Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer: an August Trip Report (Complete!)

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

All caught up. Yet another wonderful trip report my friend!!
I thought of you often on what was supposed to be our vacation week, and hoped you were having a great time!
Looks like you did, and I can't wait to hear your plans for the next one. I personally vote for you to do a pre-trip report. I'd be a reader for sure!
I've considered one but I am one of those people who would start it excitedly, and then I would end up feeling obligated to continue because I started it, and then I would resent it. I have trip report commitment issues.

So get to planning August 2014

Thank you, my dear friend . I was thinking of YOU the other day as Christmas hit the 100-days-away mark . You must be getting soooooo excited about your holiday trip! Now that school is back in session, time is going to fly by so quickly for you and your getaway will be here before you know it.

August 2014 is "the plan".....we shall see how that works out for us . As always, life is subject to change without warning. I wish flights would hurry up and be released for that time period so I could book 'em and then say "there...now we HAVE to go!" .

 

[Lynne G]

Yep, I could happily be a Snowbird. Hopefully my retirement plan will perform accordingly!!!! I have about 27 years to make it all happen .

My wee kitty is anything BUT patient . The old girl (she's almost 15) was stark raving FURIOUS with us, and boy, was she vocal about it . She seemed to forgive us a little when the bag of Temptations was produced, and Momma gave her a big ol' belly rub. It generally takes her about a week before she's back to normal, and returns to her aloof self. I always feel so guilty to leave her behind. Thank goodness our neighbours are incredible people who love her up regularly while we are away. God love 'em, they even videotaped her on a couple of house visits during this past trip, to let us see how happy she is while we're gone . She misses us, sure, but she's not crying in the corner like I pictured in my mind!!

Yep, me too. I could be a snowbird, but after getting 2 kids through college and ensuring they are on their own, I may have to be pretty old before I make that decision.

We have a dog, and she don't care. When we get home, she just wiggles the whole day. We miss her too. Your cat is cute. It's funny how our pets have such personalities.

So, can't wait to see what August 2014 is in store for your family. Kids want to cruise, but I have to see what school needs are for the next year, and we may be August 2014 FLA bound too.

 

[shalom]

The Great Lakes region is lovely.....in the summer.

I think it depends on where you're at. We're in a "sweet spot" where we are close enough to Lake Michigan that we have higher winter lows than places well south of us. We also get more lake effect snow, but snow doesn't bother us as much as bitter cold. Plus we just don't get nearly as much snow as places like Buffalo, NY. We mostly get hit when there's a north east wind; Buffalo gets hit with any wind that's remotely east -- doesn't matter if it's east, south east, or north east, they get slammed. Plus with the right wind, it's crossing not just the length of Lake Ontario, but the length of Lake Erie as well! And I would guess it's the same for a much wider area out there. Once in a while we'll have a front that goes the length of Lake Michigan, but seems like the wind doesn't line up that way nearly so easily as it does Lake Ontario.

Yep, I could happily be a Snowbird. Hopefully my retirement plan will perform accordingly!!!!

My mom's parents used to take their old Airstream down from Minnesota. At least back then, it was a pretty cheap option, but I expect even still there's a good variety of options, and knowing your budgeting skills, I expect you'll be able to find something that works for you.

My wee kitty is anything BUT patient . The old girl (she's almost 15) was stark raving FURIOUS with us, and boy, was she vocal about it !

Heh! I thought I remembered you had one that scolded, but for some reason I'd assumed that was a pic you'd taken when you got back, and I was thinking it'd be hard to get a shot of our outdoor kitties without their mouths open giving us the riot act right then! In contrast, my indoor kitties hide and sulk and won't even speak to us until we drag them out and convince them to forgive us.

I worry about our cats, but for years I could comfort myself with the idea that they keep each other company. Which worked until we ended up with Zelda the Annoying, who hates all other cats and gets outright vicious with the cat sitter if we're gone too long. But we've started boarding Zelda with our adopted grandma if we're going to be gone more than a week, and now I think everyone's pretty happy. Plus we set up a camera when we're gone and can often see they're not suffering; good for your neighbors for showing you the same.

 

[bankr63]

The Great Lakes region is lovely.....in the summer. I think ideally, I would love to live here at home from Victoria Day (your Memorial Day) until our Canadian Thanksgiving (early October).....then winters in Florida from mid October to the end of May. Yep, I could happily be a Snowbird. Hopefully my retirement plan will perform accordingly!!!! I have about 27 years to make it all happen .

