Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: updates 5/24 p.85&86

[scottny]

I am all caught up again. I agree about AK, it is a great park.

What a nice evening you had at Epcot.

Fun times at the pool.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by MEK

For a quiet pool its really nice. It has a nice little splash area, a pool bar, and a mug refill station. I guess the best thing about it is its not crowded. But I still think my favorite pool is at Congress Park. I just love that view of DTD.

I need to explore around SSR more thoroughly on our next trip. Five nights sounds like a lot on paper but it went by so fast. I'm amazed at how little we accomplish in terms of what I've got on my many lists. The DTD view does look neat. I'd like to try all of sections. Have you been to the new Paddock pool?

We did - we stayed for 5 nights in June. We invited my brother's family to stay with us. So there were 9 of us total and it was still comfortable. I really enjoyed it. Then after my bro's family left we transferred over to BWV. Great trip! But June -so hot.

I'd love to try the BWV one day. They were on my list for this trip but I got out voted. I think the THV are so comfortable. I know people say that SSR as a whole doesn't feel like Disney but I never forget we're at Disney. I'm was well aware the entire trip. I am on every trip.

Originally Posted by MomToPrincePhillip

Have a safe drive! What's with this "Abercrombie Shoot" in Santa Barbara?

It's been fun. Joshua team tied all three of their games, which is nearly impossible, and didn't make it to the semi-finals. They played so well and were so crushed. The last game was 1-0 us and they held them off. With 30 seconds left we thought we'd won. We had won. The refs didn't blow the final whistle. Another full minute went by, still winning. After 3 extra minutes, the other team scored, the refs blew the whistle, and that's what disqualified the boys from the finals. We had to win this game, not tie. I told Joshua it's the game. Sometimes you're the dog and sometimes you're the hydrant and right now, it's hydrant time. He ended up taken it pretty well.

DH is working for A&F this week as the paramedic on a photo shoot. It sounds much more glamourous than it is.

Originally Posted by kaoden39

Hi Jenny!

I wanted to stop in because you have been in my thoughts.

You're so very sweet. It was a very rough two weeks but I'm feeling better. Thank you for thinking of me.

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Oh I'm sad about the tri! Mostly as the thought of not cooking something that cost that much is physically painful to think of. I really hope it was used. I've heard, and don't know if it's true, that they toss anything opened or fresh but who really knows? I always hope things get used and can only imagine the sheer volume of food left behind.

We didn't open the tri so I'm sticking with the fact that they kept it. Kelly was great and bought them on sale so we didn't pay near what we would have had DH bought it. I'd throw out anything opened too.

A pool only / villa day is pure heaven, I think it is a must to build into a trip if you can (though not sure it will work in Dec lol). I'd have been hard pressed to leave the pool as well. Afternoon drinks by the pool tend to cause me to nap by the pool. Which isn't a bad thing at all if you ask me!

That sounds heavenly right now. After 3 days away from home with 2 more to go, 2 kids, 2 different, tournaments, and no DH to help, I'm ready for a BIG nap.

I love Gabby's suit

Thanks! It was one of our great online VS deals last winter. The top was $9.99 and the bottoms were $6.99. Speaking of, I put on a bathing suit this weekend and the gym is calling my name. In fact, it's red faced screaming my name.

Originally Posted by scottny

I am all caught up again. I agree about AK, it is a great park.

What a nice evening you had at Epcot.

Fun times at the pool.

AK is so special. It's got such a magical feel to me. From the colors to the CMs, it's my favorite all around. Its very soothing which I can;t say about any other Disney park.

Epcot was really nice. I wish F&W stayed open but we had a really nice time and I got to visit La Cava which was on my list. We'll definitely be back. I'd like to try the restaurant in Mexico as well.

The pool is our favorite. You can't go wrong with booze, water, and good friends. We would have stayed into the evening if it was our party night.

