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

[toodycat]

Letthewookiewin - Now you're making me think about AKL again!!! Hahaha. We visited AKL in 2009 when my cousin and her family were there at the same time and we thought it was a great resort, loved Boma, but we LOVE the Poly but for $600 less we could stay at AKL.... My only hesitation with staying at AKL is the transportation. We rely solely on WDW transportation. Taking the monorail and boat to and from MK is also great!! With us only being there 5 days/4 nights this time I'm worried about not staying somewhere more convenient. We spend most of our time at MK and Epcot....can someone convince me that AKL would be a great choice to try? I love the idea of saving the $600!!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

I will try to persuade you:
We spent DH's 50th at AKL and loved it. Great theming, great food, savannah view rooms, gorgeous lobby and the amazing savannah. Honestly, we have stayed at both Poly and AKL twice and prefer AKL. We love the savannah and usually visit AKL for a visit to the animals and a meal at Boma or Jiko, even on trips when we are staying at a different resort. We love sitting around the AKL firepit in rocking chairs at night, too. Let's not forget the tasty zebra dome cakes at Boma. If the difference between the Poly and AKL is $600, I would definitely stay at AKL, especially if there is construction at the Poly. (On our last two stay at the GF, there was a lot of construction and it did take away for the charm.)Also, you could take a portion of the $600 savings and put it towards a car rental. If you research, you can get some good deals and then you won't worry about transportation. We always rent a car no matter where we stay, but when we have taken the bus from AKL, it wasn't bad at all.

Hope this helps.

 

[Koh1977]

Reading the new DVC plans for the Polynesian. Talk about depressing, Disney knows it's a cash cow and they'll run it into the ground. Adding 2 5 story villa buildings to the resort, plus the over water bungalows, it's just going to make the entire resort feel so cramped. Throw in the influx of people and the strain on the buses, monorail, and ferry will be just insane.

I'm glad I'll be going down there before the big construction happens. One thing that really makes me sad is to see the water feature be removed from the GCH in the "rumored' plans.

I was actually thinking similar thoughts...

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[Koh1977]

That is awesome!! I would love to do a girls only WDW trip.

Me too!! But I don't have any friends who are quite as Disney obsessed as I am...

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[Sue M]

Reading the new DVC plans for the Polynesian. Talk about depressing, Disney knows it's a cash cow and they'll run it into the ground. Adding 2 5 story villa buildings to the resort, plus the over water bungalows, it's just going to make the entire resort feel so cramped. Throw in the influx of people and the strain on the buses, monorail, and ferry will be just insane.

I'm glad I'll be going down there before the big construction happens. One thing that really makes me sad is to see the water feature be removed from the GCH in the "rumored' plans.

I couldn't agree more The only thing I'm happy about is a larger pool.
I think it will ruin Poly, and should have just stuck to the one building on the end toward wedding Pavillion.

Well something happened today that I thought never would. A little background... Our dog, Bug, was found in my inlaws house the weekend my sister graduated high school in 1996, and we had been married less than a year. We had to have him put to sleep on 8/20/11 and it ripped our hearts out. Growing up, we would get another dog to help heal our hearts, but my DH refused. Even this last week the DH was saying how he would never have another dog because it hurt too much to see them die.

Well today, he was working and he was in a parking lot where they were doing free dog adoptions, and he kept sending me pictures and saying that he was bringing on home. Well it was making me sad because I thought he was being cruel and teasing me, but turns out he was serious. The dogs had melted his heart and he really wants to adopt one. They are having another free adoption event on Saturday and if he can convince the fil, we're getting one (happy Mother's Day to me!!!). They tried really hard to get him to hold and take home this super sweet looking pit bull mix that has beautiful eyes.

That's wonderful, so happy for you!

I didn't go lol. I made an appt for the morning instead. I'm too tired tonight. I am still on my nubulizer as well. I hope they give me something to use in Disney. That's my biggest concern right now.

I hope you can work something out to keep you comfortable at wdw.

 

[Sue M]

Just a quick hello as I'm getting caught up over lunch! DD's party was a success yesterday and she had SO much fun playing with her cousins and all. SO wound up though. Took her a bit to settle down and get to sleep last night and she was upset she couldn't get up and play with her dolls this morning. But, definitely a good time all around.

85 more days!!

DH asked me the other day if we should tell the kids about the trip...I suggested maybe telling them the morning we leave. Or once we get down to Sea World tell them about Disney...not sure...but DS has been glued to the TV for Disney week. It's cute...I just want him to appreciate it more this time if possible. And just how much money and time goes into planning it, etc. thoughts/ideas?

