Another dream vacation...this time, in the making!!

[momoftriplets]

My only worry is that having two rooms will make it hard on the food end of things. We won't have all of the credits on any one room...so will we have to pull out two cards to charge every meal? Will I not be able to wait in line alone to get food? I will need dh or one of the kids with charing privillages to be with me in line? Hmmmm. I have heard they now seperate kids and adult credits...so this is a bit perplexing. What to do. What to do.

Any ideas? Anybody else done this? Am I being a worry wart?

The excited energy is really starting to flow here! In just a month and a half we will be at WDW! WOO HOO!

Hi Jay! Nice to see you again!

I know others have had this same concern with 2 rooms. When we were there, we had no problem at all with credits. I realize things have changed with DDP since we've been there, but I really think you'll be fine. (From my past experience) You will need both cards to check out. The kids & I were on one set of cards & DH was on his own card. For CS, he would just make his own "purchase". For TS, we told the CM right away the bill needed to be separated. They had no problem with it. I really don't think you have anything to worry about. Of course, I've been known to be wrong before, too!

HTH!

Have a great day!
Barb

P.S. You will LOVE 2 rooms! Is it really only a month & a half to go? My gosh! that went fast!

 

[amcjeep4life]

OK, I just read this whole PTR in one sitting. I started off very excited, since you were going to be staying concierge at AKL just before us, but with a few days in between. That way there was no reason you couldn't write your entire TR and post it before I left. Now you're not leaving until the day before we get there! How am I supposed to get all your sage advice on things to do and the safaris and the lounge if you aren't back before we leave!?!?! I think your DH needs to buy you a laptop, then you can do your TR from there. You have some down time planned. Plenty of time to write your TR there. Just tell the DH that you are doing it for the good of your apprentices. He'll understand.

We are staying from the 16th to the 22nd. We have also booked the Premium plan, which is a significant step down from Platinum, but still has a ton of the perks. We are bringing our nieces, aged 10 and 12, for our first trip. We were debating bringing our 3 y/o nephew as well, but were really unsure about travelling with a child that young without his parents. When we found that there would be no more rooms for 5, that sealed the decision. We decided we would just have to bring him to WDW in a few years instead. I also wanted to say that Don has been a big help to us, but Juanita has not been around for us. Which is really OK, since Don has been da bomb! Are you planning on bringing them any type of gifts? I asked Don his shirt size figuring a nice shirt from our area (we're right on the shore, so the scenery is beautiful) would be nice. And perhaps some food from our area, maple syrup or something. I'd like some input from other concierge guests, so feel free to join in!

 

[MouseTriper]

Due to AKL having to bump us (no more deluxe concierge rooms left at AKL period) we are now going to be staying at:
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AKL still!!! But in two standard concierge rooms (connecting). I am happy with the switch. I can tell you I was not happy with the first offers that Disney threw out there. But in the end, where we end up is all that matters, right?! And on the upside of matters we will now have two rooms! Which means...TWO SHOWERS/MIRRORS to get ready with! Oh the heaven! Maybe Mickey was looking out for us after all?!

My only worry is that having two rooms will make it hard on the food end of things. We won't have all of the credits on any one room...so will we have to pull out two cards to charge every meal? Will I not be able to wait in line alone to get food? I will need dh or one of the kids with charing privillages to be with me in line? Hmmmm. I have heard they now seperate kids and adult credits...so this is a bit perplexing. What to do. What to do.

Any ideas? Anybody else done this? Am I being a worry wart?

The excited energy is really starting to flow here! In just a month and a half we will be at WDW! WOO HOO!

BUMP YOU?? How does that happen??? I have never heard of that. How did they notify you of that Jay?? What options did they give you? Can they bump people who have already paid for their entire vacation??? Hmm..very interesting. I have to agree though, TWO showers and mirrors for a family of 5 sounds so much better than ONE shower and mirror. Hahahaha! No matter where you guys stay I just know you will make this another DREAM vacation!! I really loved your other TR's and I know this one will be just as exciting and entertaining, if not more!!! I will have the all ready!!!

