Our little thread of BIG Resort Changes~2013 Spring RC installment

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK - my mom swears we stayed in a treehouse when I was little, I think I remember it. But I also remember a townhouse type place Then again I also remember the blood blister I got on my finger from playing too much in the CR arcade I remember the weirdest things from my childhood! Needless to say we went to Disney a few times when I was growing up. I think it started when my grandparents moved to FL, we would see them in Miami then go to Disney or vice versa. Then somehow I ended up down here


Melissa

Your gin and tonic mile-high story was HI-larious! It made me wonder if CL sort of functions in a similar way with all those 'endless' drinks. DH once broke an empty CL wine glass and DD was so embarrassed, she quickly threw it in the garbage before anyone noticed

I would love to see one of your elusive Tree House photos. I love vintage WDW stuff. Did you get all dolled-up like for prom? I think I forgot to tell you how much I loved your photo, and I forgot to ask what was in that big box?

Oh yes, I have become a pro at catching those little lizards and taking them back outside where they belong

So glad you catch them as I hate finding the dried husk-o-lizard in a corner somewhere or garage.

Hi RCers: I was hoping 2013 would be THE YEAR, but with fewer trips for us this year, hopefully 2014 will be our year to finish up the Resort list. Three big budget drainers are on tap for this year: A new roof and new windows, as well as a trip to the Masters in April. While not WDW, we're pretty stoked to go to Augusta. My WDW Resort-stay list is down to AKL, SAR, CBR, ASmu and AoA. I am at the point of ambivalence for most of these...I think. It is at the point that it is sooo much easier to book one of my faves over these Resorts more standard rooms, with obvious exceptions being the Cars Suite and the Treehouses.


KOOK: First off let me just say that Mike Douglas stole my heart as a little girl... and then Kramer's "Mike Douglas set episode" stole my mind and funny bone. One of the all-time best to be sure. Thanks for letting me re-live it.

Thanks also for the idea of the Treehouse. You've given me the idea for a perfectly rugged split stay -- FTW cabin and SAR treehouse. I had purposely blocked it out of my mind until now. I think I've mentioned here before lucking out and being the first to book one of the reno-ed Treehouse rooms entirely by chance... and then canceling it for a BC 2br villas for our Christmas 2007 trip? Yep, I cancelled a brandy-spanking new room. That said, every time DH and I sail past them we oooh and ahhhh.

We had such a horrible one-night CBR experience that I don't think I could ever go back. If we weren't there for only one night and were dead tired after 14 hours of driving, I would have changed, but we went on to CR the next day and all was (sort of) forgotten. So I just can't recommend CBR. But, I like the FWC/Tree House idea, but are you sure you don't want to do a little tent camping in between?

Mike Douglas was great and so was Dick Cavett and the Galloping Gourmet! As I child, I remember my mom also watching Dinah Shore - good times, good times...

I'm back to work on Tuesday after being off for 2 weeks since the incident. I am not looking forward to leaving him home alone that'll be hard! My mind just isn't into work right now!
Thank you all for the love and support. I am so blessed to have you wonderful ladies as my friends! love y'all!

Marie

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and DH tomorrow. Maybe DH can make some reservations while he's home alone

Hi RC friends! We're on the countdown to spring, 9 days!


RCers,
I would so appreciate any thoughts/recommendations about the Atrium Club. Dh asked about the plan for Sept yesterday, I guess he's been thinking about Contemporary. We've never stayed there, when I first mentioned it he wasn't thrilled. Sounds like in the meantime he's been pondering it, and it went on the short list.

Melissa took the words right out of my mouth. We love CR's BLV for all the reasons she posted and if you stay CL, you can go to the lounge to see and hear Wishes and enjoy the view during the day, too.

I like your spring countdown

I'll catch up with everyone in a bit, but wanted to reply to Ginny.

We stayed at CR, Atrium club level in Dec and non-CL in Feb. I paid a lot for upgrade to CL (I think it was about an extra $150/nt), but it was regular season and prices were high, so hopefully you can get it at a better rate. We had a BLV room and used the CL for watching Wishes and just looking out at the MK. The CL was never really crowded and we always found a table or room on one of the three balconies. The view from the CL is honestly worth every penny!

