2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[Micka Mouse]

Man, I sound like a jerk.

Jeez, if you are a jerk, I don't even want to know what I'd be called !!!
DH's grandmother is 91 and has been living with us since '04. I cannot tell you how crazy life has been since. It's hard when someone else enters the picture, cause it's someone else: you're thinking about a whole other person's feelings, attitude, wants and needs. With your own immediate family, you already know their feelings, attitude, etc. It's a lot of pressure.

Okay, have I just put a HUGE damper on your day? This sounds really negative...not my intention. I guess what I wanted to say is: Don't be hard on yourself! This trip is a huge deal to you and your family. I think it's awesome that you've extended the invite to your mil and family .

 

[Micka Mouse]

count me in! (I don't think DH realizes that I actually put a deposit, but the girls know

Welcome! I think it's too funny how our DH's are with us just for the ride (okay, so there are a few dh's out there who deserve lots of extra ).
I received a weird looking package yesterday from Disney, and when DH saw me looking at it he said "You're lucky I didn't throw that out!" I asked him why he would throw out my Disney mail. He replied, "It looked like junk mail. Then I saw the return address and KNEW it was junk mail " he said this with a grin! He is really enjoying teasing me lately, and he calls me Micka Mouse more often than any other name.

 

[candizfan]

I joined the Fitness team at work - nice way to rename the weight loss team eh! (oops Canadian in me coming out)

I only need to lose about 6-8 pounds. I did not gain a lot of weight with either child but that was the only benefit to getting sick every day that I was pregnant.

Good luck everyone.

 

[mattsmom2000]

I have to let you all know that I am really enjoying reading this thread. I especially like the comments about what some people would do differently. We just came back 2 weeks ago from our first trip with our DS8 and DH and my first trip in 10 years.
We also had the mindset that we HAD TO DO EVERYTHING because who knows when we will get back. But because of that we are planning another trip for again in January 2009 so we can relax and do what we want to do and take our time. We took my MIL and FIL too. While it was nice to have them with us, they would get tired and head back to the park at lunch and come back for dinner. We of course would stay at the parks all day to get the most in. My MIL and FIL had the right idea to take it easy (sometimes). But, going in January the parks aren't open that late, so it was another reason why we felt that we had to stay all day.
We missed a lot and look forward to taking more time enjoying the "little" things at the parks like architechture, flowers, topiary, fountains and even the food. We would scarf down our meals just to get to the next place.
We DID take a lot of pictures and videos and that I am thankful for.
We definately have our trip finalized for January 17th-24th staying at All-Star Sports if you want to update me on the list.
Sorry for my long post, but I actually finally had time to gather my thoughs. Looking forward to reading more and planning more!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

So how many of you guys are planning on doing the dining plan in 2009? And if so do you hope it changes. I really loved the plan in 2006 (not just because it was free for us). I wish it would go back to being like that. We will get it either way because I like the fact of having pretty much everything paid for in advance (hoping for free dining again!)

 

[mattsmom2000]

I just came back from free dining 2 weeks ago and I had never had it before, so I don't know what I was missing. With that said, I do have to say that there was sooooo much food. We hardly ever ate in between meals. I don't think that we could have eaten an appetizer too. But, I would like to have the choice of appetizer or dessert rather than only being able to have dessert. You do get tired of dessert after a while. But, I do still think that it is a good deal even having to pay for the tip. The servers were so uncomfortable about asking us for a tip when we were there. Our server at Chef Mickey's said that if she would have asked a customer for a tip last year, she would have been fired, so she is still trying to get used to it. I do feel for tham.

 

[2poohbears]

add me to the list---we're looking at going FEB 21 - MAR 1, 2009!

 

[DizneeMommy]

We'll definitely do the DDP again, just because it was so wonderful to have everything pre-paid!! Even if the tip is not added back in by next year, I can handle tip money--just like having the rest paid off ahead of time!!

 

[ty&brenmom]

I was wondering about the DDP, is it hard to keep track of what credits you have used, and is there a lot of variety in what you can order? I didn't use it last year and dont' know if I will use it next year but I was thinking since I have six character meals planned now would it be a good deal?

 

[daisy_77]

Jeez, if you are a jerk, I don't even want to know what I'd be called !!!
DH's grandmother is 91 and has been living with us since '04. I cannot tell you how crazy life has been since. It's hard when someone else enters the picture, cause it's someone else: you're thinking about a whole other person's feelings, attitude, wants and needs. With your own immediate family, you already know their feelings, attitude, etc. It's a lot of pressure.

Okay, have I just put a HUGE damper on your day? This sounds really negative...not my intention. I guess what I wanted to say is: Don't be hard on yourself! This trip is a huge deal to you and your family. I think it's awesome that you've extended the invite to your mil and family .

