Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[rentayenta]

The THV were every thing I though they would be and then some. The kitchen was glorious, big, with a ton of counter and shelf space. Not shown: Michael’s Guinness, cereal, the dry food I packed. and 2 cases of water.

​

 

[franandaj]

You do have a large crew...I can see where so much food might be required. We buy like that for two people, not as much, but relatively over buying. For two of us we would buy about half as much!

Looks like you have a great trip ahead. I am always happy with a well stocked fridge! Even with ADRs, I still feel more comfortable with plenty of food on hand!

 

[Uncle Remus]

Dang, you folks know how to vacation!!!

What a fabulous trip report, everyone looks like they're having a great time, including me!

 

[pooh'smate]

Love all the THV pictures. It looks amazing. All that food in the fridge looks yummy. Are you going to tell us how much all of you ate?

 

[rentayenta]

You do have a large crew...I can see where so much food might be required. We buy like that for two people, not as much, but relatively over buying. For two of us we would buy about half as much!

Looks like you have a great trip ahead. I am always happy with a well stocked fridge! Even with ADRs, I still feel more comfortable with plenty of food on hand!

Without giving too much away, we canceled some ADRs. Between the gorceries and F&W, 9 ADRs was too many. We did end up saving money with the TiW card though. When 2 dinners alone cost $250 each that's what happens.

I am such a food pusher too. One night we had quesadillas, frozen munchies, hummus, chips, veggies with dip, and fruit for dinner. While I know I over bought, it's sure nice to come *home* to options. I know you totally get it. ​

Dang, you folks know how to vacation!!!

What a fabulous trip report, everyone looks like they're having a great time, including me!

Thanks Linda! With us food folk, you can never have too much on hand.

Glad you're enjoying the report. It really was such a good time. It's the Happiest Place on Earth. I'm a believer!​

Love all the THV pictures. It looks amazing. All that food in the fridge looks yummy. Are you going to tell us how much all of you ate?

Let's just say Mousekeeping didn't do too shabby. The THV are so cool. The pics hardly do them justice. I am so happy we bought at SSR. It's such a pretty resort. I'm elated that we finally got to stay there.​

 

[eandesmom]

31 bags!

why does that not surprise me.

YAY for it being ready, that is major pixie dust. The villa looks lovely. Who took the bunks? Curious as to how tall you could be and be ok with them and if there is room on the floor if one wanted to add an air mattress.

I like containing the children.

 

[rentayenta]

31 bags!

why does that not surprise me.

YAY for it being ready, that is major pixie dust. The villa looks lovely. Who took the bunks? Curious as to how tall you could be and be ok with them and if there is room on the floor if one wanted to add an air mattress.

I like containing the children.

The running joke of the trip was asking if we had ______ to eat because most likely, we did.

Gabby and Josh took the bunks. Gabby is almost 5'3" and had extra room. I don't know why everyone says the bunks are so small? They're a standard bunk bed/twin. I can easily sleep in one alone.

I would say no to any extra floor space. The THV are choppy as far as wide spaces. An air mattress wouldn't fit in any room I don't think unless you moved some stuff around in the living room. What they lack in usable space they make up for in charm. For the 6 of us they were perfect. I like leaving the living room as living space though. We can't afford the points to do that every trip but it sure was nice.

I love containing the children- lol!!!!​

 

[Goofyluver]

So, I get the following message while I'm at work today...

"OMG. Did you see Jenny's TR today? They had 31 bags of groceries and there's THV pics!!!!"

I had to tell UncleR that I had previously seen the bag pic on FB.

Girl, I bow to your awesomeness.

I cook SO much at home, that Disney is my vacation. So, no groceries for me. Last time we went to Disney and we got GG, we didn't finish everything and I felt so bad for leaving so much behind and being wasteful.

But, I must admit (DON'T READ THIS HONEY), I'm having a bit of agida about not ordering for our trip next summer. I mean, do you know how much money I'll spend just on bottled water???

Jen doesn't *do* tap water.

 

[franandaj]

So, I get the following message while I'm at work today...

"OMG. Did you see Jenny's TR today? They had 31 bags of groceries and there's THV pics!!!!"

I had to tell UncleR that I had previously seen the bag pic on FB.

