Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[MEK]

You did it!!!! you wrapped this one up and are ready for Oct.

I know. I'm pretty psyched to get started, but I gotta warn you that there is a lot of stuff I forget. I'm sure Cynthia will keep me straight. At least I hope.

I need to get on with it. I have DL and maybe Oct to do. I may just do pictures of DL and then go right to Jan.

It's really a problem when you have more trips than you have time for TR's, isn't it? What a terrible problem to have!

If I have any pictures from Halloween or anything i can maybe just post then when you get to it??

Absolutely. You know you are welcome to post anytime. I love that idea.

I should have your pp in the mail this week Pat, I can't imagine we will get to that night first but we will all have copies of the same group shots. Though honestly the one in my phone is my
Fav lol.

Ok - I'm curious. What is the one in your phone?

Looking forward to the PP. I think my favorite picture of the whole trip is one of the ones I took on the boat dock going to MNSSHP.

Love the recap and lists of firsts.

Thanks!

L\Assuming I get the time off in June (I can't request it until the second week of January), I can't wait to meet you and Anita.

I hope you can get off. Is there any reason why you won't be able to? I guess if someone else requests the same week it could be a problem. Anyway - hope it all works out and I like the idea of going to CMC. Love that place.

Without going into too much detail, you are going to LOVE Be Our Guest. It was one of the best meals of our trip; but you'll have to wait for Nicki's review (you should pop over to her dining reviews of our trip) and I'll have pictures on my TR.

I didn't know she was doing dining reviews. Thanks for the heads up. I can't wait to hear about it. I'm glad it lived up to the hype! Let's hope it stays that way.

LAs always, loved your TR and your spectacular pictures.

Thank you!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yay, great wrap up. So much to comment on.....

Okay, who doesn't love airports with no lines, a curbside drop off, and on time departures? It's the main reason I prefer flying out of Milwaukee.

I'm glad your DB drank the Kool Aid.

DISmeets are always fun! You're right, they do get easier the more of them you do.

Glad you liked your CS firsts. The one thing about the QSDP is it gives you the ability to experience CS locations you wouldn't normally try.

Yay for accomplishing staying at all DVC resorts. I'm one shy of the east coast, and that's Hilton Head.

Hey, don't say the ride stopped when you score 999,999. Just say it's because you're amazing!!

 

[englishrose47]

Loved your final thought ,Mary Ellen !!I so agree there is allows a first to try at Disney!!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh - and since I am already off topic - I also booked Denny and I at Be Our Guest. I just have to try to it. I have too. Plus there's wine there. I'll have Cynthia tell me what I should order ahead of time. She is my personal sommelier and I love her for that.

I will gladly live vicariously! I am SO going there next Dec/Jan if at all possible.

Another first for me was the Quick Service Dining Plan. I have done the regular dining plan and the deluxe dining plan. My overall opinion of Disney dining is that while the price has gone up, the quality may be heading down a bit. That’s a bummer. Right now I think the TIW card works well for me, but they just jacked the price again. It was only $60 the first time I bought it. Then it was $75 last December. Now it’s $100. Seriously? That stinks. I wanted to buy a new one this June and I will be lucky to break even during that trip. Of course, I will use it again in the fall, but still.

So what did I think of the QS Dining Plan? Even though I was pretty "eh" on the idea, I think it worked out great for our party of 9. I mean - there was no way we were going to do a bunch of table services meals with that group, so this was the perfect alternative. I also discovered some new QS eateries that I really enjoyed. For example, my three top favorites were WPE, the Pepper Market, and the Tangerine Cafe. These were also "firsts" for me!

I need to figure out what will work best with our group. My kids love the DDP and for that reason, it really does make life very easy. But 2 of my nephews are horrid eaters so I'm not sure it will work. Much harder to make that TIW pencil at $100. How many people can you use the TIW on if you are one check? I am still surprised you saved as much as you did on the QSP, it seems overpriced for counter service but you really maximized it which is wonderful.

Overall, this was a great trip. However, for the first time I think I developed some park "burn out". June is HOT and June is CROWDED. Couple that with the fact that there aren't a lot of new things for me to see and I found myself wanting to run out of the parks by early afternoon.

Theoretically, even though they are staying off site, with DVC can't you pool hop anyway even if not staying there? I know people do it at Vero.

I know. I'm pretty psyched to get started, but I gotta warn you that there is a lot of stuff I forget. I'm sure Cynthia will keep me straight. At least I hope.

Ha! We will see about that, I'm sure there is a ton I've forgotten too.

Ok - I'm curious. What is the one in your phone?

Looking forward to the PP. I think my favorite picture of the whole trip is one of the ones I took on the boat dock going to MNSSHP.