My wee kitty is anything BUT patient . The old girl (she's almost 15) was stark raving FURIOUS with us, and boy, was she vocal about it . She seemed to forgive us a little when the bag of Temptations was produced, and Momma gave her a big ol' belly rub. It generally takes her about a week before she's back to normal, and returns to her aloof self. I always feel so guilty to leave her behind. Thank goodness our neighbours are incredible people who love her up regularly while we are away. God love 'em, they even videotaped her on a couple of house visits during this past trip, to let us see how happy she is while we're gone . She misses us, sure, but she's not crying in the corner like I pictured in my mind!!

We figure that come retirement, we're going to get a job at Disney. I'm going to drive a parking lot tram, and A is going to ride the back urging everyone to keep their children, bits and bobs inside the tram at all times.

Thought I'd post a quick shot of our latest family addition; Pixel is about 6 weeks old, and was adopted as a rescue kitten last weekend. Not sure how patient the little one (Pixel) is going to be the next time we go away. Moo (the big sister, another adoption last year) doesn't much like our absences either...
Here you see them planning escape routes for the next time we abandon them.

 

[pigletto]

Thank you, my dear friend . I was thinking of YOU the other day as Christmas hit the 100-days-away mark . You must be getting soooooo excited about your holiday trip! Now that school is back in session, time is going to fly by so quickly for you and your getaway will be here before you know it.

August 2014 is "the plan".....we shall see how that works out for us . As always, life is subject to change without warning. I wish flights would hurry up and be released for that time period so I could book 'em and then say "there...now we HAVE to go!" .

Ha! I was thinking as I was typing "August 2014" in this post that I'd be willing to bet money you'll go earlier. I know you can't go for the holidays this year but there's always March Break!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We figure that come retirement, we're going to get a job at Disney. I'm going to drive a parking lot tram, and A is going to ride the back urging everyone to keep their children, bits and bobs inside the tram at all times.

Thought I'd post a quick shot of our latest family addition; Pixel is about 6 weeks old, and was adopted as a rescue kitten last weekend. Not sure how patient the little one (Pixel) is going to be the next time we go away. Moo (the big sister, another adoption last year) doesn't much like our absences either...
Here you see them planning escape routes for the next time we abandon them.

Oh Munro, she (or he?) is absolutely precious! I have a soft spot for kittens.....they are so engaging and playful. Our old girl is pretty docile these days. She has a touch of arthritis and can't jump up on the furniture or the beds any more. I miss the friskiness of her youth. I bet little Pixel provides your family with lots of entertainment value!!

LOL, and I thought you would like to know that you gave me my shock (and then my laugh) for the day. Let's just say that when I initially read your post, it wasn't bits and "bobs" that I thought you wrote that your wife would ensure were safely inside the tram . I almost spit my cranberry juice out on the laptop screen!!! Then I re-read it and realized my mistake. Whoops.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So, can't wait to see what August 2014 is in store for your family. Kids want to cruise, but I have to see what school needs are for the next year, and we may be August 2014 FLA bound too.

"The Plan" is to do Discovery Cove, Aquatica and SeaWorld. Last week of August, or *maybe* the 2nd last week...just depending on whether Jake needs to be at college for any freshman events the week before classes start. But that time period, definitely. Would you be up for a Dismeet if we both end up in Orlando during the same time? I would love to enjoy a Ghiradelli sundae with you at DTD!

Ha! I was thinking as I was typing "August 2014" in this post that I'd be willing to bet money you'll go earlier. I know you can't go for the holidays this year but there's always March Break!

lol, much as I *wish* we could go earlier (or more than once), its almost a certainty that we'll do just one trip and that it won't be until August. March Break is out as Jake works the YMCA camp that week. Christmas is out since we promised my mom we'd be home this year. Early summer is out as Jake will be working the Y summer camps. And missing school is an impossibility in his senior year.

Waaahhhh!!! Now I just made myself sad. It seems so far away, doesn't it?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Heh! I thought I remembered you had one that scolded, but for some reason I'd assumed that was a pic you'd taken when you got back, and I was thinking it'd be hard to get a shot of our outdoor kitties without their mouths open giving us the riot act right then! In contrast, my indoor kitties hide and sulk and won't even speak to us until we drag them out and convince them to forgive us.

lol, poor Patches was not fit for photos when we returned . I had to use a "stock photo" of my girl for this report, otherwise I may have scared off my readers . I swear that cat hadn't groomed herself in DAYS....her fur was stuck up all hither and yon, and she was glaring at me through little slitty eyes while she screeched out her displeasure. Not one of her shining moments . Thankfully, her personal hygiene improved dramatically upon our return. She has decided to return to using her manners and has all her fur pointing in one direction .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sooooo.........I have a little news.

After much debate (because I tend to overthink just about everything ) and enough reading and researching to make my brains to liquid and start leaking out my ears, Steve and I took the plunge.

We bought a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

I am not sure if the thought makes me want to do this: , or this: .

lol, no really.....we are super excited!!!

