And these are the {Resort} Changes of our Lives ~In Memory of JungleCruiser <3

[chimo2u]

Hi Padawans!! Welcome back! You've got me yearning for a trip back to DL now too! I haven't been since 1990! I am definitely getting back there one of these yrs! it's the first place my DH took me on my first out-of-country /REAL vacation when we where dating! I fell in love then!

[jennyjinx3]

Originally Posted by babyberger

I think I am just going to create a Flickr album and post the link here because I just have too many pics to be posting one by one

Okay, let’s see what have I missed. Sarah went on Space Mountain Sunday afternoon for the first time and LOVED it! Monday was our AK day and I swear the kids could spend the whole day on Expedition Everest, I only rode once, but DH kept going on with them. Oh and the zebras are finally at the safari, and there were so many! Leaving is always an issue with Steven, he gets so upset and it makes it hard. But it unfortunately is a necessary evil

I loved going around to the MK and Epcot resorts and seeing all the decorations, it was a nice break from the parks and just fun to do. Plus it gave us a chance to look around and see if we wanted to make a RC

We also lucked out this time and Sarah said she wanted to sleep on the day bed, sleeping arrangements are usually a hassle, so we were thrilled she wanted to sleep there. Steven was more than thrilled to have a queen size bed to himself. We all slept much better than we usually do in a hotel room. So I guess this leads to me my CR thoughts. The kids absolutely LOVED it! DH felt the same way as he did when we walked through in October, that the Grand Concourse feels like an airport terminal, and that the rest just feels like a normal hotel and not a resort. But with that said, I have to say having everything so close and not having to walk down winding hallways was great The room was phenomenal! We totally noticed the size difference between CR and WL and even YC. My only complaint (which I had also read on the boards) was that because the bathroom is ultra contemporary you lose the big vanity counter area and shelf. I had to put most of the toiletries beneath the sinks instead of next to and above. I was also surprised to see the shower in the sink area and not with the commode like it usually is. Although I think I liked it this way better, and all the doors are sliding, so you don’t have to worry about opening to the door onto anyone. The resort was at 98% capacity and we never really felt it. No monorail or elevator issues at all, which I had read there could be.

So now CL, well what can I say…the convenience factor was HUGE! Loved being to just grab food and drinks whenever we wanted and made getting going in the morning so much easier. But the view of the MK really is what it is about The firework music is piped in on speakers on lounge balcony and it is just an amazing view! So nice to sit and watch the fireworks and not have to fight through any crowds! We did bring dinner up from the Contempo Café on Saturday night and it was great to have a quiet comfy place to eat. Will we stay at CL level again, probably not any time soon. The view was and convenience was great, but at what the upcharge is (an extra $140/nt), we just can’t justify it again.

If a TPV opens up I may consider it, but there are enough places to see the MK from the resort that I don’t think it’s a must. Plus the kids loved the EWP and watching the Epcot fireworks and I think the view of Bay Lake is just very relaxing.

So it looks like I wont be making a RC for Feb, the kids are 100% set on CR. We tried to give the push while we were over at YC, but they weren’t having it, LOL! Even though CR is so magical being so close to MK, it really has such a different feel than the Epcot resorts, and there is something over there that DH and I just feel.

Let me see if I can get the rest of my pics uploaded and I will post a link.

Melissa

Jeez I am so easily swayed!! Maybe May could end up CR...who knows!! MK is the one park we will be going to twice...

[letthewookiewin]

Ok, so I am thinking of totally changing our trip up. The DH and I were talking and he said that the part he enjoyed the most on or last vacation was the night we spent at Pensacola Beach. We all loved the pool, b/c of the lazy river it had and three hot tubs. I am thinking of shortening our WDW part to 3 nights max and only going to the MK & Epcot, and then maybe staying in a CR TPV room. The main focus is getting to see the new Fantasyland anyway.

[babyberger]

Okay here is the link to the Flickr album. For whatever reason I noticed that when my iPhone takes pictures it makes them appear further away then they really are (and zooming lowers the quality). So keep in mind when looking at the CL and the balcony views, things were actually closer than they appear.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyber...7632167672097/

Melissa

[letthewookiewin]

Originally Posted by babyberger

Okay here is the link to the Flickr album. For whatever reason I noticed that when my iPhone takes pictures it makes them appear further away then they really are (and zooming lowers the quality). So keep in mind when looking at the CL and the balcony views, things were actually closer than they appear.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyber...7632167672097/

Melissa

Love the pics!! Thanks for sharing them.

[Mousemommy1]

Hello Friends!

I have been lurking the past couple of days, trying to keep up. Been very busy this week.

Tomorrow is D-Day for a couple of reasons. 1- I believe tomorrow we will find out whether we are getting our Christmas bonuses this year (this one in addition to the one I am definitely getting in January). So exciting!!! I really hope we get it. And 2- After the meeting where we find out about the bonuses, I will be going into my meeting with our director about the raise I am requesting. I'm nervous, I'm not gonna lie!

But, hopefully tomorrow I will be reporting double good news! Keep your fingers crossed for me, it could be quite the exciting day tomorrow!!!

