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

[Janet B]

Yay, glad you guys had a fabulous time! Please, do tell, what delicacies did you get from the bakery?!

From the Bakery... Lobster Tails....(flaky pastry with light cream filing, they look like their name), dark chocolate mousse cake and Carrot cake...all yummy... also chocolate covered cannolis, red velvet cupcakes....massive calories...

BTW, the parking situation was insane! Being Good Friday just added to the chaos...but I was determined NOT to pay for parking, told Sam we were circling around until I found a spot! Finally lucked out after about 4 go arounds.... Oh just brings back memories of my days in NYC!!

I'm right there with ya, Magic. I only vaguely know of Taylor Swift from reading about the Kayne West interruption incident. I had seen a couple of snippets of Cake Boss cake assemblies though. I am out-of-touch with lots of popular culture stuff. Got room under that rock?

Give our Miss M a few years and she have you out from under that rock....... young girls really like Taylor, she has a good message.... one of my favorite songs from an earlier album is "Mean" ... it's become a somewhat of an anti-bullying anthem.

 

[pas130]

And safe travels to Lulu'sMom!!

She going to DISNEY!!!

She was checking in at the dolphin last night...she made it!! I'm sure she's at kkc!!!!

Hugs bff!!

 

[pas130]

Good morning my enablers....I mean friends!. My Mom said yesterday that yes they would watch the girls for us that last weekend of August, and gave me a little pep talk about doing things now. How you never know what life holds, we are young now, don't feel bad about the girls as we do a lot with them.

So I have been poking around online and can get a good rate for flying down on Aug 29....not so great for returning, but I do have a credit with AirTran. Thinking I would book Room only at Pop and maybe apply AP discount if it comes out. DH is acting clueless, asking me where we would go.... really?

Anyhow....I feel an impulsive move coming on. I may just pull the trigger on this. I know this is what I do....I could talk about this kind of trip forever but never do it. This time I might actually take action! Phew....just had to get it all out. Once again I am making my own head spin.

Lulu's mom....arrive safely and have a wonderful trip!!

Hi Janet, Koh, SueM, magic, Wookie, and Melissa.....I 'll be back later!

Woohoo!!!!!

 

[pas130]

FYI. I need a mental health day..soooo I called outta work. I am not guilted at all!!! Enjoying my babies today

 

[Janet B]

Pas, thanks for updating us on Lulu'sMom! And totally understand the mental health day my friend... you certainly need it And Universal in just 2 days (we didn't change, right?)

lmhall2000, Welcome!! Too many great deluxe choices!! How about BC/YC for something new? SAB and Epcot/HS and BW so close...Also, would you consider renting points??... AKV, OKW, BLT offer the sleep chair... BLT has 2 bathrooms...

Koh, I am like you, would want to be upfront about the trip……perhaps mention the trip to your parents and say that your DH surprised you with this vacation idea….if they do invite themselves along you can suggest they come in for a few days at the beginning or end of your trip (your choice), citing that you would be happy to see them but you also have other plans in place that you will be doing with just the 4 of you, as you really need some alone time with the family after getting back into the work force. Sometimes directness is the best way. Can you plan other fun stuff in the summer and include them in those plans?

Jen, Mom's on board to watch the kiddos? Don't think twice.. just do it!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Melissa, we did have an amazing time!!



It was!! and no Sheila we are not old.... we are classic!!



Magic, you always get me laughing!! Until a few months ago I had not heard of Ed Sheeran either... having a teenager helps keep one in touch ... His music is soulful, very intense, and I have really grown to like his music....His big hit A Team was nominated for song of the year at the Grammys (deservingly so). We have followed Taylor for a few years, she has a great songs herself and I bet you have heard her music without realizing you were listening to her.... her big 2 songs from her new RED Tour are "Never Get Back Together" and "Trouble". Sam wants to see her again, maybe in Chicago with her friend....

And I didn't know that Carlos bakery was home to the Cake Boss!! Never seen the show but heard of it.



Love it!! And I've got "the power of love" going thru my mind!!



It will be a blast!! Crazy can be really great!! :

OK...so I have decided I am Crazy and Classic Glad the concert was great!

From the Bakery... Lobster Tails....(flaky pastry with light cream filing, they look like their name), dark chocolate mousse cake and Carrot cake...all yummy... also chocolate covered cannolis, red velvet cupcakes....massive calories...