Girl, I bow to your awesomeness.

I cook SO much at home, that Disney is my vacation. So, no groceries for me. Last time we went to Disney and we got GG, we didn't finish everything and I felt so bad for leaving so much behind and being wasteful.

But, I must admit (DON'T READ THIS HONEY), I'm having a bit of agida about not ordering for our trip next summer. I mean, do you know how much money I'll spend just on bottled water???

Jen doesn't *do* tap water.

C'mon, you know you're the type that when you get up and the kitchen is bare you cry! You need some stuff! I mean I love the whole ADRs but that's what I love about the villas is that you can make a grilled cheese, or some bacon and eggs, French toast. At least grab a yogurt from the fridge! I know with all the pills that Fran has to take she needs something in her tummy so at least a buttered English Muffin, one with cream cheese if she's splurging, or a yogurt. We need to have some stuff and I always like to have a couple bacon and eggs breakfasts in bed at WDW. That makes me think we are splurging. We used to do that at home, but life has gotten to hectic to for that.

We also have a Britta pitcher in our OL.

 

[rentayenta]

So, I get the following message while I'm at work today...

"OMG. Did you see Jenny's TR today? They had 31 bags of groceries and there's THV pics!!!!"

I had to tell UncleR that I had previously seen the bag pic on FB.

Girl, I bow to your awesomeness.

I cook SO much at home, that Disney is my vacation. So, no groceries for me. Last time we went to Disney and we got GG, we didn't finish everything and I felt so bad for leaving so much behind and being wasteful.

But, I must admit (DON'T READ THIS HONEY), I'm having a bit of agida about not ordering for our trip next summer. I mean, do you know how much money I'll spend just on bottled water???

Jen doesn't *do* tap water.

I feel kind of *****en now.

You're not ordering anything for next summer? Water? Tell me about your trip planned for next summer. This is the first I'm hearing.

Some of the THV pics are repeats but some are new. Don't you think multiple pics of groceries is warranted?

We did leave some stuff behind, much more than I intended. Once I realized how much we'd leave I was cognizant of leaving things unopened so Mousekeeping could have it if they wanted. Waste drives me insane. I ate just to prove we needed that much food. ​

C'mon, you know you're the type that when you get up and the kitchen is bare you cry! You need some stuff! I mean I love the whole ADRs but that's what I love about the villas is that you can make a grilled cheese, or some bacon and eggs, French toast. At least grab a yogurt from the fridge! I know with all the pills that Fran has to take she needs something in her tummy so at least a buttered English Muffin, one with cream cheese if she's splurging, or a yogurt. We need to have some stuff and I always like to have a couple bacon and eggs breakfasts in bed at WDW. That makes me think we are splurging. We used to do that at home, but life has gotten to hectic to for that.

We also have a Britta pitcher in our OL.

I'd love to have an OL but we don't go enough. We are grazers, clearly, so I've always got snacks around. I think there's something decent to eat in my car at any given time. It was nice to make breakfast and for the kids to be able to snack at night, midday, anytime. My intention of bringing beer to the pool backfired as noted by our room charges. We weren't feeling the beer vibe much this trip. The Mike's was gone but we did leave beer. I'm ashamed. We had some delicious poolside fruity drinks though. Love drinks by the pool. That could be my entire vacation and I'd be elated. I'll wait to post the pics but Michael ordered in room dining and had it delivered by the pool on our Kidani pool day. He did well this trip.


And your bacon and eggs talk is making me hungry!

​

 

[PrincessInOz]

That's a great couple of updates. The THV looks great and that is a LOT of food.

The Hub is the Hub no matter which Disney you're at.

You'll gain a day basically then! Is it difficult to acclimate? I've never traveled like that. Michael has to Africa and such and it takes him a week to get over the jet lag. I think I read a 14 hour difference in your trip report? How long is the flight?

And then you'll lose a day on the way home? :lmao


​

The flight is 14 - 15 hours long. The time difference is 17 or 18 hours. We're ahead of the US.

It is completely groundhog day flying from Oz to the US. I arrive in LA about 3 hours earlier than I leave.
But on the way back, we lose a day.

 

[Native NYer]

Happy Halloween Jenny!!!

I'm catching up on trip reports and planning today, day 3 of school closures.

