And these are the {Resort} Changes of our Lives ~In Memory of JungleCruiser <3

[DetTigsGal]

Ok, we always stay at the Marriott Wharf. First time, because my son who is now almost 20 was 4 and we were going to the aquarium and every year after because we liked it there. It is on the dock with the aquarium and whale watching boats, there is also a T stop right there. The North End is a couple blocks away and Quincy market is across the street. Even when we did things in other parts of town, we always stay there .

Happy planning~
Cynthia

 

[jennyjinx3]

Unfortunately, I am not much help in the hotel area....we are under an hour away so we do alot of day trips to Boston. (I was also born there and lived there the first 8 years of my life before moving to NH )

But, the duck tour is soooo much fun. A great way to see the city for sure. We love the science museum and the aquarium! Within walking distance to the aquarium is Faneuil Hall, so you'd be able to walk over there and check out the shops and performers and soak in all the history of that area. Also, if you like seafood, Legal Seafood is right next door to the aquarium too....YUM.

I thought you might chime in..thanks! Yes we love seafood...that will be a must do! I heard the pizza is good too?? I want to do the duck tour too, have you done any whale watching? THanks for the tips!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Ok, we always stay at the Marriott Wharf. First time, because my son who is now almost 20 was 4 and we were going to the aquarium and every year after because we liked it there. It is on the dock with the aquarium and whale watching boats, there is also a T stop right there. The North End is a couple blocks away and Quincy market is across the street. Even when we did things in other parts of town, we always stay there .

Happy planning~
Cynthia

Yes, that looks like an amazing spot. Right near everything. Sadly it is a little out of our budget though. I came up with $579 a night! I take it T stop means subway right??

 

[Mousemommy1]

I thought you might chime in..thanks! Yes we love seafood...that will be a must do! I heard the pizza is good too?? I want to do the duck tour too, have you done any whale watching? THanks for the tips!!

I haven't done whale watching out of Boston...we do it off of the NH seacoast, which is also only 45 minutes away, in another direction...so I'm not sure who to use in Boston...

My favorite pizza in faneuil hall is from Pizzeria Regina....mmmmmmm.......
and there is this cookie place that my kids LOVE...they get a bag of cookies and then plant themselves on the sidewalk and watch the world walk by...they love it!

 

[jennyjinx3]

I haven't done whale watching out of Boston...we do it off of the NH seacoast, which is also only 45 minutes away, in another direction...so I'm not sure who to use in Boston...

My favorite pizza in faneuil hall is from Pizzeria Regina....mmmmmmm.......
and there is this cookie place that my kids LOVE...they get a bag of cookies and then plant themselves on the sidewalk and watch the world walk by...they love it!

This sounds like it would be right up my DD's alley...name please??

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Why can't I make a single definitive decision for my upcoming trip!? I have changed my reservation 3 times in the last 4 wks, and I still dont have the room I wanted, but I'm getting closer! My sister is tagging along with my family of 4 and the resorts seem limited for 5+. As of now, we're staying at POR, but now I'm considering Wyndham Bonnet Creek if I can't get a room in the Spring discount category at POR. WWYD?

The reasons I wanted to stay onsite are kinda going out the window! Extra Hours...am I really REALLY going to be lugging my 6 yr old around the MK at 1AM? Dining Plan...after looking at menus some table svc restaurants that I wanted to try, I don't think my 16 yr old is going to do more than pick at a roll or something and $55 is a little much for a roll

My DH doesn't want to hear anything about Disney unless HE asks the question, and he said he'll ask where we're staying once we arrive in Orlando!

Does WBC feel detached from WDW or is it just the same if I'm not doing meal plans and dragging my sleeping kiddo through the parks after hours?

I am one of the few on this thread who does stay offsite. A lot of my trips are longer than average so it makes financial sense to do a combination of onsite and offsite. My Jan trip was 9 days onsite and 2 weeks offsite. All of my offsite stays have been in timeshares. Nov 2011 I spent a week at WBC and loved it there. I had a lovely one bedroom with a beautiful water view of both the lake and one of the pools. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. I had decided to not rent a car and just use their shuttle service and that might be the only thing I would change if I stay again. Using their shuttle would be fine if you wanted to stay in the parks all day but I'm really a pool person. The service was fine in the morning and evening but it stop running for about 3 hours mid day .... just when I would want to go back to the resort for a little pool time. I did make it work but it just wasn't as convenient as having my own car would have been. Any other questions .... ask away.

