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

[letthewookiewin]

I know. My dh is working at LAX, but no way in heck would I would back there. This is just temporary until we figure something else out or he gets called back to Phoenix. My salary would double in LA, but my mortgage would increase 6 times. It takes us 5 1/2 hours to drive drive to LA that includes a lunch stop. You have to time it to miss traffic of course.

July/August are brutal, but if you have a pool, and can afford to head to California for a break it's not bad at all. I think our weather is very similar to Florida minus humidity. May and June are hot, but tolerable, and the nights are beautiful. July and August unbearable. The rest of the year perfect. I really enjoy living here. There's not a lot to do other than play golf, but I have a lot of disposable income to leave town. My family in California can't even afford a day at Disneyland. I'm not sure why they stay there.

The summers here don't get Phoenix hot, but it's still too hot/humid for me.
My DH used to be a mortgage loan underwriter. He has been saying for years that the homes in CA are way over priced.

letthewookein - OMG. I cannot believe that the mods can't do anything about a PM like that. Unacceptable IMO. I'm sorry you were subjected to that.

Thanks. It bothered me for the longest time. Now I just feel sorry for the person to have that much anger over a thread on a message board.


GOOD MORNING RC'ERS!!!!
I'm not sure how much I'll be around today. I think I'm going to hang out with the DH at work. He's an appliance repair guy and the person he has been training, his sister's hubby, is riding with another one of the tech's today. I probably won't go into any of the houses with him, but will sit out in the car and work on the hat I'm knitting for a friend's daughter to go with the scarf I made her.
Y'all have a great day!!

 

[pas130]

They were so nasty that I sent copies to a mod. The mod said there was nothing they could do since it was done through a PM, even as nasty as the PMs were.

Some threads get ugly...that's why I stick with friends here...and friendly TRs...etc...people just go out of their way to be mean sometimes

Good luck with the raise. I forgot what a raise looks like. My compay has frozen raises for the last 4 years. I have to work more hours to make more money. My only other option would be to quit vacationing.

Yay for May

Nurses aren't getting raises anymore here either...state of hospitals/healthcare reimbursement...not looking good it'll change anytime soon...but I also would rather work more than cut the vacation budget

Three cheers for the rockin' Pas crew!! Way to go!!

I would love to do AKL, but is it really worth the extra $? I've currently paid up my POR stay, and it would be another $400 on top of that. Or should I just get some money back and stay at Pop?

derful, but depending on your room location...you may find yourself doing a lot of walking..at least at POR you do have an internal bus, and IMO Pop isn't a large resort...esp. if you get preferred

Jeanette: So, how's that new YC background? Have you changed it back yet?

I found a YC pic I like better

I think I may have talked myself into switching back from Akl to CSR.
I'm glad my invoices are coming by email and not snail mail this time around. I killed quite a few trees this past summer.

I was still getting invoices while I was away on my trip

Pas: Yes what is it with that? My kiddos also tell me they "don't act like this at school" and the teachers say they are great too.... Guess they are super comfortable with us and can just let it all out. Glad to hear your conferences went well.

I am glad they are good when they are not at home. But there are tmes I want to lock myself in my room and hide under the covers

Home and car unpacked. Kids sleeping!!! Now to switch gears and get DH ready for a whirlwind trip to LA tomorrow. His partner told him Friday night that they were going to talk to another company about a buyout. When I saw this man is crazy, I mean crazy.....they are flying from FLL to LAX at 7am, then taking a red eye back same day and landing in FLL at 6am Wed morning. Seriously!!!

Welcome back to real life Melissa.... February is not far away

No changes yet, but I don't think I'm done yet. I'm not feeling settled and Orbitz went and extended their sale. Now it even includes the second part of my trip.

Orbitz, huh.....

 

[pas130]

I hope our Sheila is having a fantastic time

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

I found a YC pic I like better

Orbitz, huh.....

There's no denying YC is a gorgeous place!

Yeah, Orbitz. Weird, right? But it's the only way I've been able to get any discounts for 12/30-1/2. They now are offering the same 15% off after 1/2 and the Disney hotels come up at there already discounted prices. You can stack this with 7.5% back from fat wallet. With all the deals stacked, I could get an AKV 1-BR at about 48% off!

Still holding strong with YC CL though.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Good morning! Been very busy around here, sorting out health issues and having workmen invade installing our new septic system. Been skimming the posts, not going to try to catch up, it's hopeless.

However, if I remember correctly our Grumpy Grandma said the reservation system was down in honor of her birthday...could it be today? If so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY , if it is not, then HAPPY DAY!!!