AoA is such a cute resort. I loved it for the one night we stayed there. I'm not sure if I'd book anything longer than 1 or 2 nights. Even though it's roomy, we're so used to DVC space. It's so hard to go back after you're used to staying DVC.

THV look amazing! I love love love all of the space!
Your grocery order cracks me up! I would have done the same thing. It's better to have what you need then run out of stuff. Did you use Garden Grocer for your order?

When's your next trip? DLR next year? August is a great time...

 

[ngchiro]

Awe Great!

 

[Uncle Remus]

C'mon, you know you're the type that when you get up and the kitchen is bare you cry! You need some stuff! I mean I love the whole ADRs but that's what I love about the villas is that you can make a grilled cheese, or some bacon and eggs, French toast. At least grab a yogurt from the fridge! I know with all the pills that Fran has to take she needs something in her tummy so at least a buttered English Muffin, one with cream cheese if she's splurging, or a yogurt. We need to have some stuff and I always like to have a couple bacon and eggs breakfasts in bed at WDW. That makes me think we are splurging. We used to do that at home, but life has gotten to hectic to for that.

We also have a Britta pitcher in our OL.

Oh no, no, no, don't you think for even one minute our fridge anywhere doesn't have something in it, that's against our religion.
Jen and I not only eat our meals out at Disney, but we have to plan for our snacks after we return to the room, that's why we order 3-4 sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich instead of just two, Jen tends to stock up on sweets (cupcakes, candy) and it all goes in that bag we're toting along just for the purpose of food gathering.
I do have to add I'm glad BCV has late night room service from 1am to 6am, you know, just in case.

 

[rentayenta]

That's a great couple of updates. The THV looks great and that is a LOT of food.

The Hub is the Hub no matter which Disney you're at.



The flight is 14 - 15 hours long. The time difference is 17 or 18 hours. We're ahead of the US.

It is completely groundhog day flying from Oz to the US. I arrive in LA about 3 hours earlier than I leave.
But on the way back, we lose a day.

You're on your way! Can't wait for pics. Enjoy the great So Cal weather. ​

Happy Halloween Jenny!!!

I'm catching up on trip reports and planning today, day 3 of school closures.

AoA is such a cute resort. I loved it for the one night we stayed there. I'm not sure if I'd book anything longer than 1 or 2 nights. Even though it's roomy, we're so used to DVC space. It's so hard to go back after you're used to staying DVC.

THV look amazing! I love love love all of the space!
Your grocery order cracks me up! I would have done the same thing. It's better to have what you need then run out of stuff. Did you use Garden Grocer for your order?

When's your next trip? DLR next year? August is a great time...

Happy Halloween!

August may be the next realistic family trip if Jenna's kids miss anymore school. I'd love to do August and we may end up. What are your dates? Who did you rent from? Did you get a 2 bedroom?

As cute as AoA was, with the 5 of us, I wouldn't stay again. It's just too small and I pack/buy to much.

We used Garden Grocer for some stuff and Kelly's Personal Disney Shopper for some. I planned this trip for so long that I overbought groceries as I ran out of stuff to plan. Looking back, I should have read up more on MNSSHP. GG gave me free shipping with an order over $200. That'll give you an idea of what I spent. Kelly shops brand specific and then charges a flat 20% and a $10 stocking fee. Her groceries came mostly from Target and she got Chloe's cake from Publix. Her grocery sacks had much less wear and tear than GG's and that's why I don't buy perishables from GG. They just kind of shove it in the bag. I could tell that Kelly took her time. Cynthia gave me her contact info. I have it if you want it. She's also on FB.

The THV are so uber cool. I keep saying it but I was totally impressed. I have loved all the DVC resorts we've stayed at. We've stayed at OKW in a GV, AKV Jambo 2 bedroom, Kidani 2 bedroom, the THV, and then GCV 2 bedroom; they've all been unique and awesome in their own way. I think Disney spikes my kool-aid. ​

Awe Great!

Thanks for joining us!​

Oh no, no, no, don't you think for even one minute our fridge anywhere doesn't have something in it, that's against our religion.
Jen and I not only eat our meals out at Disney, but we have to plan for our snacks after we return to the room, that's why we order 3-4 sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich instead of just two, Jen tends to stock up on sweets (cupcakes, candy) and it all goes in that bag we're toting along just for the purpose of food gathering.
I do have to add I'm glad BCV has late night room service from 1am to 6am, you know, just in case.