Now...come on...any other changes to your plans for September? Are the boys getting super-de-dooper excited or what????

Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Jay, it will ALL work out ok, please don't worry about anything!

I've brought syrup and maple candy in the past for the concierge staff - the candy is probably more popular since it can be opened in their break room and shared.

 

[jaycns]

Hi Jay! Nice to see you again!

I know others have had this same concern with 2 rooms. When we were there, we had no problem at all with credits. I realize things have changed with DDP since we've been there, but I really think you'll be fine. (From my past experience) You will need both cards to check out. The kids & I were on one set of cards & DH was on his own card. For CS, he would just make his own "purchase". For TS, we told the CM right away the bill needed to be separated. They had no problem with it. I really don't think you have anything to worry about. Of course, I've been known to be wrong before, too!

HTH!

Have a great day!
Barb



P.S. You will LOVE 2 rooms! Is it really only a month & a half to go? My gosh! that went fast!

Thanks for the input. Hopefully it will all work out. What worries me most is we were planning a few days to be "dad and me days" (like the day I take "Goofy" to Discovery Cove, dh will be taking the other two boys to Blizzard Beach) and "mom and me days" other times. It will be hard to figure that out without all of us at the same place at the same time...but we will not worry too much about that. Just hoping someone had some experience with the new DDP restrictions and having two rooms. And I worry about ordering at CS places when we are together (the TS places should be no problem since we will all be sitting there). BUT...it seems to require both of us parents to stay in line. I normally order and dh grabs a table with the kids or vice versa. It will be quite the headache to have to stay together until the ordering/paying is done. BUT...a minor headache when you compare it to the fact that I will be at WDW!!

 

[jaycns]

OK, I just read this whole PTR in one sitting. I started off very excited, since you were going to be staying concierge at AKL just before us, but with a few days in between. That way there was no reason you couldn't write your entire TR and post it before I left. Now you're not leaving until the day before we get there! How am I supposed to get all your sage advice on things to do and the safaris and the lounge if you aren't back before we leave!?!?! I think your DH needs to buy you a laptop, then you can do your TR from there. You have some down time planned. Plenty of time to write your TR there. Just tell the DH that you are doing it for the good of your apprentices. He'll understand.

We are staying from the 16th to the 22nd. We have also booked the Premium plan, which is a significant step down from Platinum, but still has a ton of the perks. We are bringing our nieces, aged 10 and 12, for our first trip. We were debating bringing our 3 y/o nephew as well, but were really unsure about travelling with a child that young without his parents. When we found that there would be no more rooms for 5, that sealed the decision. We decided we would just have to bring him to WDW in a few years instead. I also wanted to say that Don has been a big help to us, but Juanita has not been around for us. Which is really OK, since Don has been da bomb! Are you planning on bringing them any type of gifts? I asked Don his shirt size figuring a nice shirt from our area (we're right on the shore, so the scenery is beautiful) would be nice. And perhaps some food from our area, maple syrup or something. I'd like some input from other concierge guests, so feel free to join in!

Yep, no more rooms for five. BOO HISS. This is why they tried to bump us from AKL. I was not very happy about that. At first they made it sound like "too noisy, too smelly, too much dust" and that the quality of our stay was in question. But upon further pressing (because the concierge had already told me that yes, they were moving people but those remaining would be in areas not effected by the construction)they admitted that it was because they no longer have any rooms that fit a party of five. I was not happy with them trying to force me to move for their planning mistake. We are really looking forward to staying at AKL. Now, if the case had truly been that the area we would have to stay in would be construction views, loud, dusty and smelly...then I would be okay with the switch(not happy but accepting since these things do happen).

Anyhoo, after offering us choices that just didn't cut it (I don't think you should offer someone who has concierge booked anything less then that at a different resort) finally they listened to my suggestion (I said we would take two connecting standard sized club rooms or a suite at AKL) and now all is well. It was a few hours worth of a headache BUT...life is once again good!!