Thinking about Shelia, hope she is having a wonderful time!

I see people have been floating around dates for WDW trips. Let me know if you want to be added to the RC trip list!

Haven't said much about our upcoming trip, health issues have put it in jeopardy, but the good news is it is ON!!! I am off the clinical trial (side effects too much) and am having outpatient surgery on Friday to deal with an issue. Both the surgeon and the oncologist said they can't see why I can't go to FL for a couple of weeks at the beginning of January, so life is good!

Off to finish my Christmas shopping

 

[pas130]

Good morning! Been very busy around here, sorting out health issues and having workmen invade installing our new septic system. Been skimming the posts, not going to try to catch up, it's hopeless.

However, if I remember correctly our Grumpy Grandma said the reservation system was down in honor of her birthday...could it be today? If so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY , if it is not, then HAPPY DAY!!!

Thinking about Shelia, hope she is having a wonderful time!

I see people have been floating around dates for WDW trips. Let me know if you want to be added to the RC trip list!

Haven't said much about our upcoming trip, health issues have put it in jeopardy, but the good news is it is ON!!! I am off the clinical trial (side effects too much) and am having outpatient surgery on Friday to deal with an issue. Both the surgeon and the oncologist said they can't see why I can't go to FL for a couple of weeks at the beginning of January, so life is good!

Off to finish my Christmas shopping

Oh Sarah and lots of on Friday....

Oh boy, was Mama Linda's Birthday yesterday or is it today...oh boy



Happy Birthday Mama Linda!!!!!!


And Miss janet is next......next week actually

 

[pas130]

There's no denying YC is a gorgeous place!

Yeah, Orbitz. Weird, right? But it's the only way I've been able to get any discounts for 12/30-1/2. They now are offering the same 15% off after 1/2 and the Disney hotels come up at there already discounted prices. You can stack this with 7.5% back from fat wallet. With all the deals stacked, I could get an AKV 1-BR at about 48% off!

Still holding strong with YC CL though.

Yeah, now I am browsing Orbitz AND Fat Wallet

And me thinks today is the day to change to YC CL...because the system is down of course.....48% off is a steal

 

[jennyjinx3]

Grumpy grandma: from me too!

Sarah: I am sorry you have to have a surgery, I hope it is nothing too serious.Does this have to do with the swallowing issue?

Jeanette: I sometimes lock myself in the bathroom!

I must go and look at Orbitz...anything for may there?

 

[Missoutandabout]

Good morning to all! Is everyone bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning?

to our Linda! Wishing you a brilliant and wonderful day.

Sarah: So happy your trip is on -- your doctors are spectacular. Enjoy the shopping.

Miss: How is your DD doing at Girl Scouts??

You have your girls in too, right? How often do they meet? Right now, Miss M's only going once a month. I guess it differs depending on the troop leader? They have their Daisy investiture ceremony tomorrow. I've just signed her up for soccer starting in the spring to go along with her swimming and contemplating a Spanish course after school because she sounded keen. I'm getting tired just thinking about it. You've got all three of your girls in dance? Is that an every-week thing?

I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow and finish up my mini TR

Hope you got some rest! How've you been feeling? Will your TR include more lovely pics?

Miss - Sorry to keep you chompin'. The least I can do is offer you a drink to help wash it down. I guess it had better be coffee since it's before 8am.

Staying strong on YC... that's what I like to hear!

Cawfee: The Mandatory Morning Beverage. Got my trough right here...

I probably won't go into any of the houses with him, but will sit out in the car and work on the hat I'm knitting for a friend's daughter to go with the scarf I made her.
Y'all have a great day!!

Was that the scarf you posted pics of? You have to regale us with pictures of the hat too.

I found a YC pic I like better

Orbitz, huh.....

I know! Now she's got me checking Orbitz. I'm not changing though, I'm just checking out my options...

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Alright, which one of you blew up Orbitz... None of the Disney hotels are showing up anymore for any dates?????

Sarah - I'm sorry you are having these health issues along with the septic stuff. I'm glad your trip is still on!

Happy Birthday Grumpy Grandma!!!

Jenny - The Orbitz code only goes through April 15th and the Disney discounts are the GP discount dates of Jan 2 - Mar 7 (I think?).

 

[babyberger]

Okay let me catch up with everyone before I finish up my mini TR and upload more pictures.

Linda – HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sarah – I am sorry to hear you have had some health setbacks I hope the surgery goes smoothly and you recover quickly so you can get to WDW. I’ll sneak back to the first page eventually and make sure you have my Feb trip correct (well as long as I don’t change it).