BTW, the parking situation was insane! Being Good Friday just added to the chaos...but I was determined NOT to pay for parking, told Sam we were circling around until I found a spot! Finally lucked out after about 4 go arounds.... Oh just brings back memories of my days in NYC!!



Give our Miss M a few years and she have you out from under that rock....... young girls really like Taylor, she has a good message.... one of my favorite songs from an earlier album is "Mean" ... it's become a somewhat of an anti-bullying anthem.

OK...that sounds so yummy! Yeah...I'll bet it was extra busy cause it was Good Friday! Glad you thought to order in advance!

FYI. I need a mental health day..soooo I called outta work. I am not guilted at all!!! Enjoying my babies today

Enjoy your mental health day!!!

 

[pas130]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Janet Taylor Swift Sounds like fun! I took my youngest to his first concert Huey Lewis lol boy am I Old

Hi MAGIC and everyone I missed

Like magic I was also going to say its hip to be square...great minds .

Thanks for all the RC love gals

 

[letthewookiewin]

Taxes are done!! And we got a fair amount back!! That plus DH's bonus means paying off the credit card and booking Disney!! Now...tower BLV at CR or GV at Poly?? Decisions, decisions...

Grats on getting the taxes done. Hopefully your refund will be easier to get than mine was.

Sam and I had a fabulous time at the Taylor Swift concert!! It was wonderful to meet up with my friend and her kids. Taylor puts on a great show, very themed and theatrical, and Ed Sheeran was great too! We had floor seats so Sam when Taylor switched to the back stage to perform a few songs she was able to get closer to the stage and that's when Ed Sheeran returned to sing the duet he wrote for Taylor. Sam was in heaven!!

Before the concert, we were to Carlos Bakery, home of the cake boss. It was mobbed... fortunately we pre-ordered, so it was easy. Otherwise the wait had to be about 1 1/2.

Hi to Everyone else! Have to get moving for work! Be back on line later!!

I'm glad y'all had a great time at the concert. I am so jealous about the Carlos Bakery thing. I would love to get some treats from there.

Good morning my enablers....I mean friends!. My Mom said yesterday that yes they would watch the girls for us that last weekend of August, and gave me a little pep talk about doing things now. How you never know what life holds, we are young now, don't feel bad about the girls as we do a lot with them.

So I have been poking around online and can get a good rate for flying down on Aug 29....not so great for returning, but I do have a credit with AirTran. Thinking I would book Room only at Pop and maybe apply AP discount if it comes out. DH is acting clueless, asking me where we would go.... really?

Anyhow....I feel an impulsive move coming on. I may just pull the trigger on this. I know this is what I do....I could talk about this kind of trip forever but never do it. This time I might actually take action! Phew....just had to get it all out. Once again I am making my own head spin.

Lulu's mom....arrive safely and have a wonderful trip!!

Hi Janet, Koh, SueM, magic, Wookie, and Melissa.....I 'll be back later!

That is great your mom will watch the girls. I'm sure you'll have a blast!!

Hi, my name is lmhall2000 (actually my moniker) and I am a confirmed RC. I need help!!

We have not been to the world in 8 years!! All kids are well over any height restrictions so we all decided it was time to visit and get those rides completed! Plus, Disney cruise line has offered much better deals for our family of five than we could grab from Disneyworld so hoping Free Dining option for September will change that...or will I not only be a RC, I'll be a SC (ship changer! )

Started out booking Contemporary, but alas, the cheapest room for $404 a night is not available..the $440 a night was freaking me out, so considered POR but our child who would be sleeping on the extra bed is over 6'3 so not an option..someone mentioned a blow up mattress, but honestly, paying that much a night..I am not messing with a blow up! So, then switched to the Fort Wilderness Cabin...now thinking I really need to rent a golf cart, I figure I need to reconsider the Deluxe option again...BC, YC, BWI??? All have rooms with daybed that will fit us well.....

We have stayed at Poly twice, Contemporary once, Animal Kingdom (when we could fit our youngest in a pack n play) once and Old Key West once...would prefer to try something new..

Any RC suggestions out there?? If this was our last trip to DW, which resort would you suggest??

Personally, I would do the BC or YC. I'm sure your kids would love SAB.

Hi Ladies! Hope all of you who celebrate had a very Happy Easter! Ours was nice, but Martina got strep throat, so it was different. It was nice just being our family of 4 for a change though! She is feeling better today, and has a sprong in her step again!

I'm sorry she got sick. Hopefully she's get over quickly.

