Two Sisters finally get to go to WDW together! - TR has started!

[jenjolt]

Hi Magdalene!! I'm signing on board to hear all about you and your sisters trip!!

I'm not a flier at all so anyone who has to get on a plane for 10 hours straight gets two thumbs up from me

I think you have chosen a great time of year, I went this last January and the weather was great, sunshine all the time, and even better the crowds were managable!

I'm like C I'm not going to be of any help mostly because I can't make any decisions myself LOL...I'm very wishy washy at times LOL!!! So I'm just going to sit back and see what you and your sisster decide~

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks to everyone for all your input!

Now out of all the resorts you have listed, I have only stayed at one of them but I LOVED IT. Marc & I stayed at Wilderness Lodge and we adored it. It is so close to MK and the other deluxe hotels so you have so many dining options. I know you said you thought the room was on the dark side and I thought that would be a problem but it's not depressing or anything. We enjoyed it. It wasn't too dark for us. I loved being able to take the boat to MK, it was so relaxing after a day at the parks. Plus you can request turn down service there and that always makes you feel more special.

Good to hear that someone was feeling the same about the WL rooms and that it was not a problem! Taking a boat really is wonderful. I enjoyed it a lot when we stayed at the Poly!

Hi Magdalene! I had to laugh at your duvet comment and observation! We have a duvet/comforter on our bed and luckily my DH loves it! Our winter duvet was of course made in Germany and is flannel and just heavenly. I got our summer one at IKEA not too long ago. I miss IKEA in Fuerth!

To be honest, there are always certain things that one does not understand about foreign cultures. The lack of duvets is one thing - as is the English sink which has seperate taps for hot and cold water! This is what I am talking about:

You probably have not yet seen the new IKEA in Fürth? They moved to the other side of the street a few years ago and this is now one of the largest IKEAs I know!

From your list, I've only stayed at Coronado. I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Before the rehab, the style of the rooms did not appeal to me. The new design felt very fresh and more modern. I didn't find the walk to the main building to be very long at all (I live in the city and do not drive a car, so maybe I'm not your typical person) and the buses were great.

As far as cons, go, I found that I missed being within walking distance of a park (last trip I stayed at Dolphin and walked to EPCOT). And, housekeeping had some issues. The room was tidied, but needed a vacuum and the bathroom floor a really good scrub. I know she sort of cleaned the tub, because when I stepped into it, I got a foot full of cleaning powder!

Those issues aside, I would definitely stay there again.

Thank you very much for your comment, it was very helpful. Katharina and I live in a city, too. We actually share a car which mainly sits in its garage. Our main methods of transport are foot, bike and public transport. So I guess we would have a very similar perspective on the walking issue.

Unfortunately those resorts from which you can walk to a park are not really in our price range. But this is one of the things we really enjoy about the layout of DLRP: you can actually easily walk to both parks there from the hotels.

Oh boy. I'm going to be no help. I'm a deluxe girl all the way so I'd say AKL or WL. But honestly no matter what you pick will be fantastic! You can't really go wrong!

I guess I am bit of a deluxe girl myself...

Just thought I'd had some comments on POFQ, since it's my favorite. It does share buses with POR, but I've never had any problem with them while I was there. Since POFQ is the first bus stop we always had a seat, and many times the buses didn't even stop at POR.

It is wonderfully quiet, and even the pool area never got too loud. If your looking for some quiet moments near the pool, there are some peaceful nooks around where you can be out of the way. The table service is missed, but it's only a nice walk to POR for their restaurant or a nice boat ride over to DTD.

I absolutely love it there.

POFQ really sounds wonderful when you write about it, I know that you find it difficult not to stay there in December! The more we look into it, the more it appeals to us. I am just not so sure about the AC units. I remember when I stayed at Riverside, I found them rather noisy. I really prefer the internal AC system AKL has.

It's been years since we've stayed, but we found this to be true when we were there, too!

POFQ really looks very peaceful!

Out of the resorts you've listed, AKL for a deluxe would be our choice (we plan to stay there next year); we've no desire to stay at the WL--we just don't like the log cabin/woodsy/pine tree theme (and the pool is very small). For a moderate our one and only choice is the Coronado (CSR); we've stayed seven times and were supposed to be there for stay eight in September until we had to cancel; the POFQ would be our second choice if the CSR is not available; we don't care for the CBR at all--the whole theme turns us off--especially the rooms and we don't like the food court at all.

Welcome! I am sorry that you had to cancel your trip! I guess you are right that besides buses, dining, housekeeping and such, it really comes down to which theme you really enjoy!

Hi Magdalene!! I'm signing on board to hear all about you and your sisters trip!!

