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

[MAGIC...itis!]

We LOVE Tokyo Dining and your DD can eat out of a monorail!! (Monorail not included...)

maggiew

KOOK, the monorail tray won me over and Tokyo Dining it is for my next Epcot dining pick. I will order a kids meal just so I can eat out of one of these bad boys!!!! I am soooo there for our Anniversary trip... if I can wait that long.

Well then, it looks like my dining choices are set for March:

• At Epcot: Tokyo Dining and that awesome monorail tray.
  
  
• At MK: DH wants to do CRT this time since we've never done (and I suspect he thinks I will enjoy it).
  
  
• As for DHS dining: I will not change from HBD since I have always wanted to eat there and never have.
  
  
• At AK: We've bee AK heavy the past two years so we should change things up and do this one on checkout morning and go EoS at DtD for late lunch.
  
  
• And on miniature golf night (it's become a tradition ): we'll do Cali Grill.
  
  

Now I should start thinking about dining for the rest of THIS year's WDW trips!

 

[Mousemommy1]

HOLY CRAP....DH didn't shoot down DVC. He doesn't like the interest rate they are offering and right now and it is not the time to be plopping down cash, but he said if we can find better financing he is open to it

Ill be back to catch up with everyone soon.

Happy Birthday to Koh's DD

Melissa

What is the interest rate right now??? Just out of curiosity...

 

[babyberger]

He's toying with my emotions, LOL! Now he is saying DVC is not the way to go. Eventually would like to get back to cruising, etc. Oh well, I will look into financing and watch for good resales at BLT and hopefully present him with an offer we can't refuse, LMAO!

Candace - int rate with DVC right now is 11.5% with 10% down, 9% with 20% down. Not bad but with home equities rates so low it doesn't make sense to pay those rates. (those are their best rates with excellent credit of course)

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[Mousemommy1]

He's toying with my emotions, LOL! Now he is saying DVC is not the way to go. Eventually would like to get back to cruising, etc. Oh well, I will look into financing and watch for good resales at BLT and hopefully present him with an offer we can't refuse, LMAO!

Candace - int rate with DVC right now is 11.5% with 10% down, 9% with 20% down. Not bad but with home equities rates so low it doesn't make sense to pay those rates. (those are their best rates with excellent credit of course)

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Ugh! Yeah, those rates are high!!! Considering I pay 1.9% on our cars and 2.75 on our mortgage.....

Wish those rates could be a little more in line with that, lol!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

It's time for a ch-ch-change! Adding a few days on while I'm at it.

We are now doing Poly CL 8/7-8/12, YC CL 8/12-8/16, and POR 8/16-8/17.

That last night at POR probably won't make the cut after discounts are released after 8/16.

I've had to keep the kiddos on lockdown indoors today after soccer. That pollen is a killer. Even double dosed Zyrtec isn't cutting it! My poor babies are so miserable

Jen- Yay for your DD having a good day! Sorry I bailed on you right away last night. DD is going through the fighting bedtime routine again and I'm so over it

babyberger - Have you brought up the idea of buying enough points for just every other year? Maybe he'd bite on that?

Magic - Your plans look great!

 

[peteykirch]

My Mom and Step Dad just started their Disney trip today. Got a brand new room in the Somoa longhouse at the Poly, I'm insanely jealous. Wish I could be down there now, but I got to wait until the end of October.

 

[toodycat]

Joining you all. I don't usually qualify as a changer. I am pretty loyal to GF and AKL. However, this loyalty conflicts with my desire to stay at every WDW resort. We stayed at the GF in the fall and decided that it is getting a little cramped for 3. DS is almost 19 and needs some more space. Two rooms at GF strains the budget beyond the comfort level. So this summer, we decided to try a villa. We started with a one bedroom at BLT and were pretty excited. Our five nights were going to be about $3200. Then, the summer 30% room only discount came out. We called to apply the discount to our reservation and found that for a BLT one bedroom, the discount was only 5%. The CM said we could save $1000 by switching to a one bedroom at BCV. That seemed like a significant savings, especially since we are doing a major renovation on our home this summer. But now I am consumed with doubt. Will we like BCV? We've never stayed at an Epcot resort before. Will we miss the monorail? Would it be smarter or cheaper to reserve two rooms at POR---another place I've never been but would like to try? DH seems pretty enthusiastic about staying at BCV. DS doesn't care. I suspect we've got a really good deal, but I want to be sure. Is this the life of a newbie changer?