There is one of the 3 of us that I like the best of them all for party shots, from the dock, on my phone.

Your PP should get there by Weds or Thurs I think, it was mailed on Friday. Pats went last (hasn't been mailed yet) as I had the rest of the addys and other xmas gifts to get out so they went with those.

 

[marDgreen88]

I so enjoyed this TR! It makes me happy that your brother's family really did end up liking WDW enough to go back! (And really, WHY wouldn't they? ) All your future plans sound wonderful. Can't wait for the next TR, either! Thanks for writing this and for all your wonderful photos!

 

[MEK]

OK. I know I need to finish replies, but I don't think I am going to get to it until tomorrow.

But the good news is - I wrote the first installments for my new TR. So yeah It's close now. very close!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Ok so how will we know when you start... are you going to post a link here...

send out the bat signal...

Something else...?

(looking forward to reading...)


oh btw... booked the Boardwalk for July... today 7 months out... this will give me time to find those cottages as well as to become even more familiar with the EVIL CHAIRS ... so when I can't make it through the lobby without laughing both nervously and hysterically... and the CMs are slightly frightened... it will be ENTIRELY your fault...

 

[eandesmom]

OK. I know I need to finish replies, but I don't think I am going to get to it until tomorrow.

But the good news is - I wrote the first installments for my new TR. So yeah It's close now. very close!

Oh boy I better get mine ready too! Yikes! Lol. Actually I just need to get the phone photos up but shouldn't be that hard. Besides, you got there HOURS before I did.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm sad to see your TR come to an end! As always, I loved folliwng along!!! I'm glad to hear you had a great time, how cool that you've now stayed at all of the DVC resorts!

Can't wait to hear about your next adventures! (We, again, will be missing each other by a small amount of time on your October trip!!! )

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Thanks for the great report Mary Ellen! I always enjoy them.

And congrats on your accomplishment! I can only wish I had enough trips to try out so many resorts! Definitely need to pick up the DVC resorts around the world now...

Can't wait for the next TR, and then for you to get down there and try out Be Our Guest!

 

[MEK]

The sad news is that you are wrapping up this fantastic TR. The good news is another one is right around the corner!

It is literally right around the corner. I have it all written and ready to go. I just have to figure out how I am going to fit yet another TR title in my siggie. Something is going to have to go.

Definately get one from me!! I am so looking forward to this!

Me too! I seriously can't wait. I loved F&W SO much. It really exceeded my expectations!

I agree 100% about the DVC resorts. We each have our own preferences and the differences in the DVC resorts insure you will find one that is just right for you. The same is true about the non-DVC Disney resorts. We only came to DVC in late 2009 and it is also our goal to stay at all the resorts. We have been to OKW, AKV, BWV, BLT, VWL, Aulani and will be at BCV next year. We haven't found one yet that we didn't like. Right now we are looking at a DVC point add on so we can have enough to make more trips. I sure hope the rumor isn't true about restricting future resale contracts to home resorts only.

We joined in 2008 and it was such a great decision. I haven't found I didn't like either. They are all great.

However, I would be totally bummed if they institute that rule. Can they do that? That would be so NOT cool and could definitely impair sales (I think0. Good luck with your add-on.

I am sorry to be late in my condolences, but I am so sorry about your moms kitty. I have too many cats and some have been strays that we found as itty bitty kittens. I know my heart will break when we lose them.

Thank you! I appreciate that. Yeah - Tibbett started out the kitten of a stray. We knew she was pregnant, but we just had to wait for her to have the kittens. And she did, right under a little overhang that came off my deck. She buried them in the flowers.

My son found them and he was so thrilled with himself. I bought a book on kittens and I made a "hut" that they recommended in that book. I brought the mom and all her 5 babies into my laundry room. I put the hut in the closet. She stayed there with them until they were eating on their own. It was such an amazing experience. So I saw this cat's entire life cycle.

I love the firework from the beach pics! Amazing view!!!

Thank you! That was such a wonderful way to spend the evening. I really enjoyed going out that way.

Your decal for your macbook pro is very nice :yes:

Thanks! Don't you just love her? She is just too darn cute.

Love the photo recap. and your thoughts on your trip. It is cool that you had so many firsts. I think people don't often understand how that is possible. I know when I go, my friends/family say "again" and "Haven't you done all there is to do there?" I think a simple... "yes, and nope" has come to be my responses. Yet... I do understand a bit of what you are talking about when it comes to not being as into the touring of the parks... I still feel a bit guilty about that though. I feel like I should want to wake and spend the day there.... next trip is going to be different, so it will be interesting to see how I do with the non park side of things.