 

[Mousemommy1]

This sounds like it would be right up my DD's alley...name please??

Had to Google it...it's called The Boston Chipyard....

 

[DetTigsGal]

Yes, that looks like an amazing spot. Right near everything. Sadly it is a little out of our budget though. I came up with $579 a night! I take it T stop means subway right??

Wow, something must be going on at that time or maybe just the summer, we have never paid that much, but we usually go in May.

We also like Pizzeria Regina and if you are into cannolis, we prefer Modern over Mikes both on Hanover St.

 

[DetTigsGal]

Also, we like Boston Chowda Company for chowder. We have taken the duck tour a couple of times and enjoyed it, pick it up at the Prudential Center and have reservations. Museum of science is a blast, make sure you go to the electricity show.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Ok, chime in on our boston trip. Here are our two hotel options.

Omni Parker :2 nights, 2 bed + sofa bed, $660.00 (extra $45 per night parking, have to take cabs or public trans. everywhere, which is ok)

Best Western Roundhouse suites : 2 nights, 2 beds +sofa bed, $390 . (free parking, free shuttle, free continental brfst)

The Best Western is not in as nice an area, but the shuttle will take you to a closer subway stop to downtown and we could still take the subway and spend the day in the city.

Any thoughts? I don't want to be super cheap, but could use that extra money for stuff to do while there. Also, considering whale watching...but I was very seasick when we did whale watching in Vancouver one year and am scared of that again! We will probably do the kids museum, science museum, aquarium, maybe duck tour??

Any thoughts ladies who know Boston??

I do have to think of our funds for DIsney!!

THX

Jen

When you say "is not in as nice an area" how much not nicer is it? If you don't feel safe there, I would stay at the other hotel. If you do feel it's safe, then save the money.

I'm not sure about whale watching, as I have never been and am too scared to go. I watched the movie Orca when I was a kid, and watching the Shamu show at Sea World San Antonio was terrifying for me. Before the first show we watched (on our honeymoon) the DH wanted to take my picture in front of the tank. I walked up to it, looked down and saw one of the whales swimming down deep. The sight of the whale, and the realization of how deep the water was, almost made me pass out. Unless it was like a battleship size boat, I don't think I could handle whale watching from a boat in the same water they are in.

I'm still tossing the idea around about upgrading. Maybe if I did the numbers for the DH and they make sense to do it. He's all about the numbers anyway.

Well I'm off to find something to distract me. My nephew's school is on "external lock down". There is an escaped convict that is rumored to be running that way, so they lock down all of the schools. The schools my boys are in are further out, and so far, have not put them on lock down. Even though I am not talking to the bil, I knew he didn't get the phone alerts from the school like I do, so I was a good aunt and went and told him.

 

[basketlacey]

I am so far behind - how does this happen??

I am stopping to do some quoting before I catch up the rest of the way -

Unfortunately, we very much dislike Akershus.

Bad experience there...

I am thinking that we would replace it with a non character breakfast as even my kids find character meals to be of poor food quality, and chaotic, lol!

I disliked Akershus too. Just not a favorite at all and way overpriced for what you get. I have to say, my favorite part of the dining plan is not worrying what it costs. I think Akershus was the last character meal we paid oop for.

Hi Janet!

Thanks for asking, all the DD's are feeling good and going to school today! DD4 still has a cough but no more fever, thank goodness. All is well!

Well, I blurted out about our May trip last night to a co-worker. She knew about our Nov trip, and was shocked to hear we are going in May too. I tried explaining to DH that I feel awkward sometimes talking about our trips to certain friends. They are deeply in debt, and I can see the wheels turning about how we can afford it. I tried to downplay it all. I know, I should be proud of the fact that we can do this, but it is hard when people are giving you their silent disapproval.

OH WELL!! We are excited...!

Have a great day all!

Jen

My boss does this! Didn't you just go to Disney? uh, yeah, that was last year! Its not about the time off, just a comment on the destination.

It's gotten to be the same way with my family and hub's, too. Last trip, we didn't tell anyone... going to be the same with the next one, too, I think. Just not worth the bother of having to explain or lessen our excitement for their sake. That's why I love you guys! We all just "get it"...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My main computer is borked so I'm playing "dork tech" today and removing bits from the motherboard to see where the problem is... <--- Maybe I should just spill some coffee inside so I can get a new one? Better yet, one of those Adult Dole Whips? Although I might electrocute myself whilst slurping it out of the PC innards.

