breakfasts at Saratoga and what a PAIN that would be because...if we get our request of Grandstand, we will be walking over to the Springs almost every morning to eat. Does it make sense to walk all the way back over to the Grandstand just to be at the first bus stop? The Springs is the last bus stop! Next, if we do downgrade, there are a few nights that were 2 credit meals that I would now be scrambling to find 1 credit meals. Also, we would still pay OOP for our coveted 8:05 breakfast ressies which also incur the "summer surcharge" which is about $20 per buffet and we have 3! We would also still buy mugs which come with the deluxe but not the regular. That is $50 altogether. Will we be to hot to want to eat so much? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am really stressed about this decision. I also don't want to get there and start paying OOP for certain things and then it all adds up to the cost of the deluxe in the 1st place I think being at SSR is a problem as it isn't condusive to convenience! I am also worried about the temptation that Bryan would face with all that eating. BUT on the deluxe he could at least get some nice suitable appetizers where on the regular plan it is only an entree and dessert! PLEASE HELP, what would you do?

Diane

Diane,
Here is what I would do, keep deluxe, do most of your breakfasts as sit downs if possible in the parks, etc. on days you don't do that, have small breakfasts using snack credits (fruit, doughnuts, muffins, etc.) and do deluxe sit downs for lunches or dinners on those days. That's just my oppinion.
Lesley

 

[addicted2dizney]

Hi Diane.. geesh sounds like we think a lot alike! looks like you have been running the numbers like crazy and I would do the same thing. Figure out the full cost of the deluxe plan.. then figure out the regular. add in those mugs.. and the extra oop meals.. If it comes pretty close to each other I would say to go for the Deluxe plan. Even if you don't take full advantage of it, you will not have the stress of worrying about OOP meals etc.. Just having the extra appy choices alone may be worth it to keep it. If Brian has the mindset that he is not going to "pig out" at every meal, (and it sounds like he does have that mind set) then you guys will be fine. Go for it, relax and have fun.

 

[IluvXU]

Okay Diane,
I would not want to hike for breakfast either, and since you have DVC accomodiations you could have some breakfast in the room, cereal, simple stuff. I think that a meal to get out of the heat is helpful, but I too am not a huge fan of the time it takes to do all these big meals. I cannot imagine carving out time for two sit down meals each day. Are there meals you would give up till your next trip, you have so many in the works. I would prioritize the meals you really want and see how the $$ works out. I agree the surcharge is a total bummer on the meals, it does add up. Also can Brian eat healthier at a CS, and if you pay for those OOP, you don't have to get desserts.

We also found last summer and the previous year that we ate less due to the heat...

I am not sure if I helped, I wish I could.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Question - Why are you walking over to the Springs for breakfast?

 

[mylag1rl]

Hi Diane,
I go thru the same thing before we go on vacation. I have made all these great plans and then I start 2nd guessing myself. Only you know what is best for your family but I think I would stick with the deluxe this time. You are going to be in Disney for a long trip so having alot of sit down meals will probably be a nice break. Also, doing deluxe while the boys are still young will be less expensive. I would think Brian would have more healthy choices with the appetizers and sit down meals.
Good luck with the decision

 

[dddisrunner]

Diane,
Here is what I would do, keep deluxe, do most of your breakfasts as sit downs if possible in the parks, etc. on days you don't do that, have small breakfasts using snack credits (fruit, doughnuts, muffins, etc.) and do deluxe sit downs for lunches or dinners on those days. That's just my oppinion.
Lesley

Hi Diane.. geesh sounds like we think a lot alike! looks like you have been running the numbers like crazy and I would do the same thing. Figure out the full cost of the deluxe plan.. then figure out the regular. add in those mugs.. and the extra oop meals.. If it comes pretty close to each other I would say to go for the Deluxe plan. Even if you don't take full advantage of it, you will not have the stress of worrying about OOP meals etc.. Just having the extra appy choices alone may be worth it to keep it. If Brian has the mindset that he is not going to "pig out" at every meal, (and it sounds like he does have that mind set) then you guys will be fine. Go for it, relax and have fun.

Okay Diane,
I would not want to hike for breakfast either, and since you have DVC accomodiations you could have some breakfast in the room, cereal, simple stuff. I think that a meal to get out of the heat is helpful, but I too am not a huge fan of the time it takes to do all these big meals. I cannot imagine carving out time for two sit down meals each day. Are there meals you would give up till your next trip, you have so many in the works. I would prioritize the meals you really want and see how the $$ works out. I agree the surcharge is a total bummer on the meals, it does add up. Also can Brian eat healthier at a CS, and if you pay for those OOP, you don't have to get desserts.

We also found last summer and the previous year that we ate less due to the heat...

I am not sure if I helped, I wish I could.

Hi Diane,
I go thru the same thing before we go on vacation. I have made all these great plans and then I start 2nd guessing myself. Only you know what is best for your family but I think I would stick with the deluxe this time. You are going to be in Disney for a long trip so having alot of sit down meals will probably be a nice break. Also, doing deluxe while the boys are still young will be less expensive. I would think Brian would have more healthy choices with the appetizers and sit down meals.
Good luck with the decision

Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice! I will be posting a BIG update over the weekend, I will be out of comission so nothing to do but relax and DIS! We took your advice to heart and are close to making a decision! Thanks again!