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Sounds like it was a great day

Well it looks like will be resort changing after all. Since the BC GV rooms are not including in the FD discount, the DH says we have to change. Out of the options I gave JM, the one he is happiest about is the AKL. I just hope they have some PV BB rooms available with the FD discount when I call and add FD to it. With that move, our trip has come full circle. It started out as a June trip at the AKL in a Arusha View Room. I'll just wait to change my ticker to an AKL one once I actually make the change.

I did talk to the person over bus driver complaints and he was almost as unhappy with what she said as I am. Hopefully, I will get a call back before I leave for school.

We did a split stay last summer at AKL. 6 nights PV, & 6 nights CL. We loved AKL, and the PV was great.

Kook bangers & mash please, and some Strombow .

Pas you're making me dizzy with all the changes

 

[sjs314]

I will try to persuade you:
We spent DH's 50th at AKL and loved it. Great theming, great food, savannah view rooms, gorgeous lobby and the amazing savannah. Honestly, we have stayed at both Poly and AKL twice and prefer AKL. We love the savannah and usually visit AKL for a visit to the animals and a meal at Boma or Jiko, even on trips when we are staying at a different resort. We love sitting around the AKL firepit in rocking chairs at night, too. Let's not forget the tasty zebra dome cakes at Boma. If the difference between the Poly and AKL is $600, I would definitely stay at AKL, especially if there is construction at the Poly. (On our last two stay at the GF, there was a lot of construction and it did take away for the charm.)Also, you could take a portion of the $600 savings and put it towards a car rental. If you research, you can get some good deals and then you won't worry about transportation. We always rent a car no matter where we stay, but when we have taken the bus from AKL, it wasn't bad at all.

Hope this helps.

STOP! STOP! All this AKL talk and the news about DVC at the Poly has me on the fence I want to stay at the Poly soooooo bad but I loved AKL and if there is a chance of the Poly being under major construction Well I just don't know what I might do

Been up since 3 am couldn't sleep with all this resort thoughts swirling in my head. I guess if when the Fall discounts come out and if they offer 30% at the Poly again that will tell me they expect to be in construction mode and need to discount Deep like they tend to do. If it's only 20% then maybe they won't get started till after my trip. I hate to give up my good deal from ***

Ok done rambling

 

[Mousemommy1]

Good Morning Everyone!!!!

It's amazing what a good mood you wake up to when you have a ticker to check!!!

I am soooooooo beyond excited for my girls' trip!!! I did not think that I would get a bonus trip in this year but my DH and my BFF's DH conspired to make this happen. They are so great!!!

BFF and I are going to the MNSSHP as Alice (BFF) and the Queen of Hearts (Me)!!! We have found some costumes we like but will look in a few other places too.

I am sure that our resort will probably change, but we shall see. I am only booked with the AAA discount right now, which is about 10% off, but if the military discount is renewed, we will likely upgrade to a moderate...either POR/POFQ or CSR??? . Oh, the possibilities!!!!!

I am sure at work today we will work on our itinerary. We only want to make 1 TS and I am thinking Cali Grill if it opens back up on time....any other suggestions for a nice TS for 2 30-something ladies??? Not used to planning this type of trip!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

First stay (not first booking......) The washer..the separate bedroom for DH and I....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...just having a living room is SO awesome. Even 2 rooms get tight for the Pas~lets

BLT sounds perfect for the pas crew.

During a stay at BLT my grandson had the sleeper chair .... view was TPV .... he folded out the chair and my gosh it was facing the wrong way!!! He could not see the castle ... being a smart kid ... after all he is related to me ... he turned the chair around so the last thing he saw at night and the first thing in the morning was the CASTLE!!!

Smart kid for sure!

Hi from sunny south Florida I'm lurking when I can. All this "home" school stuff is taking up so much time. he seems to be getting over his cold and today was career day at school so no work for the brief hour and a half he was there. So we are getting through all his work nice and peacefully. One day at a time right now!

Jeanette - you have to keep BLT so you can let me know of I should keep it for Feb!!!! Steven already told Sarah she gets the pull out chair since she is smaller than him and I am very much looking forward to a private bedroom and hot tub!!!! YOU CANNOT CHANGE THIS!!!!

Okay back to school stuff!! I'll catch up with everyone else soon!!!

HUGS,
Melissa

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Hi Melissa. Peaceful sounds good.

Guess who has two thumbs and is going back to Disney in September????

THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE!!!!

My BFF (the one who just came with us on this trip) and I just booked 3 nights/4 days at All Star Movies (preferred room) with AAA discount, so we can partake in Food and Wine and MNSSHP!!!!