SO...the reason I share that story is so you know how lucky you are that you didn't book for 5 and then have to do some wrangling to retain your plans!!

YES...Don is amazing. I too am planning on bringing him something. I was thinking of giving him some local candy and other local edibles. I will make sure that he has enough to share!! But having dealt with Juanita just a few times (and she was great!!) I don't feel the need to "gift" her personally...but again, I will send enough candy along to be shared!! I am going to ask him if we can drop it off at his office. My boys would love to hear his Donald Duck impression in person!! If not, we will arrange to have it sent over to him.


If dh insists on paying for an internet connection (for work purposes...at WDW...BLAH) then I will post a few quick "we are now here" type updates. THANK YOU for taking the time to read my ramblings!!

I cannot believe you did it in one sitting! You are stout of heart! We almost did the premium plan...actually we were leaning more towards the platinum plan but we ended up skipping it because our boys were not yet old enough for most of the tours/other things we could have done on the plan. However, I think a Platinum Plan vacation will be in our near future! Which just leaves me more to dream about for the next one!!


THANK YOU for reading...feel free to use this thread to throw out planning ideas of your own! I love planning (even when it's not for my own trips...I know, it's a sickness ).

Will you be posting a trip report upon your return? If you do, please be sure to let me know!!

 

[jaycns]

BUMP YOU?? How does that happen??? I have never heard of that. How did they notify you of that Jay?? What options did they give you? Can they bump people who have already paid for their entire vacation??? Hmm..very interesting. I have to agree though, TWO showers and mirrors for a family of 5 sounds so much better than ONE shower and mirror. Hahahaha! No matter where you guys stay I just know you will make this another DREAM vacation!! I really loved your other TR's and I know this one will be just as exciting and entertaining, if not more!!! I will have the all ready!!!

Now...come on...any other changes to your plans for September? Are the boys getting super-de-dooper excited or what????

Can't wait to read more!!!

See my above post as far as the bumping goes. And, yes, I guess they can do it...or at least try! They are having to bump some guests due to construction and others due to having booked deluxe club (concierge) rooms which no longer are at AKL. So they can and are doing it...but it's an extreme situation. I know WDW doesn't just go around bumping guests. But you know how obessive I am in my planning. HA HA HA It just wouldn't work for me to have a huge change like this...it would throw off all of my plans!!


Yes, the boys are getting VERY excited about going. We are going to make our very own countdown loop chain and rip one off everyday. We plan on making it within the next few days. Each link will have a Disney quote or some special surprise written inside of it for the boys. Things like "Put trading pins on lanyards", "Collect five Disney dollars", "Pack your travel bags", "Go to the bookstore and pick out a book to read on the trip down", "Do an impression of your favorite Disney character", "Sing a Disney song", etc.

We are also getting into learning about Africa. We will spend the entire month of August learning about the geography, people, animals, culture, etc so that we can get even more out of staying at AKL.

Thanks for the sweet words about my other trip reports. I do so enjoy writing them. I don't know if they are really "good"...but I love doing them. Reliving the magic is just a wonderful way to spend your days! I am glad you enjoy reading them! Maybe you will be able to guest star in my next one with a DIS meet of our own! We do overlap by almost 24 hours!!

More changes...hmmm...well as of right now only "Aladdin" seems to want to go to Bush Camp...so only he will. I have yet to cancel the other boys ressies as I want to be sure they don't want to go before I do...but if they are still a "not really" by the middle of August they won't be going. I see no reason to spend that much money on Bush Camp when they would rather shop and swim with mom and dad.

So...we shall see!

 

[jaycns]

Jay, it will ALL work out ok, please don't worry about anything!

I've brought syrup and maple candy in the past for the concierge staff - the candy is probably more popular since it can be opened in their break room and shared.