"Yes and nope" is the perfect answer. Yes - you have down on the big ticket things, but no to the smaller details that make Disney such an amazing place. I honestly found that its been a slow transition into the non-park side of things and in the summer I am OK with that.

Thanks for sharing your trip! What a wonderful TR. Now I can't wait for the October one!!!

Thank you! I have the new one "in the can" so to speak, so I should be starting soon.

MEK I have been catching up since last night. Your Poly photos are great. Watching wishes from the Poly beach is on my Disney bucket list.

Welcome Back Stranger! I have been looking for an update on your TR. I hope you haven't abandoned it! Please say you haven't.

I am late in saying it but am sorry for your mom's loss. You're a good daughter to make that vet trip.

Thank you for the condolences. As it turns out, my mom did not want to put the cat to sleep on the Sunday afternoon I was supposed to go. She waited two more days and my SIL went with her. I felt bad that I wasn't able to help her and she would have vehemently protested if I tried to go their after work.

Your photo recap was a great follow up to a fun trip. You really had a long vacation. Nice!

It really was a perfect length. I am not sure if I would have wanted it any longer. Not to say that I couldn't hang out at the pool(s) a few more days, but I was pretty much done with the parks, as terrible as that sounds.

Your photos of BWV really make me want to stay, thoughwe would have to skip the creepy clown pool.

I did skip the clown pool, but in October Cynthia and I visited it and let me tell you what - it really wasn't creepy while we were sitting on the pool deck. It's such a great resort. You should really consider trying it.

I am looking forward to your & Cynthia's fall trip.

 

[MEK]

Nice wrap-up! I'm so glad that the trip turned out at as it well as it did, despite is inauspicious beginnings.

Well said! Despite how it started, it did on a high note. However, I didn't even realize how HIGH of a note until we had been home for a month. So that was definitely cool!

It is so cool that you've stayed at every DVC resort. Its funny but I was so bummed last April when I found out we were staying at SSR. Mostly because it seems like no one ever has anything good to say about it and yet, I thought it was just lovely! The tree houses really look like they are super cool.

Every East Coast resort. I still have the west coast and Hawaii, but hey - close enough.

There are a lot of negative or neutral comments about SSR and its just absolutely gorgeous. It is really the type of atmosphere that appeals to me. I will never be disappointed in staying there. I love it. The treehouses were pretty amazing and I'm glad we got to stay there before they jacked up the point price.

And how exciting that you're going to go to Be Our Guest! I'd have jumped on that ADR, too. I'm hoping maybe Max and I will check it out for lunch in a couple weeks, but I'm not holding my breath, unless we're willing to get in line for lunch at 10:30 a.m..

See - that can work for me because I like to eat lunch early (or breakfast late). I am usually starving by 10:30. I'm anxious to hear what you end up doing. I'm excited for my meal there and it's 6 months away.

I hear you on the crowds and heat in the summer. When I'm done with my Christmas trip, I will have gone to Disney in every season. Crowd-wise, the April trip was definitely the best. Our April break was way after Easter that year, so it was kind of an off time, I guess. October's weather is fantastic and I really loved Food and Wine, but I doubt I'll get to go back for quite some time. February is busy as anything, but the weather is a huge plus. I don't know...I kind of think they are benefits to every season. But you also aren't limited by school schedules, so...

I did not realize Feb was crazy. All of Feb or just around President's week/weekend?

So April - hmmmmmm - Exactly how many weeks after Easter did you go. That could definitely be a possibility for me for Spring 2014. Nothing like planning really far ahead.

I can't wait for you to start your F+W report!

I've got it all ready to go, so very soon!

Yay, great wrap up. So much to comment on.....

Thanks! It's nice to have this TR done, although it was a lot of fun to write.

Okay, who doesn't love airports with no lines, a curbside drop off, and on time departures? It's the main reason I prefer flying out of Milwaukee.

Isn't it great to have choices? That is one of the great things about where I live. There are multiple accessible airports. Love that!

I'm glad your DB drank the Kool Aid.

Can you believe it? Sometimes I still feel like this -

DISmeets are always fun! You're right, they do get easier the more of them you do.

Definitely get easier and easier. And they are so fun AND I think you really feel like you get to know the person better because of how we communicate. Seriously, who else do you share this much written information with? Something about written communication really enhances how well you know someone. At least, I think so.

Glad you liked your CS firsts. The one thing about the QSDP is it gives you the ability to experience CS locations you wouldn't normally try.

Exactly, because Pepper Market is one of those places I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat at. I even stayed there, but I didn't eat there because I wasn't on the dining plan. I would definitely go back there again - good stuff.

