2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[AngelBabyJana]

That is right everyone gets a key card. It must have all the dining info on the cards (we didn't do dining plan so I am not sure). If you leave a cc at the front desk you can also charge things to the cards (i didn't do that WAY to easy for me to over spend) Last year my youngest loved to get his card from me at the end of the day to open the room.
What better place to ask questions than here? Last year was my first trip and I have a million questions and spent hours searching this site, reading three guide books (passporter is my fave).
Now for next year I am still searching this site and reading guide books and learning all kinds of things. We have duped this trip "Once in lifetime trip part II"

On a side note I broke down and just bought our plane tickets for our trip. $800 more than what I had originally planned for (big OUCH!!) and it is taking us 16 1/2 hours to get home, but only 11 to get to disneyworld. I have cut a day out of vacation (but right now that is from visiting relatives, sorry Aunt Pam).
After getting through this shock I am starting to realize that I AM GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!

Thanks so much for answering my question. That is great - the kids will love having their own cards - and my oldest won't have to stay with my sister all the time. Since it is our first time going, we are going to do the deluxe dining - we have alot of signature meals that we want to try, so that was the best way to go. I definitely don't want to attach a credit card to the rooms - I am putting all three rooms on my credit card, then my sister is giving me her half of the money ..... but 11 people all with access to my credit card, any idea what kind of damage they could do? lol

That is awesome that you are getting to plan "another" once in a lifetime trip. Yay!!!! Sorry that your flights were so high though - I am dreading purchasing our airline tickets next month (wondering if I should wait and hope they go down some, or snag them before they go up, hmmmm). Anyway, at least our fight is only 3 1/2 hours ..... I couldn't image spending 16 1/2 hours on the plane with kids.

 

[sandym718]

Just popping in here to say Hi! I haven't posted in quite awhile. Nothing new planning-wise going on here, and the weather's been great, so I haven't been online as much. I'm eagerly awaiting package and DDP info for 2009. Still pondering several restaurants - it's so hard to choose!! Half of me wishes we could splurge on the Deluxe Plan and do ALL the ones we're interested in, but the rest of me knows we would never want to spend that much time in sit-down restaurants, either!! Regular plan it will be, so I've got to get it figured out. Our 180 day mark is November 3rd I think, I sure hope they get back on track with getting park hours posted!

 

[debsters41]

On a side note I broke down and just bought our plane tickets for our trip. $800 more than what I had originally planned for (big OUCH!!) and it is taking us 16 1/2 hours to get home, but only 11 to get to disneyworld. I have cut a day out of vacation (but right now that is from visiting relatives, sorry Aunt Pam).
After getting through this shock I am starting to realize that I AM GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!! [/QUOTE]

on booking your tickets! I am also sitting on pins and needles waiting for the package pricing AND airfare pricing for August 2009. I can't buy air until November so I am hoping that prices will stop increasing by then!!! Happy planning everyone!

 

[AngelBabyJana]

Just popping in here to say Hi! I haven't posted in quite awhile. Nothing new planning-wise going on here, and the weather's been great, so I haven't been online as much. I'm eagerly awaiting package and DDP info for 2009. Still pondering several restaurants - it's so hard to choose!! Half of me wishes we could splurge on the Deluxe Plan and do ALL the ones we're interested in, but the rest of me knows we would never want to spend that much time in sit-down restaurants, either!! Regular plan it will be, so I've got to get it figured out. Our 180 day mark is November 3rd I think, I sure hope they get back on track with getting park hours posted!

Hi there! Looks like we will be there at the same time! It really is hard choosing ADR's, especially if your like me and would like to try them all, lol. I still need to go through our list & narrow them down. I guess I have until November to think about it.

The hardest part for me is deciding what park to go to on what day (we are going to have park hoppers, but you still have to have a general idea in order to know where to make the ADR's at). I don't know why, I just can't get the days figured out. I also wanted several "free days" since my oldest wants to go horseback riding - then we want to plan a girls day for the Bibbity Boppity Boutique & The Princess Tea Party. Everytime I think I have a schedule worked out ..... it just seems so "busy."

