I will miss your updates until then!
Glad to hear that the whole trip wasn't too bad! I certainly enjoyed reading all about it.
I've said it before, but the BC really ought to be ashamed of the room they gave you, am so glad they compensated you with the two free nights
We will be in WDW in four weeks, doing a Poly, DCL and BC split, wonder if we'll love the Poly as much as you did!
Looking forward to hearing all about your new trip!
I hope you love the Poly!!Shelly, that was a great wrap-up to your TR!I'm glad that you still enjoyed your trip in spite of some disappointments. I think it says a lot about your family that you make the best of any situation. Most importantly, you don't fuss and fight (unless you left that part out
), and I think that would be the biggest thing that could spoil a vacation. And I bet there are many families that do just that.
I am so shocked at how hot and crowded it was in May. We've been twice in late May/early June and it was hot, but not overly so. Or maybe it's just that we didn't notice it, since it's so blasted hot where we live.
I love your idea of gift cards to pay for meals. It gives you the same freedom of prepaid meals as with the DDP, and actually comes out costing you less. We did the DDP on our last trip, but from what I understand, there have been many changes and cuts since then. Plus we ordered things that were included that we never would have it they weren't. We never order desserts when we eat out, but we did with the DDP. I think there is an awful lot of wasted food with the DDP.
Today I was in Books-a-Million, and I saw some Lego Architecture sets. Of course I immediately thought of your DS10! I had never seen that before. Of course, it's probably been around for years.
I'm glad you added your December dates and plans in your recap. I had forgotten just when you were going and how many nights at each resort. That is going to be an awesome trip! Oh wait! I take that back. "Trip #9, not so fine."
I hope you remember that little joke!
Yes, we tried to make the best of the situation. We even made jokes about going out to 'stick' on the balcony (instead of sit). 
Yes, we are dorks! 
But I'm not saying we didn't do our fair share of complaining either! 
And it didn't cost a fortune. Now it is way too much money and they have dropped so much from it. It's a shame. I'm with you -- trip #9 will be not so fine!! Oh my gosh what can I say about this being over?
I loved the wrap up- it's always great to read them--- such a great re-cap of all that occurred.
And I think it is awesome that you tell what happens the way it happens, without trying to pixie dust coat the negatives. Honesty is the best policy!
It's sad to me that you didn't love the BC-- It could have been so different if they had only taken the time then to do what is expected when a guest is unhappy. But I am thankful in a way that they waited to do it-- I am benefiting from their lack of professionalism b/c you're staying with us at the Grand!!
It's gonna be.... GRAND!!!
Thanks for taking the time to do the TR. I know it's tough at times b/c life gets in the way of being able to DIS they way you want to. But we all appreciate you sticking with it and writing it all out for us to enjoy.
85 days till you leave on your next journey!!
What a wonderful TR!
I'm sad that you didn't like BC (not my favorite resort either), but you had very valid reasons not to enjoy your time there. I'm glad that you still had a nice time though!
By the way...check out my ticker.Yes, I switched resorts. Again. But, my girls were begging me to book the Poly. And, of course, I could not say no to that! So now we are booked there AND the trip is paid off!
I told you once you stayed there you would be in love! 
Congrats on being paid in full!! Can't wait to hear all about the trip. Hey Shelly - good wrap up.
I am also one who appreciates your honest opinions about your trips. It's hard to write these things and not want to sugar coat things because it's Disney.
I'm also sad that your stay at BC wasn't "all that". There is a lot of hype about it, especially Stormalong Bay. It does matter if it's crowded and it makes it less fun. Now I don't think anyone would like your room condition and the lack of response. Thankfully they have done something and you get to enjoy the Grand!! With Jodi!!!
We are going to be doing without DDP this next trip and I will be trying to track our purchases (might be tough with F&W) to see how we eat and what we spend. Both DH and I got Disney gift cards for our birthdays so we have some $$ to spend.
I'll miss having this to read - it's been a pleasure and a lot of fun to read. Thank you for taking the time to do it!!!
It's hard to believe I was first "introduced" to you on the January 09 snowbirds thread THREE years ago now!!