Miss – I think I am going to jump over to Orbitz and check it out as well Sounds like you are going to be a busy mama with all those activities for DD. We are actually backing off some of the activities, the kiddos just seem to need more downtime between school and homework. I am feeling ok, still a full blown cold, so tried, stuffy, and sore from the walking and sitting this weekend, but hanging in there. Oh and Sarah’s hair…it is a pain in the *** I have to detangle it every morning, but it does come out in the softest shiniest ringlets, we have no idea where she got it from.

Jeanette – I don’t like real life at all I have been to the grocery store and BJ’s this morning, but haven’t started the laundry yet. So I am lost, have you changed to YC or are you still at GF

Letthewookiein - I hope you get some knitting done today. I am sure you are just happy not be sitting in the bedroom all day. I still cant believe the mods took no action with the PM you received. Once again I just don’t understand some people I had to make the same call when we stayed at YC, that time it was the room right next to us, they were SOMETHING ELSE!

Janet – I hope you had a great weekend with SIL

Padawans – sounds like you had a great trip to DL! I am not in Miami but I can tell you the weather here in South Florida is BRUTAL! The humidity is sooo bad, you can literally cut through the air with a fork and knife The costs in Miami are pretty high as well. I am guessing if you are considering Miami or Dallas your hubby works for AA?

Candace – good luck tomorrow with the presentation. Did you have snow this weekend? I swear I saw pics on FB with snow up there, but I could be losing my mind, LOL!

Jen - I still havent started luandry yet, but I really need to. I love that you are already attached to the AG dolls!

I know I am missing many others, so HELLO!!!! I hope everyone is doing well

Melissa

 

[padawans]

Okay let me catch up with everyone before I finish up my mini TR and upload more pictures.

Linda – HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sarah – I am sorry to hear you have had some health setbacks I hope the surgery goes smoothly and you recover quickly so you can get to WDW. I’ll sneak back to the first page eventually and make sure you have my Feb trip correct (well as long as I don’t change it).

Miss – I think I am going to jump over to Orbitz and check it out as well Sounds like you are going to be a busy mama with all those activities for DD. We are actually backing off some of the activities, the kiddos just seem to need more downtime between school and homework. I am feeling ok, still a full blown cold, so tried, stuffy, and sore from the walking and sitting this weekend, but hanging in there. Oh and Sarah’s hair…it is a pain in the *** I have to detangle it every morning, but it does come out in the softest shiniest ringlets, we have no idea where she got it from.

Jeanette – I don’t like real life at all I have been to the grocery store and BJ’s this morning, but haven’t started the laundry yet. So I am lost, have you changed to YC or are you still at GF

Letthewookiein - I hope you get some knitting done today. I am sure you are just happy not be sitting in the bedroom all day. I still cant believe the mods took no action with the PM you received. Once again I just don’t understand some people I had to make the same call when we stayed at YC, that time it was the room right next to us, they were SOMETHING ELSE!

Janet – I hope you had a great weekend with SIL

Padawans – sounds like you had a great trip to DL! I am not in Miami but I can tell you the weather here in South Florida is BRUTAL! The humidity is sooo bad, you can literally cut through the air with a fork and knife The costs in Miami are pretty high as well. I am guessing if you are considering Miami or Dallas your hubby works for AA?

Candace – good luck tomorrow with the presentation. Did you have snow this weekend? I swear I saw pics on FB with snow up there, but I could be losing my mind, LOL!

Jen - I still havent started luandry yet, but I really need to. I love that you are already attached to the AG dolls!

I know I am missing many others, so HELLO!!!! I hope everyone is doing well

Melissa

Yes you are correct. We could have moved to Tampa or MCO a month ago, but we had such little time to make such a life changing descision. If I could go back 2 months and redo that descision we would be living in Tampa right now. The commuting thing is harder than I thought, but there is chance of a merger happening that would keep us in Phoenix. We are just kind of waiting things out at the moment, but also thinking about a permanent move if things don't work out. As far as cost of living goes I know I am not going to have it as easy as I have had it the last 15 years. Disney is going to lose some of my money.

I think I need to make a trip to Florida in July and see what's it like. That's what I always tell people that are thinking about moving to Phoenix. Come spend a week in July before you commit. It's like living inside an oven.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Was that the scarf you posted pics of? You have to regale us with pictures of the hat too.

No, that scarf was for me. This was just a plain purple scarf. I'll post pics when I'm done with it, which will hopefully be in the next couple of days.