I'm not a flier at all so anyone who has to get on a plane for 10 hours straight gets two thumbs up from me

I think you have chosen a great time of year, I went this last January and the weather was great, sunshine all the time, and even better the crowds were managable!

I'm like C I'm not going to be of any help mostly because I can't make any decisions myself LOL...I'm very wishy washy at times LOL!!! So I'm just going to sit back and see what you and your sisster decide~

Hi Jen, welcome to my PTR! I rather don't want to think about those 10 hours on the plane...

 

[Flossbolna]

I am so glad that they changed the ADR window to 90 days! Otherwise we would be making ADRs in 25 days - before we would be able to book a package! But it really should only be about a month until 2010 rates come out. I really hope there will be no unpleasant surprise!

On resorts we have boiled our choices down to AKL, POFQ and CSR. We are really leaning towards AKL as this is the one that is most special. Also we really like the food choices there. So unless Disney makes it extremely more expensive in 2010, it looks like we will be staying there - and will be hoping for a nice code to come out in the fall for January!!

We also have started to talk about dining options.

So far Katharina has a list on our wiki with all table service restaurants that she found interesting when reading her passporter - it has 27 restaurants on it! Unless we decide to get the Deluxe Dining Plan, I can't see how we would manage all those! And no, we are not thinking about any dining plan! I really enjoy having a bit of flexibility with regard to my meals, especially since the jet lag confuses my meal times.

My list has California Grill and Flying Fish on it as well as the request for one nice TS or buffet breakfast. Otherwise there are a few places that I have not eaten at that I might be interested in trying: SciFi Dine In, The Wave and Biergarten. Of course there are many places that I would love to return to, but I really want to let Katharina choose where she wants to eat.

Some of our choices will also be determined by the menus. Not so much for what we like, but whether they look like they have something Katharina can eat. She has recently found out that she has a number of food intolerances (fortunately no allergies!) and should avoid dairy, tomatoes, onions, lemons and red wine. I have already studied the DISabilities board and their FAQ. Disney really is extremely accomodating with all dietary needs, so I am sure Katharina will get something to eat, but it would be nice, to actually go somewhere where you can order things off the menu and don't have to hope that the chef will be creative enough to come up with something more interesting than plain meat and potatoes.

We also talked a bit about park touring. We have always been rope drop people and Katharina is even more of an early riser than me. But I have never made it to morning EMH at WDW. We did them on our last trip to DLRP and got to ride Dumbo numerous times! (See picture in first post) So I have been considering them seriously. Also, I heard recently on the WDWToday podcast that while the Unofficial Guide recommends to stay away from them, they do that because they don't trust people to really be there early enough. But that they actually are worth it if you are there for rope drop at 8 am. So it looks like we will try that in January! Of course now I am waiting impatiently for the park hours to be posted for our trip! January should be up at the beginning of October!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Subbing in, can't wait to read all the details!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I HATE sinks like that! And most of Disney's are that way.

I kinda figured you would end up at AKL again! It's always a good choice-you know what to expect, you know you love it, and you will be more at ease in introducing your sister to WDW. I bet you'll get a great code too!

That is so funny about her having 27 places she wants to try! I'm that way too-so many options, I guess we just have to keep going back and back, eh?

I think the morning EMH will be well worth it. I want to think I'll do that in December so we can truly get some park time in before the masses appear, but, we'll see....!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am sure a great code will come out for you for AKL.

Too funny about all the places your sister is interested in, can't wait to see what you narrow it down too.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yeah for AKL!! At least she has the restaurants narrowed to 27! There are seriously too many great places to eat -- it is tough to choose! I was very unhappy w/ the change to 90 days at first but now I like it. It's hard enough to decide 3 months in advance... 6 months is a little crazy.

 

[nodnol]

We also have started to talk about dining options.

So far Katharina has a list on our wiki with all table service restaurants that she found interesting when reading her passporter - it has 27 restaurants on it! Unless we decide to get the Deluxe Dining Plan, I can't see how we would manage all those! And no, we are not thinking about any dining plan! I really enjoy having a bit of flexibility with regard to my meals, especially since the jet lag confuses my meal times.

Hello to everyone out there - it's me, the second sister!

I can happily announce that I alreday narrowed them down to 20! And not all of them are table service restaurants...

I'm now reading lots and lots of dining reviews and makes notes on my list on the wiki, I hope this won't lead to an even longer list!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hello to everyone out there - it's me, the second sister!

I can happily announce that I alreday narrowed them down to 20! And not all of them are table service restaurants...

I'm now reading lots and lots of dining reviews and makes notes on my list on the wiki, I hope this won't lead to an even longer list!