We booked a trip to Disneyland!!! We are crazy, and will be there over 4th of July weekend, but that was the time that worked for us, as my parents will be taking the kids for a couple of weeks, so we will be meeting them with the kids in LAX on July 4. Normally, I'd never go over a holiday, but since it will just be Brian and I, so we can go at a slower pace and be fine. I'm hoping some RCing will occour...it has been my dream to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, but it was over double the offsite places. As of now, we are at Anabella Hotel....If there is an opening on points at Grand Californian or a discount at Disneyland Hotel, we would switch, but being the Holiday weekend, we wanted to get something booked so we aren't sleeping in cardboard boxes somewhere. I am so excited to see Disneyland...I was there once for a day back in 2003, but I hadn't been "bitten by the bug" yet, and was pregnant with Martina at that point. I'm excited to go back now that I understand the history and won't be so exhausted (and can ride more). Now to come up with a game plan. Our last few WDW trips have been pretty "go with the flow", but I want to try and focus on the things that aren't at WDW or are a lot different in Disneyland this time.

I would love to do DL someday. I'm sure even with it being over 4th of July, y'all will have a great time. The DH and I went to WDW in 2000 for our 5th year wedding anniversary over 4th of July and it was great.

Welcome home! Yikes about the German place.

wookie: Sounds like a spooky schnitzel story in there somewhere...

I was so looking forward to the German place too. It wasn't the food that made it a bad experience it was the service.

Wookie, welcome back! Hope the trip was great! Can't wait to see your pix!

Wookie - cant wait to hear about your trip

The trip really was a great time. There were a few moments here and there, where JM was a pain in the rear, but we were able to pull him out of it pretty quick and got him back into having a good time. I got out of school right at 8 PM. I thought the DH was going to feed the kids while I was at school, but he didn't. It was part of his cover story for getting the kids in the van. As soon as I got home, I had to email a guy in my C# class a program and then we told the boys to get their iPods with chargers and get in the minivan because we were going to get something to eat. While we looked for something to eat (non McDonald's that could easily be eaten in the van) I started Wreck It Ralph. We ended up getting burgers from A&W and ate in the car. The boys were so wrapped up in the movie, they didn't notice we weren't driving home. In fact, they didn't ask any questions until their movie was over. Then John got upset because he had left his iPod at home and only brought the charger. I told him he could use my iPhone if he got bored and he was fine with that. We stopped once on the way there because I had drank a Monster and we were listening to comedy channels on the satellite radio. I told the DH we either stop listening to it, or get me to a bathroom. We didn't get to our hotel until about 2:30 AM Friday morning.

We slept until about 11 AM on Friday. Then we got up and walked to Casa Rio, which was about a 10 minute walk from our hotel. The food at Casa Rio was amazing!! I could have had several more of those margaritas. After we left there we got ice cream. Then we walked to the Alamo and I got my favorite picture of the boys. The last time we took either of the boys to San Antonio, Joey was about 6 months old. We asked a Texas Ranger (who was guarding the Alamo) to hold him so we could take his picture. Of course this time, he was too big for them to hold, but I did get their picture with one of the Texas Rangers.

JM may be wearing a big jacket, but it was too warm for it. Then we went to the mall to see "Jack the Giant Slayer" at the IMAX in 3D. OMG that bathroom...if I hadn't been doing the pee-pee dance, and I had known where another bathroom was, I wouldn't have used it. In one word, it was NASTY!! There was more toilet paper on the floor than in rolls to be used. I had to check 6 stalls before I found any TP. When I complained, they acted like it was no big deal. We checked out the pool, to see if the boys liked enough to go to Wal Mart and buy some swim suits, but they didn't. It was basically a lap pool that was 3 lanes wide and long enough to do laps in. We went back to the room and we decided to get carry out at a couple of places. David and Joey wanted Hooters. John did not want Hooter's because the waitresses clothes were "non kid appropriate and making them wear those clothes was exploiting them". Luckily there was a Chili's next door, so he and I ordered from there. Joey and I walked the 5 -10 minute walk to get the food and drinks. After we ate, I took a shower and then John was supposed to have taken a bath, but this is how I found him after I got done in the bathroom....