 

[pixidust princess]

HI I use Photo pass on our trip in Sept 2006, it was wonderful. Our daughter got proposed to Cindys all the proprosal picture where put on the Photo Pass, they even provided a photographer What do you use for WDW binder, and what kinds of info do you keep in it?? Thanks for the info

I have read some threads about making a disney binder. not sure on what thread through. For my binder, I am just buying one at walmart and decorating it with some disney stickers we have around the house.
These are some of the sections I have decided on so far:
1. Dining Ideas and reservations
2. A section for each park touring plan
3. A packing list, including one master, one for each person, and one for just our vaction home items
4. One section for tentative ideas, such as neat stuff I read here on the
DIS
5. A section for budgeting information
6. A section for our Sea World day
7. A section for photo opportunities, character spots, and photopass information

These are what I have so far. I want to get better at using Excel and try to make some spreadsheets. I think planning is so much fun! Hope this was helpful!

 

[pixidust princess]

What dates are you going? We are going Sept. 12-22 and staying at POP.

I loved Photopass. It is just DH and I so we were able to get pictures of both of us. I think I ended up with around 100 pictures and I bought the CD when I got home so that I would have them forever. I also got the photopass movie which is also great.

We are going October 3-10. We are staying at Mickey's Condo in Windsor Hills. This will be my first time off site, but I am looking forward to the new adventure. There is 10 of us going, which includes me, dh, ds 8, ds 5, MIL and FIL, SIL, her BF, and my nephew, and my mom. I can't wait to get everybody together and celebrate our family!

I am excited to use photopass this trip. I think we will get some great pictures to remember our trip!

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Thanks so much for answering my question. That is great - the kids will love having their own cards - and my oldest won't have to stay with my sister all the time. Since it is our first time going, we are going to do the deluxe dining - we have alot of signature meals that we want to try, so that was the best way to go. I definitely don't want to attach a credit card to the rooms - I am putting all three rooms on my credit card, then my sister is giving me her half of the money ..... but 11 people all with access to my credit card, any idea what kind of damage they could do? lol

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.

 

[toledo13]

Congrats!!! Looks like we may be at POP at the same time. What are your exact dates?

We've decided on Sept 16-22 (a Wed. through Tues). We've never been in September- only October, December, and Feb. Hopefully we don't die of heat exaustion!!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

We've decided on Sept 16-22 (a Wed. through Tues). We've never been in September- only October, December, and Feb. Hopefully we don't die of heat exaustion!!

We will be there at the same time! We are going Sept. 12-22nd.

I plan on decorating our window so maybe you will see it.

 

[POOHLUV69]

Hi fellow 2009'ers. Havent been around in awhile, just soo much going on here. Anyway, nothing new to report on the planning part of our vacation, just worrying about the economy and gas and what next year will be like

It's a little sad in our house today , a year ago today we were getting ready to leave for WDW. It's amazing how quicky the year has flown by, and what a strange and crazy year it has been for us. On the bright side, packages for 2009 should be out in less than 60 days .

 

[Golfing Goofy]

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"!

Oh that is so good to know!! I was just imagining my kids accidently buying stuff on the room card instead of their gift cards...They always save their money and buy a gift card before we go to DL. Then, they can buy goodies and toys whenever they feel like it. When they buy something at DLR, the CM will tell them how much they have left on their gift card. Can you imagine them buying a toy and then being told, "the card has no limit."

The room cards at DL cannot be attatched to the Credit Card. You get a seperate charge slip... not as efficient as WDW.

 

[Couturier]

That I found you guys! We are planning a trip Feb 22nd 2009, and I thought I was the only one planning so far in advance, lol.

I cant wait to hear all about everyones planning! I hope they are not late with the 2009 packages! I am about going crazy! LOL

We will be at the POP again this year!

Dana

 

[2poohbears]

Question for those staying at POP - how are the buses there? Have you had long waits or do you find they run fairly well?

 

[arkansas mom]

Since we've had so many additions and changes lately (and we're sure to have lots more as '09 gets closer ) I'm afraid that I might miss a post with new dates or changes. So, to be sure I get your info, send me a PM with your info after you post. I'll be waiting!...



This should be current and somewhat accurate. If I'm wrong about your name/dates/resort or if you want to change something or if you just want to say hi, PM me!



