2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[sandym718]

OK, I started doing some preliminary itinerary planning today!! That's the fun part!

Something I've really debated over --- On our past trip, we drove down leaving overnight Th/Fri, arriving in Orlando about 7 PM Fri. We stayed offsite (not a great place, wouldn't stay there again) for that night. Then checked in to the Poly first thing Sat. AM, went to the MK and came back to room ready - got all our requests. Stayed at Poly until following Friday, then left for the drive home mid-day.

This time around I debated just staying at the Poly that first night - save some of the hassle of moving around, be ready to hit the MK first thing Sat. AM, and have a whole extra set of TS credits from the DDP that DD and I would use for a CRT breakfast or lunch.

So today I was checking out pricing on the Disney site. Using 2008 package pricing for the same time frame, of course. I did that when planning our 2007 trip - used 2006 prices, and basically figured the AAA discount not yet figured in would counteract any increase in prices and it would all balance out. Of course, happily the AAA discount was more than price increases, so our total was lower than expected. Anyways - I feel safe using 2008 package prices, w/o AAA discount, to get a pretty good idea of 2009 discounted prices.

So, total price for the 4 of us if we stayed all 7 nights (May 1-8) at Poly is close to this - $ 5077 - that's with the Dining Plan, 7 day Park HOppers with Water Parks. For just the 6 nights, other stuff the same - $4532. Big difference, obviously, and even the lower price is a good bit higher than we paid in 2007 - DD was only 2 then and free, so that's obvious.

So now I'm really leaning towards staying offsite again for that first night, and saving the $545 or so. DD and I would pay OOP for CRT ($71 total for lunch or $66 total for breakfast) and assuming about $80 or so for an offsite hotel (we don't need fancy for 1 night, but it will be a different place!), we'd still come out almost $400 ahead.

I would love the convenience of just checking right in and being all settled, BUT I'm not sure that's worth $400! And my other thought in making me lean this way-- I'm worried that with a late arrival (7 PM or so) on Friday, we'll be significantly less likely to get our Poly requests - 1st floor, Tokelau, cove side. Checking in so early on Sat really worked in our favor for that - they actually had rooms available we could have gotten right into at 8:30 AM, but we chose to wait for our request. I was thrilled with that room!!

So, anyways, thanks for "listening" to my planning thoughts.

Right now, here's the initial itinerary I'm starting off with:

Friday, May 1, 2009- Drive down from OH, stay offsite

Saturday, May 2, 2009 - Check in early at Poly, head to MK, back to Poly mid-afternoon for swimming, rest or naps. Dinner at Kona. Hang out at Poly for evening, unpacking, swimming, etc.

Sunday, May 3, 2009 -Epcot for morning and early afternoon, back to Poly, Dinner at Crystal Palace, MK for rest of evening, incl. possibly Spectro/Wishes

Monday, May 4, 2009 - Animal Kingdom for early morning/afternoon, back to Poly, MGM in evening, Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's (these 2 parks were not our faves, so this will probably be enough of each, but we'll have extra time later in the week if we want to return)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - MK morning and afternoon; Me and DD either breakfast or lunch at CRT; stay for 3 PM Parade; back to Poly; Later dinner (than usual for us) at Chef Mickey's; open later evening, probably just hang out at the Poly

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - Blizzard Beach; Back to Poly and dinner at Ohana's; Downtown Disney for the evening

Thursday, May 7, 2009 - Fairly open day - More MK or Epcot likely. Dinner at LeCellier, Illuminations tonight

Friday, May 8, 2009 - MK for last rides, then head home around 1 PM.

Of course I'm sure this will change many times!! We're fairly certain of the restaurants we want, but availability could definitely change the days. Esp. with CRT!!! I was also disappointed to see that, so far at least for 2008, Blizzard Beach does not have morning EMH until late May. We LOVED the EMH there - park was nearly empty and we got to do sooo many slides. if EMH would occur on a different day, we'd move our BB day for sure!!

Also fairly certain we'll return to the Poly each day. Earlier this year, both kids still napped. DS does not anymore, I have no idea if DD still will next year. Regardless, I think it would be beneficial to return for a swim and at least a rest each day. We'll have our car so it will be easy to do even when not at MK or Epcot.

Again, thanks for "listening" to my thoughts!!!