We booked airfare and purchased our party tickets and everything!!! Done, done, done!!! Airfare was only $185 RT!!!

Awesome!

Today was my ADR day and I worried about it for nothing. I could not get the old site to work at 6am I was in a real panic but the new site worked beautifully. I got everything I wanted!

11/03 'Ohana 5pm
11/04 Kona 8:30am
11/04 Via Napoli 6:20pm
11/05 The Wave 8am
11/05 BOG 4:50pm
11/06 Cabana @ Poly (10-2)
11/06 Rose & Crown 7:15pm
11/07 GF Cafe 8am
11/07 Kona 7:05pm
11/08 The Plaza 1:25pm

We decided not to do SOA and still deciding about the Dessert Party. I made my GF Cafe ADR for Breakfast in remembrance of Our Dear Sarah

Love your ADRs!

RENTING Kidani rocks

I know, right? But I'm not even scared..... yet.

I totally forgot to add you to the upcoming AK folks! You guys will try out the pool, yes? Will you make it over to AKL's pool? I need another expert's comparison to SAB. Can't wait to find out what you think.

I do think we will head over to Jambo one day. By then we will be pretty parked out and just looking to chill. Both pools look amazing to me. I'm interested in the SAB comparison myself.

Oh yes, we need the WSC too. Maybe they should just consult with us with their next resort plan.

I'm just not sure why they haven't yet? I mean..... really!

I'm such a dunderhead, I forgot to mention since you asked ... I think I'm going to try going over to our Disney store and see about swapping some of our Target-bought gift cards for an AP voucher either today or Thursday.

APs! So good... and yet soooo bad.

Girls weekend was great! It was quick...we didn't go friday night as planned .. Sat AM to sunday afternoon...so just one night, but worth it. Beautiful days for a road trip. Able to see Mom, my sister and a girlfriend.

That sounds lovely

Also, went out for our favorite greasy cheeseburger with hot sauce and topped it off with chocolate custard...heaven! Just so we didn't feel too guiltly Sam and I went to the Y sat afternoon and burned off significant carlories so we could put them back on!

Sounds like a good plan!

Sam pushes me on the workouts, so that's good! BTW, changes are made!

Thanks

Okay, wiping my eyes...8 days to go over here!! (for you Miss!)

Woohoo! So close!

It still isn't sinking in yet though, I think on Sunday when we finally tell the girls it will be real! DH and I were talking last night about booking the bounceback when we are there and for what resort. DH only said one resort besides POR, Wilderness Lodge!! We do not fit in one room there....bummer. I know we said POR but who knows... we will have to see what mood strikes us!

Can't wait to find out!

Iheart: Your August trip sounds amazing....have I mentioned you are my hero???

Letthewookiewin - Now you're making me think about AKL again!!! Hahaha. We visited AKL in 2009 when my cousin and her family were there at the same time and we thought it was a great resort, loved Boma, but we LOVE the Poly but for $600 less we could stay at AKL.... My only hesitation with staying at AKL is the transportation. We rely solely on WDW transportation. Taking the monorail and boat to and from MK is also great!! With us only being there 5 days/4 nights this time I'm worried about not staying somewhere more convenient. We spend most of our time at MK and Epcot....can someone convince me that AKL would be a great choice to try? I love the idea of saving the $600!!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

Poly vs. AKL? There are no losers in that equation! $600 is no small chunk of change!

Reading the new DVC plans for the Polynesian. Talk about depressing, Disney knows it's a cash cow and they'll run it into the ground. Adding 2 5 story villa buildings to the resort, plus the over water bungalows, it's just going to make the entire resort feel so cramped. Throw in the influx of people and the strain on the buses, monorail, and ferry will be just insane.

I'm glad I'll be going down there before the big construction happens. One thing that really makes me sad is to see the water feature be removed from the GCH in the "rumored' plans.

I agree. Depressing! Although with rumors flying for the last few years, I've already had 2 "last Poly trip before it changes forever trips" and am about to take my 3rd in August.... so....

Dani Hope the Dr was able to help and you feel better soon. I am still needing to use my Nebulizer each Day and running the A/C instead of opening the windows. Stupid Allergies

Hope you get some relief soon. This allergy season seems so bad for so many people.

Well something happened today that I thought never would. A little background... Our dog, Bug, was found in my inlaws house the weekend my sister graduated high school in 1996, and we had been married less than a year. We had to have him put to sleep on 8/20/11 and it ripped our hearts out. Growing up, we would get another dog to help heal our hearts, but my DH refused. Even this last week the DH was saying how he would never have another dog because it hurt too much to see them die.

