As the Ticker Turns...the neverending saga of the Resort Changers

[pixarmom]

We're one week away, and I had to make just one more change. Switched our GF reservation from SL to RPC. It's value season with an AP discount, so I'm guessing RPC doesn't get any less expensive than that. I hope this is a good decision . . . since I haven't stayed at GF before it's tough to assess the value. But now that temperatures for our stay are in the low 80's/high 70's, I think we'll be spending more time at the resort.

Anytime! I can't wait to see the new lobby myself!

I think I am really going to like WL cl!!! I am now at 30 days

I also bought annual passes so next winter dd and I can go over her break again too!

Adding a for AP renewal.

I am pondering becomig a resort changer. We are booked for six nights at WL in February. I had some reservations aboutit-I had really wanted a monorail resort, but the price difference when we booked was so high. And so many people convinced me that transit from WL to the various resorts would be no problem. But now I am reading reviews and guidebooks saying that the buses from WL ar horribly slow, especially in the off season, etc., and am having seond thoughts.

We are travelling with an almost four year old, so being able to get back to the room midday easily from the parks is important (we do plan to spend a bit more time in MK, but will b hittig all the parks and may spend a good chunk of time at Epcot too). Of couse, the pool may be important too, he will be excited about that, although one never knows about February weather (coming from Canada, we will swim if it is vaguely warm, but it is still possible it will be too cold!).

Prices at Poly have coe down since I shopped last, but the pool being closed is a bummer. The easy transit to MK and Epcot both is realy appealing, but not sure it is worth the price without the pool, and with othe contruction around us.

BC/YC is also appealing, and also within budget. Parts of the pool will be closed the week we are there, but not the whole thing. We had been thinking of trying to do dinner at Epcot several nights, so being able to easily hop over there would be nice. Concerned about the travel times to MK, though--I have read that sometimes in February the buses are shared among up to five hotels.

I hate being indecisive, but I so often am!

In our opinion, it doesn't get any easier with young children than Poly! Location is wonderful and the direct monorail to MK and Epcot is such a huge benefit. We're staying there in January, even with construction. We'll see how it goes, but with the lobby open again, we're optimistic. And we may use our free TL passes after the marathon - would rather have the main pool open or the ability to use the GF pool, but TL will be fun for the kids.

It has been one week and I haven't made any changes to my resort reservations.
Have I thought about it? Heck yeah!
But I think I am finally happy with my choices.
No. I AM happy.
20 days an counting!

A lot can happen in 20 days! See my post, above!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!




THANK YOU!

Just touching base for a few before we head to Christmas dinner at Raglan Rd!

So far trip has gone SO well - small hiccups (like our room being stuck in some weird 'not ready' mode at check in... but that's another story) but the family is having a ball (even the non-Disney peeps) and we still are talking to each other!

Crowds are beyond manageable -- haven't waited more than 20 minutes for anything, though MK is apparently at Stage 2 closure right now (we're not doing a park today so it's all good).

Poor DD7 had a bad allergy attack when we got here (just pollens and such) and got knocked down so hard we had to push her in our stroller on Monday at HS and ended up taking her to Urgent Care Tues - you know your kiddo is sick when she elects to skip MK! They tried to tell me it was the flu but her only symptoms were congestion and a cough (no fever) so I just pumped Benadryl and fluids in her and she's bounced back amazingly. We're headed to MK tomorrow night to make up for lost time so it should all work out.

Hope all is well and will make sure to post a TR when we get back! Do have to say CSR has been AMAZING! We have the best location and CMs have been so great -- above and beyond and super friendly! Def up there with YC for our fave resort!!!

*HUGS* to all!

Glad to hear you and your family are having a wonderful time! Sorry to hear about urgent care - but good news on her bounce back!

 

[WaterLinds]

Yes, the more I read, the more I think Poly is right for us, despite the construction. I'm so glad to see prices have come down to a more realistic level...even with the winter sales, it was looking like $400 or more per night when I looked inlate October/early November, but now it looks like we can do closer to $260, which will make it possible.

I am rethinking our plans for the whole week now, especially with the possibility of faster transit--maybe we can make one or two morning EMHs, or perhaps a water park afternoon if the weather is nice. I think we will skip AK this trip, just do a short day at HS (dining with Jake is high on my three year old's list, but there will onlybe a fea other things there we will want to do this trip), and squeeze in more MK and Epcot fun, and have more time for just relaxing. It's all beginning to feel like the right thing now!

 

[bnk1120]

Going for a 6 night trip in February. It's a dance trip and we have to stay a minimum of 3 nights at POR. The other 3 nights are the problem! I have had reservations for POR, CSR, AKL, GF and BW. The "final" plans are 2 nights BWV, 3 POR, 1 VGF.