 

[Micka Mouse]

Sounds fabulous! This is when the fun begins! I can't wait to hear everyone's itineraries......and can't wait to plan mine. I pulled out my "2007 Disney with Kids" last night (we were supposed to go last summer) and started going through it. What a difference it's going to be for us. I had highlighted all of the "baby/toddler" things, and stayed away from most rides, since dd's would have only been 2 & 5. Now they'll be 4 & 7, so we can do more.

Corny as it sounds, I am looking forward to buying "2009 Disney with Kids"...the info probably won't change too much, but just having it will make me feel better (so much for saving money..........where's my support ????????)

Speaking of saving money, any opinions on Tea with Sleeping Beauty at GF?

Bring the planning on!!!

 

[ty&brenmom]

OK, I started doing some preliminary itinerary planning today!! That's the fun part!

Something I've really debated over --- On our past trip, we drove down leaving overnight Th/Fri, arriving in Orlando about 7 PM Fri. We stayed offsite (not a great place, wouldn't stay there again) for that night. Then checked in to the Poly first thing Sat. AM, went to the MK and came back to room ready - got all our requests. Stayed at Poly until following Friday, then left for the drive home mid-day.

This time around I debated just staying at the Poly that first night - save some of the hassle of moving around, be ready to hit the MK first thing Sat. AM, and have a whole extra set of TS credits from the DDP that DD and I would use for a CRT breakfast or lunch.

So today I was checking out pricing on the Disney site. Using 2008 package pricing for the same time frame, of course. I did that when planning our 2007 trip - used 2006 prices, and basically figured the AAA discount not yet figured in would counteract any increase in prices and it would all balance out. Of course, happily the AAA discount was more than price increases, so our total was lower than expected. Anyways - I feel safe using 2008 package prices, w/o AAA discount, to get a pretty good idea of 2009 discounted prices.

So, total price for the 4 of us if we stayed all 7 nights (May 1-8) at Poly is close to this - $ 5077 - that's with the Dining Plan, 7 day Park HOppers with Water Parks. For just the 6 nights, other stuff the same - $4532. Big difference, obviously, and even the lower price is a good bit higher than we paid in 2007 - DD was only 2 then and free, so that's obvious.

So now I'm really leaning towards staying offsite again for that first night, and saving the $545 or so. DD and I would pay OOP for CRT ($71 total for lunch or $66 total for breakfast) and assuming about $80 or so for an offsite hotel (we don't need fancy for 1 night, but it will be a different place!), we'd still come out almost $400 ahead.

I would love the convenience of just checking right in and being all settled, BUT I'm not sure that's worth $400! And my other thought in making me lean this way-- I'm worried that with a late arrival (7 PM or so) on Friday, we'll be significantly less likely to get our Poly requests - 1st floor, Tokelau, cove side. Checking in so early on Sat really worked in our favor for that - they actually had rooms available we could have gotten right into at 8:30 AM, but we chose to wait for our request. I was thrilled with that room!!

So, anyways, thanks for "listening" to my planning thoughts.

Right now, here's the initial itinerary I'm starting off with:

Friday, May 1, 2009- Drive down from OH, stay offsite

Saturday, May 2, 2009 - Check in early at Poly, head to MK, back to Poly mid-afternoon for swimming, rest or naps. Dinner at Kona. Hang out at Poly for evening, unpacking, swimming, etc.

Sunday, May 3, 2009 -Epcot for morning and early afternoon, back to Poly, Dinner at Crystal Palace, MK for rest of evening, incl. possibly Spectro/Wishes

Monday, May 4, 2009 - Animal Kingdom for early morning/afternoon, back to Poly, MGM in evening, Fantasmic Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's (these 2 parks were not our faves, so this will probably be enough of each, but we'll have extra time later in the week if we want to return)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - MK morning and afternoon; Me and DD either breakfast or lunch at CRT; stay for 3 PM Parade; back to Poly; Later dinner (than usual for us) at Chef Mickey's; open later evening, probably just hang out at the Poly

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - Blizzard Beach; Back to Poly and dinner at Ohana's; Downtown Disney for the evening

Thursday, May 7, 2009 - Fairly open day - More MK or Epcot likely. Dinner at LeCellier, Illuminations tonight

Friday, May 8, 2009 - MK for last rides, then head home around 1 PM.

Of course I'm sure this will change many times!! We're fairly certain of the restaurants we want, but availability could definitely change the days. Esp. with CRT!!! I was also disappointed to see that, so far at least for 2008, Blizzard Beach does not have morning EMH until late May. We LOVED the EMH there - park was nearly empty and we got to do sooo many slides. if EMH would occur on a different day, we'd move our BB day for sure!!