I have not stayed CL at any other resort on property but from what I have read the CL offerings do seem to be less than some of the other resorts. But we were happy with everything that was offered. Whenever we needed or wanted something that was not out there was always a CM ready to help. We loved walking off the elevator and walking right into the CL and being able to grab a snack, soda or juice. We even brought dinner up from Contempo Cafe one night and it was so nice!

Because the CR is so compact, no matter where you stay in the tower you are just steps away from the CL. The CL sits in the middle of the tower on the MK side and we stayed BLV second to last room from the end so just about as far from the CL you can be and it was still soooo close.

KOOK has mentioned before that booking a BLV when staying CL at CR is really the best of both worlds, and it really is! I loved the serenity of Bay Lake in the morning and sitting and watching the EWP at night.

Now with all that said, we stayed TPV in Feb (because CL was closed it was not an option). Becuase we drive, we brought our own waters, juices, sodas, and snacks and did not miss CL too much. I missed being able to grab a quick breakfast for snack, but now the DS being gluten free he would not have been able to have any of it anyway, so I was glad it was not there to tempt him. I am glad we stayed on the TPV side becuase the kids really loved it! And even though I missed the serenity of Bay Lake, sitting on the balcony at night and looking at the MK was truly magical Even DH (who doesnt care about that stuff) said to me that we really could not be more submersed in Disney than we were sitting on that balcony. If I had to choose I would probably do TPV again and if I could get GF breakfast and treats for DS, I would book CL again in a heartbeat!

If you have any specific question that I didn't cover, just ask! I am sure KOOK will chime in too

Melissa

I'm chiming in to say that my chime isn't really needed - great job, Melissa

Melissa, Thank you so much! Most of the time dh doesn't have a lot of opinions about our trips. I am very lucky that he tends to just ask the basics:
Where are we staying, what are we eating, are you booking us during F&W, and when are we going to Tower of Terror??
I had considered Contemporary, booked WL. CR was back on the possibilities after talking this weekend. Anyway, I just called Contemporary and they have availability with the extra night. Changed made, Booked!
So, new split is CR and YC. I need to get my dining ideas put down on paper...It sounds like California Grill will be re-opened when we are there, fingers crossed. I am thinking about trying to get a reservation about an hour before sunset, would be pretty.


Janet- My ds was much the same way, very shy. He liked the idea of Chucky Cheese, but didn't last long there. That was OK. I didn't too much mind having to leave a bit early.

Is YC Regatta Club? Might be hard to go from CL to non-CL.

Oh no, bad Yucky E. Cheese memories are flooding back... When DD was about 4, we attended a birthday and DD was going through an enclosed tube when she looked through the window down at me, but seemed disturbed. She finally came out the tube and announced that there was a 'yucky sock in there.' I'll never forget her face and I think she just wanted to go home after that.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I don't know if it's just coincidence, or if the boys shared their germs, but I have the same thing they do. I would miss class tomorrow, but we are still planning on going to San Antonio at the end of the month. Well, that is if we can finally get our tax return, which we still do not have.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Jen - I am pretty sure you can pay with cash? I don't want to pry, but why would you want to fly with the extra cash? I always am afraid my wallet, purse, DH's wallet, etc will get stolen and cash is not replaceable. Hope the girls have a great spring break and don't drive you too crazy

Melissa: I have been collecting US cash for a while, and am trying to avoid another 2.5% conversion fee on my credit card. I hate that fee. So, thinking if I just brought the cashola, I could avoid it. Don't know how else to do it. Even if I used my Redcard credit card from Target, and bought Disney gift cards in Buffalo before we get to the airport, I am going to pay the darned fee again.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Melissa: I have been collecting US cash for a while, and am trying to avoid another 2.5% conversion fee on my credit card. I hate that fee. So, thinking if I just brought the cashola, I could avoid it. Don't know how else to do it. Even if I used my Redcard credit card from Target, and bought Disney gift cards in Buffalo before we get to the airport, I am going to pay the darned fee again.

Could you use the US cash you are collecting, buy the Disney gift cards in Buffalo and then you'd still save the 5%????

On another note .... so excited just got word that the Diva group is going to book a block of rooms at the Grand Californian (GC) at a very good discount for our trip next year!!!

