11-29-08 Nana Heads 3: Tiara Bob & The Dreamboats reunion Cruise CONTINUED THREAD #5!

[jollyg]

Shell, did you get my e-mail and text I sent you today?

 

[jd99]

Wow chatty bunch of nanas today

Thanks for the updated anniversary list - so interesting. I'd love to see a list of everyone's occupation.

For parties - just fly me in and I'll be your planner for the weekend

Bob - I'd love to hear about your upcoming trip to Russia.

Christine how many pairs are you taking this year? I tried not to take so many last year but now I may be need to change my thinking.

Jeff - we stayed on board one day in port and loved that the ship was not crowded. The kids pool was awesome - never closed that afternoon due to you know Larry had a massage.

Nite all

MaryEllen - We may have to have you here for a sweet sixteen in about six years!

I asked last year about occupations and folks answered but we never kept a list. I'm overwhelmed with my "shell-like duties" on my Mexican cruise...maybe someone will jump in and volunteer to do that one!

Thanks for the info about staying on board. The more we think about it, the more we want to do it. I'm even torn now about doing the zipline - something I've always wanted to do -- or staying on board with the family and having fun. Gonna have to study those navigators to see what the kids might be up to in the clubs to see if Mina and I can maybe book a spa villa again during that time. I know the spa discounts on port days.....

Have a good night all!

jeff

 

[jd99]

One more thing before I go away. Mary Ellen, when you get a chance, can you PM me Larry's website? I have a friend in Philly who I want to refer to him. (actually I have a bunch of friends in Philly....but one in particular may need some assistance).

 

[jollyg]

From everything I have read - and all the research I did before we bought - No, not a good idea. We haven't tried to trade into anything other than DVC. And even with DVC, we have been frustrated in that we tend to not plan far enough ahead to do well with our points...though this year we did by deciding we were going to BCV after Christmas and booking it the day we were allowed to - as soon as the 11 month window opened.

You should NEVER use it for the WDW resorts. Just not a good deal when you work it out. And the cruise? We used a few points to pay for Elizabeth and Emily one year but that was only because we screwed up and forgot to bank our points and would have lost them had we not used them right then and there.

I think there are a lot of opinions out there about this but to me, if you aren't planning to use them mostly for DVC resorts, I probably wouldn't do it. You may be better off buying Marriott - but Greg could advise you on that!

Wow! I didn't realize DVC had such a short booking window...11 months?!

 

[jd99]

Wow! I didn't realize DVC had such a short booking window...11 months?!

And that's for your home resort. For other resorts it's only seven months.

 

[jollyg]

And that's for your home resort. For other resorts it's only seven months.

Good grief!! No wonder its so hard to get in there!!

 

[jd99]

Good grief!! No wonder its so hard to get in there!!

Yeah the last time we tried to go with short notice, the only thing available was Saratoga Springs which we have no interest in (not because it looks bad..we just want to be somewhere where you can walk or have easy transportation). So our favorites in order are BCV, BWV, VWL. We'd consider Animal Kingdom because we like the theming there even though it's out of the way...

 

[joelidol]

Hi all..
Can't wait for my mom to read all this and tell me whats going on!

- Josh

 

[jollyg]

We're suppose to do a "tour" of AKL when we're there, but I don't see us buying because we never go to Orlando.

 

[lucky hiccups]

Woogal, In regards to your question on taxable deductions available when purchasing A DVC membership. If the loan is in the form of either home equity line of credit or home equity loan the answer is: No, you will not have a standard tax deduction overall, you may only deduct the maintenance fees. The only way I know to gain full potencial in form of tax deduction on any loan is Home refinance which add directly to the mortgage balance and is therefor tax deductible.

I don't believe I would go there.

If your hankerin for any questchuns about these complexitys and high movin finantualas Im game.

Elmer

 

[jd99]

We're suppose to do a "tour" of AKL when we're there, but I don't see us buying because we never go to Orlando.

But you know that they are opening DVC at the Grand Californian at DL as well as a resort in Hawaii? We are holding out for either the Hawaii resort or the Contemporary (which is adding a DVC building) before we add on points since we'd want one or both of those as our other "home" resort.

 

[jd99]

top of the page. Now it IS time to go nighty night. Cya!

 

[jollyg]

I've been fighting with myself to stick with the plan and trade into DVC, but I can exchange right now into a 4 bedroom condo at Mike Ditka's Lighthouse Key Resort (approx. 2300 square feet) 50 inch plasma tv in the living room and 32 inch plasmas in the bedrooms, granite countertops, Playstation 3.....you get the picture!

 

[jd99]

I've been fighting with myself to stick with the plan and trade into DVC, but I can exchange right now into a 4 bedroom condo at Mike Ditka's Lighthouse Key Resort (approx. 2300 square feet) 50 inch plasma tv in the living room and 32 inch plasmas in the bedrooms, granite countertops, Playstation 3.....you get the picture!

uh... Greg....DVC Is great, but........

But really..if you have never stayed onsite at WDW and i know it's your first trip - it really is magical to be there onsite. We have stayed offsite at the Marriott Grande Lakes and the Ritz Grande Lakes and they are both amazing resorts...but I really love being in the middle of the action.

 

[jollyg]

But you know that they are opening DVC at the Grand Californian at DL as well as a resort in Hawaii? We are holding out for either the Hawaii resort or the Contemporary (which is adding a DVC building) before we add on points since we'd want one or both of those as our other "home" resort.

The Hawaiian resort is the only one I'd be tempted to buy into. Its being built right next to the Marriott Ko Olina resort where we usually stay and that location is awesome!!! We love it there!!

 

[jollyg]

uh... Greg....DVC Is great, but........

But really..if you have never stayed onsite at WDW and i know it's your first trip - it really is magical to be there onsite. We have stayed offsite at the Marriott Grande Lakes and the Ritz Grande Lakes and they are both amazing resorts...but I really love being in the middle of the action.

See thats the only reason I'm holding out for DVC is because everyone tells me how wonderful it is to be "onsite".

I'll keep holding out and hope for the best.

If not....I hope Mike Ditka keeps a light on for me!!

 

[jollyg]

Looks like I'm talking to myself now?!

Guess I'd better go see what Kathy's doing on the 09 site.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

But Greg, I am on the 08 to say good night,

catch everyone tomorrow

going to go see what mischief Greg is getting into on the 09 board.
I cant trust that man.

Kathy

 

[jollyg]

But Greg, I am on the 08 to say good night,

catch everyone tomorrow

going to go see what mischief Greg is getting into on the 09 board.
I can trust that man.

Kathy

Thats right....you CAN trust me!

 

[mruhaak]

Just subscribing to the new thread...

Hi everyone!

We're incredibly busy here in Iowa!! Business is booming and Alex celebrated his 5th birthday yesterday. Sure you're all having fun planning as your cruise approaches!!