Also fairly certain we'll return to the Poly each day. Earlier this year, both kids still napped. DS does not anymore, I have no idea if DD still will next year. Regardless, I think it would be beneficial to return for a swim and at least a rest each day. We'll have our car so it will be easy to do even when not at MK or Epcot.

Again, thanks for "listening" to my thoughts!!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one planning days out already. I don't have specific dates as I am waiting to find out when spring break is going to be, but in my head I am planning what ts meals we are doing and when we should do them. We are going to be there for a total of twelve days and I am so excited. Last march we were there for eight days and all I can think is that we went to epcot and never saw the countries, they are a must this time, planning on two days at epcot. I planned so much last trip since it was going to be a one time thing, and a lot of it didn't work out, but now that we have been to disneyworld I think I will do my planning a little different.
My sis just told me that her and her family might join us for a few days, even more planning she has three girls who love princess. I can't wait BBB here I come!!!

 

[eacatwork]

Count me in for the 2009 planning! My dad is taking all of us (him, my mom, brother, sister-in-law, hubby, and me) in 2009. He's always wanted to take "all of us," which to him meant his wife, his kids, and his kids' spouses. He took the family (when DBro and I were both still single) back in 2001, but he always envisioned this big adult trip, too.

Right now, we're trying to decide between going in May and December. When the family went in 2001, we went in May and had great weather and a fantastic time. DH and I just went in October (as did DBro and DSIL, although a week earlier) and likewise had great weather. The draw in May is Star Wars weekends, the Flower Show, the nice weather, and the smaller crowds. The draw in December is (and I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious) the holiday decorations!

Dad is pretty sure he wants for us to stay at the Contemporary...he's always had his eye on it! We stayed at POR in 2001 and that was nice...in fact, that's where DBro and DSIL stayed in October. DH and I stayed at WL in October and LOVED it! WL was very "us." I have to admit I've always had a fascination with CR, too...I mean, the monorail goes RIGHT THROUGH THE BUILDING! You know?!?

My aunt's family has stayed at AKL and they really liked it there, but it's so far removed from everything else (or at least it seems to be) and to be honest, we're never in our rooms to enjoy the animal views, etc.

I sent my dad YouTube videos of the Travel Channel's recent special with Samantha Brown about "Disney Magic at the Holidays" or whatever the show was called. I would LOVE to see WDW during the holidays...but then again, I don't know if I can wait that long to go back!!!

At any rate, six very excited people from Baltimore and State College are WDW SOMETIME in 2009!

 

[eacatwork]

Ugh...double post. Bogus!!!

 

[swimgalsmom]

We just got back a few weeks ago and I am so ready to start planning our next trip to WDW. It looks like it will be sometime in 2009 for us too. We are thinking possibly March when DH's school has spring break but won't know dates until the school calendar comes out.

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Count me in for the 2009 planning! My dad is taking all of us (him, my mom, brother, sister-in-law, hubby, and me) in 2009. He's always wanted to take "all of us," which to him meant his wife, his kids, and his kids' spouses. He took the family (when DBro and I were both still single) back in 2001, but he always envisioned this big adult trip, too.

Right now, we're trying to decide between going in May and December. When the family went in 2001, we went in May and had great weather and a fantastic time. DH and I just went in October (as did DBro and DSIL, although a week earlier) and likewise had great weather. The draw in May is Star Wars weekends, the Flower Show, the nice weather, and the smaller crowds. The draw in December is (and I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious) the holiday decorations!

Dad is pretty sure he wants for us to stay at the Contemporary...he's always had his eye on it! We stayed at POR in 2001 and that was nice...in fact, that's where DBro and DSIL stayed in October. DH and I stayed at WL in October and LOVED it! WL was very "us." I have to admit I've always had a fascination with CR, too...I mean, the monorail goes RIGHT THROUGH THE BUILDING! You know?!?

My aunt's family has stayed at AKL and they really liked it there, but it's so far removed from everything else (or at least it seems to be) and to be honest, we're never in our rooms to enjoy the animal views, etc.

I sent my dad YouTube videos of the Travel Channel's recent special with Samantha Brown about "Disney Magic at the Holidays" or whatever the show was called. I would LOVE to see WDW during the holidays...but then again, I don't know if I can wait that long to go back!!!