Thanks for reminding me of that Linda!! You are wonderful at keeping me on the straight and narrow! I am always so happy once I get to WDW. Once there I REFUSE to let worry or anger or anything like that rear it's ugly head. However, before the trip I worry tons more then needed to cover the entire trip time and then some! Uber planning obessed gal that I am! But this vacation is too special to let little things like DDP charges worry me! I am keeping my chin up...just trying to think of easier ways to work it!

PS How are you doing these days? Have you gotten "the call" to switch from AKL? I sure hope not!! I think a DIS meet it in my future!

 

[jaycns]

It is now one month and one week until we check in at AKL. I am so excited! BRING ON THE GOOD TIMES!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, just one more month! That got here fast, I swear the older I get the faster time goes by. I can't wait to hear about your stay at AKL, if I can ever talk DH into a deluxe that is where I want to go!

 

[Sneezie]

Hi Jaycns,

I remember reading (and enjoying) your last trip report. I'm so happy you're going back. I will be arriving at the AKL (hopefully - if we're not bumped) on Sept 5th. I hope to see you there. Thanks for all of the info you've included in this pre-trippie - I'm going over to the Disney website to get my personalized maps right now.

Can't wait to read more....

 

[jaycns]

Wow, just one more month! That got here fast, I swear the older I get the faster time goes by. I can't wait to hear about your stay at AKL, if I can ever talk DH into a deluxe that is where I want to go!

Time does go faster...it must be a hidden law of physics, age accelerates time.

I wish I was a little bit older then!! I am having trouble controlling myself waiting for this next vacation to begin!! Also, I am having trouble controlling my plans, I seem to be the Jekyll and Hyde of the planning world, I constantly find myself pouring over my itinerary looking for things to tweak, things to add, things to remove. Not only I am driving myself a tad batty, but I am pretty sure that the IPO planners are getting the battier end of the deal!

My thoughts today are to cancel our breakfasts. I am thinking getting up even earlier then a park opening might be a chore instead of a treat being as I know we will stay up late most evenings. I have also put a lot more "down time" into our stay. Even more then originally planned. I am doing this because....drum roll please....we are expecting baby number 4!! Bambino number 4 is a HUGE surprise for our entire family. I am fairly certain that I will be allowed to travel to WDW in September, however, I know I will have even more restrictions then the average mommy-to-be that tours WDW. I was very apprehensive about this trip even really coming together when I learned I was pregnant with number 4...however, we have been blessed immensely this time and I have not been nearly as poorly off as when I carried the other kids.

SO....big sigh, no Splash Mountain for me this time...however, I do get to shop for baby sized Mickey ears!! How much fun will that be?! I am hopeful to find out the sex before we leave and use that to set up a surprise for the family at WDW (but you all know me and surprises...I am not good at staying quiet or not looking as if I am about to burst ). But I will try, wish me luck!!

Hmmm what else?! What else?! Oh I have finally arranged for a house/dog sitter (thank goodness, that was bugging me). A son of one of our church friends will stay at our house while we are gone. He is home on leave from the military and they think it would be good for him to have some space and I cannot think of a better person (we have known him for years) to be responsible for our dogs and watch over our home. It's a win/win situation!!

Also, I have procured Body Glide for our feet (no blisters cropping up on us!!). I love Body Glide. I was a skeptic until our last trip....WOW, it does make a difference!! I love the stuff and wouldn't walk anywhere at WDW without it! It also works for thigh chaffing (for those of us who might need that sort of help...ME!!). I found it at Dick's Sporting Goods in the running section.

"Stitch's" replacement Croclings (our tiny dog with very small teeth ate the straps off his other ones...our big dog, with the huge teeth didn't so much as look at them...who would have thought a little dog could/would eat an entire pair of shoes in 15 minutes?!) have arrived.

I am starting to pilfer the boy's closets as the laundry gets done. If it's gonna be worn at WDW it is slowly disappearing from their closets and into my packing piles.