Another great trip report!! Glad I'm not the only one with my next 3 years of trips planned in my mind
It's fun to plan the trips in your mind way ahead of time -- then you always have something to look forward to! Great ending Shelly. The Beach Club doesn't really do it for me either. Oh well, ya live and learn. I'm very much looking forward to your next TR!
Yep - you live and you learn. At least we gave it a try and now we know. 
) don't want to do Disney again next year we decided since we are celebrating for ME, that we would still go to FL. We're gonna stay at the Hard Rock for the whole trip b/c the kids aren't sick of Uni/IOA yet lol!! . And go to MK 1 day for me!!!! I'm so excited we are discussing the dates still- either April or August. DH is leaning towards April I really don't care as long as we're going!!!!
Shelly~ really like how you do the wrap up at the end and sum everything up. I have been so busy at work, it's a little stressful but a good kind of stress. I think it's b/c I've been away from it so LONG that I just need to get used to it again.
So excited about your Christmas trip. The decorations are great and the Osborne lights are AMAZiNG!!!! I was fortunate to go with my parents and sister's family a couple of years ago ( unfortunately I went solo so the boys and DH haven't been for Christmas yet) someday soon they will.
As for your goal for 2014- we've done a split stay at Universal and Disney a couple of times and it's great!! I'm sure you either know this already or you'll find out when researching that the only people that get fast passes at Uni/IOA are people who stay on property or pay a ridiculous charge for them. So it was so worth it!!!! We stayed at the Hard Rock the kids and DH really love it there.
DH and I went out to celebrate my new job the other night- we discussed our family trip since I'm working now. so since the kids (and DH
And as for your trip I don't think anybody could have a bad time at Disney. I could sleep in a tent and I'd be happy!!
It's hard to get back into the groove after a nice long summer break! Can't wait to see all the decorations and lights. 
Not even close. That is crazy! 
I love how you said your total includes every little thing. It's like you were anticipating us saying, "Well, what about all the ice cream cones and popcorns you had?" (You know us well) I trust you showed your DH how much you saved. 
That is unbelievable!! Oh, and way to go, Shelly!
I didn't even realize how much they had cut back on the DDP until you mentioned a few things. Seems like when we used it, an appetizer, entree, dessert, and tip were all included. Plus, I know LeCellier was only one TS credit and not 2 like I believe it is now. I know others are also 2 credits, too.
The DDP started out as a great idea, but it sounds like it's not such a wonderful thing now. I guess you really have to do your homework to see if it's worth it for family.
Yes, we used to love it when we had 2 kids under 10 and the appetizer and tip were included. It was a decent deal back then. Now, not so much. 
That is simply amazing math right there!!!!!
I don't see how the DDP would ever work for you again. It's just so much money for what you get now. Especially since Deluxe rooms are so expensive. (If you were to choose free dining over the room only codes). And throw in that your kids don't eat as much as what Disney deems an "adult" at 10 years old....
It's just an incredible savings that you've got!
Good job!!
The DDP is almost double what we actually spent on food! Now I realize that had we done several character meals that the price difference would not have been so high. But it still would have been cheaper for us to pay OOP. It's not like we ate at all 'cheap' places either. The Garden Grove and the Yachtsman bills were both around $100. BRG, Tony's and T-Rex each had a hefty bill too! And can I add that "Free" dining most definitely is NOT free.
We usually have about $150-$200 in rewards dollars, so that is technically FREE dining right there! Wow, what a difference in $$ with not being on the DDP! We tried the deluxe plan on a recent trip, and it just didn't seem worth it to us. Especially since DD11 is considered an adult and mostly eats kids meals anyways! She is a picky eater. It is much more worth it to us to pay out of pocket.
Thanks for that info, it was interesting seeing it all laid out from your perspective!
Momof2Disneyboys said:Hope it was helpful to you!
We were there 8 nights.
I think you will enjoy it without the DDP. It is different, but different good I think. And it sounds like you are well on your way to having enough in gift cards and rewards cards for your meals!!
It was quite a difference!
It is hard when you have kids that WDW considers adults too. Crazy. Especially if you have a picky eater! Definitely better to pay OOP.