Thanks...I am trying hard not to be hard on myself...it comes naturally.
MIL called last night and said I was so nice to invite them and my BIL is really looking forward to hanging out with his big brother. We haven't seen them in a year. So...we are all missing one another. She asked me to send her some info and pictures. My DH said that his mom has always wanted to go to WDW. She grew up in Georgia and her parents didn't like Disney so they never took her. They were so close!! Poor lady! And her ex (DH's dad) never took her anywhere. He does however go on vacay all the time with his new family. So he said that this really made his mom's day. I am excited!

count me in! I have been dreaming about WDW since last Easter when I took two DDs to Disneyland in Paris. Finally, I am starting to believe that we will actually be able to come in 2009! We are looking at August 'cause I already booked a three night on the Wonder (I don't think DH realizes that I actually put a deposit, but the girls know So, count us in for those plus I need to lose about 8 kilos. I've been lurking for a while, but am now ready to let myself believe it! Here's to us and here's to a happy year of planning (and saving!)

Wooohoooo to booking a cruise! And right under your DH's nose! I am sure he will be excited when you tell him!

I joined the Fitness team at work - nice way to rename the weight loss team eh! (oops Canadian in me coming out)

I only need to lose about 6-8 pounds. I did not gain a lot of weight with either child but that was the only benefit to getting sick every day that I was pregnant.

Good luck everyone.

6-8 lbs! Lucky.

Good luck to you, too!!

I have to let you all know that I am really enjoying reading this thread. I especially like the comments about what some people would do differently. We just came back 2 weeks ago from our first trip with our DS8 and DH and my first trip in 10 years.
We also had the mindset that we HAD TO DO EVERYTHING because who knows when we will get back. But because of that we are planning another trip for again in January 2009 so we can relax and do what we want to do and take our time. We took my MIL and FIL too. While it was nice to have them with us, they would get tired and head back to the park at lunch and come back for dinner. We of course would stay at the parks all day to get the most in. My MIL and FIL had the right idea to take it easy (sometimes). But, going in January the parks aren't open that late, so it was another reason why we felt that we had to stay all day.
We missed a lot and look forward to taking more time enjoying the "little" things at the parks like architechture, flowers, topiary, fountains and even the food. We would scarf down our meals just to get to the next place.
We DID take a lot of pictures and videos and that I am thankful for.
We definately have our trip finalized for January 17th-24th staying at All-Star Sports if you want to update me on the list.
Sorry for my long post, but I actually finally had time to gather my thoughs. Looking forward to reading more and planning more!

Seeing all the little details at Disney is part of the experience. You can keep going and going and still not see everything. I love walking around the World Showcase. The attention to details are amazing!

So how many of you guys are planning on doing the dining plan in 2009? And if so do you hope it changes. I really loved the plan in 2006 (not just because it was free for us). I wish it would go back to being like that. We will get it either way because I like the fact of having pretty much everything paid for in advance (hoping for free dining again!)

DDP here!
We like the plan...DH REALLY likes the plan. I am debating the DxDDP. I am not sure MIL would like it. She hardly eats. We may just pay for appetizers OOP if we want em.

It is nice to have things prepaid...especially the food.

I just came back from free dining 2 weeks ago and I had never had it before, so I don't know what I was missing. With that said, I do have to say that there was sooooo much food. We hardly ever ate in between meals. I don't think that we could have eaten an appetizer too. But, I would like to have the choice of appetizer or dessert rather than only being able to have dessert. You do get tired of dessert after a while. But, I do still think that it is a good deal even having to pay for the tip. The servers were so uncomfortable about asking us for a tip when we were there. Our server at Chef Mickey's said that if she would have asked a customer for a tip last year, she would have been fired, so she is still trying to get used to it. I do feel for tham.

Can one person get an appetizer and the other get dessert? It would be nice to share so we can sample?

I do feel bad for the servers. I have worked in customer service for a long time and I can't imagine how some of the restaurant CM's are treated by some guests. Some people are grouchy at Disney.

add me to the list---we're looking at going FEB 21 - MAR 1, 2009!

You are almost to the year mark!

We'll definitely do the DDP again, just because it was so wonderful to have everything pre-paid!! Even if the tip is not added back in by next year, I can handle tip money--just like having the rest paid off ahead of time!!

I agree about the tips. I would just put some bills in a separate envelope so that I don't spend them.

I was wondering about the DDP, is it hard to keep track of what credits you have used, and is there a lot of variety in what you can order? I didn't use it last year and dont' know if I will use it next year but I was thinking since I have six character meals planned now would it be a good deal?