 

[Mousemommy1]

Whoa!! Just rescuing us from Page 2!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!! Today is Greek Easter, so we've got big family celebrations going on today!!!

ToodyCat -

It certainly sounds like you are living the life of a resort changer!!!

Make a decision....read a review...change your decision...commit to another resort...a deal comes out and you switch...but, just maybe your first choice really was the best option....so you switch back, and you are DONE! (And may even pinky swear on it)...but are you done??? As a resort changer, you just never really know where you'll end up.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Whoa!! Just rescuing us from Page 2!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!! Today is Greek Easter, so we've got big family celebrations going on today!!!

ToodyCat -

It certainly sounds like you are living the life of a resort changer!!!

Make a decision....read a review...change your decision...commit to another resort...a deal comes out and you switch...but, just maybe your first choice really was the best option....so you switch back, and you are DONE! (And may even pinky swear on it)...but are you done??? As a resort changer, you just never really know where you'll end up.

Sometimes not until you check in!!!

 

[Sue M]

So, I splurged and bought a new photo editing program, I picked up Adobe Lightroom 4. Man, is it an eye opener. I thought my pictures look alright straight out of the camera, it's amazing what this program can do with some tinkering around.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I'm still trying to figure out the ins and outs, but that's some pretty stark differences.

nice!!

Miss. I love the Lesportsac small world patterns, and I got a few in small sizes for wdw. They are nice & light. Then I got the tote for flights.
I don't carry a water bottle but do take my mug to the parks, I usually have coffee in it on the bus, then I wash it out at park, attach to the strap of the purse with a caribener and use it for ice water at the parks.

I used to use the cross body Bagalini, letter carrier but its too bulky for me.

 

[sjs314]

Happy Easter MM

Beautiful Day here, Bob finally felt good enough to venture out so off to Target we went, only thing from being bed redden since last Monday his back and knee were acting up to the point he could hardly walk. Says hw will call the Dr. Tomorrow.

I decided to bite the bullet and buy our return tickets as they are at $251 down from $280 ea. Should have just bought them the first day they went on sale. Anyway right after I picked the seats I lost my connection so the purchase did not complete. Maybe an Omen not to buy now? Thing is I want The last flight and it is usually more$$$. What to do? . If it goes down I can get a credit which will be an excuse to go back to WDW

 

[letthewookiewin]

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! What an ordeal!!!! This bus driver needs to be fired!!!! I am happy they are looking to get him off that bus. And HUGE kudos to JM for communicating with all the right people. He absolutely did everything he should have!!!!

He will be on the bus starting on Wednesday. I am thinking about talking to the bus company and the school district. My mom says that if I don't she will. The bus driver asked my oldest DS either, "Why does your brother have so many evil thoughts?" or "why is he so evil?" I have to double check with Joey, but either way she shouldn't have said it to a child. Plus if she's talking about my son like that to my other son, she's doing it to other people.

Sorry about the IL's company, that sucks. I hope it works out. That is what instance is for after all.

I'm not sure where they are with the floors, but this weekend had been amazing!! The inlaws left and won't be back until some time on Monday.

And YAY on your MNSSHP tix!!!! It will be here before you know it! So exciting!!!!

Thank you. I can't wait for it. I know it will be. The days have been melting away.

As for DS I am actually thinking of keeping him off all the meds for a few months and then have the GI rescope and see how he is doing without the meds. Since we know wheat is the allergen, there is some hope that eliminating it from his diet is enough to keep the disease in remission.