Our week is a deeded week 30, with the option to float during weeks 5-35, 40-47 and 50-52. So it will give us lots of flexibility as we transition our life from parents of a teenager to empty-nesters. We will use it for the first time on our 2014 vacation, and the boys are so thrilled.

Our signed documentation has been submitted to the closing company, so now we just wait for the legal process to run its course. We should hopefully have our final paperwork in hand for about the time I celebrate my 40th birthday. Best. Gift. Ever.

So ya'll are the first to know . I haven't even told my mom yet!

 

[Lynne G]

Sooooo.........I have a little news.

After much debate (because I tend to overthink just about everything ) and enough reading and researching to make my brains to liquid and start leaking out my ears, Steve and I took the plunge.

We bought a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

I am not sure if the thought makes me want to do this: , or this: .

lol, no really.....we are super excited!!!

Our week is a deeded week 30, with the option to float during weeks 5-35, 40-47 and 50-52. So it will give us lots of flexibility as we transition our life from parents of a teenager to empty-nesters. We will use it for the first time on our 2014 vacation, and the boys are so thrilled.

Our signed documentation has been submitted to the closing company, so now we just wait for the legal process to run its course. We should hopefully have our final paperwork in hand for about the time I celebrate my 40th birthday. Best. Gift. Ever.

So ya'll are the first to know . I haven't even told my mom yet!

Woot!!!! Great news, as you seemed to really enjoy that place this year.

I cannot timeshares yet, DH heard the accountant say they were not a good fit for us. Maybe when our kids are out of the nest.


I would love a Dis meet. I am still ready to pull the trigger. It will be toward the end of August, a lot will depend on what fits. With our Labor Day so early again, it may be end of third into fourth week. And we never turn down a chance to eat ice cream!

 

[purplekicks]

Congratulations!

How exciting! I tried to understand how timeshares work but its all too confusing. I went to the presentation at Westgate Lakes before and left out after many hours soooo confused. I asked my husband if he understood anything the man said and he did exactly this: We decided that we will just rent a house or a hotel if we ever decided to go.

 

[Disneylover99]

Sooooo.........I have a little news.

After much debate (because I tend to overthink just about everything ) and enough reading and researching to make my brains to liquid and start leaking out my ears, Steve and I took the plunge.

We bought a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

I am not sure if the thought makes me want to do this: , or this: .

lol, no really.....we are super excited!!!

Our week is a deeded week 30, with the option to float during weeks 5-35, 40-47 and 50-52. So it will give us lots of flexibility as we transition our life from parents of a teenager to empty-nesters. We will use it for the first time on our 2014 vacation, and the boys are so thrilled.

Our signed documentation has been submitted to the closing company, so now we just wait for the legal process to run its course. We should hopefully have our final paperwork in hand for about the time I celebrate my 40th birthday. Best. Gift. Ever.

So ya'll are the first to know . I haven't even told my mom yet!

AMAZING!!!! So happy for you and your family. I loved your trip report! You really do have a way with words, so I could really feel the love you had for the Vistana Resort.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Woot!!!! Great news, as you seemed to really enjoy that place this year.

I cannot timeshares yet, DH heard the accountant say they were not a good fit for us. Maybe when our kids are out of the nest.

I would love a Dis meet. I am still ready to pull the trigger. It will be toward the end of August, a lot will depend on what fits. With our Labor Day so early again, it may be end of third into fourth week. And we never turn down a chance to eat ice cream!

Woohoo! Then its a (tentative) date!

Congratulations!

How exciting! I tried to understand how timeshares work but its all too confusing. I went to the presentation at Westgate Lakes before and left out after many hours soooo confused. I asked my husband if he understood anything the man said and he did exactly this: We decided that we will just rent a house or a hotel if we ever decided to go.

Oh, those Westgate presentations are bad . We went to one ourselves last summer and O.M.G. .

This particular timeshare at SVR should work well for us. We can float on any one of the above weeks that we want, pending availability (but we will probably book long in advance so availability should be no issue unless we try to go Christmas week one at some point). The timeshare itself was virtually free (I can't believe people actually buy from the developer!!!), and the seller paid all closing costs. That means we are basically on the hook for just the yearly maintenance fees, which cost less than a renting a week from an owner (and are less than half the cost of a 7 night "hotel" stay booking directly through Sheraton). Maintenance fees are due on January 1st each year, so I guess the biggest downfall is having to pay for our maintenance fees right around the expensive holiday season. But we will plan for that going forward and hopefully it won't be a big deal. Then we can kick back and relax until our travel date, knowing our summer vacation is paid for at New Years .

AMAZING!!!! So happy for you and your family. I loved your trip report! You really do have a way with words, so I could really feel the love you had for the Vistana Resort.