Diane

 

[dddisrunner]

Question - Why are you walking over to the Springs for breakfast?

Isn't the Springs where Artist Palette is? I thought we would need to walk there for a counter service breakfast

 

[CRSNDSNY]

The Springs is another building section of SSR. If you are in The Grandstand section, you are at the most a 5 minute walk to the Carriage House and Artist's Palette (counter service). I think you are getting "The Springs" confused with "High Rock Springs" pool which is the main pool at SSR.

Does this make sense?

Isn't the Springs where Artist Palette is? I thought we would need to walk there for a counter service breakfast

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Hi again!
I just wanted to chime in again.
Now, this is just my personal opinion, but I do not believe we'd be able to handle 2 or 3 table service meals a day. First, it'd be too much eating for us, second I think it would waste too much time and third, with the heat it might be too much food. We get burned out of eating out so much after about 5 or6 days so, take what I say with a grain of salt.

We do, however, enjoy eating at least one TS a day - sometimes two a day but not everyday. We enjoy having some meals (carefree ones) in our villa. We use Garden Grocer and get an order delivered to us. This saves us some great money! With the DVC member card and the TIW card we get great discounts on meals. Whenever we calculated the numbers, we always saved more without the Dining Plan and just using our discount cards.

You'll find (especially after this lengthy trip) that DVC stays are great for more relaxation and resort enjoyment. Not having to be anywhere at any specific time 24 hours a day is wonderful. You'll come to enjoy the flexibilty over time. We used to be hard core park tourists with rigid ADR schedules. But after several trips it has become so much more relaxed and flexible.

You'll have a great time no matter what! I'm sure of it! Cannot wait to hear your updates.

Take care,
Melody

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Diane,
Like the others have said, I would do the math with the ADR'S you have now.
I think deluxe would work best with what you have booked for ADR's. Ask Brian again if he is sure about the dining choices. Even the buffets have healthy options. I do thin the deluxe plan is a lot of sitting down for meals and takes up lots of time. But you do have two weeks there and some of your meals are 2 TS so that helps a lot. If you do decide on the regular plan then bring some breakfast items with you for your room. That way you don't have to walk to the springs for CS. I will need my morning tea while we are there so someone will be walking over there on our trip too.

 

[Trentmom]

Since you are going to be there for 2 weeks and will have plenty of time to do the different things you want to do, I would stick with the deluxe plan, so there are more choices for Bryan

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Whether you are in a studio villa or larger, you'll be able to make your own tea. No need to walk anywhere. Just bring your own teabags. That's the beauty of DVC - the ability to have so many more home-conveniences right in your villa.

I will need my morning tea while we are there so someone will be walking over there on our trip too.

 

[dddisrunner]

The Springs is another building section of SSR. If you are in The Grandstand section, you are at the most a 5 minute walk to the Carriage House and Artist's Palette (counter service). I think you are getting "The Springs" confused with "High Rock Springs" pool which is the main pool at SSR.

Does this make sense?

Thanks for clearing that up!

Hi again!
I just wanted to chime in again.
Now, this is just my personal opinion, but I do not believe we'd be able to handle 2 or 3 table service meals a day. First, it'd be too much eating for us, second I think it would waste too much time and third, with the heat it might be too much food. We get burned out of eating out so much after about 5 or6 days so, take what I say with a grain of salt.

We do, however, enjoy eating at least one TS a day - sometimes two a day but not everyday. We enjoy having some meals (carefree ones) in our villa. We use Garden Grocer and get an order delivered to us. This saves us some great money! With the DVC member card and the TIW card we get great discounts on meals. Whenever we calculated the numbers, we always saved more without the Dining Plan and just using our discount cards.

You'll find (especially after this lengthy trip) that DVC stays are great for more relaxation and resort enjoyment. Not having to be anywhere at any specific time 24 hours a day is wonderful. You'll come to enjoy the flexibilty over time. We used to be hard core park tourists with rigid ADR schedules. But after several trips it has become so much more relaxed and flexible.

You'll have a great time no matter what! I'm sure of it! Cannot wait to hear your updates.

Take care,
Melody

Thanks Melody, update coming right up!

Hi Diane,
Like the others have said, I would do the math with the ADR'S you have now.
I think deluxe would work best with what you have booked for ADR's. Ask Brian again if he is sure about the dining choices. Even the buffets have healthy options. I do thin the deluxe plan is a lot of sitting down for meals and takes up lots of time. But you do have two weeks there and some of your meals are 2 TS so that helps a lot. If you do decide on the regular plan then bring some breakfast items with you for your room. That way you don't have to walk to the springs for CS. I will need my morning tea while we are there so someone will be walking over there on our trip too.

Thanks for the advice Nichole! I just realized as I am typing this, you are at Disney!

Since you are going to be there for 2 weeks and will have plenty of time to do the different things you want to do, I would stick with the deluxe plan, so there are more choices for Bryan

Thanks Kelly!