Whew! I couldn't imagine that you'd have no food. Have you started a pre-trip report? Where are you staying? I need the deets! Does Jen bake the stuff you bring? That girl can cook!

Love Earl. I got to order their holiday sandwich. OMG, it was Thanksgiving on a roll; turkey, stuffing, mayo, cranberry, and gravy. Sponge worthy for sure.

Room service can't be beat. We all sound like a bunch of spoiled ladies.


Hope you all have a safe Halloween. Glad you're doing well Gussy and that Sandy didn't hit you too hard! ​

 

[eandesmom]

Ok, if you end up with DLR in August instead of June, let me know! I don't know that it's really on the table for us or not but I'd love it.

It's almost July by the time we get out. I'd like to do April for Spring Break but I'm just not sure Jeff will go for either.

Which could mean I have to rent out some points..which seems WRONG!

 

[Goofyluver]

C'mon, you know you're the type that when you get up and the kitchen is bare you cry! You need some stuff! I mean I love the whole ADRs but that's what I love about the villas is that you can make a grilled cheese, or some bacon and eggs, French toast. At least grab a yogurt from the fridge! I know with all the pills that Fran has to take she needs something in her tummy so at least a buttered English Muffin, one with cream cheese if she's splurging, or a yogurt. We need to have some stuff and I always like to have a couple bacon and eggs breakfasts in bed at WDW. That makes me think we are splurging. We used to do that at home, but life has gotten to hectic to for that.

We also have a Britta pitcher in our OL.

My kitchen at home has spilled over into other rooms. I don't cry while at Disney, because my kitchen is supposed to be free of me cooking.

We tried ordering just breakfast and lunch stuff on our last trip, and we didn't eat it.

Now...I could go for the Brita. Because I think Florida water smells like swamp.

I feel kind of *****en now.

You're not ordering anything for next summer? Water? Tell me about your trip planned for next summer. This is the first I'm hearing.

Some of the THV pics are repeats but some are new. Don't you think multiple pics of groceries is warranted?

We did a lot behind, much more than I intended. Once I realized how much we'd leave I was cognizant of leaving things unopened so Mousekeeping could have it if they wanted. Waste drives me insane. I ate just to prove we needed that much food. ​

When we all went a few years ago, (me, UncleR, J, and the BIL) we had breakfast, lunch stuff, snacks, and drinks. We left all kinds of water and diet coke, bunches of lunch, breakfast, and snack food too. I felt all sorts of sick leaving it there. But, I'm having a panic attack already at not having bottled water. Do you know how much those suckers are in the parks?

I've oogled you on FB. (that sounds odd, no? ) So, I'd seen some of those THV pics. But, I needed another fix. I hope we get to stay there once. It seems sort of big for just 4 of us, but maybe for a night or two.

Whew! I couldn't imagine that you'd have no food. Have you started a pre-trip report? Where are you staying? I need the deets! Does Jen bake the stuff you bring? That girl can cook!

Love Earl. I got to order their holiday sandwich. OMG, it was Thanksgiving on a roll; turkey, stuffing, mayo, cranberry, and gravy. Sponge worthy for sure.

Room service can't be beat. We all sound like a bunch of spoiled ladies.

​

I couldn't possibly imagine who'd want to read our obsessive planning.

Ummmm, we won't be bringing anything with us on the trip. She just means we bring all of our leftovers back to the room like we'll actually eat them.

We ARE spoiled ladies! What's wrong with that? I feel soooo...pampered? And spoiled by DVC. I was explaining to a co-worker about what it's like...and I found myself saying, "I'll never stay at ______ again..."

We are planning two trips for the next year. I know!!! I can hardly stand it without peeing my pants.

Next summer at BCV, and then late next fall during Christmas-time stuff at BCV. We just love it so much. I'm so spoiled by the proximity to EPCOT, the small size of the resort, the quiet pool right out the door...bestill my heart! I'm trying to convince UncleR that we should do a night at my one true love: AKV. But, we'll see how that goes. She'd go just because I want to. But, I think I'm voting against myself in favor of BCV. I love having the option to walk right over to the World Showcase and grabbing a drink.