Jan '09
pigletforever--Dec.31-Jan. 12--AKL
candizfan--Jan. 1-10--SSR
Catkar--Jan. 5-12--Poly
laurainsem--Jan. 5-12
Iggipolka--Jan. 7-15--WDW Marathon
DISNEYRIFFIC--Jan. 15-24--CSR
mattsmom2000--Jan. 17-24--AsSports
Northern Disney Girl--Jan. 19-29--POFQ
nikkers--Jan. 21-29--AsM
CJN--Jan. 21-31--Swan and Orange Lake North Village
mickey0930--Jan. 24-29
bunkkinsmom--Jan. 25-31--OKW
hroyale--Jan. 25-31--AKL
Wildflowerz--SSR
Mom2apriate&princess--SOG
My2Angels
tink52937
DiznEeyore
mom2taylorandemily
missmunn52
disneyquilter
danceintherain
luvmickey
I Believe n Fairies
Pakey
Mickey1974
bunnysmum
hroyale
mommy2aprincess4
TaraZ
danceintherain--DisneyMoon!


Feb '09
GeminiAngel--Feb. 3-10--ASMo
2poohbears--Feb. 21-March 1--ASMo
MrsKreamer--Feb. 22-28--Pop
Couturier--Feb. 22-29--Pop
disneygal 2007--Feb. 23-March 6--DH's Welcome Home from Kuwait Trip!
Mrs Hobbes--AKV
Brave teacher
dpwright
dannyandkristi
stacym

March '09
katiedid36--March 1-7--Pop
ty&brenmom--March 5-16--ASMo
DISNEYmooner2008--March 13-20
candizfan--March 14-21--Disney Magic
BkrsLoveDis!--March 14-21--POFQ
traceyr13--March 14-21--POR
bluetmg--March 21-26--BC
alaina1085--AKL
Mom2Brooke--Poly
Stitchfans--ASMo
swimgalsmom
fluke703
Golfing Goofy
emilyclaire
aeronboy

April '09
KNovacovschi--April 5-12--Pop
2princesscuties--April 19-26
mom2kazkids--April 27-May 8--Poly
DISNEYLOVER70--April 30-May 7--Pop
terri01p--FW
Mom2Evie--ASMu
torian--Poly
jeremysdisneymom--AKL
3gr8kids
lucky978
3gr8kids
crostorfer
heavenleigh412
Sanibel Spirit

May '09
sandym718--May 1-8--Poly
always learning--May 1-4--POR
AngelBabyJana--May 2-10--Pop
Nanabug02--May 16-25--WL
disneyqt--May 16-24--Pop
DisneyMOM09--May 23-30--POFQ
arkansas mom--May 31-June 12--Pop
rentayenta--Poly
darthtatty--CR
jamstew--VWL
Boncho--Pop
LizAgna
danceintherain
misricsmith
eacatwork
dbarker
wvnative


June '09
Tinkfan10--June 1-11--POR
catbertdave99--June 6-16--CBR
dragitoff--June 6-13--Windsor Hills
Shifletjl--June 9-17--Windsor Hills
2ScottishPrincesses--June 27-July 11--Poly & BC
DizneeMommy--Pop
Blythep--Wonder/Pop
organizedmom75--AsMu
pooh2001
CinderellasSister
flea1267
Magalex
mapmakerj
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva
hockeymom2boys
lovingmy2boys
ilovetheworld
lmillercrew
RockNGirl26

July '09
maxiesmom--July 2-5
Micka Mouse--July 7-13--Pop
garada3--July 18-Aug. 1
Nurse Mommy4--July 18- Aug. 1
pixiesrule--July 20-26--WL
bennythepug--July 25-Aug.1--ASMu Suites/Windsor Townhome
luvpalmtrees--CBR
wlfans--BC
raestr
FizBan257
ctjsowens

Aug '09
POOHLUV69--August 4-14--CBR
aussieinvasion--August 25-Sept. 5--WL/BWI
DisneyMommyMichelle--August 28-Sept. 6--Wonder/Pop
gwcollins71--Pop
mrsmoore--WL then Disney Magic
tinkercat
foltzy
kitkat324
DT83097
Llist
debsters41
stawes
PADISFAM