[franandaj]

Sounds like a great day. I would have been in physical pain to leave the tri tip. You didn't even get it on special for $1.99 a pound and pack it in your suitcase! Not judging, just somewhere in a past life, I must have either lived through the Great Depression or some other tragic event. I have no history in my childhood that would make me so thrifty other than the fact that in college I rang up my CC debt so high that I learned the value of a dollar in my first job out of college. But even before then, I really tried to be thrifty. The idea of not getting the value out of such and expensive piece of meat would have driven me from the pool to cook it and make sure that someone ate it!

But that's good, it sounds like for you there are different issues to confront! I think relaxing was a good call in your issue management section. I have my own set and I'll just work with them!

Looking forward to the next update when you get back from your soccer thing.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Sounds like a great day. I would have been in physical pain to leave the tri tip. You didn't even get it on special for $1.99 a pound and pack it in your suitcase! Not judging, just somewhere in a past life, I must have either lived through the Great Depression or some other tragic event. I have no history in my childhood that would make me so thrifty other than the fact that in college I rang up my CC debt so high that I learned the value of a dollar in my first job out of college. But even before then, I really tried to be thrifty. The idea of not getting the value out of such and expensive piece of meat would have driven me from the pool to cook it and make sure that someone ate it!

But that's good, it sounds like for you there are different issues to confront! I think relaxing was a good call in your issue management section. I have my own set and I'll just work with them!

Looking forward to the next update when you get back from your soccer thing.

Hilarious! We needed to relax far more than to cook that meat. She did get it very cheap so it wasn't a tough call. I think the Bloody Mary's made it an easy decision. Everyone was just so chill and enjoying each other to break to cook. Michael really wanted a break too. Our brats and dogs were fabulous and hit the spot. Not a gorgeous Tri tip for sure but the kids were all happy and everyone ate. If I recall we also grilled a few leftover burgers too. Definitely not a shortage of food.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I'd love to try the BWV one day. They were on my list for this trip but I got out voted. I think the THV are so comfortable. I know people say that SSR as a whole doesn't feel like Disney but I never forget we're at Disney. I'm was well aware the entire trip. I am on every trip.

I think it's just a different kind of Disney. I haven't stayed at SSR yet but think OKW gets some of the same complaints and I ordered OKW, I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. Different trips, different moods, different agendas. So wonderful that there is so much to choose from!

Originally Posted by rentayenta

It's been fun. Joshua team tied all three of their games, which is nearly impossible, and didn't make it to the semi-finals. They played so well and were so crushed. The last game was 1-0 us and they held them off. With 30 seconds left we thought we'd won. We had won. The refs didn't blow the final whistle. Another full minute went by, still winning. After 3 extra minutes, the other team scored, the refs blew the whistle, and that's what disqualified the boys from the finals. We had to win this game, not tie. I told Joshua it's the game. Sometimes you're the dog and sometimes you're the hydrant and right now, it's hydrant time. He ended up taken it pretty well.

DH is working for A&F this week as the paramedic on a photo shoot. It sounds much more glamourous than it is.

It is the game, K's team has consistently dominated their games lately but can't score to save their soul. Very frustrating.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Thanks! It was one of our great online VS deals last winter. The top was $9.99 and the bottoms were $6.99. Speaking of, I put on a bathing suit this weekend and the gym is calling my name. In fact, it's red faced screaming my name.

Those are my kind of prices! though at those prices they don't have quite enough fabric on them for me anymore I hear you about the gym and, UGH. I've been kind of lame there lately, I've been going but have been in a rut and have got to up it a little. So I did. Now I'm sore. Which is pathetic as I barely upped it. The good sore but still.

Sun is screaming my name 3 months is SO far away! I really need double, or triple, the vacation budget I have. Not sure how we will make it through summer without any trip. Park tickets are supposedly going up in April which means I need to try and buy some now.

[Pixiedust530]

Just dropping in to say that I am caught up and have been following along. I've been doing most of my reading on my phone, and it's just a PITA to post from there. I love love love your updates and it makes me REALLY want to stay at AKL sometime...it's beautiful!

It also looks like your family had a nice balance of park touring and relaxation. Can't wait to read more.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

I think it's just a different kind of Disney. I haven't stayed at SSR yet but think OKW gets some of the same complaints and I ordered OKW, I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. Different trips, different moods, different agendas. So wonderful that there is so much to choose from!