 

[letthewookiewin]

Letthewookiein - I hope you get some knitting done today. I am sure you are just happy not be sitting in the bedroom all day. I still cant believe the mods took no action with the PM you received. Once again I just don&#146;t understand some people I had to make the same call when we stayed at YC, that time it was the room right next to us, they were SOMETHING ELSE!

Melissa

Thanks!! I am getting some done while the DH is working. Being able to hang out with him like this is one of the things I really like about his job. Actually the DH came out to the car to check prices for parts that he needed. As I was knitting, I was listening to dtuneslive and it was the audio from the HM. I think it was the 30th anny from DL. Anyway, he said I was obsessed and I needed help.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY GG!! I hope you have a magical birthday!!

 

[BanditsMommy]

I love CSR. I think it's pool is second only to SAB. The preferred area is really close to the main building. They also have a club level which I actually had booked for about 2 days before I switched to AKL. I still havent made up my mind.. We stayed at AKL once and our room was a mile...no kidding..from the lobby. At GCH in California same thing. The deluxe resorts may look more compact, but that can be deceiving. The difference is your walking inside instead of outside. If you do stay at AKl request a room close to the lobby. I highly recommend CSR if your trying to save money. The bus stop and lobby is close to the preferred area. The pool is about a 5-10 minute walk.

I think I may have talked myself into switching back from Akl to CSR.
I'm glad my invoices are coming by email and not snail mail this time around. I killed quite a few trees this past summer.

Okay, all of these glowing reviews have swayed me, so I think I have my final 3 options: AKL (request room near lobby), CSR (preferred - near food and lobby), or Pop (preferred). AKL would be $400 more than where I am now at POR, CSR is another $50, and I'd get money back if I switched to Pop. I am ruling POR and POFQ out, the former due to the preferred rooms being sold out, and the latter because it is not discounted and is almost the same price as AKL.

Since I can't be trusted to make this decision, I am going to decide entirely based on your votes. Last time I called it took the CM a while to figure out which was the current version of my reservation in the system and I'm clearly not going to make a decision on my own.

I trust all of my fellow indecisive dis-ers to make this decision since I have never stayed in any of these resorts and honestly can't say I prefer one to any other. I'd be happy to stay at any of these resorts so give me your honest opinion. It's in your hands now.

 

[babyberger]

I think I am just going to create a Flickr album and post the link here because I just have too many pics to be posting one by one

Okay, let’s see what have I missed. Sarah went on Space Mountain Sunday afternoon for the first time and LOVED it! Monday was our AK day and I swear the kids could spend the whole day on Expedition Everest, I only rode once, but DH kept going on with them. Oh and the zebras are finally at the safari, and there were so many! Leaving is always an issue with Steven, he gets so upset and it makes it hard. But it unfortunately is a necessary evil

I loved going around to the MK and Epcot resorts and seeing all the decorations, it was a nice break from the parks and just fun to do. Plus it gave us a chance to look around and see if we wanted to make a RC

We also lucked out this time and Sarah said she wanted to sleep on the day bed, sleeping arrangements are usually a hassle, so we were thrilled she wanted to sleep there. Steven was more than thrilled to have a queen size bed to himself. We all slept much better than we usually do in a hotel room. So I guess this leads to me my CR thoughts. The kids absolutely LOVED it! DH felt the same way as he did when we walked through in October, that the Grand Concourse feels like an airport terminal, and that the rest just feels like a normal hotel and not a resort. But with that said, I have to say having everything so close and not having to walk down winding hallways was great The room was phenomenal! We totally noticed the size difference between CR and WL and even YC. My only complaint (which I had also read on the boards) was that because the bathroom is ultra contemporary you lose the big vanity counter area and shelf. I had to put most of the toiletries beneath the sinks instead of next to and above. I was also surprised to see the shower in the sink area and not with the commode like it usually is. Although I think I liked it this way better, and all the doors are sliding, so you don’t have to worry about opening to the door onto anyone. The resort was at 98% capacity and we never really felt it. No monorail or elevator issues at all, which I had read there could be.

So now CL, well what can I say…the convenience factor was HUGE! Loved being to just grab food and drinks whenever we wanted and made getting going in the morning so much easier. But the view of the MK really is what it is about The firework music is piped in on speakers on lounge balcony and it is just an amazing view! So nice to sit and watch the fireworks and not have to fight through any crowds! We did bring dinner up from the Contempo Café on Saturday night and it was great to have a quiet comfy place to eat. Will we stay at CL level again, probably not any time soon. The view was and convenience was great, but at what the upcharge is (an extra $140/nt), we just can’t justify it again.