Saturday we got up about 9 - 10 AM and everyone that didn't get a shower the night before got one then. On the way to Sea World, we stopped at a Jack in the Box and ate in the minivan. As we were eating a stay dog came up. Anything we were too full to eat, we fed her. Then we went to Sea World and I saw my first Bluebonnets of the season. We opted for "Shamu" parking which is just closer parking for $5 more. We got to see all the shows to wanted to see and feed the dolphins. The best part? All of the penguins!!! I LOVE PENGUINS!! The DH let me sit and look at them for as long as I wanted. We stayed for the last show of the night, "Shamu Rocks" before heading home. The DH got me a stuffed Penguin, which I named Louis the King Penguin (since King Louis XIV is one of two kings to have their flag fly over Texas). We ordered Dominos delivery and took showers.
JM feeding a dolphin..

Joey feeding a dolphin..

Me and a dolphin...

David telling the dolphin to stop being so greedy. The one kept pushing others away from us.

The boys and I at the penguins..

David and I at the penguins...

My favorite penguin pic..

My favorite what pic...

Sunday, we got a late check out for noon and did check out from our room tv. We left San Antonio and headed for New Braunfels to eat. We ate at Friesenhaus. When we walked in less than half the tables had people eating at them. Our waitress had a brace on her leg, but it didn't slow her down. She came over and got our drink orders and said she would be back in a few minutes to get our order. Probably 10 or more minutes went by and it wasn't like we didn't see her. She was moving quickly changing table clothes and resetting tables. They changed the blue cloth table cloth anytime any one ate at a table. Well she was changing the table behind David's back and it was obvious we were ready to order. We had all of our menus stacked on top of each other and were looking for her. The DH had to reach back and tap her to get her attention. We order and the DH and Joey ordered soup for an appetizer. About 5 minutes went by and she came back and said it would be out in just a few minutes. Well it was longer than a few minutes. By the time the soup got to us, it was on the verge on being cold, but the DH and Joey ate it anyway. The food came out, well everyone but John's. As she was heading to the kitchen a table grabbed her to check them out. The way they did check out with a credit card, was the waitress had a handheld device they swiped the card and you had to enter the tip amount with the waitress right there. Well instead of getting John's food before she did this, she took care of them and talk to them and their cute baby. Meanwhile, everyone but John has their food. David and Joey are eating, but I'm just sitting there looking in her direction, not eating until JM gets his food. When we get done, it take a while to get the check, but David pays with a $100, not wanting her to see the tip amount. We know this is going to take a while, so I tell the guys to go to the bathroom while we wait. JM and John get back first and she has brought the change. Since it was Easter Sunday, I left a $5 tip. Joey didn't agree with that amount, and tried to take it off the table. I had to threaten to take a hammer to his XBOX to get him to leave the tip alone. When I got to the car and Joey told David what we left, I got in trouble. He wasn't planning on leaving anything. When something would take a long time, she would use her knee brace as an excuse, but I would see her practically running around. Then we stopped at the state capital. The building itself was closed for the holiday, but the grounds were beautiful. We didn't get home until almost 10 PM.
State capital pic...

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wookie! Thanks for sharing....and love the pics of you and the fam! Looks great feeling the dolphins. Now I can finally 'see' you when you are posting!

 

[disneydreamin247]

wookie LOVE your photos! Looks like you guys had a blast!

 

[sjs314]

wookie Great pics, Thanks for shareing. Bob would love to go to the Alamo!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

wookie thanks for the pictures. Looks like a great time!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Hi Ladies! Hope all of you who celebrate had a very Happy Easter! Ours was nice, but Martina got strep throat, so it was different. It was nice just being our family of 4 for a change though! She is feeling better today, and has a sprong in her step again!

We booked a trip to Disneyland!!! We are crazy, and will be there over 4th of July weekend, but that was the time that worked for us, as my parents will be taking the kids for a couple of weeks, so we will be meeting them with the kids in LAX on July 4. Normally, I'd never go over a holiday, but since it will just be Brian and I, so we can go at a slower pace and be fine. I'm hoping some RCing will occour...it has been my dream to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, but it was over double the offsite places. As of now, we are at Anabella Hotel....If there is an opening on points at Grand Californian or a discount at Disneyland Hotel, we would switch, but being the Holiday weekend, we wanted to get something booked so we aren't sleeping in cardboard boxes somewhere. I am so excited to see Disneyland...I was there once for a day back in 2003, but I hadn't been "bitten by the bug" yet, and was pregnant with Martina at that point. I'm excited to go back now that I understand the history and won't be so exhausted (and can ride more). Now to come up with a game plan. Our last few WDW trips have been pretty "go with the flow", but I want to try and focus on the things that aren't at WDW or are a lot different in Disneyland this time.

Ok for what it's worth here are my thoughts.