Sept '09
TyRy--Sept. 12-22--DVC
Mrs Grumpy--Sept.12-22--POP
toledo13--Sept. 16-22--Pop
Bellybee--Sept. 17-30--Pop
katieloubear--Sept 18-27
thelittlemermaid--Sept. 20-27--ASMu
JadeOfTheJungle--AKL
ChicagoMommy2Two--ASMu
mommyluvsnoah--BC and Poly or WL
momof3littlelilos--BCV
splah--POR
sassypatty
Jrabbit910
avic77
rbramblett
Grace and Mickey

Oct '09
pixidust princess--Oct. 3-10--Windsor Hills
tikkipoo-- Oct. 17-24--POR
mrsscooter--Oct. 24- Nov. 7--Ft. Wilderness
Nanb--Oct. 25-Nov 1--AKL
mickey2minnie1--Poly
golden1--WLV
wildfan1473--Ft. Wilderness
daisy 77--Poly or WL
Lovemy3babes
DisneyGuess

Nov '09
Skippy24--Nov. 7-15--Poly
CJsMom--Nov. 26-Dec.5--Pop and POR
Donald-my hero--Nov 30-Dec. 14--POR--25th Anniversary trip!
yrdlyprincess--CBR/WL
fwdtraveler
WantToGoNow
Bride In The Attic
lovelykccat

Dec '09
always learning--Dec. 6-12--Pop
exwdwcm--Dec. 11-20--WL
raider97--Dec. 17-25--POR
CANDICE--Dec. 28-Jan. 4--WL
phisigprincess
svalencia1
Disneenut
nemofans
Ozdisney
kupperman
Piglets Mommy
CANDICE


PM me with your info, and I'll update the list!

 

[arkansas mom]

Question for those staying at POP - how are the buses there? Have you had long waits or do you find they run fairly well?

Both!
Generally they run well. but there are times that you have to wait--I've waited as long as 20 minutes. But you have to take into account that I had probably just missed the previous bus. It's not as if they only send a bus every 30 minutes. Occassionally the line will be so long, you don't make it on to the bus before it gets full. On those busy days, they send busses more frequently so it all works out.
Now don't get me started on how far the Pop bus stops are at most of the parks!

 

[Couturier]

Both!
Generally they run well. but there are times that you have to wait--I've waited as long as 20 minutes. But you have to take into account that I had probably just missed the previous bus. It's not as if they only send a bus every 30 minutes. Occassionally the line will be so long, you don't make it on to the bus before it gets full. On those busy days, they send busses more frequently so it all works out.
Now don't get me started on how far the Pop bus stops are at most of the parks!

I agree, we never really had a wait when we went last time, maybe 10 or 15 mins. But it wasnt to bad, but boy it was a long walk to the pop stop at most of the parks. We were REALLY glad to have brought our own stroller so we had it to push atleast 1 child to the finish line!

Are you going during a busy time? If you are it will be a bit longer of a wait I am sure.

Dana

 

[Couturier]

Question for those staying at POP - how are the buses there? Have you had long waits or do you find they run fairly well?

OHH, I just looked and if you stay at POP you will be there the same time as we will!

Dana

 

[tikkipoo]

That's the funny thing with they bus system. We stay at POR and, as you have heard, the bus system is much to be desired... although, we never had some of the nightmares that others of had. But then you take POP, everyone says their busses are great... And then we went to the Boardwalk one day, and it took 45 minutes for a bus...any bus to show up. You would figure more $=more busses... Just not so!

 

[2poohbears]

OHH, I just looked and if you stay at POP you will be there the same time as we will!

Dana

We're staying at ASMovies for this trip, because the boys love it so much. I'm hoping for the next one maybe we could try POP. One reason is that I've heard they don't get as many "groups" there as the other values. My friends were at ASMovies this year during Mardi Gras and they had a terrible time with a young group from another country (I think Argentina?) - apparently they had a huge group and only 2 adult chaperones...very noisy, cut in line for buses and at the food court. No one on staff seemed to say anything to stop them. The people staying near them said they couldn't even sleep at night for all the noise. The ASMovies manager told them generally the groups are booked at ASSports and ASMusic, then overflow goes to ASMovies. POP would be last to get them. This one group must have been really bad, because the manager at ASMovies ended up comping my friends, and the others, each one of their nights' stay after so many complaints. I'm just hoping we don't have this problem when we go in 2009.

 

[tikkipoo]

I say public floggings for all that cut in lines.