Yay for accomplishing staying at all DVC resorts. I'm one shy of the east coast, and that's Hilton Head.

Hilton Head is awesome. I hope you get the chance to stay there someday. It's a really cool resort. I am really looking forward to going back.

Hey, don't say the ride stopped when you score 999,999. Just say it's because you're amazing!!

I AM amazing because what I forgot to add is that I scored 999,999 with the other gun, too!

Loved your final thought ,Mary Ellen !!I so agree there is allows a first to try at Disney!!

You can always find a new first, be it an attraction, a restaurant, or an experience. I'll let you know when I stop finding "firsts", but I hope its not for a very long while!

 

[MEK]

I will gladly live vicariously! I am SO going there next Dec/Jan if at all possible.

I will email you a menu before we leave so you can pick out my wine. I am really looking forward to this meal and Denny didn't protest, so I take that as a good thing.

I need to figure out what will work best with our group. My kids love the DDP and for that reason, it really does make life very easy. But 2 of my nephews are horrid eaters so I'm not sure it will work. Much harder to make that TIW pencil at $100. How many people can you use the TIW on if you are one check? I am still surprised you saved as much as you did on the QSP, it seems overpriced for counter service but you really maximized it which is wonderful.

I am very disappointed with the price hike. $25? Really? Come on. It will still work for me because we are going again in October and then in the spring, but at some point its just going to price itself right out of range. Kind of irritates me, to say the least.

I am sure you can probably use it for at least 10 people, if not more. It really should work for your whole party, but you'd have to check that. I think it does have a limit.

Meal planning sounds like its going to be a pain for your group, but maybe you can do the dining plan for half of your stay.

Theoretically, even though they are staying off site, with DVC can't you pool hop anyway even if not staying there? I know people do it at Vero.

I think you have to be staying in a DVC resort to use that privilege. That's OK. Knowing that I am going to hit a water park will work for me. In fact, I could go to a water park every day if I wanted to and get my pool time in that way. Hey - that's actually NOT a bad idea. I actually just thought of that. I do think I will try that a couple of afternoons. Just go in for an hour to get wet and cool off.

Ha! We will see about that, I'm sure there is a ton I've forgotten too.

I assure you, it won't be as much as I have forgotten.

There is one of the 3 of us that I like the best of them all for party shots, from the dock, on my phone.

I am anxious to see that because I don't have a picture of all three of us dressed up. Can't wait to see that and the PP pics.

Your PP should get there by Weds or Thurs I think, it was mailed on Friday. Pats went last (hasn't been mailed yet) as I had the rest of the addys and other xmas gifts to get out so they went with those.

Cool. I'll look forward to that and the best part is I can load the whole thing on my new computer without having to move a bunch of stuff around to make room.

I so enjoyed this TR! It makes me happy that your brother's family really did end up liking WDW enough to go back! (And really, WHY wouldn't they? ) All your future plans sound wonderful. Can't wait for the next TR, either! Thanks for writing this and for all your wonderful photos!

So glad you enjoyed my TR and my pictures. It was so fun having you on board for this.

I am thrilled that my brother and his family have been sprinkled with the p-dust. I hope their next vacation is everything they want it to be and more.

Ok so how will we know when you start... are you going to post a link here...

send out the bat signal...

Something else...?

(looking forward to reading...)

I am going to post a link and I will probably send out a pm as well. I only FB on my phone, so I won't send a link there.

I am looking forward to getting started. Very soon!

oh btw... booked the Boardwalk for July... today 7 months out...

That is SO awesome! You are going to LOVE it!

this will give me time to find those cottages as well as to become even more familiar with the EVIL CHAIRS ... so when I can't make it through the lobby without laughing both nervously and hysterically... and the CMs are slightly frightened... it will be ENTIRELY your fault...

Don't forget to call them by name (Paul and Todd). That is SURE to freak out the CM's.

Oh boy I better get mine ready too! Yikes! Lol. Actually I just need to get the phone photos up but shouldn't be that hard. Besides, you got there HOURS before I did.

I did, didn't I? Had you already boarded when I landed? I forget. I really thought I texted you that I was there, but maybe I am mistaken. Told you I don't have good recollection for this trip.

I'm sad to see your TR come to an end! As always, I loved folliwng along!!! I'm glad to hear you had a great time, how cool that you've now stayed at all of the DVC resorts!

Thanks so much for following my TR. I hate to see it end too, but it's time to move on to the next one!!!!

I really do love my DVC. It's allowed me to stay at so many great resorts!

Can't wait to hear about your next adventures! (We, again, will be missing each other by a small amount of time on your October trip!!! )

Really? Are you going later or earlier? Do Tell. Ugh - I hate when I just miss people by a couple days?