Well today, he was working and he was in a parking lot where they were doing free dog adoptions, and he kept sending me pictures and saying that he was bringing on home. Well it was making me sad because I thought he was being cruel and teasing me, but turns out he was serious. The dogs had melted his heart and he really wants to adopt one. They are having another free adoption event on Saturday and if he can convince the fil, we're getting one (happy Mother's Day to me!!!). They tried really hard to get him to hold and take home this super sweet looking pit bull mix that has beautiful eyes.

How exciting! Crossing my fingers for you

I didn't go lol. I made an appt for the morning instead. I'm too tired tonight. I am still on my nubulizer as well. I hope they give me something to use in Disney. That's my biggest concern right now.

Hope your appt goes well today

 

[Missoutandabout]

Good morning to all!

Janet: Ooooooh my. Greasy cheeseburger with hot sauce followed up with a chocolate custard for dessert? I'm going to have to go workout after just reading that. Yummm-o!

Jen: Hahaha, SWEEEEEET! Those are the best countdowns. You're telling them on Sunday?

MM: Yeah, YEEEEEEEAH! Your chicas-only trip sounds FAB ... as do your costumes.

Dani: I hope you can get some respite from your doc's visit. At least something to tide you over on your trip.

I_Heart: Where's my popcorn? I'm so looking forward to everyone's AKL/AKV reviews.

Melissa: Sending these over to you... Did taking him off the meds help at all?

Pas, Kookster, Wookster, Sheila, GG, Toody, Sue, Petey, DznyCrzy11 and any other of you lovely folks I'm missing... here's some of these:

Chat later with you lot. Off to the Y.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Poly DVC ... it had to come. With the DVC at GF isn't Poly the only deluxe without DVC??? I know I'm in the minority but the only way I'll ever be able to stay at either GF or Poly is using my DVC points so I'm happy about the new DVC options. I do think DVC will happen at the Poly but not until sales are strong at GF. Personally my choice for new DVC would be more units in California ... it is so hard to get in there .... also the GC project sold out very quickly so I'd think more units on the west coast would be a smart business decision .... but what do I know ....

 

[Koh1977]

Poly DVC ... it had to come. With the DVC at GF isn't Poly the only deluxe without DVC??? I know I'm in the minority but the only way I'll ever be able to stay at either GF or Poly is using my DVC points so I'm happy about the new DVC options. I do think DVC will happen at the Poly but not until sales are strong at GF. Personally my choice for new DVC would be more units in California ... it is so hard to get in there .... also the GC project sold out very quickly so I'd think more units on the west coast would be a smart business decision .... but what do I know ....

You are right about the last deluxe to get DVC. Tikiman said construction should begin end of this year, but no timeline as to when it would be finished...

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[DznyCrzy11]

Reading the new DVC plans for the Polynesian. Talk about depressing, Disney knows it's a cash cow and they'll run it into the ground. Adding 2 5 story villa buildings to the resort, plus the over water bungalows, it's just going to make the entire resort feel so cramped. Throw in the influx of people and the strain on the buses, monorail, and ferry will be just insane.

I'm glad I'll be going down there before the big construction happens. One thing that really makes me sad is to see the water feature be removed from the GCH in the "rumored' plans.

Yep, I agree!! I don't like how it seems tge DVC are spread all over the resort. I definitely think this will cause the resort to feel crowded, I mean it's not like they had much room to work with to start with. If they are going to build the DVC I think they should build the one where the luau currently is and then build the over the water bungalows right there and that's it!!! I also can't believe they are getting rid of the waterfall!!! I think that makes the GCH great!!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Yep, I agree!! I don't like how it seems tge DVC are spread all over the resort. I definitely think this will cause the resort to feel crowded, I mean it's not like they had much room to work with to start with. If they are going to build the DVC I think they should build the one where the luau currently is and then build the over the water bungalows right there and that's it!!! I also can't believe they are getting rid of the waterfall!!! I think that makes the GCH great!!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

From what I was told the GCH has a lot of building code issues so I'd expect to see lots going on there. Maybe the safety issues are really just a rumor and major rehab won't be need there.

Thinking about it more .... I'm so cheap with my points that I'll probably never want to spend the points ($$$) to stay at either GF or Poly!

I do hope that Disney doesn't destroy the feeling of the Poly just for more $$$ !

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

You are right about the last deluxe to get DVC. Tikiman said construction should begin end of this year, but no timeline as to when it would be finished...

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I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I just can't get too fussed about what Tikiman says anymore. I've gotten myself worked up over his rumors only to have nothing happen too many times in the past. I'm sure he is connected, I just don't think it's well enough to be any sort of reliable. Especially considering the recent breaking news of the water bungalows came straight from our dear Kook and not from him. Anyhoo....better go do some housework and avoid and rotten apples thrown my way.