Heading out mid morning for a week in So Cal to visit with the kids ... this is the trip I am using my Jet Blue credit on .... so no money out of pocket right now ....

 

[jennyjinx3]

Could you use the US cash you are collecting, buy the Disney gift cards in Buffalo and then you'd still save the 5%????

On another note .... so excited just got word that the Diva group is going to book a block of rooms at the Grand Californian (GC) at a very good discount for our trip next year!!!

Heading out mid morning for a week in So Cal to visit with the kids ... this is the trip I am using my Jet Blue credit on .... so no money out of pocket right now ....

Linda: Hmmmm...you mean use my US cash to purchase the Gift cards? How could I save 5% doing that? I think my brain is fried, I must be missing something. Although, I do see that by using cash to buy the Gift cards I would not pay the Credit card fee.

Ooohh I think when we go to DL (one day) we want to stay there too!!

And yay for a trip to see your fam....sounds great! And cheap too! Perfect!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Linda: Hmmmm...you mean use my US cash to purchase the Gift cards? How could I save 5% doing that? I think my brain is fried, I must be missing something. Although, I do see that by using cash to buy the Gift cards I would not pay the Credit card fee.

Ooohh I think when we go to DL (one day) we want to stay there too!!

And yay for a trip to see your fam....sounds great! And cheap too! Perfect!

Ok my brain isn't working ... you'd have to use the Target Redcard to get the 5% off .... sorry .... my mistake.

 

[babyberger]

Jen - I just sent you an email.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[disneydreamin247]

I've decided to switch things up a bit. I am going to see if I can use my discount for a Poly room in June, and go mod or value after the cruise, and for less nights.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Ok my brain isn't working ... you'd have to use the Target Redcard to get the 5% off .... sorry .... my mistake.

No problem Linda, thank you for trying to help!

Jen - I just sent you an email.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thanks Melissa...

I've decided to switch things up a bit. I am going to see if I can use my discount for a Poly room in June, and go mod or value after the cruise, and for less nights.

Dani: I can sense your brain doesn't stop does it? This sounds like the makings of a good plan though.

 

[disneydreamin247]

No problem Linda, thank you for trying to help!



Thanks Melissa...



Dani: I can sense your brain doesn't stop does it? This sounds like the makings of a good plan though.

Never, ever, ever.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Never, ever, ever.

Ahhh..there are more like me!! I will go and tell DH!

 

[Missoutandabout]

The Ladies of RC: Ever Planning, Ever Scheming, Always Changing... (even if it's just in our minds.)

Missed you gals today. Will pop on tomorrow when it's not so chaotic around here.

 

[Sue M]

Afternoon





Thanks Sue! We might be there over some of your dates
:

Which resort? . You'll have to PM me if we will be at the same resort at the same time!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Which resort? . You'll have to PM me if we will be at the same resort at the same time!!

Hi Sue! I saw your comment about SAB...even though my kiddos can swim, a lifejacket sounds like a good idea if we all venture into the lazy river??

 

[pas130]

The Ladies of RC: Ever Planning, Ever Scheming, Always Changing... (even if it's just in our minds.)

Missed you gals today. Will pop on tomorrow when it's not so chaotic around here.

Miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I'm getting too old for school, one paper took me yhree days to write, edit, and submit

What did I miss???

sis..Danimal invited himself...Poly with the 2 kiddos

GinnyYC/CR

sue If she is in Disney when we are there...janet will totally come visit the GF

 

[Koh1977]

I know when I'm close to sticking to a decision when I start defending my resort choice to my DH. (I showed him video and pics of POFQ and some other moderates, including CSR rooms and POR RGRs.) He was agreeing with me for the most part on POFQ, even with the creepy huge sculptures in the food court until he saw the Royal rooms at POR. He said they looked a lot better than the FQ rooms (even with the new linens, etc.). I found myself a bit upset and was like "you don't like the French Quarter?" He responded by saying we could stay at whichever one I thought was best, but he didn't want me to settle for the FQ just because it would be cheaper than the RGRs. But I don't think I'm settling. I think this one may stick! Now we just have to find out what DH's raise/bonus will be so we can book it!! Then I can start on my ADRs before everything is gone! YEAH!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Could you use the US cash you are collecting, buy the Disney gift cards in Buffalo and then you'd still save the 5%????