I loved OKW too. The colors and vibe were so laid back. All it needed was Jimmy Buffet playing in the background.

It is the game, K's team has consistently dominated their games lately but can't score to save their soul. Very frustrating.

Its a crazy game. I told Joshua that its just the way it is and sometimes he'll get calls in his teams favor when they shouldn't.

Those are my kind of prices! though at those prices they don't have quite enough fabric on them for me anymore I hear you about the gym and, UGH. I've been kind of lame there lately, I've been going but have been in a rut and have got to up it a little. So I did. Now I'm sore. Which is pathetic as I barely upped it. The good sore but still.

No pain, no gain....or tone. Good for you! I'm going to CA in 16 days so I'm going to hit it hard during this next 2 weeks. I've been eating non stop since my last trip and forget about being super healthy during soccer tournaments. There's so much waiting around and driving.

Sun is screaming my name 3 months is SO far away! I really need double, or triple, the vacation budget I have. Not sure how we will make it through summer without any trip. Park tickets are supposedly going up in April which means I need to try and buy some now.

3 months will be here before you know it! No summer trip? I though you had one in the works?

Tickets going up again? Yikes! I'm still hoping for a CA/AZ spilt for Spring Break even if we did just one day at Disney/DCA. We'd stay with my friend as there is no way we'd get the GCV this close.

Originally Posted by Pixiedust530

Just dropping in to say that I am caught up and have been following along. I've been doing most of my reading on my phone, and it's just a PITA to post from there. I love love love your updates and it makes me REALLY want to stay at AKL sometime...it's beautiful!

It also looks like your family had a nice balance of park touring and relaxation. Can't wait to read more.

I agree, it's a pain to post from the phone. AKL is gorgeous. It's stunning actually. I could spend a week there, if its warm, and not go to a single park.

Thank you, I think we had a good balance too. We were so commando the first trip and it seems to decrease each trip.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

3 months will be here before you know it! No summer trip? I though you had one in the works?

Nothing official that's for sure. We'd like to go to Denver but now that K is off to France we are even more broke. The NYE trip is going to be pricey so we really can't do a summer one, and NYE, and send kids to camps, pay for soccer and France.



Thankfully Jeff and I have Aulani in May and the E's (currently) are not at all bothered by the lack of a summer trip as they will each get a camp and NYE is with their cousins and they are willing to "sacrifice" for that.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Tickets going up again? Yikes! I'm still hoping for a CA/AZ spilt for Spring Break even if we did just one day at Disney/DCA. We'd stay with my friend as there is no way we'd get the GCV this close.

Well they do go up annually but the rumor is April...and usually it's been June/July or even August.

Nothing like spending a huge chunk of change for something I need next Dec!

Hmmn now, that makes me wonder. If, god forbid, we had to reschedule the NYE trip for some reason and I bought the kids tickets, they'd be fine. I however would not be as I bought one of the special PAP's that has to be activated by 12/31. In that event I wonder if the DVC travel insurance (which I do have) would cover it.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Nothing official that's for sure. We'd like to go to Denver but now that K is off to France we are even more broke. The NYE trip is going to be pricey so we really can't do a summer one, and NYE, and send kids to camps, pay for soccer and France.

I keep forgetting K is going to France. How wonderful for her. But I hear you on the broke part. It's impossible to do it all and unfortunately our wants come in second. That's where we are with our anniversary trip. We really a huge trip for our 20th but with Gabby's car, camp for 2, Chloe's week in AZ, Joshua's bar mitzvah, and that little things called food and a mortgage our anniversary trips looks like it won't be much more than a fabulous weekend away.

Thankfully Jeff and I have Aulani in May and the E's (currently) are not at all bothered by the lack of a summer trip as they will each get a camp and NYE is with their cousins and they are willing to "sacrifice" for that.

Aulani will be wonderful. And you've got NYE. I think you're doing pretty darn good as far as trips go.

I'm still secretly hoping for Disneyland with the kids for a day over Spring Break or during the holidays. I'd have to chance the GCV at 7 months though for the holidays.