HUGS,
Melissa

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I think it's always better, when possible to not be on a bunch of medicine. When it's needed, that's one thing. However, when you can get yourself off of it, that's even better.

Linda - I am loving the idea of a compound! We just need to win the lotto or be funded somehow

That sounds like an amazing idea!! Can it include a version of SAB with a bar where we can get Lapu lapus and "adult" Dole Whip floats.

I'll send some of our torrential rains your way! I think getting to the mountains sounds like a great idea!!!!!

HUGS,
Melissa

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Send some our way as well. We are about 8 inches short of what we had this time last year and we were in a drought last year.

Checking in again...

Wookie: Oh man. When it rains, it pours. Sending you good thoughts... and WAHOOOs for getting your MNSSHP tickets.

That it does. Thank you, but at least I do have the MNSSHP tickets on the way.

Also my opinion .... I would not do BOG and the Dessert Party the same night. The cupcakes at BOG are tasty .... my lemon one was good but DD said her chocolate one was to die for!!! When I do the Dessert Party we usually do a late lunch .... normally at WCC .... nice to get out of the park for a little rest and then maybe just have fruit, veggie, pretzel snack before the party.

You could ask her a question about the chocolate cup cake. Is it overly chocolatey? I love chocolate, but not if it's too much. For example, if I buy chocolate milk already mixed at the store, I have to add white milk to it, because it's too chocolatey.

So, I splurged and bought a new photo editing program, I picked up Adobe Lightroom 4. Man, is it an eye opener. I thought my pictures look alright straight out of the camera, it's amazing what this program can do with some tinkering around.

I'm still trying to figure out the ins and outs, but that's some pretty stark differences.

The pics are amazing!!

Wookie: Wow, so sorry your son is dealing with all this! And Mom too, sending big hugs and hoping you get through it soon. our kids go through a lot!

Thank you. Luckily the school is working with us. Now I just need to handle the bus driver situation.

Good morning all! It's been a hectic couple of days, but even if I haven't been responding, I am reading!

*hugs all around* sounds like many of you could use some prayers and pixie dust sent your way. Hope all gets better with the weekend here now!

DD loved her presents yesterday and the Minnie Mouse balloon. She already had the Cinderella toddler doll, so we got her Snow White (her second favorite) and Belle and some doll clothes (pjs) for all 3. Needless to say, they all went night night with her and I'm sure she'll be doing all of their hair when she wakes up...(Minnie mouse beauty/hair set)

Have a great Saturday! I am off to clean for the party tomorrow!!

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I'm glad her party went so well.

He's toying with my emotions, LOL! Now he is saying DVC is not the way to go. Eventually would like to get back to cruising, etc. Oh well, I will look into financing and watch for good resales at BLT and hopefully present him with an offer we can't refuse, LMAO!

Candace - int rate with DVC right now is 11.5% with 10% down, 9% with 20% down. Not bad but with home equities rates so low it doesn't make sense to pay those rates. (those are their best rates with excellent credit of course)

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Well maybe you can tempt him with being able to rent the point you aren't using?

Joining you all. I don't usually qualify as a changer. I am pretty loyal to GF and AKL. However, this loyalty conflicts with my desire to stay at every WDW resort. We stayed at the GF in the fall and decided that it is getting a little cramped for 3. DS is almost 19 and needs some more space. Two rooms at GF strains the budget beyond the comfort level. So this summer, we decided to try a villa. We started with a one bedroom at BLT and were pretty excited. Our five nights were going to be about $3200. Then, the summer 30% room only discount came out. We called to apply the discount to our reservation and found that for a BLT one bedroom, the discount was only 5%. The CM said we could save $1000 by switching to a one bedroom at BCV. That seemed like a significant savings, especially since we are doing a major renovation on our home this summer. But now I am consumed with doubt. Will we like BCV? We've never stayed at an Epcot resort before. Will we miss the monorail? Would it be smarter or cheaper to reserve two rooms at POR---another place I've never been but would like to try? DH seems pretty enthusiastic about staying at BCV. DS doesn't care. I suspect we've got a really good deal, but I want to be sure. Is this the life of a newbie changer?