Nice to meet you!! Just 20 choices?!! Seriously, that's pretty good and it's always good to have plans and then a back up! Hopefully your food tolerances won't cause you any issues while you're enjoying the yummy food.

Magadalene - too funny about the sink picture!! Don't even get me started! Sure, tell me about the new, huge IKEA in Fuerth! I'll have to check it out the next time I go back over.

Heather

 

[tiggrbaby]

Hello to everyone out there - it's me, the second sister!

I can happily announce that I alreday narrowed them down to 20! And not all of them are table service restaurants...

I'm now reading lots and lots of dining reviews and makes notes on my list on the wiki, I hope this won't lead to an even longer list!

It's so nice that you decided to join all the fun!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone! I guess I am not a very good PTR writer, I really messed up!! I totaly missed the 200 day mark and we are now already down to just another 197 days until we arrive at WDW (at least that's what my WDW countdown widget says)!!!

Also it will most likely be less than a month until the 2010 rates become available and we can book our trip!! My travel agent already has our details and will email me as soon as the rates will have come out! Of course then the waiting game for the discounts begins. Ideally I would want one of those 40% off PINs, but I have never gotten a PIN - I guess they don't send them out to foreigners...

Sorry for this short update, but I promise I will soon post other more interesting things!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hi everyone! I guess I am not a very good PTR writer, I really messed up!! I totaly missed the 200 day mark and we are now already down to just another 197 days until we arrive at WDW (at least that's what my WDW countdown widget says)!!!

Also it will most likely be less than a month until the 2010 rates become available and we can book our trip!! My travel agent already has our details and will email me as soon as the rates will have come out! Of course then the waiting game for the discounts begins. Ideally I would want one of those 40% off PINs, but I have never gotten a PIN - I guess they don't send them out to foreigners...

Sorry for this short update, but I promise I will soon post other more interesting things!

WOO HOO for less than 200 days!!

I really hope you will be able to score some kind of discount, that just makes a Disney trip even more magical!

 

[jenjolt]

Congrats on being under 200 days!!!!!

OOH I would love to stay at AKL, I really hope you guys are able to get a code that will work for you!!!!

Hmmmm..27 restaurants...I just adore Disney food! I'm sure whatever your sister decides you will have a great time and a great meal! YUMMY!!!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Hi everyone! I guess I am not a very good PTR writer, I really messed up!! I totaly missed the 200 day mark and we are now already down to just another 197 days until we arrive at WDW (at least that's what my WDW countdown widget says)!!!

Also it will most likely be less than a month until the 2010 rates become available and we can book our trip!! My travel agent already has our details and will email me as soon as the rates will have come out! Of course then the waiting game for the discounts begins. Ideally I would want one of those 40% off PINs, but I have never gotten a PIN - I guess they don't send them out to foreigners...

Sorry for this short update, but I promise I will soon post other more interesting things!

Ha, Ha, that's exactly why I don't do PTR/TRs! I can't even keep up with my pics! But I am enjoying yours no matter what day you log in!

for some sort of code/discount. I did not have a PIN, and could not get a AAA discount for our upcoming stay. I am just hoping they open up the VISA discount to everyone and I can apply it! With a discount, my parents would be willing to go to more restaurants.

 

[Flossbolna]

WOO HOO for less than 200 days!!

I really hope you will be able to score some kind of discount, that just makes a Disney trip even more magical!

Congrats on being under 200 days!!!!!

OOH I would love to stay at AKL, I really hope you guys are able to get a code that will work for you!!!!

Hmmmm..27 restaurants...I just adore Disney food! I'm sure whatever your sister decides you will have a great time and a great meal! YUMMY!!!

Ha, Ha, that's exactly why I don't do PTR/TRs! I can't even keep up with my pics! But I am enjoying yours no matter what day you log in!

for some sort of code/discount. I did not have a PIN, and could not get a AAA discount for our upcoming stay. I am just hoping they open up the VISA discount to everyone and I can apply it! With a discount, my parents would be willing to go to more restaurants.

Thanks for the nice comments on my non-update!! You really are the sweetest people!! But a real update will be posted shortly!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Originally this was planned to be about Sunshine Seasons, but we will come to that on another day!

I have to post about shoes. To be honest those are not solely purchased for WDW, but also for the rest of the summer here in Germany. But they will be used at WDW and they are DIS related. I really owe both pairs to Brookelizabeth PTR!!