Hmmn now, that makes me wonder. If, god forbid, we had to reschedule the NYE trip for some reason and I bought the kids tickets, they'd be fine. I however would not be as I bought one of the special PAP's that has to be activated by 12/31. In that event I wonder if the DVC travel insurance (which I do have) would cover it.

I wonder how much the tickets will increase? Hard to buy something now that you won't need until 9 months away but you know it's something you're going to buy so it makes to do it early and save the money.

Is DVC travel insurance separate? I'd never thought of it as we can always cancel and redopsit our points.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Is DVC travel insurance separate? I'd never thought of it as we can always cancel and redopsit our points.

Historically the tickets have increased 5-7%. However last year DLR did a 30% increase, likely to offset Carsland and who knows if WDW will do the same for FL and this whole FP+ nightmare. And of course, we will get about 2 days notice.

The DVC insurance is separate and you buy it by UY. So if a trip uses points from more than one UY you need a policy for each.

If your trip falls at the right time of year and you didn't use banked or borrowed then yes, you can just bank them along but depending on time of year that may or may not work for some. Say your trip was past your banking date, you could go into a holding situation that could be very problematic. If we'd have had to cancel our trip last summer, we'd have been in that boat. With Aulani and NYE trips, it's not really an issue but in the case of Aulani, a chunk of them are banked points already so we'd be on a time frame to use them even though they wouldn't be in holding.

The policy covers the value of the dues per point. But beyond that it is regular trip insurance, flights, baggage, delay, med evac, etc. And it covers up to 8 people per trip that are traveling/staying on your points. If you did book a cruise with points, it would cover it.

What I like about it is that per use year, the cost ($89) is about as much as I'd pay to insure just the flights through the carrier. And it covers any trip taken during that UY with those points. So in my case I have 2011 points that I used last summer and also for the Aulani trip. The 2011 policy I bought for last summer's trip covers Aulani as well.

In theory I think you could get away insuring only 1 of the UY's in a trip if you didn't think the points were really at risk and were more interested in the travel aspect of it. I'm doing that for Aulani as the bulk of the trip is 2011 points, 7 from 2012 and then more from 2013. I've insured 2011 and 2013. I may add 2012 before then as I probably should for the NYE trip but then again, I may not. I do plan to insure 2014 before we leave on the NYE trip.

As long as you buy it before dues are due, or before the last payment if paying them monthly, the pre-existing clause is waived.

Yes, I am a dork.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Historically the tickets have increased 5-7%. However last year DLR did a 30% increase, likely to offset Carsland and who knows if WDW will do the same for FL and this whole FP+ nightmare. And of course, we will get about 2 days notice.

That 30% increase was killer. I'm not up to date with the whole FP+ thing. What is it?

The DVC insurance is separate and you buy it by UY. So if a trip uses points from more than one UY you need a policy for each.

I had no idea you could buy DVC trip insurance.

If your trip falls at the right time of year and you didn't use banked or borrowed then yes, you can just bank them along but depending on time of year that may or may not work for some. Say your trip was past your banking date, you could go into a holding situation that could be very problematic. If we'd have had to cancel our trip last summer, we'd have been in that boat. With Aulani and NYE trips, it's not really an issue but in the case of Aulani, a chunk of them are banked points already so we'd be on a time frame to use them even though they wouldn't be in holding.

You're selling me on the DVC insurance. I need to look into it more.

The policy covers the value of the dues per point. But beyond that it is regular trip insurance, flights, baggage, delay, med evac, etc. And it covers up to 8 people per trip that are traveling/staying on your points. If you did book a cruise with points, it would cover it.

It's regular trip insurance too?

What I like about it is that per use year, the cost ($89) is about as much as I'd pay to insure just the flights through the carrier. And it covers any trip taken during that UY with those points. So in my case I have 2011 points that I used last summer and also for the Aulani trip. The 2011 policy I bought for last summer's trip covers Aulani as well.

$89 total? Really? It's so worth it. So if you borrowed points, what happens to them if you end up canceling? Do they go back into the use year like they would without insurance?