I haven't stayed at either POR or BCV yet. We are staying at the BC this September. Are y'all planning on spending much time at the pool? If you are, I'm sure you'll love the BC's Storm Along Bay.

Whoa!! Just rescuing us from Page 2!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!! Today is Greek Easter, so we've got big family celebrations going on today!!!

Happy Greek Easter? Just curious (because I love learning about different cultures and religions) why is there a different date?

Happy Easter MM

Beautiful Day here, Bob finally felt good enough to venture out so off to Target we went, only thing from being bed redden since last Monday his back and knee were acting up to the point he could hardly walk. Says hw will call the Dr. Tomorrow.

I'm glad he felt good enough to get out.

I decided to bite the bullet and buy our return tickets as they are at $251 down from $280 ea. Should have just bought them the first day they went on sale. Anyway right after I picked the seats I lost my connection so the purchase did not complete. Maybe an Omen not to buy now? Thing is I want The last flight and it is usually more$$$. What to do? . If it goes down I can get a credit which will be an excuse to go back to WDW

Maybe you'll get a better deal.


Well we've had a great weekend with the in laws being gone. I can actually sit in front of the tv and watch mindless tv.

 

[Mousemommy1]

He will be on the bus starting on Wednesday. I am thinking about talking to the bus company and the school district. My mom says that if I don't she will. The bus driver asked my oldest DS either, "Why does your brother have so many evil thoughts?" or "why is he so evil?" I have to double check with Joey, but either way she shouldn't have said it to a child. Plus if she's talking about my son like that to my other son, she's doing it to other people.



I'm not sure where they are with the floors, but this weekend had been amazing!! The inlaws left and won't be back until some time on Monday.



Thank you. I can't wait for it. I know it will be. The days have been melting away.



I think it's always better, when possible to not be on a bunch of medicine. When it's needed, that's one thing. However, when you can get yourself off of it, that's even better.



That sounds like an amazing idea!! Can it include a version of SAB with a bar where we can get Lapu lapus and "adult" Dole Whip floats.



Send some our way as well. We are about 8 inches short of what we had this time last year and we were in a drought last year.



That it does. Thank you, but at least I do have the MNSSHP tickets on the way.



You could ask her a question about the chocolate cup cake. Is it overly chocolatey? I love chocolate, but not if it's too much. For example, if I buy chocolate milk already mixed at the store, I have to add white milk to it, because it's too chocolatey.



The pics are amazing!!



Thank you. Luckily the school is working with us. Now I just need to handle the bus driver situation.



I'm glad her party went so well.



Well maybe you can tempt him with being able to rent the point you aren't using?



I haven't stayed at either POR or BCV yet. We are staying at the BC this September. Are y'all planning on spending much time at the pool? If you are, I'm sure you'll love the BC's Storm Along Bay.



Happy Greek Easter? Just curious (because I love learning about different cultures and religions) why is there a different date?

Happy Easter MM

Beautiful Day here, Bob finally felt good enough to venture out so off to Target we went, only thing from being bed redden since last Monday his back and knee were acting up to the point he could hardly walk. Says hw will call the Dr. Tomorrow.

I'm glad he felt good enough to get out.



Maybe you'll get a better deal.


Well we've had a great weekend with the in laws being gone. I can actually sit in front of the tv and watch mindless tv.

They simply use a different calendar. Sometimes Greek Easter is on the same day, sometimes weeks apart. Father Andrew (at the Greek Orthodox Church we attend) was explaining it a couple of weeks ago but I will fully admit to not really paying attention. I am catholic. But DH and the kids are Greek Orthodox. The Greek Orthodox Easter has to be after Passover, the 1st full moon and spring equinox according to the Julian calendar....versus the Gregorian calendar that Catholics use. Same holiday, different date.