If a TPV opens up I may consider it, but there are enough places to see the MK from the resort that I don’t think it’s a must. Plus the kids loved the EWP and watching the Epcot fireworks and I think the view of Bay Lake is just very relaxing.

So it looks like I wont be making a RC for Feb, the kids are 100% set on CR. We tried to give the push while we were over at YC, but they weren’t having it, LOL! Even though CR is so magical being so close to MK, it really has such a different feel than the Epcot resorts, and there is something over there that DH and I just feel.

Let me see if I can get the rest of my pics uploaded and I will post a link.

Melissa

 

[BanditsMommy]

So now CL, well what can I say&#133;the convenience factor was HUGE! Loved being to just grab food and drinks whenever we wanted and made getting going in the morning so much easier. But the view of the MK really is what it is about The firework music is piped in on speakers on lounge balcony and it is just an amazing view! So nice to sit and watch the fireworks and not have to fight through any crowds! We did bring dinner up from the Contempo Café on Saturday night and it was great to have a quiet comfy place to eat. Will we stay at CL level again, probably not any time soon. The view was and convenience was great, but at what the upcharge is (an extra $140/nt), we just can&#146;t justify it again.

If a TPV opens up I may consider it, but there are enough places to see the MK from the resort that I don&#146;t think it&#146;s a must. Plus the kids loved the EWP and watching the Epcot fireworks and I think the view of Bay Lake is just very relaxing.

So it looks like I wont be making a RC for Feb, the kids are 100% set on CR. We tried to give the push while we were over at YC, but they weren&#146;t having it, LOL! Even though CR is so magical being so close to MK, it really has such a different feel than the Epcot resorts, and there is something over there that DH and I just feel.

Melissa

I keep thinking about doing CR in the future and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! When coming off the monorail and going to CG I always wonder if the rooms are as nice as I hope they'd be or if they're a bit dated as the concept of the resort suggests. I have always loved the resort, but I feared what was "contemporary" in the 70's might not translate to today and I'd be disappointed. I think after your review, this is my number one post graduation option. For now I'll just have to stick to what my student budget can handle. LOL

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Thank you so much to everyone for the birthday wishes!!! You are all such a special group of ladies and I'm so happy to have you all in my life.

 

[Janet B]

Linda .... A very happy birthday to you!! Hope you are celebrating in style tonight!!

 

[chimo2u]

Okay, all of these glowing reviews have swayed me, so I think I have my final 3 options: AKL (request room near lobby), CSR (preferred - near food and lobby), or Pop (preferred). AKL would be $400 more than where I am now at POR, CSR is another $50, and I'd get money back if I switched to Pop. I am ruling POR and POFQ out, the former due to the preferred rooms being sold out, and the latter because it is not discounted and is almost the same price as AKL.

Since I can't be trusted to make this decision, I am going to decide entirely based on your votes. Last time I called it took the CM a while to figure out which was the current version of my reservation in the system and I'm clearly not going to make a decision on my own.

I trust all of my fellow indecisive dis-ers to make this decision since I have never stayed in any of these resorts and honestly can't say I prefer one to any other. I'd be happy to stay at any of these resorts so give me your honest opinion. It's in your hands now.

Hi Bandits mommy Welcome to our little home! I am usually more active here, but work life -- as my RCer Friends will tell you has kept me away from my favourite hangout hopefully in the new yr. that will change and I can be a more-contributing member of this thread as I enjoy chatting and sharing day to day life with you all!

My vote goes to AKL!!!! it is absoulutely amazing, beautiful and relaxing....so worth the small $400 upgrade to stay there. The buses are plentiful and never a long wait, the feeling you get staying there is unmatched, and it is definitely my favourite resort that I've stayed at so far -- I've tried AKL, POLY and BC --- and always stay club level -- but just because I am spoiled and I am a club level gal at heart! I love me my CL
With that said, my next trip will be at KIDANI in Jan 2015-- with my DS for his HS grad trip/ with his GF and my DH -- I am giving up CL for the conveniences of more space, and a in room laundry facility, and an extra bathroom! I look forward to the new savahnah, and the wrap around balcony to enjoy viewing those beautiful animals! Also, first pick up at Kidani bus stop will be a plus after always being picked up second at Jambo house. Two teenagers/ and extra bathroom??? can you say Awesome!! and KING BED!! so, yes.....even though I am giving up club level, I think I'll fall in love with the other side of AKL. Deluxe Dining plan is on my radar for that trip too -- so I think it will work out in the end! My heart is with AKL -- nothing has lived up to it yet for me, so I think you will absoulutely love it there!!! I hope TEAM AKL wins out!!!
Marie