 

[rentayenta]

Ok, if you end up with DLR in August instead of June, let me know! I don't know that it's really on the table for us or not but I'd love it.

It's almost July by the time we get out. I'd like to do April for Spring Break but I'm just not sure Jeff will go for either.

Which could mean I have to rent out some points..which seems WRONG!

I'll let you know for sure. At this point August is looking more realistic for three reasons. First we'd have to make our GCV reservation in 2 weeks which were not ready to do. Second, because of the storm we don't know exactly when Jenna's kids will be finished with school so we're not sure when they'll arrive here. And third Gabby and Josh have camp in Colorado in late June. We'd have to be back by June 22 at the latest because they leave for camp June 24th. Jenna and I want a night in Vegas prior to Disneyland so it make the time so crunched.

You'll have points to rent? That's VERY wrong. Why not bank them?​

My kitchen at home has spilled over into other rooms. I don't cry while at Disney, because my kitchen is supposed to be free of me cooking.

We tried ordering just breakfast and lunch stuff on our last trip, and we didn't eat it.

Now...I could go for the Brita. Because I think Florida water smells like swamp.



When we all went a few years ago, (me, UncleR, J, and the BIL) we had breakfast, lunch stuff, snacks, and drinks. We left all kinds of water and diet coke, bunches of lunch, breakfast, and snack food too. I felt all sorts of sick leaving it there. But, I'm having a panic attack already at not having bottled water. Do you know how much those suckers are in the parks?

I've oogled you on FB. (that sounds odd, no? ) So, I'd seen some of those THV pics. But, I needed another fix. I hope we get to stay there once. It seems sort of big for just 4 of us, but maybe for a night or two.



I couldn't possibly imagine who'd want to read our obsessive planning.

Ummmm, we won't be bringing anything with us on the trip. She just means we bring all of our leftovers back to the room like we'll actually eat them.

We ARE spoiled ladies! What's wrong with that? I feel soooo...pampered? And spoiled by DVC. I was explaining to a co-worker about what it's like...and I found myself saying, "I'll never stay at ______ again..."

We are planning two trips for the next year. I know!!! I can hardly stand it without peeing my pants.

Next summer at BCV, and then late next fall during Christmas-time stuff at BCV. We just love it so much. I'm so spoiled by the proximity to EPCOT, the small size of the resort, the quiet pool right out the door...bestill my heart! I'm trying to convince UncleR that we should do a night at my one true love: AKV. But, we'll see how that goes. She'd go just because I want to. But, I think I'm voting against myself in favor of BCV. I love having the option to walk right over to the World Showcase and grabbing a drink.

i feel ya on leaving food behind. While it pained me, I keep telling myself that the unopened food did not get thrown away. My fuzzy Disney thinking has no boundaries.

I don't think the THV would all that big for 4. A lot of points for sure but it really is chopped up as far as space. I'm sure it's because of the shape but there really isn't a ton of extra living/floor space and it only has 2 bathrooms. I can see how it'd be difficult to swallow the point amount though because with 4 a one bedroom would be perfect and even a Studio is great. The THV points go up in 2013 so that was one of my reasons for helping the kids decide to stay there this trip. We won't be back until 2014 at the soonest unless some miracle happens so this year was the year.

Is BCV that fabulous even without a good view? I'm sure a view hoor. My buddy Keith swears by it, it's his all time favorite DVC. Does Jon love Epcot? My kids enjoyed it because of the F&W Festival but with Test Track down, it lost some of its appeal for them. I think I'd really enjoy an Epcot resort on a trip for just Michael and I or a girls' trip. I'd love to plan a big girls meet. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

And I would be all over your trippie if you wrote one.

And finally, AKV has my heart too. The whole resort just excludes a feeling of wonderfulness, peace, and life. I'll be hard pressed to talk my gang into a split that doesn't involve AKV. We got so much resort time this trip and it just made me fall in love. And with Kidani no less.

If you pee, please update your FB status to peed in your pants! Because I'll piddle in mine too.

And Christmas time too? Holy moly can you adopt me? Jon must be elated.