It is really easy to keep track. At the last place you eat they give you a receipt and at the very bottom it shows your credits that you have left.

We paid OOP for character breakfasts because they were so much cheaper than sit-down places.

 

[cmonroe]

My MIL called me last night and she told me she wanted to do something fun for my BIL's high school graduation in 09. I told her we were going to Florida for my graduation and I think she wants to come with us. I am totally cool with that but I know I will have to do all the planning. She is beating around the bush...just come out and ask! I even asked if she wants to come. Ah, family.

She is easily confused so I am trying to think of how to explain things like ADR's, ME, EMH...so on and so forth. I have never planned a trip for more than me, DH and DD so I am feeling overwhelmed.. Another thing is, that if they come our trip will be pushed back to June.

Man, I sound like a jerk.

Come on... you don't sound like a jerk. You are just subjected to the same madness that comes when you get married You know the saying, "When you marry, you marry the family too"

 

[sandym718]

We really liked using the DDP in 2007, saved over $300 and loved eating whatever we wanted (Filet Mignon for me!). I would love for it to go back to the way it was, even with a significant price increase. That said, we'll still do it for 2009 even if it is the same as 2008. I did a mock-up of our costs based on what we'd possible order from restaurants and we'd still save about $150 over not doing it (not including the tip in either case, b/c that's OOP regardless now). I think it's still a savings, though not as great a one, for many people - especially with young children (it's so cheap) and especially if you do character meals.

I was bummed about the appy, but I'm less concerned about that now. If we do - CM, CP, Ohana, Mama Melrose (Fantasmic Pkg.), Kona and LeCellier - we're only not getting an appy. at Kona and LeC. I'd probably buy the soup OOP at LeC - and included that in my above calculations. Ohana might change though - not 100% sure we'll be doing that one.

The tip bugs me more b/c I just want to pay for it all in advance!!!

 

[CJsMom]

I liked the DDP in December, with one exception. At some of the counter service places my kids wanted something on the menu that was not on the kids' menu. It would have been nice to be able to order them an adult meal to share. Some places we were able to do this since the CS credits are pooled (adult and child), others we were not. I figured out that we saved about $300 doing the plan. I used the same numbers to see if we'd still save on the 2008 plan with the changes. It worked out to about $200 in savings. We don't care about the appetizers. So I'm on the fence about using it again. I could save $200, but it might be worth spending the extra money for more flexibility with what we can order. I did like having it prepaid, but I figure I can save up the same amount of money beforehand and have it sitting in my bank account to pay off the credit card when I get home.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Just checking back in. Actually have some bad news - we're not going to be able to go in 2009. So my name can be taken off the list whenever its updated again. Hope you all have wonderful trips and hopefully we'll get there again someday.

 

[Micka Mouse]

I'm so sorry that you're not going! I hope everything is well . I'll send some pixie dust your way, just in case!!!!!!!

 

[POOHLUV69]

We'll probably do the DDP again too. DS will be 11 when we go, I can barely keep up with feeding him now! He'll finish his sister's leftovers and I won't have to hear him complain he's hungry. Last year I really should have upgraded him to an adult, because the children's portions were just too small. We ended up giving him food off of our plates. Anyway, I figure if we can work in a few more buffets, cost wise we should come out ahead. If you do $40/day/person you come out slightly ahead with the DDP.

 

[POOHLUV69]

Just checking back in. Actually have some bad news - we're not going to be able to go in 2009. So my name can be taken off the list whenever its updated again. Hope you all have wonderful trips and hopefully we'll get there again someday.

How can this be . 2009 is still awhile away, hopeful things will work out and you'll be able to go .

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks Micka Mouse and POOHLUV69 for your replies. This is way off topic so forgive me but I've had to make some big decisions lately regarding my marriage. Its not working and neither is my DH (sorry weird humor). So not going to disney is upsetting but at this point its the least of my worries. I'll take all the pixie dust I can - thank you!

 

[DizneeMommy]

Thanks Micka Mouse and POOHLUV69 for your replies. This is way off topic so forgive me but I've had to make some big decisions lately regarding my marriage. Its not working and neither is my DH (sorry weird humor). So not going to disney is upsetting but at this point its the least of my worries. I'll take all the pixie dust I can - thank you!

and prayers to you!

Oh, and forgot this !

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Thanks Micka Mouse and POOHLUV69 for your replies. This is way off topic so forgive me but I've had to make some big decisions lately regarding my marriage. Its not working and neither is my DH (sorry weird humor). So not going to disney is upsetting but at this point its the least of my worries. I'll take all the pixie dust I can - thank you!

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope everything works out for you.