OMG - you are taking apart your computer??? And yes - wish I was going for F&G so I could try an adult dole whip - YUM

Hello. My name is Heather. I have a can't make up my mind about where to stay problem. It's been 3 hours since the last time I looked up my options on the the WDW site. My problem started in 2011, when I started at ASSp, changed to POFQ and somehow ended up staying at BC CL.

This time, I am torn between my love of BC and my love of a $ well spent. My mind says BC or BCV but my wallet says not. I keep waffling back and forth between "screw it. let's go big" and "we can do x, y, z and not sweat the $$ if we stay somewhere more budget friendly". Add to it that we are thinking of bringing a set of Gparents to keep us company and help with our herd of little people.

We travel in Autumn 2013 and I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of resort rallying before we get on the plane.

screw it! Actually we have always had fun no matter where we stayed (although not sure I want to stay off site again). Welcome! I am the one that always falls behind reading and posting LOL

I do like the extra room, especially two bathrooms.

This is my problem. I love it so much, I can justify not having the extra room. Plus there is the ability to take the boat, which my entire family loves.

That's my main issues. I love the extra room and bathroom of the AoA suites. JM liked the look of the pool and the FN suite. However, I love the WL. I love the lobby, the walk to the boat, the boat rides. Plus JM really wanted to have room service one morning for breakfast. True we could eat in our suite at AoA, but we would have to go and get it first. Plus, this will be our last trip to WDW for a while. I just keep hearing in my head "Do you really want to stay at a value for your last WDW trip for a while if you can afford the WL." This would be way easier if I could get the same amount of space at the WL for the AoA suite price.

I think we would love two bathrooms too. And actually, DH and I would love having a room with a door!

I get hopelessly behind in posting here nowadays and I'm afraid to just post and run without the multi-quoting madness this great thread deserves. But I'm lurking often and enjoying everyone's changes both real and imagined.

I'm still booked in those woods at the far end of Bay Lake. I'm looking past Discovery Island at this:

I don't know what came over me. My mind was SET on FWC and still sort of is. I've always wanted to try it, but Our Dear Jungle Cruiser Sarah keeps telling me, as she always did, that I just wouldn't be happy there. But, DD and DH LOVE CR and it's a known entity and they're happy to move - or not. UGH.

FWC is the pragmatic choice given the additional spring break overcharge and DH and I have our own room (albeit a double bed and bunks). I love FW, but maybe not so much staying there? And then there's my little issue with not having a gym there... DH and DD have given up on me and have left it up to me. DH keeps asking if I've changed yet. I'm thinking out loud, aren't I?

WWY(all)D?

I lurk too when I am too busy to post! Then I forget everything I want to comment on! I think the cabins look fun! But I would want the golf cart and that makes them almost as pricey as a deluxe!

So DH and I just told the girls that we are talking about this camping trip, we reminded them of the 'challenges' for us the last time. We told them we were going to write up a list of rules that they had to follow (basic safety rules...not overly oppressive) and then they had to sign it to agree.

I reminded the older two that they are learning a lot about camping in Girl Guides and wouldn't it be nice be some of those skills to use? And I also reminded them that this may be the last time DH tries tent camping again. So I hope this will help them realize that fun can be had....but they have to play their part.

July is far away, but I thought never too early to put some things in their mind. DD4 was cute though. She said "So we put our names on a form if we be good, and we put our names on anudder form if we be bad??"

Kids....

LOVE that - soo stinkin' cute!

I hear ya! Staying at the WL (on CL, no less) was my idea of camping.

I'm not so good with nature.

 

[letthewookiewin]

I am so far behind - how does this happen??

On this thread, it is so easy.

I think we would love two bathrooms too. And actually, DH and I would love having a room with a door!

I would love both two bathrooms and a door with a room. Now if I could only afford that at the BCV right now.

 

[jennyjinx3]

When you say "is not in as nice an area" how much not nicer is it? If you don't feel safe there, I would stay at the other hotel. If you do feel it's safe, then save the money.

Well, from images on the computer, it kind of looks like we could be at a hotel here....just down the street near a McDonald's, if you know what I mean. Just in an ordinary area with Joe Blow's construction office next door.