At any rate, six very excited people from Baltimore and State College are WDW SOMETIME in 2009!

Wow! Sounds like you have a great trip to look forward to!!!

 

[Micka Mouse]

Calling all Disney Pro's......you know who you are! I need advice!!!!!!

I just checked prices for this summer (I know they will be slightly higher in '09), and need to check a few things out.

We're going to stay at the Poly, and I was quoted $3501.52 for 5 nights, Garden View. It's is 568.10 more for Lagoon, 736.90 for Theme park view. Which is the better choice? Sandy.......if you're there, remind me of your choice. Price also includes 6 day park hopper, which I don't think we need, but to drop to 5 or 4 days brings the price down very little.

It includes the Magic You Way Dining...this isn't much, is it? No special plusses, right?

This really got me into the spirit tonight.

 

[sandym718]

I'm here!! I'd go with Garden View, there are tons of great locations at the Poly, and I just couldn't pay more for it. We requested, got, and will request again Tokelau, Cove side (this is apparently what they call the side opposite the quiet pool). Now, technically, if you're in the room and look out the door, what you see is a grassy area, a walkway, some trees and the next building (forget which). BUT, we also requested 1st floor, which was great. A little patio off the door, once you step out, and look to the left, what do you see???? Lagoon, Castle AND Space Mountain! I also loved having the patio open to the grassy area, gave us room to "spread out" outside. I thought we had a great location for just the standard. It's also a very centrally located building - close to the beach,including the "quiet" beach, to the Volcano pool and GCH, not far to the TTC, very close to quiet pool. It was perfect in my eyes and I wouldn't spend more, I don't think it's worth it!!!

We also had and will get MYW Dining!! We thought it was great, saved us a TON for 2007. They changed it for 2008, who knows what 2009 will bring. 2008 definitely cuts the savings for us (partly due to having to pay for DD now and partly due to the changes). BUT, I did a run-down of the restaurants we'll likely go to and what we order and I still came out with a savings of about $250. Not too shabby and the convenience (though lessened in 2008 by not including the tip) is just great. I loved not having to think about $$$ for our entire trip. It made the "escape from reality" complete!! If the tip stays out in 2009 (likely), I'll probably purchase a Disney gift card in advance to have that out of the way and either use it directly for tips or put it on the account at the Poly desk and charge back to the room. I want no worries!!

 

[Micka Mouse]

We also had and will get MYW Dining!! We thought it was great, saved us a TON for 2007. They changed it for 2008, who knows what 2009 will bring. 2008 definitely cuts the savings for us (partly due to having to pay for DD now and partly due to the changes). BUT, I did a run-down of the restaurants we'll likely go to and what we order and I still came out with a savings of about $250. Not too shabby and the convenience (though lessened in 2008 by not including the tip) is just great. I loved not having to think about $$$ for our entire trip. It made the "escape from reality" complete!! If the tip stays out in 2009 (likely), I'll probably purchase a Disney gift card in advance to have that out of the way and either use it directly for tips or put it on the account at the Poly desk and charge back to the room. I want no worries!!

Wait a Minute!!!!!!!! Magic Your Way is DDP????? That sounds too good to be true!

 

[Micka Mouse]

Oops! Almost forgot....Thanks! I'm not sure DH will go for a first floor room, but Tokelau has been mentioned by a few people as a great building. Thanks, Sandy!

 

[sandym718]

Yep, if you added the MYW with Dining, that's the DDP!!

I was so hesitant about the 1st floor too. When we go to the beach, we always request Top floor or closest to it. But, we also have a condo, with a separate bedroom where the kids nap, so DH or I can take turns coming or going. That's why I decided to try the 1st floor. It was great, the kids napped, DH and I sat in the shade (on the patio) or sun (on the grass), took turns taking walks, getting snacks, etc. All without disturbing the sleeping kids. We weren't confined to a tiny balcony or trying to be silent in the room. It made for a very relaxing afternoon each day. DH also took the kids out to run around a bit, play with the ducks, etc, while I finished getting ready in the morning. It really was great, but it served a specific need for us, that definitely not everyone has!!

