2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[AngelBabyJana]

Hi AngelBabyJana!

Not sure if you know this but....while it's true everyone gets there own room key and all cards have the dates of the trip, the person's name and the dining plan options on them, you can specify which cards to link to the credit card. For instance, last year all of our cards could access the parks and the DDP but only MY card was valid for charging, the kids cards stated right on them "NOT VALID FOR CHARGING"!

Anyway, as far as our planning goes we have our dates picked out but I'm having a really hard time trying to pick between POR (where we stayed last year and really enjoyed), Poly (we had dinner there and I fell in love with it) and a split stay since our trip is two whole weeks. I'm leaning towards the split stay.

Hi Nurse_Mommy4! Thanks for the information about the room key. That is great that you can have it to where only ONE room key is linked to the credit card. I thought that it went by rooms, not specific cards. I will re-think having that added then. At least this way, we don't have to worry about our party of 11 all having access to my credit card, lol.

I think that you should do the split stay since you will have two whole weeks there (lucky you!) I originally wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian, but since this will be our first time going, we all decided on POP being a better choice. I think the kids will enjoy the atmosphere, and it will be cheaper since we will have a larger group going. However when we go back in Dec of 2010, I want to upgrade and try out one of the other resorts. Whatever choice you make will be good since after all YOU WILL BE AT DISNEY!

 

[AngelBabyJana]

Since there are so many groups going as a Grand Gathering (and others who have went as a GG in the past), I thought that this would be a good place to ask some questions.

Do you make up a name for your Grand Gathering? Any suggestions on a good name for a 1st trip to Disney? We have four different last names in our group .... so using a "family name" won't help us. Right now, Disney has the "Vajdak/Small Grand Gathering" down for us, but this leaves out two other last names .... so just wondering what all of you do.

Also has anyone tried the Grand Gathering safari dinner at Animal Kingdom? Is it worth using the two TS credits for this? Any perk to doing it as a "Grand Gathering Event" or should we just do the safari & the dinner on our own?

Thanks In Advance!

 

[phisigprincess]

I spoke with a CM at Central Reservations yesterday who said that he thinks 09 rates might be out as early as early July. You know to take that with a grain of salt, but wouldn't that be wonderful? Let's keep our ears open!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

How many people do you need for grand grathering? Dose Disney do any thing special for these groups?

 

[Stitchfans]

So far from the looks of it no one is going the same time as us. March 27 to April 4th. Would be neat to be able to meet someone from the Dis. DD did meet up with, and is planning on meeting up again with some friends she has made from here again in March. Wew- what a mouth full.

I sure hope there isn't another surcharge on the meals for our next upcoming trip. This holiday surcharge really stinks.

 

[jamstew]

We don't have our dates yet, but we're getting close to figuring it out! I'm taking two adult children, my DDIL, and three little ones (3-1/2, 4, and 5-1/2 when we go). We had initially thought we had to wait until after Memorial Day because of my daughter's schedule, which I wasn't thrilled about. Now, it looks like we might be able to go earlier in May, which would be great! Even two weeks will make a huge difference in crowds and some difference in weather. I'll be so glad when this is settled so I can make our reservations for a 2BR villa at VWL

 

[Sarilas]

Hi all! We're planning our first trip to WDW, probably for January 2009. I grew up around Disneyland, but this will be the first time any of us go to WDW. My husband has never been to ANY Disney park... I still can't believe it!

The six of us (Two adults, four children) are planning on staying at ASMusic Family Suites. I'm just waiting on the final word on the hubby's available vacation time so I can book!

I cannot WAIT for the 180 day mark to make those dining reservation phone calls... It feels like Christmas!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Hi all! We're planning our first trip to WDW, probably for January 2009. I grew up around Disneyland, but this will be the first time any of us go to WDW. My husband has never been to ANY Disney park... I still can't believe it!

The six of us (Two adults, four children) are planning on staying at ASMusic Family Suites. I'm just waiting on the final word on the hubby's available vacation time so I can book!

I cannot WAIT for the 180 day mark to make those dining reservation phone calls... It feels like Christmas!

Welcome to our 2009 group!!!

 

[tikkipoo]

Has anyone stayed at the Allstar Suites? I was wondering how comfortable they are.

 

[Sarilas]

Thank you!

I obviously haven't stayed at the AS suites before, but every report I have read and picture I have seen convinced me they were (comfortable). I hope someone on this thread HAS stayed there though - I'm now obsessed with hearing as much as possible until we can finally be there in person!

 

[robmag]

Can someone fill me in on how bad the crowds are.

 

[Couturier]

Can someone fill me in on how bad the crowds are.

Okay, I dont know if you already were here or not, but check this link. We will be going the week after, since they have lower crowds! LOl

http://allears.net/pl/attend.htm

Hope this helps!
Dana

 

[Micka Mouse]

Has anyone stayed at the Allstar Suites? I was wondering how comfortable they are.

Thank you!

I obviously haven't stayed at the AS suites before, but every report I have read and picture I have seen convinced me they were (comfortable). I hope someone on this thread HAS stayed there though - I'm now obsessed with hearing as much as possible until we can finally be there in person!

I have stayed at AS before. We were comfortable. The first time was back in May '94 {ASSp} for my brother's graduation, and it was me, my brother and parents {4 adults in one room}. The second time was in July '05 {ASMo}, and it was me, dh, dd(who was 3) and dd (2 mos). We were fine. No tripping over one another, beds were comfortable, and were happy ( we only stayed 2 nights, though). We also had a connecting room {for my parents}.

From what I remember, the busses were great. We had to stand periodically, but they were quick. I was completely happy with it. We were planning on staying at POP this time, but now my ever changing mind is leaning towards CSR. I figure I have another month and a half to make a decision !

HTH! By the way, there is a thread on the resort board for ASSuites {I think they are broken down by resort}. They are really helpful!

 

[tinkerbell615]

Wow! I just found this thread and it has been going on since May 2007. My family was at WDW in June 2007. We stayed at ASMu and loved it.

DH and myself are planning on going in April, 09. DD is marching at WDW with her marching band. She is in the guard (color and winter). She will be staying with the rest of the band, but I have some goofy health issues and can't chaperone so DH and I will not be staying with her but at POP and meeting up with her in the daytime. It is the first time that we have ever gone to WDW and stayed by ourselves. It is actually going to be kind of wierd.

I have not made reservations yet, but will be doing so in the next couple of days and hope I don't have a problem getting a room.

I am so happy I found this thread maybe the time "will" go faster.

 

[Cloudless Nights]

We are definitely going from January 4th to the 11th! We don't know where we're staying yet, but most likely either CSR or CBR.

I know that the Jan. hours have not been released yet, but people keep on talking about looking at the previous January's hours. Anyone know where I can find them? I just can't wait to start planning!

 

[Couturier]

YAY!!! Oh I hope someone knows where to get last years hrs, I have looked all over for the FEB hrs and can not find them!

So post it if you know!

Dana

 

[Sarilas]

Okay, it's official: I just reserved our family suite at ASMusic for January 5-9th!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

YAY!!! Oh I hope someone knows where to get last years hrs, I have looked all over for the FEB hrs and can not find them!

So post it if you know!

Dana

Here you go! (you did want 2008 and not 2007 correct?)
Feb 2008 Hours

 

[Couturier]

Okay, it's official: I just reserved our family suite at ASMusic for January 5-9th!

YAY! Now the countdown begins! You need to get the ticker going! LOL

Dana

 

[Couturier]

Here you go! (you did want 2008 and not 2007 correct?)
Feb 2008 Hours

Yay!!!!!