 

[letthewookiewin]

He will be on the bus starting on Wednesday. I am thinking about talking to the bus company and the school district. My mom says that if I don't she will. The bus driver asked my oldest DS either, "Why does your brother have so many evil thoughts?" or "why is he so evil?" I have to double check with Joey, but either way she shouldn't have said it to a child. Plus if she's talking about my son like that to my other son, she's doing it to other people.



I'm not sure where they are with the floors, but this weekend had been amazing!! The inlaws left and won't be back until some time on Monday.



Thank you. I can't wait for it. I know it will be. The days have been melting away.



I think it's always better, when possible to not be on a bunch of medicine. When it's needed, that's one thing. However, when you can get yourself off of it, that's even better.



That sounds like an amazing idea!! Can it include a version of SAB with a bar where we can get Lapu lapus and "adult" Dole Whip floats.



Send some our way as well. We are about 8 inches short of what we had this time last year and we were in a drought last year.



That it does. Thank you, but at least I do have the MNSSHP tickets on the way.



You could ask her a question about the chocolate cup cake. Is it overly chocolatey? I love chocolate, but not if it's too much. For example, if I buy chocolate milk already mixed at the store, I have to add white milk to it, because it's too chocolatey.



The pics are amazing!!



Thank you. Luckily the school is working with us. Now I just need to handle the bus driver situation.



I'm glad her party went so well.



Well maybe you can tempt him with being able to rent the point you aren't using?



I haven't stayed at either POR or BCV yet. We are staying at the BC this September. Are y'all planning on spending much time at the pool? If you are, I'm sure you'll love the BC's Storm Along Bay.



Happy Greek Easter? Just curious (because I love learning about different cultures and religions) why is there a different date?

Happy Easter MM

Beautiful Day here, Bob finally felt good enough to venture out so off to Target we went, only thing from being bed redden since last Monday his back and knee were acting up to the point he could hardly walk. Says hw will call the Dr. Tomorrow.


They simply use a different calendar. Sometimes Greek Easter is on the same day, sometimes weeks apart. Father Andrew (at the Greek Orthodox Church we attend) was explaining it a couple of weeks ago but I will fully admit to not really paying attention. I am catholic. But DH and the kids are Greek Orthodox. The Greek Orthodox Easter has to be after Passover, the 1st full moon and spring equinox according to the Julian calendar....versus the Gregorian calendar that Catholics use. Same holiday, different date.

Thank you for explaining that. I had always wondered the difference and that makes sense. I grew up going to a Southern Baptist church and have always found different religions extremely interesting.

 

[Missoutandabout]

Hope everyone's Sunday is going well so far.

Happy Birthday to your lil' DD, Koh!

Happy Easter to you guys, MM.

to all of ya. I'm heading out in the back to plant yet another new shrub. "First you must find ... another shrubbery!" Our whole summer revolves around another shrubbery... and another... and another.

 

[babyberger]

We took the kids to see The Croods finally today. As the Disney previews come on, DH looks at me and says "you really love Disney, you are going to make me go there after the kids are grown aren't you" LMAO!! I said, just for food and wine so we can eat and drink and stumble back to YC...he said "okay, fine....but we need to go on rides too".

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[letthewookiewin]

We took the kids to see The Croods finally today. As the Disney previews come on, DH looks at me and says "you really love Disney, you are going to make me go there after the kids are grown aren't you" LMAO!! I said, just for food and wine so we can eat and drink and stumble back to YC...he said "okay, fine....but we need to go on rides too".

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I really liked that movie. At least he understand Disney doesn't stop when the kids leave the house.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

This RCer is about to make a bold move! I'm renting DVC points

I have a lead on a Kidani 1 bedroom at a great rate! Just waiting to hear back regarding payment details.