The other hotel is in a very historic area, and it seems as though we could just take a walk out the door and go exploring. It looks like we are in another city....and getting a real feel for it maybe? I don't know, we are going to decide tonight.

Thanks Wookie, you have me thinking again!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

I think we would love two bathrooms too. And actually, DH and I would love having a room with a door!

Yes it would be nice wouldn't it??

 

[Janet B]

Why can't I make a single definitive decision for my upcoming trip!? I have changed my reservation 3 times in the last 4 wks, and I still dont have the room I wanted, but I'm getting closer! My sister is tagging along with my family of 4 and the resorts seem limited for 5+. As of now, we're staying at POR, but now I'm considering Wyndham Bonnet Creek if I can't get a room in the Spring discount category at POR. WWYD?

The reasons I wanted to stay onsite are kinda going out the window! Extra Hours...am I really REALLY going to be lugging my 6 yr old around the MK at 1AM? Dining Plan...after looking at menus some table svc restaurants that I wanted to try, I don't think my 16 yr old is going to do more than pick at a roll or something and $55 is a little much for a roll

My DH doesn't want to hear anything about Disney unless HE asks the question, and he said he'll ask where we're staying once we arrive in Orlando!

Does WBC feel detached from WDW or is it just the same if I'm not doing meal plans and dragging my sleeping kiddo through the parks after hours?

Hi fiveofus!

Welcome to our RC thread... If I counted correctly, you are going over Memorial day weekend (just mentioning as the rates go up slightly on the weekend)...A few questions, is your sister over 17? Then you have to factor in the extra adult fee in your calculations. Will you have a car? If not agree with Pas130 to forego offsite without one (also you must pay for parking when staying offsite unless an AP holder, approx $15/day).

Another suggestion, that I didn't see mentioned is that if you are not adverse to the values, you could get 2 connecting rooms which gives you more space, 2 bathrooms, 4 beds. Two value rooms (standard) will not be much more than a room at POR (depending on the booking category and if you have to pay the extra adult fee). Mods are considered large and spread out (exception FQ) and that might matter to you with your 6 year old.

Do you like to be in the parks more? Is a water slide important? EMH is nice, perhaps your sister and 16 year old will want to take advantage and your 6 year old may surprise you…my DD at 7 held up quite well the first time we went…. Agree with Wookie that staying on site is more convenient to going back/forth to the rooms during the day...and with your 6 year old might be prove to be good. The weather is sure to be hot and humid!

You may be aware that Disney is also offering a package promo that gives you a discount on the park tix as well as the room (option to add the DP).
Do you want to do a few character meals? Looking at your ADR possibilities should help determine whether or not its best to add this on.

AoA suites...less of a discount (15%) and defintely more $$ but do fit all 5 of you with no extra adult fee...

Ft Wilderness cabins sleep 6… discounted 25% and no extra adult fee, but still more than a room at POR Riverside with the discount. But you do get the kitchen as an option prepare some meals.

We had a similar situation last year, 4 adults and a child … and after looking at options, went with 2 rooms at POP. We wanted the extra space and with other concerns in the mix (my sis and I were treating our 2 nieces) it made the most sense plus we really like POP!

Many possibilities to consider .... Happy RCing!!

Waving Hello to all my RC Peeps!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

Well, from images on the computer, it kind of looks like we could be at a hotel here....just down the street near a McDonald's, if you know what I mean. Just in an ordinary area with Joe Blow's construction office next door.

The other hotel is in a very historic area, and it seems as though we could just take a walk out the door and go exploring. It looks like we are in another city....and getting a real feel for it maybe? I don't know, we are going to decide tonight.

Well, if the one in the historic area is in the budget, I would do that one. My sister's law firm had renting a bunch of rooms at a historic Fort Worth hotel, close to the courthouse while their case was at trial. Well, the case closed earlier than they thought, and the hotel refused to give their money back. My sister, being awesome as she is, offered us a couple of rooms for the weekend. We didn't take the kids, since the hotel has no pool, and we had a night out by ourselves. It was so cool to stay at such a historic hotel, and be right in the downtown area. We were able to just walk out and explore. The hotel we stayed at, was the same hotel JFK stayed in the night before he was assassinated. If that's the kind of thing you could do with the more expensive hotel, and it wasn't a budget buster, I say go for it.