Thanks for the great report Mary Ellen! I always enjoy them.

Thank you! And I always enjoy all your witty responses. I get the most laughs when I see you have posted something.

And congrats on your accomplishment! I can only wish I had enough trips to try out so many resorts! Definitely need to pick up the DVC resorts around the world now...

Going for Disneyland next and maybe Hawaii one of these days. Not exactly sure where that is on the radar screen. But its there!

Can't wait for the next TR, and then for you to get down there and try out Be Our Guest!

I am starting the next one very, very soon. It's all written and ready to go!

 

[mickeystoontown]

What a wonderful wrap up! Isn't it neat that even Disney World veterans still have new things to experience? I'm looking forward to hearing all about your upcoming trips.

 

[MEK]

What a wonderful wrap up! Isn't it neat that even Disney World veterans still have new things to experience? I'm looking forward to hearing all about your upcoming trips.

Thank you!

And yes - its wonderful to always have new things to look forward to. Can you believe that we are half way (plus) to our June trips. At first it seems like June is never going to get here and then its just around the corner. I love that!

My new TR should be starting very soon!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Just to chime in on the DVC rumor- I think if they make any changes to privileges, it would be to purchases after a certain date of the change. Previous purchases would be grandfathered in, much like the last change about using points in certain collections if they were resale. There was a date that became effective for sales after that date. I believe that when you buy, the situation at that time is what you are purchasing, and anything else would be a substantial change to the terms of the contract. I know DVC has the right to change things but I would think going retroactive on any new rules would be a breach.
That's the lawyer in me talking!



of course, I've been wrong once or twice before...

 

[glennbo123]

Great wrap-up Mary Ellen, and thanks for the report overall. I appreciated your thoughts on the Quick Service dining plan, I've wondered about that so that was some great input. Also, I'm impressed with the array of DVC resorts you've stayed at...wow! Maybe they should have you replace DeeVee See.

 

[eandesmom]

Just to chime in on the DVC rumor- I think if they make any changes to privileges, it would be to purchases after a certain date of the change. Previous purchases would be grandfathered in, much like the last change about using points in certain collections if they were resale. There was a date that became effective for sales after that date. I believe that when you buy, the situation at that time is what you are purchasing, and anything else would be a substantial change to the terms of the contract. I know DVC has the right to change things but I would think going retroactive on any new rules would be a breach.
That's the lawyer in me talking!

of course, I've been wrong once or twice before...

ITA. I've seen a lot of folks speculating about a tiered system that could be bought into or booking fees etc and I don't see that happening. I could see GF starting out as a separate entity though, not part of the current club but a new one that only direct and everyone who bought before GF goes on sale or some mythical date can book there but resales after can't. We will see but something tied into GF wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[MEK]

Just to chime in on the DVC rumor- I think if they make any changes to privileges, it would be to purchases after a certain date of the change. Previous purchases would be grandfathered in, much like the last change about using points in certain collections if they were resale. There was a date that became effective for sales after that date. I believe that when you buy, the situation at that time is what you are purchasing, and anything else would be a substantial change to the terms of the contract. I know DVC has the right to change things but I would think going retroactive on any new rules would be a breach.
That's the lawyer in me talking!

I get that part of it, and I guess it really isn't that big of a deal for me because I wouldn't mind adding on more points at SSR, my original contract. I just think that future and current owners should have the flexibility to different home resorts. Explain to me what Disney has to gain from limiting that?

of course, I've been wrong once or twice before...

Like the rest of us.....

Great wrap-up Mary Ellen, and thanks for the report overall. I appreciated your thoughts on the Quick Service dining plan, I've wondered about that so that was some great input. Also, I'm impressed with the array of DVC resorts you've stayed at...wow!

Thanks Glen. I actually did like the QS dining plan. It was great for a big group during the summertime.

I made the effort to try to stay at all the DVC resorts. For research purposes and all that.

Maybe they should have you replace DeeVee See.

Hmmmmm - I think I should!

ITA. I've seen a lot of folks speculating about a tiered system that could be bought into or booking fees etc and I don't see that happening. I could see GF starting out as a separate entity though, not part of the current club but a new one that only direct and everyone who bought before GF goes on sale or some mythical date can book there but resales after can't. We will see but something tied into GF wouldn't surprise me at all.

So you don't think GF will ever go into resales? Interesting.

I am not sure if I understand the tiered system. I guess I need to spend more time on the DVC boards to see what is actually going on. I don't like surprises.

 

[MEK]

My New TR is Up!

Come join me (and Cynthia) at Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting than You