Thank you!!! We really did fall for SVR . And I am so grateful that I could share my excitement with all of you guys.....lord knows our extended families will not share in our joy, so it means a lot that I can celebrate here with all of you!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Gina, what wonderful news, a cheeky buy by you when I thought your son was the shopper

Well here's to many more holidays and trip reports

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, what wonderful news, a cheeky buy by you when I thought your son was the shopper

Well here's to many more holidays and trip reports

Thanks so much!

And what can I say? It was his Momma that taught him all he knows .

 

[Girldreamer02]

Christmas week is spectacular, but bear in mind its BUSY. Busy-like-you-have-never-seen-it busy . The decorations are gorgeous and its just so darn festive, but if you are not prepared for the crowds, its going to be a shocker.

We met up with a poor young family on the boat to DTD from POR on our Christmas vacation this past year, and they were sooo upset....I just felt horrible for them. They had been to AK earlier in the day, and got on 3 rides in 9 hours. They had two wonderful little boys, and I hated seeing them so downtrodden. The magic got lost for them amidst the masses.

Definitely try to squeeze in a waterpark or two someday. Well worth a trip!

Thanks for the warning, but I've actually been to the world on christmas! I know how crazy busy it is. I'm well aware. Lol. Its not our ideal time to go, but my sister is a teacher so we have to plan around her christmas break so she is able to go.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks for the warning, but I've actually been to the world on christmas! I know how crazy busy it is. I'm well aware. Lol. Its not our ideal time to go, but my sister is a teacher so we have to plan around her christmas break so she is able to go.

I totally get it . I look forward to the day that the school calendar doesn't dictate when I can (and cannot) travel. It's not *that* far off for me!

 

[bankr63]

Sooooo.........I have a little news.

We bought a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

And as they always say at Sheraton "welcome home!"

After much debate (because I tend to overthink just about everything ) and enough reading and researching to make my brains to liquid and start leaking out my ears, Steve and I took the plunge.

See? I told you the research would be painful! But since you have done the research, you are going in with eyes wide open. Congratulations on your purchase, sounds like you got a deal!

I totally get it . I look forward to the day that the school calendar doesn't dictate when I can (and cannot) travel. It's not *that* far off for me!

And that's why we are fixed week 10 - DW is a school teacher, so we have many more years of being a slave to the school calendar. Come retirement, we may regret owning when all the kids are down there, but we can always trade for another time.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

And as they always say at Sheraton "welcome home!"

See? I told you the research would be painful! But since you have done the research, you are going in with eyes wide open. Congratulations on your purchase, sounds like you got a deal!

And that's why we are fixed week 10 - DW is a school teacher, so we have many more years of being a slave to the school calendar. Come retirement, we may regret owning when all the kids are down there, but we can always trade for another time.

Thank you Munro!

I have a file that's FULL of stuff I printed off, highlighted, circled, and marked. I have read and read and re-read the TUG boards. Steve calls my mania my "Timeshare OCD" . But I had such a huge list of questions that I needed to have answers to before we committed in any form. You were a huge help in that, BTW....you gave me not only lots of information, but also lots to think about. So thank you, again, for all your kindness and your patience. It was great to tap into your resources and your knowledge!

We feel like we have the best of both worlds with our fixed/floating week. Our deeded week is in the middle of summer, so if and when we have school-aged grandchildren to consider, we have that summer week secured. Otherwise we can float throughout pretty much the whole year. I am secretly dreaming of the other times of year that I'd like to travel .... Halloween is tops on the list, as is mid-December and early May. My mission is to try each month at least once .

 

[pigletto]

Sooooo.........I have a little news.

After much debate (because I tend to overthink just about everything ) and enough reading and researching to make my brains to liquid and start leaking out my ears, Steve and I took the plunge.

We bought a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

I am not sure if the thought makes me want to do this: , or this: .

lol, no really.....we are super excited!!!

Our week is a deeded week 30, with the option to float during weeks 5-35, 40-47 and 50-52. So it will give us lots of flexibility as we transition our life from parents of a teenager to empty-nesters. We will use it for the first time on our 2014 vacation, and the boys are so thrilled.

Our signed documentation has been submitted to the closing company, so now we just wait for the legal process to run its course. We should hopefully have our final paperwork in hand for about the time I celebrate my 40th birthday. Best. Gift. Ever.

So ya'll are the first to know . I haven't even told my mom yet!

Get out!!!!!
That is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Gina!!!
Just think. This is the promise of fabulous vacations for years and years to come! I am just so excited for you. We've looked at it a lot since you started this trip report too. I plan on joining TUG. I don't think it will be for a few more years yet, but an offsite timeshare is starting to look better and better to us too.