 

[arkansas mom]

Add me to the list, baby!
DS11 and I have been each year for the last 3 years but won't be able to make it in '08. This absolutely breaks my heart. DH is not a Disney fan . He did go with us back in '02 and gave it another try in '06, but he just can't do it again. But, God bless him, he doesn't mind if DS and I go without him! But this year, DS and I decided we needed to take a vacation with him, so we're going to the beach. Which is OK--but it ain't Disney!!!
My heart aches everytime I think about missing this year.
So today, DS and I (he's Dr.Pluto here on the boards BTW) were grocery shopping. Out of the blue I said "Hey. You and me. Next May. We're goin' back." And my heart warmed!
We came home and told DH and he's like, hmm, OK. Y'all have fun. Yay him!
So I'm thinking as soon as school's out--end of May--we'll head down for 12 days. We're typically end of May-early June. We normally do 10 days, but I want to stretch just a bit this time!
Our old stand-by has been Pop Century. Last time we went with CSR, and though I adored it, DS wants go back home to Pop. I agree!
I'M SO EXCITED! I immediately came on the boards to find an '09 thread! So glad to find you all!!!! Is it too early to sign up for TGM?

 

[candizfan]

arkansas mom - it is great to have an understanding husband.

 

[Micka Mouse]

Sandi.....you made my year and a half . Dh just said yes to first floor. Before I could get reasoning out, he said "so the kids can play, right?"

This just gets better and better!

 

[sandym718]

Sandi.....you made my year and a half . Dh just said yes to first floor. Before I could get reasoning out, he said "so the kids can play, right?"

This just gets better and better!

Hee-hee, Yaaaay!!! I was in a hurry the other day and didn't have time to look, but I remembered now that you have young kids, too. I'm so glad he said yes, it really worked out great for us!! It's too bad we're not going at the same time, LOL!!

 

[arkansas mom]

arkansas mom - it is great to have an understanding husband.

Well, it helps that his passion is cycling, and he gets to do that nearly everyday. So if we ask for just one itty bitty vacation to satisfy our passion, he's OK with it! Last year he went to Colorado to ride in the mountains while we went to Disney. Perfect!!! But like I said, this year we'll all go to the beach. I'll just pretend like I'm at Typhoon Lagoon!

 

[Maddie2]

Joining in for 2009! Due to a sick child during our last trip (4/07), I've talked DH into a return trip. Our other trips have been in April and we love the weather during this time, but I am now thinking that the end of January or beginning of February may be better crowds-wise (and hopefully cost-wise)as well as a better time to take our boys out of school (will be 5th/8th grades). Most likely this will be our last WDW trip. Has anyone gone during these months? I know it will obviously be cooler, but we live in the Midwest and Januarys are usually sub-zero; 60 or so would be balmy.

In 2004, we stayed at ASMovies and in 2007 we stayed at Pop and off-property at HIExpress (went to SeaWorld & Universal too). Love the advantage of an express bus with Pop and will likely try to stay there in 2009. Would LOVE to stay elsewhere, but since we are in our room so little, it really isn't worth the $$$ to us.

We have a trip to Cape Cod planned for this summer so the vacation dollars are already spoken for. If only there was a way for me to put off DS13's braces for a couple of more years ....! Dang, those things are expensive! DS10 won't be far behind either.

Arkansas Mom -- I'm tempted to go without DH sometime too .... but don't know if I have the heart to do it. It wouldn't be a true "family" vacation without him .... but .... sometimes I think it would just be easier than having to deal with his grumpiness at times! Maybe someday.......

I'm SO happy to have a countdown!!

 

[candizfan]

Arkansas Mom -- I'm tempted to go without DH sometime too .... but don't know if I have the heart to do it. It wouldn't be a true "family" vacation without him .... but .... sometimes I think it would just be easier than having to deal with his grumpiness at times! Maybe someday.......

I'm SO happy to have a countdown!!

I have a grumpy as well but he does love Disney . I am going with my two girls DD12 and DD9 (will be ten by then) in July without him. I get a lot more vacation than he does. At first I was really looking forward to the time way alone with the kids. They are good travellers but now I am thinking it might be a bit lonely. I might have him come for part of the trip if he can't come for all of it.

He is really handy to have around to run for fast passes!

 

[Maddie2]

candizfan..... I completely know what you mean! You're right about the fast passes, etc. We'll probably fly Allegiant (which lands at Sanford), so we'll have a rental car .... and he IS better at driving in the WDW craziness ..... yes, certainly there ARE reasons to take him along .... maybe I should do a pros/cons list .... J/K!!

All 4 of us will be going in 2009, I was just thinking for future .... since he has already said that 2009 is our (or maybe just "his") last Disney trip.