We are so spoiled. I remember the days when the PPH at Disneyland was big stuff. My kids now call it the Paradise Poo Hotel. I'm a terrible parent. I've created hotel snobs. Actually Disney created them.

Bottled water is $2.50 a pop. You can get a case for $6. No brainer my friend and August will be hot. I'd get the water and some diet Coke if that's your drink.





Some of you are on my FB but for those who aren't I wanted to share Chloe's costume for tonight:

I guess she knew about the Disney buying Lucas films before we did- lol!


​

 

[rentayenta]

Just wanted to add a few things; the pic of my doctored up Red Stagg Lemonade from The Drop Off at AOA and part of the activities guide from SSR:

I love that the resorts show movies under the stars. Such a fun thing especially for those with younger kids who tire earlier:

And one of my favorite things about this trip, the pool parties!

Working on an update to hopefully finish up Day one, which gets even better believe it or not.

And finally, anyone reading along who is thinking about using YES for their ticket purchase, it was smooth. No issue when picking up at Guest Services at MK that morning before entering the park.​

 

[Goofyluver]

i feel ya on leaving food behind. While it pained me, I keep telling myself that the unopened food did not get thrown away. My fuzzy Disney thinking has no boundaries.

I don't think the THV would all that big for 4. A lot of points for sure but it really is chopped up as far as space. I'm sure it's because of the shape but there really isn't a ton of extra living/floor space and it only has 2 bathrooms. I can see how it'd be difficult to swallow the point amount though because with 4 a one bedroom would be perfect and even a Studio is great. The THV points go up in 2013 so that was one of my reasons for helping the kids decide to stay there this trip. We won't be back until 2014 at the soonest unless some miracle happens so this year was the year.

Is BCV that fabulous even without a good view? I'm sure a view hoor. My buddy Keith swears by it, it's his all time favorite DVC. Does Jon love Epcot? My kids enjoyed it because of the F&W Festival but with Test Track down, it lost some of its appeal for them. I think I'd really enjoy an Epcot resort on a trip for just Michael and I or a girls' trip. I'd love to plan a big girls meet. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

And I would be all over your trippie if you wrote one.

And finally, AKV has my heart too. The whole resort just excludes a feeling of wonderfulness, peace, and life. I'll be hard pressed to talk my gang into a split that doesn't involve AKV. We got so much resort time this trip and it just made me fall in love. And with Kidani no less.

If you pee, please update your FB status to peed in your pants! Because I'll piddle in mine too.

And Christmas time too? Holy moly can you adopt me? Jon must be elated.

We are so spoiled. I remember the days when the PPH at Disneyland was big stuff. My kids now call it the Paradise Poo Hotel. I'm a terrible parent. I've created hotel snobs. Actually Disney created them.

Bottled water is $2.50 a pop. You can get a case for $6. No brainer my friend and August will be hot. I'd get the water and some diet Coke if that's your drink.





Some of you are on my FB but for those who aren't I wanted to share Chloe's costume for tonight:

I guess she knew about the Disney buying Lucas films before we did- lol!


​

Keith!!!!! Where is he nowadays? He's clearly a genius. Because BCV is awesome.

We have "our room", which is overlooking the quiet pool. Not an A+ view, and there's no zebras or giraffes...but what you're lacking in view, you make up for a million times with the fabulosity of the resort. Yes, I said fabulosity.

There's no million mile walk to your room, to an elevator, or to the buses. If you want a refill in your trusty mug, it's just right there. And it's a 5 minute leisurely walk to EPCOT for booze. BOOZE!!!!! From any country you want.

Also, the pool OMG. That sandy bottom baby is like the prime rib of pools. It is awesome. And the slide is full of fun.

And it's quiet. Like...so quiet that you can relax at Disney...but you know BOOZE is 5 mins away.

Jon and Big C don't know we're going yet. We think we're telling them at Christmas. But they'll be so excited to not only go once, but twice in the next year.

Please do let UncleR and I know when we should show up for the girl's trip. We are invited, no?

And to my lovely wife...just some water and diet coke, please?

I saw Chloe's costume on FB, but tell her that she is just too dang gorgeous! And I LOVE that costume. Also, we're practically the same size, so I should be able to borrow it next year.