In theory I think you could get away insuring only 1 of the UY's in a trip if you didn't think the points were really at risk and were more interested in the travel aspect of it. I'm doing that for Aulani as the bulk of the trip is 2011 points, 7 from 2012 and then more from 2013. I've insured 2011 and 2013. I may add 2012 before then as I probably should for the NYE trip but then again, I may not. I do plan to insure 2014 before we leave on the NYE trip.

Wow! You really do your homework. Do you always insure your DVC trips?

As long as you buy it before dues are due, or before the last payment if paying them monthly, the pre-existing clause is waived.

Yes, I am a dork.

There are pre-exisiting conditions? I love your dorkiness! You're better than my DVC rep when it comes to info from points to cruises. You really should have been a travel agent.





Sorry friends I'm so behind on the updates. Life has been insane. Between Riley's passing, my cousin's funeral, Gabby turning 16 and driving, soccer, and solo parenting, I can hardly form a complete sentence let alone manage an update. I'm hoping to update this weekend. I've uploaded the pics, I just need to add the commentary.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

[CENTER]That 30% increase was killer. I'm not up to date with the whole FP+ thing. What is it?

Ugh, who really knows yet. Lots of rumors, speculations and testing here and there. Basically the ability to reserve fast passes up to 60 days in advance. the actual logistics of it though, who knows. Some things discussed are

• 3 of them per day but only at one park (no hopping)
• will still have regular FP that you [pick up at the park
• will phase out regular FP that you pick up at the park
• different levels of resort stays may get more, or less of them
• fireworks/parade seatings or even dining may be available with FP+
• AP holders may bet 20 per quarter (that one torques me. In theory if it is 3 per day based on your ticket, the rest of my family could end up with more than I do for our NYE trip!)

But in reality no one knows. It was rolling out Feb, then March, the April and who knows. It's tied to the whole RFID room key thing and the magic band thing and really, no one has a clue other than the random blogs of folks who have been randomly picked for testing. So I'm trying not to overreact. But the timing for it is likely why the price increase may happen earlier than usual on tickets.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

I had no idea you could buy DVC trip insurance.

You're selling me on the DVC insurance. I need to look into it more.

It's regular trip insurance too?

$89 total? Really? It's so worth it. So if you borrowed points, what happens to them if you end up canceling? Do they go back into the use year like they would without insurance?

I actually called them about that question. What if I didn't want to make a claim on my points, just on flights, rental car, etc for a cancelled trip, all the non refundable stuff. Could I? They seemed to think I could. I also asked what would happen to the points if I did make a claim, but the points were still "good", would they actually pay on them? And if they did, would they then "take" them away? They weren't really sure.

In reality it's not really linked. The travel insurance folks aren't MS so can't go in and take my points. I don't think.

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Wow! You really do your homework. Do you always insure your DVC trips?

There are pre-exisiting conditions? I love your dorkiness! You're better than my DVC rep when it comes to info from points to cruises. You really should have been a travel agent.

A travel agent would be fun. Pretty sure it wouldn't pay as well as what I do though, sadly. I could definitely see doing it as a retirement gig though! I've only had one DVC trip so yes, I guess I've always insured them. I only bought one UY for that trip though, I just wanted to cover flights, I didn't really expect anything to happen. I wanted to insure the cruise but cost wise, didn't go there and thankfully, didn't need it. I kind of figured since I had DVC stays on both sides, and it was only a 4 nighter, I was covered for delays and left it at that. Aulani is insured simply as a leftover from the summer trip even though I didn't own those points when I bought that insurance, it's still the UY I insured so they are covered. Which I thought was darn cool.

It is regular trip insurance (you can download the policy from the members site) and it actually covers up to 8 people I think! Anyone staying/traveling on your points.

For a 7 night cruise though, I do think I want to insure it. I'm not sure what our regular insurance covers for evac and need to look into it. AAA was the best deal I found and would cover the flights so I will probably go that route. I didn't insure Alaska as I figured it was in the states and knew my regular insurance would cover whatever much as if we were in FL or Denver.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Ugh, who really knows yet. Lots of rumors, speculations and testing here and there. Basically the ability to reserve fast passes up to 60 days in advance. the actual logistics of it though, who knows. Some things discussed are

• 3 of them per day but only at one park (no hopping)
• will still have regular FP that you [pick up at the park
• will phase out regular FP that you pick up at the park
• different levels of resort stays may get more, or less of them
• fireworks/parade seatings or even dining may be available with FP+
• AP holders may bet 20 per quarter (that one torques me. In theory if it is 3 per day based on your ticket, the rest of my family could end up with more than I do for our NYE trip!)