Yep, I agree!! I don't like how it seems tge DVC are spread all over the resort. I definitely think this will cause the resort to feel crowded, I mean it's not like they had much room to work with to start with. If they are going to build the DVC I think they should build the one where the luau currently is and then build the over the water bungalows right there and that's it!!! I also can't believe they are getting rid of the waterfall!!! I think that makes the GCH great!!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

I actually kinda like the water bungalow idea, but I do not like the 5 story buildings flanking the resort. I agree with you on putting everything over by Luau Cove

From what I was told the GCH has a lot of building code issues so I'd expect to see lots going on there. Maybe the safety issues are really just a rumor and major rehab won't be need there.

Thinking about it more .... I'm so cheap with my points that I'll probably never want to spend the points ($$$) to stay at either GF or Poly!

I do hope that Disney doesn't destroy the feeling of the Poly just for more $$$ !

Awww, I know the queen of splits will figure out a way to shimmy a night or two in there someday.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Just checking in from the doctors office. Waiting in the room to be seen currently.

This morning I ordered locking pin backs from eBay. I pulled out our lanyards and pins, dug out my bathing suit , and my ears. I need go find my old purse that has our special pins in it so I can affix them on our lanyards. It looks like Lily is going to need her own set as well because she won't keep her hands off of ours. I will be sending our grocery list to WeGoShop tonight, and making lists of things I need to pick up before we leave. I am so excited!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Just checking in from the doctors office. Waiting in the room to be seen currently.

This morning I ordered locking pin backs from eBay. I pulled out our lanyards and pins, dug out my bathing suit , and my ears. I need go find my old purse that has our special pins in it so I can affix them on our lanyards. It looks like Lily is going to need her own set as well because she won't keep her hands off of ours. I will be sending our grocery list to WeGoShop tonight, and making lists of things I need to pick up before we leave. I am so excited!!!

Good luck at the doctor's office! Hope you get something that helps.

Sounds like your planning/packing is under control. Reading about you getting the kids ready for the trip really makes me miss traveling to Disney with little ones!

 

[Missoutandabout]

Awww, I know the queen of splits will figure out a way to shimmy a night or two in there someday.

She truly is the Queen of Splits!

Just checking in from the doctors office. Waiting in the room to be seen currently.

This morning I ordered locking pin backs from eBay. I pulled out our lanyards and pins, dug out my bathing suit , and my ears. I need go find my old purse that has our special pins in it so I can affix them on our lanyards. It looks like Lily is going to need her own set as well because she won't keep her hands off of ours. I will be sending our grocery list to WeGoShop tonight, and making lists of things I need to pick up before we leave. I am so excited!!!

Hope the docs visit helps, Dani. Locking pin backs? I should really invest in these; I lost one of my Orange Bird pins (luckily one of my own and not a gift) and I almost CRIED!

 

[disneydreamin247]

linda one trip with my kids and you will be cured of that!

She truly is the Queen of Splits!



Hope the docs visit helps, Dani. Locking pin backs? I should really invest in these; I lost one of my Orange Bird pins (luckily one of my own and not a gift) and I almost CRIED!

We lost about 8 pins last year. I think I was more upset than Danimal! If you want when I get home I will link you to where I got them.


Dr. says I have thrush from my nebulizer and my allergies are very bad. Not throat cancer after all!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

linda one trip with my kids and you will be cured of that!




We lost about 8 pins last year. I think I was more upset than Danimal! If you want when I get home I will link you to where I got them.


Dr. says I have thrush from my nebulizer and my allergies are very bad. Not throat cancer after all!

Oh Dani hugs to you .... so scary to be worried about something but .... what a relief and weight off your shoulders!

And I fully intend to meet your little darlings in Oct!!!

 

[Missoutandabout]

We lost about 8 pins last year. I think I was more upset than Danimal! If you want when I get home I will link you to where I got them.


Dr. says I have thrush from my nebulizer and my allergies are very bad. Not throat cancer after all!

for good news from the docs! Did she/he tell you what to do to avoid the thrush? Miss M's been on a nebulizer off and on for a few weeks now. (Can't seem to get rid of her cold, which causes her asthma symptoms ) I'm kinda paranoid about her getting it so I'm not sure if having her rinse her mouth out afterward is enough.

I would've cried over losing 8, indeed! Yes please, if you don't mind sending the link, I'd surely appreciate it. With losing the Orange Bird, I'm scared to put any on my bag anymore.