[babyberger]

Originally Posted by padawans

Yes you are correct. We could have moved to Tampa or MCO a month ago, but we had such little time to make such a life changing descision. If I could go back 2 months and redo that descision we would be living in Tampa right now. The commuting thing is harder than I thought, but there is chance of a merger happening that would keep us in Phoenix. We are just kind of waiting things out at the moment, but also thinking about a permanent move if things don't work out. As far as cost of living goes I know I am not going to have it as easy as I have had it the last 15 years. Disney is going to lose some of my money.

I think I need to make a trip to Florida in July and see what's it like. That's what I always tell people that are thinking about moving to Phoenix. Come spend a week in July before you commit. It's like living inside an oven.

My uncle lived in Tucson for 20+ years and we used to go visit. My parents even started looking at houses there because the cost of living was so much less than it was in New England. You definitely are a great area cost wise. I hope everything works out for you.

Originally Posted by letthewookiewin

Thanks!! I am getting some done while the DH is working. Being able to hang out with him like this is one of the things I really like about his job. Actually the DH came out to the car to check prices for parts that he needed. As I was knitting, I was listening to dtuneslive and it was the audio from the HM. I think it was the 30th anny from DL. Anyway, he said I was obsessed and I needed help.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GG!! I hope you have a magical birthday!!

YOu could be obsessed with worse things than Disney Glad you got to spend some time with DH today.

Originally Posted by BanditsMommy

Okay, all of these glowing reviews have swayed me, so I think I have my final 3 options: AKL (request room near lobby), CSR (preferred - near food and lobby), or Pop (preferred). AKL would be $400 more than where I am now at POR, CSR is another $50, and I'd get money back if I switched to Pop. I am ruling POR and POFQ out, the former due to the preferred rooms being sold out, and the latter because it is not discounted and is almost the same price as AKL.

Since I can't be trusted to make this decision, I am going to decide entirely based on your votes. Last time I called it took the CM a while to figure out which was the current version of my reservation in the system and I'm clearly not going to make a decision on my own.

I trust all of my fellow indecisive dis-ers to make this decision since I have never stayed in any of these resorts and honestly can't say I prefer one to any other. I'd be happy to stay at any of these resorts so give me your honest opinion. It's in your hands now. :-)

I have only stayed at CSR and it was a while back so I really cant comment, but I throughouly trust the opinions of the ladies on this board

Originally Posted by BanditsMommy

I keep thinking about doing CR in the future and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! When coming off the monorail and going to CG I always wonder if the rooms are as nice as I hope they'd be or if they're a bit dated as the concept of the resort suggests. I have always loved the resort, but I feared what was "contemporary" in the 70's might not translate to today and I'd be disappointed. I think after your review, this is my number one post graduation option. For now I'll just have to stick to what my student budget can handle. LOL :-P

The rooms are ultra modern with very clean lines and I think that is why DS likes it so much. I was really worried about missing a "theme" and resort feel, but the room and location really make up for those things. I think that will be a great graduation present!

Originally Posted by jennyjinx3

Jeez I am so easily swayed!! Maybe May could end up CR...who knows!! MK is the one park we will be going to twice...

I think CR is a love it or hate it, it definitely isnt the Poly or even POR, you dont have the same feeling of being in a Disney resort, walking around, etc. But the kids loved watching the monorail coming through the resort and having Contempo Cafe and all the shops right there in the Grand Concourse. As well as catching the monorail inside and not having to walk down to the bus stop (except for DHS and AK of course).

Originally Posted by letthewookiewin

Ok, so I am thinking of totally changing our trip up. The DH and I were talking and he said that the part he enjoyed the most on or last vacation was the night we spent at Pensacola Beach. We all loved the pool, b/c of the lazy river it had and three hot tubs. I am thinking of shortening our WDW part to 3 nights max and only going to the MK & Epcot, and then maybe staying in a CR TPV room. The main focus is getting to see the new Fantasyland anyway.

Well you cant get much closer to the New Fantasyland than CR The resort in Pensacola sounds great!

[babyberger]

Originally Posted by Mousemommy1

Hello Friends!

I have been lurking the past couple of days, trying to keep up. Been very busy this week.

Tomorrow is D-Day for a couple of reasons. 1- I believe tomorrow we will find out whether we are getting our Christmas bonuses this year (this one in addition to the one I am definitely getting in January). So exciting!!! I really hope we get it. And 2- After the meeting where we find out about the bonuses, I will be going into my meeting with our director about the raise I am requesting. I'm nervous, I'm not gonna lie!

But, hopefully tomorrow I will be reporting double good news! Keep your fingers crossed for me, it could be quite the exciting day tomorrow!!!

DOUBLE GOOD LUCK

[letthewookiewin]

Originally Posted by babyberger

YOu could be obsessed with worse things than Disney Glad you got to spend some time with DH today.

Very true. When he says it, he forgets his addiction to the online game Star Wars: the Old Republic and Monster energy drinks. At least a Disney addiction doesn't give you nasty burps, like those Monsters do him sometimes.