On another note .... so excited just got word that the Diva group is going to book a block of rooms at the Grand Californian (GC) at a very good discount for our trip next year!!!

Heading out mid morning for a week in So Cal to visit with the kids ... this is the trip I am using my Jet Blue credit on .... so no money out of pocket right now ....

Sounds like a great trip! Have fun with your family!

I've decided to switch things up a bit. I am going to see if I can use my discount for a Poly room in June, and go mod or value after the cruise, and for less nights.

Sounds like a great change!

I know when I'm close to sticking to a decision when I start defending my resort choice to my DH. (I showed him video and pics of POFQ and some other moderates, including CSR rooms and POR RGRs.) He was agreeing with me for the most part on POFQ, even with the creepy huge sculptures in the food court until he saw the Royal rooms at POR. He said they looked a lot better than the FQ rooms (even with the new linens, etc.). I found myself a bit upset and was like "you don't like the French Quarter?" He responded by saying we could stay at whichever one I thought was best, but he didn't want me to settle for the FQ just because it would be cheaper than the RGRs. But I don't think I'm settling. I think this one may stick! Now we just have to find out what DH's raise/bonus will be so we can book it!! Then I can start on my ADRs before everything is gone! YEAH!!

The Royal rooms look cool, but I'm never in the room enough to make that worth it. Either way, you will have a great trip! Crossing my fingers for a great raise and bonus! Then we can play with your ADR's!


Speaking of ADR's, Has anyone tried Garden Grove in the Swan for dinner? If you have, which characters are there? Does it change nightly like the menu? I haven't seen much about it over on the restaurant board. I am considering that for Nov. Still have plenty of time to decide before I can make ADR's.

 

[Missoutandabout]

to my RC pals.

Dani: I quite like the sound of doing the Poly on its own -- then a mod after the cruise. Since the cruise will be a totally new thing, might be an easier transition? Either way sounds GREAT, really!

Hi Sue! I saw your comment about SAB...even though my kiddos can swim, a lifejacket sounds like a good idea if we all venture into the lazy river??

You could always opt for the jackets and see how it goes? Then chuck them off if they don't like/need 'em. (The current is quite strong in some places.) Miss M just rode around on a noodle when she got tired of swimming. (Had to tell her to stop trying to swim against the current -- that tired her out quick enough. ) There's also a little pool off the lazy river bit -- if you're in the lazy river, it's directly between it and the main building. No current and a bit quieter than the pool with the volleyball net. We quite like this area as it seems no one is ever in it! Has a little waterfall and, I believe, the human stew cauldron a.k.a hot tub right off it.

Miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I'm getting too old for school, one paper took me yhree days to write, edit, and submit

Old school? Nah, you just wanna make sure it's done right. Us old folk are totally like that.

No changes, right? *taps foot*

I know when I'm close to sticking to a decision when I start defending my resort choice to my DH. (I showed him video and pics of POFQ and some other moderates, including CSR rooms and POR RGRs.) He was agreeing with me for the most part on POFQ, even with the creepy huge sculptures in the food court until he saw the Royal rooms at POR. He said they looked a lot better than the FQ rooms (even with the new linens, etc.). I found myself a bit upset and was like "you don't like the French Quarter?" He responded by saying we could stay at whichever one I thought was best, but he didn't want me to settle for the FQ just because it would be cheaper than the RGRs. But I don't think I'm settling. I think this one may stick! Now we just have to find out what DH's raise/bonus will be so we can book it!! Then I can start on my ADRs before everything is gone! YEAH!!

When we stayed at POR last fall, it was in a RGR, it was WONDERFUL! The check-in was HORRENDOUS but the rest of the time made up for it -- starting with the bell service guy who picked us up and took our luggage over to the room. Loved everything about the resort -- the grounds, the room, the walkways, the boat to DTD, the building we were in. We stayed in -- what I assume was a "water/pool" view (paid for a standard view) -- a room which overlooked the quiet pool in the courtyard of Parterre Place. We walked down to POFQ, too. It's more compact but had a lovely feel to it, too. I think we preferred the food options at POR over POFQ... but the bar at POFQ was much better. Honestly, I think I'd be happy with either resort -- those RGR are awfully nice though. Just very sweet decor and nice additions all over the room.

