09/18/11 - DVCers Take Over the Dream (S.S. Member Cruise 2011) - Thread #4

[DizDragonfly]

Karen - I read your post and forgot to send congrats to Paul on the camp job! That sounds like it was the easiest interview ever!

Thanks! Yeah, I think it was pretty easy. Maybe too easy.

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Finally!! I am finally caught up. I just can't keep up with this thread. And since I am not on here as much I find it hard to keep all the names straight. I will get it all down soon. Now that we are getting closer to the cruise I have to get on here more often.



I am not sure if I asked on this thread but......

Animal Kingdom Villas - Does anyone have a preference as to the Jambo House or Kidani Village?? Interested in your preference and why you prefer a particular location. Also, concierge level - what is included and is it worth it??

We have never stayed at AKV yet and would like to for the September trip. We are getting close to the 7 month booking window so I want to make a final decision in the next day or two.

Anyone??? Thoughts...comments....suggestions!!!

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

So, we've been doing a lot of serious thinking here in the Burgess household today. We've decided to cancel our Spring Break trip to WDW (Sorry, Kelly & Jim and Terrie & Wally, we won't be able to meet up with you guys) We're being responsible adults and using the money to pay off credit card debt instead of going on vacation and incurring MORE credit card debt.

We also have a change of plans for our September B2B cruise! Yes, we are still going on both cruises, and our kids are still joining us on the 9/15 cruise but my in-laws won't be. Instead, we are using our points to get a room at OKW for my in-laws for a week. Then when we disembark the ship on the 18th we'll take the kids to the airport to meet the in-laws so they can take them back home. Then we'll drive back to PC and get back on the ship. The in-laws just couldn't justify paying that much money for a 3 night cruise, so now they'll get a whole week at WDW for the same price (or cheaper if they don't get a rental car) since we're taking care of their room.

With all of that said, that's what they're leaning towards doing, but they'll make their final decision by the end of this week.

I'm kind of sad to be canceling our trip in March, but at the same time it will be SO nice to get rid of our credit card debt. We can always book the Spring Break vacation next year and we're still getting our Disney fix in when we go in September...we will be at WDW for a couple days after the member cruise...we just won't have the kids with us.

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

So, we've been doing a lot of serious thinking here in the Burgess household today. We've decided to cancel our Spring Break trip to WDW (Sorry, Kelly & Jim and Terrie & Wally, we won't be able to meet up with you guys) We're being responsible adults and using the money to pay off credit card debt instead of going on vacation and incurring MORE credit card debt.

We also have a change of plans for our September B2B cruise! Yes, we are still going on both cruises, and our kids are still joining us on the 9/15 cruise but my in-laws won't be. Instead, we are using our points to get a room at OKW for my in-laws for a week. Then when we disembark the ship on the 18th we'll take the kids to the airport to meet the in-laws so they can take them back home. Then we'll drive back to PC and get back on the ship. The in-laws just couldn't justify paying that much money for a 3 night cruise, so now they'll get a whole week at WDW for the same price (or cheaper if they don't get a rental car) since we're taking care of their room.

With all of that said, that's what they're leaning towards doing, but they'll make their final decision by the end of this week.

I'm kind of sad to be canceling our trip in March, but at the same time it will be SO nice to get rid of our credit card debt. We can always book the Spring Break vacation next year and we're still getting our Disney fix in when we go in September...we will be at WDW for a couple days after the member cruise...we just won't have the kids with us.

Debbie, That is a shame that you had to cancel. But, IMHO I think you will be happier in the end you made that decision...especially with the economy and job market right now. I have other DIS friends from another cruise that have had jobs come and go over the past two years. That must be so hard with all that uncertainty. I have been very fortunate so far with my job.

I also just recently 'had' to purchase a new vehicle. I knew it was coming but I have not had a car payment in years. I had my Camry for 13 years so it's been nice without that payment. I made sure I took care of some additional debt I had before signing for that car. Boy was it a relief when I did. Such a burden is lifted when you know that is one less thing to worry about.

The SSMC11 will be here before you know it and just planning and preparing the FE gifts, the pirate outfits, and all the other fun and exciting things will keep you in the Disney spirit.

 

[DizDragonfly]

So, we've been doing a lot of serious thinking here in the Burgess household today.

Sorry you have to cancel a trip, but good on you for paying off debt. It's always such a twisted choice. You want to pay it off, but you want to use the money for goodies too.

So, your none of your inlaws will be going on the cruise now? Sorry to hear that. But, glad that it's working out for everyone.

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

It appears to be getting close to that time......

I am sure SuperBowl festivities are underway for many of you.

Here's wishing all the Pittsburgh and Green Bay fans good luck during tonights game.

Have a fun time and safe travels home for those of you out and about tonight.

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Oh wait.....I just noticed.......it is getting close to this time also.....

and

who is out there lurking????

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Darn, I have to get dinner out of the oven. I know as soon as I leave you will all swoop in and take the and .

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Hello?!?! Is anyone out here???




Anyone?????

 

[erionm]

I am not sure if I asked on this thread but......

Animal Kingdom Villas - Does anyone have a preference as to the Jambo House or Kidani Village?? Interested in your preference and why you prefer a particular location. Also, concierge level - what is included and is it worth it??