The first pair is the pair of Teva Mush I ordered just after she posted about hers. They really are heavenly!! I had them shipped to my office and they arrived on a really hot day. After showing them to a colleague, she encouraged me to wear them that day at the desk. We are actually dressing very formal at work, so no flip flops, but really nice shoes... But when you are at your desk – who cares? Well... Of course I was to lazy to change into my uncomfortable nice shoes when I wanted to go to the bathroom. And just when I opened the door, who was standing there?? The head of my department! And of course she immediately looked at my feet!! I mumbled about feeling a blister developing and therefor not wearing the nice shoes. But she just smiled and said: Well, these are really nice, too! So here is a picture of the Teva Mush, the design is called Kona Blue:

Then Brookelizabeth talked about her Keens. So I went to check out their website and found a pair of canvas sneakers that I really liked! I found out that a German outdoor store chain carries them and while I could have ordered them, I really wanted to try them on in a store. So after work today I traveled to another part of Berlin where they have their store. This is their flagship store and it is actually a dream come true for anyone interested in outdoor clothing and equipment, they even have a pool where you test kayaks!! Getting there was a hassle because the commuter trains here in Berlin have huge problems at the moment... But I made it there and purchased this:

It's the Keen Women Coronado in brindle. They are really comfortable and even have arch support! I hope the colour will stay nice for some time, they had them in white, too, but I found that too risky! They even come with two different pairs of shoelaces: white and brindle, so you can change the look of the shoes! I am really pleased with my purchase!!

While there, I also got a gadget for Katharina and me which will come in handy when touring the parks! Actually it was LL which inspired me to get these SPORKS! I got one in blue for me and one in red for Katharina since is the traditional colour distribution between the two of us. I actually also picked up a green one for Katharina's DH and got a yellow one for me as well (no DH or boyfriend at the time who could get that, but who knows, when it will have someone to use it! ).

Due to the train chaos I investigated the bus routes there and figured that I actually could use one to get to a station for my underground line. So I even got a nice bus ride through parts of Berlin I haven't seen before. Berlin has double decker buses, and I was even able to sit in the front, so I got a very good view!!

It seems like my shoes update has ended in a mini TR about my excursion to buy shoes. But I wanted to end with a tidbit about the word shoe: it is actually the same in German! It is spelled Schuh, but pronounced nearly the same.

Next update might be about Sunshine Seasons, but who knows what other things will happen in the meantime!

 

[tarak]

Hi! I followed you over from the AKL thread. I'm enjoying your PTR and envy your travels with your sister. With any luck, mine will be joining me next year when we visit WDW.
My mom is going with me in a few months and she's been asking about shoes. I told her whatever she buys, to make sure she breaks it in before heading to WDW. And I had to LOL at your being caught in the casual shoes at work. I have a pair of sandals that are not as dressy as they should be, but they are adorable and I took a chance and wore them. Sure enough, our second in command, so to speak, caught me out front on my lunch hour.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi! I followed you over from the AKL thread. I'm enjoying your PTR and envy your travels with your sister. With any luck, mine will be joining me next year when we visit WDW.
My mom is going with me in a few months and she's been asking about shoes. I told her whatever she buys, to make sure she breaks it in before heading to WDW. And I had to LOL at your being caught in the casual shoes at work. I have a pair of sandals that are not as dressy as they should be, but they are adorable and I took a chance and wore them. Sure enough, our second in command, so to speak, caught me out front on my lunch hour.

Welcome to my PTR!! I think shoes really are important for a WDW vacation and you are right, they need to be broken in! Actually, I do a lot of walking in my daily life (I often walk to work which is 30 min brisk walking!) and go on hiking trips. But what I find tiring is the slow walking and standing. Having good supporting shoes are really important for standing in my opinion. So the teva mushs are more for going to the pool (and on Kali River Rapids) than for the parks. But what I liked about them is that they have some arch support!

I hope you have wonderful trip in September and will be looking forward to a report on AKL on that other thread!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Love the new shows and I especially love how excited you are about them. I wish I could do shoes like Teva's, but I can't do anything in between my toes

Sounds like it was a big adventure just to get the shoes but definitely sounds worthwhile!

Happy shoe wearing!!

Heather

 

[tarak]

Welcome to my PTR!! I think shoes really are important for a WDW vacation and you are right, they need to be broken in! Actually, I do a lot of walking in my daily life (I often walk to work which is 30 min brisk walking!) and go on hiking trips. But what I find tiring is the slow walking and standing. Having good supporting shoes are really important for standing in my opinion. So the teva mushs are more for going to the pool (and on Kali River Rapids) than for the parks. But what I liked about them is that they have some arch support!

I hope you have wonderful trip in September and will be looking forward to a report on AKL on that other thread!

I've been neglecting my other trip report - it's like it's too soon and I don't have enough time for it. Which makes no sense, but there you have it. I have wanted to stay at AKL ever since I knew such a place existed. My husband is pretty much a monorail resort kind of guy, so being there with just the girls and my mom is a perfect excuse to try it out.
And I agree that standing still is harder than walking.