Speaking of ADR's, Has anyone tried Garden Grove in the Swan for dinner? If you have, which characters are there? Does it change nightly like the menu? I haven't seen much about it over on the restaurant board. I am considering that for Nov. Still have plenty of time to decide before I can make ADR's.

I've not done Garden Grove yet. We have tried The Fountain, Bluezoo and Fresh Mediterranean Market (for breakfast). There are lots of good options over there.

 

[Janet B]

Hi Peeps!

Wookie, hope you are feeling better today.

GG, safe travels!! Have fun with the kids... with a little DL sprinkled in..

Ginny, congrats on your RC to the CR! And planning on a sundown ressie at Ca Grill seems perfect! Looking forward to seeing what the new and improved CG has to offer. [and about our DSs...they sure pull at our heartstrings with their issues, don't they? I have many similar Chucky episodes to write a book.]

Dani, like your plan for the Poly for summer and either a value/mod for post-cruise... sounds like a well thought out switcheroo.

That was my thought exactly! Too bad we can't take the Panera into the Movie Tavern

who says?? If Kramer can bring a cafe latte in to the movies... we can manage soup & sandwiches... if anything happens we can call on Jackie Chiles to represent us...

Janet - unfortunately short of getting the autism resource teacher fired, I am stuck with him. He is the one assigned to this area of the county. I am sure the asst principal will have something to say to his boss on my behalf Glad Sam is back in full swing! I need to get my butt back to the gym too! I wish I had a workout buddy!

Hope that your Asst Principal follows thru... so unprofessional not to call to reschedule...

An idea... what Sam for the summer?

Kiddos were home today, both recovering from this nasty cold, they probably could have gone, but were so miserable this morning and DH offered to stay home with them so I could keep my dr's appt so it was a no brainer. Dr said everything looks good and it is probably scar tissue causing my pain, so I just need more time. I was so relieved everything was fine and nothing was really wrong!

Melissa, happy that your news is for the most part positive, right? Does scar tissue eventually minimize? Hoping that your pain will lessen every passing day.

Hope the kids are better enough to be in school. (sure Momma could use a rest!)

The Ladies of RC: Ever Planning, Ever Scheming, Always Changing... (even if it's just in our minds.)

Missed you gals today. Will pop on tomorrow when it's not so chaotic around here.

Missed you too MPC! Hope life is a little less stressful today!

Which resort? . You'll have to PM me if we will be at the same resort at the same time!!

Of course I will! (when I know what the heck we are doing ... )

Miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I'm getting too old for school, one paper took me yhree days to write, edit, and submit

What did I miss???

sis..Danimal invited himself...Poly with the 2 kiddos

GinnyYC/CR

sue If she is in Disney when we are there...janet will totally come visit the GF

Pas.. Miss you too! Figured you were hard at work or working hard on your school stuff... And yes, my radar will get me to the GF one way or another... and who knows where we may end up??

I know when I'm close to sticking to a decision when I start defending my resort choice to my DH. (I showed him video and pics of POFQ and some other moderates, including CSR rooms and POR RGRs.) He was agreeing with me for the most part on POFQ, even with the creepy huge sculptures in the food court until he saw the Royal rooms at POR. He said they looked a lot better than the FQ rooms (even with the new linens, etc.). I found myself a bit upset and was like "you don't like the French Quarter?" He responded by saying we could stay at whichever one I thought was best, but he didn't want me to settle for the FQ just because it would be cheaper than the RGRs. But I don't think I'm settling. I think this one may stick! Now we just have to find out what DH's raise/bonus will be so we can book it!! Then I can start on my ADRs before everything is gone! YEAH!!

IMO each resort has something special and unique to offer... FQ is seems perfect...small size, pool is more geared to younger kids.. you can walk over to Riverside and experience another pool is you wish... 2 great food courts...Piano Bob does a great kids show at Riverside... it all GOOD!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Sitting in the airport waiting to board my plane.

So excited about the Diva GC stay. But this does mean my Oct/Nov and Dec trips to WDW will have to be a little more budget friendly.