Thanks Wookie, you have me thinking again!!

uh-oh

 

[Missoutandabout]

At home today with a sick kiddo. (Bronchitis per the doc coupled with her normal cold-induced asthma.) She cried when I told her I was keeping her home from school. I'm not really sure she's my child?

Hugs to my RC pals.

 

[basketlacey]

How adorable this is cutie!!!!

OMG how cute is that puppy??? Love him Linda! Thanks for posting Christine!

Beautiful, hahahahahaha

Love the snow pics! Has any of it melted yet? That is more snow that I can even imagine. Our schools were closed two weeks ago for an inch (it was ice but still....)

Wookie: My was omitted from the previous reply. That's all for BC, by the way. Because I can't do that enough for BC. Did you ever find a way to get the DisBoards app on your Kindle?


~~------------------------~~

So, what do you experts think about kids at California Grill? (Sorta related, Miss M had a really nice time at Bluezoo.) I might-maybe try for an ADR at CG on our arrival night.

We saw lots of kids at CG during our last trip. We were kidless because mine decided they wanted to go to MK while dh and I ate dinner. What? You want Daddy and I to have a romantic dinner all by ourselves? You prefer to eat at Columbia Harbor House? Seriously? I mean, if you insist!

Here's what we've got planned.....3 night cruise to Bahamas on the Disney Dream...leaving 2/20/14....then, the parks 2/23/14-3/2/14 (resort TBD).

I think I may be putting the deposit on the cruise this week!!!!!

The cruise is DH requirement.

So happy for you. That sounds like a fabulous vacation! I am thinking about a cruise for this summer but it won't be Disney. So - on the APs do you get any kind of deal to renew them? Or would you just wait and buy new ones next year which would cover your 2014 and 2015 trips?

So I was playing around on other threads and happened to find this link for comparing using the DP and paying out of pocket. Here it is if anyone is interested.

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13605377727882

I can't get the link to work? But I want to play with it!

Why can't I make a single definitive decision for my upcoming trip!? I have changed my reservation 3 times in the last 4 wks, and I still dont have the room I wanted, but I'm getting closer! My sister is tagging along with my family of 4 and the resorts seem limited for 5+. As of now, we're staying at POR, but now I'm considering Wyndham Bonnet Creek if I can't get a room in the Spring discount category at POR. WWYD?

The reasons I wanted to stay onsite are kinda going out the window! Extra Hours...am I really REALLY going to be lugging my 6 yr old around the MK at 1AM? Dining Plan...after looking at menus some table svc restaurants that I wanted to try, I don't think my 16 yr old is going to do more than pick at a roll or something and $55 is a little much for a roll

My DH doesn't want to hear anything about Disney unless HE asks the question, and he said he'll ask where we're staying once we arrive in Orlando!

Does WBC feel detached from WDW or is it just the same if I'm not doing meal plans and dragging my sleeping kiddo through the parks after hours?

welcome! I probably wouldn't do offsite again but it isn't because we didn't have a blast when we were. I just like being totally immersed like MM said. We get on Magic Express and never have to drive etc. For us, that is true vacation since I feel like all we do is drive everywhere at home.

 

[babyberger]

At home today with a sick kiddo. (Bronchitis per the doc coupled with her normal cold-induced asthma.) She cried when I told her I was keeping her home from school. I'm not really sure she's my child?

Hugs to my RC pals.

OH NO!!! I hope she feels better soon!!!! As for school, don't worry one day she will cry that you are making her go

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Debrn]

Well, from images on the computer, it kind of looks like we could be at a hotel here....just down the street near a McDonald's, if you know what I mean. Just in an ordinary area with Joe Blow's construction office next door.

The other hotel is in a very historic area, and it seems as though we could just take a walk out the door and go exploring. It looks like we are in another city....and getting a real feel for it maybe? I don't know, we are going to decide tonight.

Thanks Wookie, you have me thinking again!!

Hi. I've stayed at the Omni it was very nice Ruth's Chris steak house there is amazing.. Some others the Lennox, the Fairmont Copley, Copley Place Marriott, Intercontinental,
North End is my favorite place to dine so many restaurants, and Mikes Pastry shoppe, The Oyster house is in fanueuil Hall very historic, the legal seafoods near aquarium is delic.,
Duck tour very good you can catch from Science museum or the Prudential.