Originally Posted by babyberger

Well you cant get much closer to the New Fantasyland than CR The resort in Pensacola sounds great!

It was. We only stayed one night, but we loved it. We didn't even get to get into the gulf b/c they had red flags up on the beach. It was called Holiday Inn Resort. It's odd, I have no problem paying $330 a night for a room at WDW (as long as it's in the budget), but I just looked up a stay at that Holiday Inn Resort and that's what it would cost us per night for a Gulf view room. I was like

[padawans]

Chimu You should go back. It's changed a lot since 1990. I would think it would be a less expensive trip for you than WDW.

I spent the day at ER with hubs. He has always been borderline diabetic, but has been able to control it with diet and excercise. He is in very good shape. He doesn't look like your typical diabetic, but it runs in his family. He started peeing a lot the last month. He went to his primary care, and his blood sugar was 514. The doc freaked out called me, and told me to have him admitted. I took him to a different hospital than the one I work at because I just didn't feel like dealing with people I know. They did nothing for him except give him a prescription for metformin. I just checked his BS again it was 303. He went running we shall see what it is after running a few miles. I think all the stress of the last 2 months, plus lack of gym, plus his mom's unhealthy cooking has done havoc with his health. I'm going to ask his primary care to put him on FMLA so we can get this under control. He has 1100 hours of sick time saved up he might as well use it.

Anyway I need another vacation like now.

It's a good thing CRO was down today I was definetely in the mood to change everything.

[jennyjinx3]

Originally Posted by padawans

Chimu You should go back. It's changed a lot since 1990. I would think it would be a less expensive trip for you than WDW.

I spent the day at ER with hubs. He has always been borderline diabetic, but has been able to control it with diet and excercise. He is in very good shape. He doesn't look like your typical diabetic, but it runs in his family. He started peeing a lot the last month. He went to his primary care, and his blood sugar was 514. The doc freaked out called me, and told me to have him admitted. I took him to a different hospital than the one I work at because I just didn't feel like dealing with people I know. They did nothing for him except give him a prescription for metformin. I just checked his BS again it was 303. He went running we shall see what it is after running a few miles. I think all the stress of the last 2 months, plus lack of gym, plus his mom's unhealthy cooking has done havoc with his health. I'm going to ask his primary care to put him on FMLA so we can get this under control. He has 1100 hours of sick time saved up he might as well use it.

Anyway I need another vacation like now.

It's a good thing CRO was down today I was definetely in the mood to change everything.

Sounds like you are doing an amazing job of looking after hubby. Hope it all comes under control for him.

[Grumpy Grandma]

Originally Posted by padawans

Chimu You should go back. It's changed a lot since 1990. I would think it would be a less expensive trip for you than WDW.

I spent the day at ER with hubs. He has always been borderline diabetic, but has been able to control it with diet and excercise. He is in very good shape. He doesn't look like your typical diabetic, but it runs in his family. He started peeing a lot the last month. He went to his primary care, and his blood sugar was 514. The doc freaked out called me, and told me to have him admitted. I took him to a different hospital than the one I work at because I just didn't feel like dealing with people I know. They did nothing for him except give him a prescription for metformin. I just checked his BS again it was 303. He went running we shall see what it is after running a few miles. I think all the stress of the last 2 months, plus lack of gym, plus his mom's unhealthy cooking has done havoc with his health. I'm going to ask his primary care to put him on FMLA so we can get this under control. He has 1100 hours of sick time saved up he might as well use it.

Anyway I need another vacation like now.

It's a good thing CRO was down today I was definetely in the mood to change everything.

Just when everything is going so smooth .....

[Grumpy Grandma]

Originally Posted by Jungle Cruiser

Good morning! Been very busy around here, sorting out health issues and having workmen invade installing our new septic system. Been skimming the posts, not going to try to catch up, it's hopeless.

However, if I remember correctly our Grumpy Grandma said the reservation system was down in honor of her birthday...could it be today? If so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY , if it is not, then HAPPY DAY!!!

Thinking about Shelia, hope she is having a wonderful time!

I see people have been floating around dates for WDW trips. Let me know if you want to be added to the RC trip list!

Haven't said much about our upcoming trip, health issues have put it in jeopardy, but the good news is it is ON!!! I am off the clinical trial (side effects too much) and am having outpatient surgery on Friday to deal with an issue. Both the surgeon and the oncologist said they can't see why I can't go to FL for a couple of weeks at the beginning of January, so life is good!

Off to finish my Christmas shopping

Sarah I hope this surgery helps with your health issues. Will it be a quick recovery??? Please take it easy and rest. So glad that the trip is back ON!!! I hear WL calling your name.

[padawans]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Grandma

Just when everything is going so smooth .....

I know right. Happy Birthday to you by the way. Mine is next month, but I plan on skipping it. I refuse to get older.

[Grumpy Grandma]

Originally Posted by padawans

I know right. Happy Birthday to you by the way. Mine is next month, but I plan on skipping it. I refuse to get older.

That's an option???? Why didn't someone tell me that 30 years ago????