PACKING PILES!! Did you all hear that?! PACKING PILES!! It is close enough until when we leave that I have PACKING PILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 weeks and just 3 days until we leave!! How sweet is that?!

 

[Sneezie]

I hope you get a little to go along with your !!!

 

[jaycns]

Another AKL lover! I am so excited!! We must have an AKL mini DIS meet. I know LindaBabe will be there during that time as well.

Did you get the maps ordered? I LOVE those maps! Then again, if you put a mouse on it, I will most likely love it! HA HA HA

Are you planning on doing any of the free tours (like the culinary or art tours) at AKL?

Are you as nervous as I am about the construction?! I am worried about that but still my eyes are full of pixie dust and I am heading into it expecting the best. I just get nervous thinking about large construction vehicles rimming parts of the savannas. Not quite the photos I dream of.

Hopefully you will not be bumped being as your date is 4 days after the last officially announced bump date. I do so hope that it all works out for you. I cannot imagine a replacement for AKL. It's so unique and beautiful in it's own way!!

Will you be writing a trip report this time? PLEASE DO (I am addicted to those things. ).

Hi Jaycns,

I remember reading (and enjoying) your last trip report. I'm so happy you're going back. I will be arriving at the AKL (hopefully - if we're not bumped) on Sept 5th. I hope to see you there. Thanks for all of the info you've included in this pre-trippie - I'm going over to the Disney website to get my personalized maps right now.

Can't wait to read more....

 

[jaycns]

I hope you get a little to go along with your !!!

Thanks!! I don't know which to hope for. I am almost scared I wouldn't know what to do with a little girl! Then again what a fun thing, princess dresses and tea parties!! On the other hand, I already know lots about raising boys!! However, I already have lots of boys. HA HA HA So I know however it ends up it will be good...I just don't know what to wish for at this point! Maybe that's a good thing, if I make my mind up one way or the other and it turns out to be the other... wouldn't that be funny!?

Thanks again for posting!! PS which lovely lady are you in your siggie?

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh my goodness, jay! Congratulations on baby #4! I hope you feel great during your trip, sounds like the extra down time will definately be a good thing for you. If your boys are anything like mine, they will have almost as much fun in the resort pool as they do in the parks. I also think cancelling your early morning ADRs is a good idea - you will probably be tired and need the extra rest.

A new baby, that is so exciting!!

 

[momoftriplets]

Hi, Jay!!!

Me again! I am TOOOOOOO excited for you all. A new baby, a great trip, wonderful family already, What more could a girl want??

Blessings to you & your family.

Barb

 

[LindaBabe]

Yup, I'll be there too from Sept 1 - 9!

Congrats on the baby, Jay! You "might" want to think about renting an ecv . . . save your strength for the fun stuff!

I've done the lobby tour and several of the interactive "talks" by native cast members. The lobby tour is more interesting to adults, but the other activities will be enjoyed by folks of all ages. They also have pool games for the kids - actually a whole schedule of activities - you could really spend all day at the resort and barely go to the parks at all.

My dh has been under the weather this summer, so we're going to be taking it slow too.

Can't wait to meet you in person!

 

[momoftriplets]

Congrats on the baby, Jay! You "might" want to think about renting an ecv . . . save your strength for the fun stuff!

An ecv would be a GREAT idea, Jay. I second that motion.

 

[PrincessAlways]

WOW!!!! Congratulations on #4! I know, I know, 3 boys the 4th has GOT to be a girl! We'll just have to way & see! We know one thing for sure....the child will love Disney!! Jay, I just noticed that our "tickers" to Christmas trips are exactly the same! hmmmm, maybe we could arrange a small meet...just to say hi! I'll be arriving 11/25 @ BWV. PM me & we'll try to set it up! Since I know how much you love the CR, you'll enjoy "extra" trip news! My brother just found out he has a conference in September at the CR. Guess who's going to meet him there???? It's just for a weekend trip, but I couldn't pass it up! This will be my first time there! Very excited!