We have never stayed at AKV yet and would like to for the September trip. We are getting close to the 7 month booking window so I want to make a final decision in the next day or two.

Anyone??? Thoughts...comments....suggestions!!!

There are many reasons to why someone would pick one over the other.

Basics:
Only Jambo House has Quick Service Dining (The Mara).
The Jambo House DVC Units are on the 5th and 6th (Concierge Level) Floors.
The Kidani Village rooms start on the 2nd floor and go up to the 5th.
The One, Two and Three (Grand Villa) Bedroom Units in Kidani Village have one more bath than those in Jambo House. (1 Bedroom: Jambo House 1 bath, Kidani Village 2 baths).
All of the Jambo House 2-bedroom units are lockoffs. Kidani Village has lockoffs and dedicated 2-bedroom units.
Room Sizes (excluding Value): Studios are about the same size between both building. The other rooms (1, 2, 3 bedroom) are larger in Kidani Village.
The Values only exist in Jambo House and are about 3 feet shorter in depth than the other Jambo House rooms.
As for Concierge Level (only in Jambo House), you get daily housekeeping, turn down service, the Itinerary Planning Office (they will make your ADRs for you), USA Today on weekdays, the Concierge Lounge with refreshments.

 

[Carmouse10]

I took Paul (DS16 - Grumpy) for his camp staff interview tonight. He was staff-in-training at this camp last summer for two weeks. They snagged his application out of the pile and grabbed him from the waiting room. I guess the interview went something like this:

Interviewer: We have a pile of these to do. So, we'll do this fast. <asksfourquestionsinasuperfastmanner>

Paul: <answersfourquestionssuperfast>

Interviewer: Ok, you're hired. Get out.



They called him last week to make sure he was going to show up for interview night. So, I knew he was almost certainly going to get the job.

This means he'll be gone most of July and August.

Of course, this means I'll have to take care of his new kitten while he's gone. Maybe I'll make him pay his brother to kitten sit.

Hey Karen! Congrats to Grumpy. Hopefully he will be willing to pay for "kitty care" so that Stitch will have some Disney Dollars of his own for the video game rooms...

When you all leave for your extended vacation in September, what are you going to do about the animals? I understand San Diego has a pretty nice zoo but I doubt it would be big enough to accommodate what you have there

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

There are many reasons to why someone would pick one over the other.

Basics:
Only Jambo House has Quick Service Dining (The Mara).
The Jambo House DVC Units are on the 5th and 6th (Concierge Level) Floors.
The Kidani Village rooms start on the 2nd floor and go up to the 5th.
The One, Two and Three (Grand Villa) Bedroom Units in Kidani Village have one more bath than those in Jambo House. (1 Bedroom: Jambo House 1 bath, Kidani Village 2 baths).
All of the Jambo House 2-bedroom units are lockoffs. Kidani Village has lockoffs and dedicated 2-bedroom units.
Room Sizes (excluding Value): Studios are about the same size between both building. The other rooms (1, 2, 3 bedroom) are larger in Kidani Village.
The Values only exist in Jambo House and are about 3 feet shorter in depth than the other Jambo House rooms.
As for Concierge Level (only in Jambo House), you get daily housekeeping, turn down service, the Itinerary Planning Office (they will make your ADRs for you), USA Today on weekdays, the Concierge Lounge with refreshments.

Thanks Michael! Great information. Appreciate it!

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Maybe I can get a or

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Just maybe.......

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Oh, I know I will probably be too late now......

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

 

[Carmouse10]

Maybe I can get a or

You can try but don't get your hopes up too high. Wally will just swoop in and dash them on the rocks anyway-

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Debbie, That is a shame that you had to cancel. But, IMHO I think you will be happier in the end you made that decision...especially with the economy and job market right now. I have other DIS friends from another cruise that have had jobs come and go over the past two years. That must be so hard with all that uncertainty. I have been very fortunate so far with my job.

I also just recently 'had' to purchase a new vehicle. I knew it was coming but I have not had a car payment in years. I had my Camry for 13 years so it's been nice without that payment. I made sure I took care of some additional debt I had before signing for that car. Boy was it a relief when I did. Such a burden is lifted when you know that is one less thing to worry about.

The SSMC11 will be here before you know it and just planning and preparing the FE gifts, the pirate outfits, and all the other fun and exciting things will keep you in the Disney spirit.

Thanks! That must have been an adjustment for you on the car payment! I hate having car payments but at the same time I like having newer cars, so gotta take the good with the bad.

I know we will be happier in the end because we hate having credit card debt hanging over our heads. We wouldn't have it if I hadn't lost my job from 11/08 to 4/10...that hurt! I was so glad to get called back!

Sorry you have to cancel a trip, but good on you for paying off debt. It's always such a twisted choice. You want to pay it off, but you want to use the money for goodies too.

So, your none of your inlaws will be going on the cruise now? Sorry to hear that. But, glad that it's working out for everyone.

Thanks! Nope, none of our in-laws now. But that's ok cause now we'll have the time to ourselves to explore the ship!

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

 

[DizDragonfly]