DL

Indiana Jones not at WDW also my personal favorite ride at DL

Matterhorn not at WDW not to be missed

Alice in Wonderland not at WDW cute ride

Mr Toad's Wild Ride no longer at WDW

Splash better at DL

Pirates better at DL

Haunted Mansion better at DL

Peter Pan better at DL

Thunder Mountain better at WDW

DCA

Tower of Terror very different and I love both!

World of Color not at WDW

I know there should be more but that's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[Koh1977]

Question and I can't seem to find the answer, nor can I remember now...


What's the order of monorail stops on the resort loop?

 

[disneydreamin247]

Question and I can't seem to find the answer, nor can I remember now...


What's the order of monorail stops on the resort loop?

MK, CR, TTC, Poly, GF.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Good morning everyone....just FYI the summer offer is up online in case anyone wants to book with it! I have a problem, stalking discounts even though I am not using it!

Decided we will stalk airfare for August until we leave for our trip, and then book two bouncebacks! One for August and one for November! Fingers crossed that it works out....

We briefly discussed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame instead last night, but NAH! Hey, we have to make the most of our AP's right???

Hope everyone is well, can't wait to hear about everyone's trips (now and upcoming!!)

Jen

 

[pas130]

Good morning everyone....just FYI the summer offer is up online in case anyone wants to book with it! I have a problem, stalking discounts even though I am not using it!

Decided we will stalk airfare for August until we leave for our trip, and then book two bouncebacks! One for August and one for November! Fingers crossed that it works out....

We briefly discussed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame instead last night, but NAH! Hey, we have to make the most of our AP's right???

Hope everyone is well, can't wait to hear about everyone's trips (now and upcoming!!)

Jen

I was looking at the offer this morning and our best bet is staying put at GF HRH was checking out the pool pics yesterday and LOVES it! I know there's not a lot of love for the new shallower pool....but we will happily enjoy it Fronteier released summer airfares which means promo codes will get sent out soon...we are most likely driving anyway.
But June wouldn't be as hot.....

wookieThank you for the pics

 

[Koh1977]

I think we're going with a deluxe room at the CR!!! Now I just have to convince DH we should do 2 nights at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World and 6 nights at WDW, instead of just 5.

 

[SRiley1985]

Well, in officially a resort changer lol! Just used the summer offer to book Pop instead of CSR. I'm a little nervous about going back to a value since I had such a terrible experience at AsMu last year

It's only for one night before we check into BCV so I will probably survive LOL!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Wookie, that sounds like a great trip, minus the snafu at the restaurant. Thanlks for sharing, and all the pics!

Ok for what it's worth here are my thoughts.

DL

Indiana Jones not at WDW also my personal favorite ride at DL

Matterhorn not at WDW not to be missed

Alice in Wonderland not at WDW cute ride

Mr Toad's Wild Ride no longer at WDW

Splash better at DL

Pirates better at DL

Haunted Mansion better at DL

Peter Pan better at DL

Thunder Mountain better at WDW

DCA

Tower of Terror very different and I love both!

World of Color not at WDW

I know there should be more but that's all I can think of at the moment.

Thank You!!! Mr. Toad was my fave as a kid, so that is on my must-do list. Brian always loved 20,000 leagues...so that is on the list too, even though it has been re-done. Of course we have to do Cars Land as well, As for shows, I'd love to see World of Color, and I hear the Aladin show is great too. Just not sure how much we can fit in, as I know it will be MOBBED. I would love to do the Matterhorn and California Screamin, but he is not a roller coaster guy, so I may skip those depending on lines (hopefully I can just do single rider line, if they have it there) Thanls fot the input...personal likes/dislikes are much better than any guidebook.

Good morning everyone....just FYI the summer offer is up online in case anyone wants to book with it! I have a problem, stalking discounts even though I am not using it!

Decided we will stalk airfare for August until we leave for our trip, and then book two bouncebacks! One for August and one for November! Fingers crossed that it works out....

We briefly discussed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame instead last night, but NAH! Hey, we have to make the most of our AP's right???

Hope everyone is well, can't wait to hear about everyone's trips (now and upcoming!!)

Jen

Sounds fun! I love hearing about everyone's trips too! We usually only get to go every other year, so am spoiled with 3 trips this year. I love to live vicariously through other peoples trips!

I think we're going with a deluxe room at the CR!!! Now I just have to convince DH we should do 2 nights at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World and 6 nights at WDW, instead of just 5.

Let's break open the Disney Math book....