Looks like we are going to be doing
Poly CL - 8/7-8/10
YC CL - 8/10-8/14
Kidani 1 BR - 8/14-8/17

I am sooper-dooper excited. I've always wanted to try AKL!


babyberger - Stumbling back to YC after F&W sounds awesome! Start panning now. Never too soon!

Miss- Want to come plant at my house when you're done? I still haven't replaced a tree we had to take out in 2009 and the front garden looks naked. Once I get in veggie garden mode, I forget about all other landscaping and it shows. Happy shrubbing!

wookie - Hoping for a better week for DS Yay for alone time and mindless TV!

Mousemommy - Happy Easter!

Hello to all of you other lovely RC ladies and gents

 

[letthewookiewin]

wookie - Hoping for a better week for DS Yay for alone time and mindless TV!

Hello to all of you other lovely RC ladies and gents

I'm watching My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding. It's like a train wreck. I can't stop watching it.

 

[chimo2u]

This RCer is about to make a bold move! I'm renting DVC points

I have a lead on a Kidani 1 bedroom at a great rate! Just waiting to hear back regarding payment details.

Looks like we are going to be doing
Poly CL - 8/7-8/10
YC CL - 8/10-8/14
Kidani 1 BR - 8/14-8/17

I am sooper-dooper excited. I've always wanted to try AKL!


babyberger - Stumbling back to YC after F&W sounds awesome! Start panning now. Never too soon!

Miss- Want to come plant at my house when you're done? I still haven't replaced a tree we had to take out in 2009 and the front garden looks naked. Once I get in veggie garden mode, I forget about all other landscaping and it shows. Happy shrubbing!

wookie - Hoping for a better week for DS Yay for alone time and mindless TV!

Mousemommy - Happy Easter!

Hello to all of you other lovely RC ladies and gents

Kidani sounds wonderful! I ADORE AKL - I've decided for my next trip I'd like to try Kidani 1BDRM / even willing to give up CL if need be -- for that in room washer/dryer (I do a lot of laundry on my trips!) and a King sized bed! I'd like my daily housekeeping though ( its just a holiday thing!) so I'll have to book through CRO -- my other option is BWI Deluxe room. Hard decisions

I'm having a dilemma with my back neighbour now -

2 yrs ago they asked us if we'd want to cost share on a fence and we where in the middle of our 45K basement Reno, so we said no a fence isn't even in our thoughts or our budget. Well she went ahead and put up a $8,000 vinyl / albeit beautiful fence anyway, and I thought that was that! I'd never have bought such an expensive fence anyway! But I thought she was eating the cost because she wanted it then.

Fast forward to Friday afternoon, I'm at work, she catches DH at home and gives him an invoice for $900! For "our share" of the small piece at the back of us. That's our half of the $1800 that section cost and said they'd like us to pay our share as they are having another baby. Well -- my world has been turned upside down with the shooting, DH off work and his career up in the air. I'm paying so many things right now, I don't have $900 laying around (and if I did my Disney trip would be all set! ) - but that's besides the point. The thing I'm peeved about is I told her NO in Sept 2011 and she built it anyway.... Which is fine, but don't come to me for money 19 months later! I'm going to my town office tomorrow to see if I have any legal liability to pay, and if not, I am just going to have to find a way to tell her so sad, sorry but we can't help her.

Our finances are tight enough right now. DH wants to pay just to keep good neighbour relations, plus he's a nice guy -- he says pay her $150 a month for 3 months and its done. I pay the bills and he doesn't realize that I'm paying "just 150 a month" to about 4 other people, which adds up to a lot of money going out. I just can't take on owing another person money right now! I'm so upset I haven't been able to go talk to this woman yet.

I wish I could just send her a letter outlining the fact we said no already, and we have no legal obligation to cost share (at least I'm pretty sure we don't) and that we just can't afford it. I think she deserves me to tell her in person though, but my stomach is in knots thinking about ringing her doorbell! UGH!!!! Just what I need right now to deal with