But in reality no one knows. It was rolling out Feb, then March, the April and who knows. It's tied to the whole RFID room key thing and the magic band thing and really, no one has a clue other than the random blogs of folks who have been randomly picked for testing. So I'm trying not to overreact. But the timing for it is likely why the price increase may happen earlier than usual on tickets.



I actually called them about that question. What if I didn't want to make a claim on my points, just on flights, rental car, etc for a cancelled trip, all the non refundable stuff. Could I? They seemed to think I could. I also asked what would happen to the points if I did make a claim, but the points were still "good", would they actually pay on them? And if they did, would they then "take" them away? They weren't really sure.

In reality it's not really linked. The travel insurance folks aren't MS so can't go in and take my points. I don't think.



A travel agent would be fun. Pretty sure it wouldn't pay as well as what I do though, sadly. I could definitely see doing it as a retirement gig though! I've only had one DVC trip so yes, I guess I've always insured them. I only bought one UY for that trip though, I just wanted to cover flights, I didn't really expect anything to happen. I wanted to insure the cruise but cost wise, didn't go there and thankfully, didn't need it. I kind of figured since I had DVC stays on both sides, and it was only a 4 nighter, I was covered for delays and left it at that. Aulani is insured simply as a leftover from the summer trip even though I didn't own those points when I bought that insurance, it's still the UY I insured so they are covered. Which I thought was darn cool.

It is regular trip insurance (you can download the policy from the members site) and it actually covers up to 8 people I think! Anyone staying/traveling on your points.

For a 7 night cruise though, I do think I want to insure it. I'm not sure what our regular insurance covers for evac and need to look into it. AAA was the best deal I found and would cover the flights so I will probably go that route. I didn't insure Alaska as I figured it was in the states and knew my regular insurance would cover whatever much as if we were in FL or Denver.

FPs 60 days in advance as a possibility? And who will have access to said *perk*? What if you're a non planner? Do you really think they'll have that many tiers to FP? What if you own DVC or have an AP? Does that weigh in? Makes me want to skip WDW until they figure it out almost.

I still haven't called AAA for insurance yet or canceled my Disney transportation or found our Miami hotel. Michael got home from Santa Barbara late Friday night so we had a nice long date Saturday. Went for a couples' massage and then to dinner at a place called Layla. They serve traditional Mediterranean food, it was unreal.

My fear is what you described, calling, buying, and then needing to cash it in and getting an insurance CM who has no idea.

That's very cool that Aulani is covered still. Thats going to be an amazing trip. I'm so envious (in a good way).





Some fun news........looks like the kids and I and maybe Michael will be spending Spring Break in So Cal instead of Arizona, though we love Arizona and our friends who live there. The reasons are numerous but the most important being is that I'd really like, and the kids would like, to see my dad soon as its been over a year. We'd stay with my best friend, visit the beaches, see my dad, and do Disneyland for one or two days. I'm looking into cheap 2 day tickets and guess what? They're aren't any.

[kaoden39]

You're right there is no such thing as cheap tickets to DLR. What about Universal or Knott's for a change? Or what about buying one park per day tickets? They run about $30 less per person?

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by kaoden39

You're right there is no such thing as cheap tickets to DLR. What about Universal or Knott's for a change? Or what about buying one park per day tickets? They run about $30 less per person?

I thought about doing only a day at DCA but not sure Joshua could do an entire day at DCA even with Carsland. He doesn't love DCA. He's like me. I think I'll like it more with Carsland though. It's be super hard to not go into Disneyland....

I do like Knott's and haven't been in years. I don't think my kids have been inside Knott's ever. That's a good idea, thank you. Universal is $$ and I don't want to drive into LA. I hate LA.