But what I really want is BLT for the 1st 2 nights, so if that becomes available...

 

[Sue M]

Pixarmom omg, you'll love RPC!! We stayed last August, loved it. We had a GV room overlooking Courtyard pool, with upgrade to a deluxe room
The lounge is fantastic. Great food options, they even have nice afternoon snack options and afternoon tea, with trifle. Most CLs just put out cookies & chips in afternoon. But RPC has lunch appies. Since we take afternoon breaks ( ESP in August ) we really enjoyed this.
And sitting in lounge, and enjoying listening to the piano & Quartet was so enjoyable.
The CMs are terrific too. Congrats!!

 

[pixarmom]

Pixarmom omg, you'll love RPC!! We stayed last August, loved it. We had a GV room overlooking Courtyard pool, with upgrade to a deluxe room
The lounge is fantastic. Great food options, they even have nice afternoon snack options and afternoon tea, with trifle. Most CLs just put out cookies & chips in afternoon. But RPC has lunch appies. Since we take afternoon breaks ( ESP in August ) we really enjoyed this.
And sitting in lounge, and enjoying listening to the piano & Quartet was so enjoyable.
The CMs are terrific too. Congrats!!

How was/is Whistler? We're thinking of a return during the summer with the boys at some point. So much to do and so beautiful! My only issue: I'm afraid of the bears.

Thanks so much!! I'm traveling with the boys until my husband arrives for the Poly part of our stay. And so even though I might not get to sit in the lounge for long periods of time, even a few minutes with a view will be nice. In the past, the only lounge we'd have any real time in was Poly. But our youngest is getting increasingly social and loves to hang out in the kids' area of club lounges. He's already discussing his plans to make friends. When I saw that the kids area is right next to a table by the window in the RPC lounge, I started thinking maybe we'll be able to stretch the amount of time we can relax there!

 

[Sue M]

How was/is Whistler? We're thinking of a return during the summer with the boys at some point. So much to do and so beautiful! My only issue: I'm afraid of the bears.

Thanks so much!! I'm traveling with the boys until my husband arrives for the Poly part of our stay. And so even though I might not get to sit in the lounge for long periods of time, even a few minutes with a view will be nice. In the past, the only lounge we'd have any real time in was Poly. But our youngest is getting increasingly social and loves to hang out in the kids' area of club lounges. He's already discussing his plans to make friends. When I saw that the kids area is right next to a table by the window in the RPC lounge, I started thinking maybe we'll be able to stretch the amount of time we can relax there!

Yes, the kids table is next to the window overlooking Courtyard pool. We love the window seats.

Lots to do in Whistler summer too. Many lakes, rent boats, the Valley Trail is fun for walking or biking. Zip lines! You can also take the Gondola up the mountain for sightseeing.
Bears, well they are a fact of life anywhere here in B.C. We've had them stroll thru our yard & lane. But they don't want to run into you anymore then you want to run into them!! I haven't heard of any tourists being eaten yet! . The chance of you encountering any is slim, unless you plan on going into the back country. And my fav spot, the Scandia Spa if you can manage some "me" time

It was so nice spending Christmas here. Even though I'm laid up with my knee. Can't do as much as I'd like, but did go into the Village today to stroll around, and pick up a shirt at Eddie Bauer, lol.
Snowed all day yesterday. My husband & youngest daughter went skiing (DH) and boarding (DD) a couple of days and had a great time. Snow was good. I think we'll head back to town tomorrow.

 

[pixarmom]

Yes, the kids table is next to the window overlooking Courtyard pool. We love the window seats.

Lots to do in Whistler summer too. Many lakes, rent boats, the Valley Trail is fun for walking or biking. Zip lines! You can also take the Gondola up the mountain for sightseeing.
Bears, well they are a fact of life anywhere here in B.C. We've had them stroll thru our yard & lane. But they don't want to run into you anymore then you want to run into them!! I haven't heard of any tourists being eaten yet! . The chance of you encountering any is slim, unless you plan on going into the back country. And my fav spot, the Scandia Spa if you can manage some "me" time

It was so nice spending Christmas here. Even though I'm laid up with my knee. Can't do as much as I'd like, but did go into the Village today to stroll around, and pick up a shirt at Eddie Bauer, lol.
Snowed all day yesterday. My husband & youngest daughter went skiing (DH) and boarding (DD) a couple of days and had a great time. Snow was good. I think we'll head back to town tomorrow.

So sorry about your knee, but I can imagine the snow is beautiful and we love the Village! I remember a bear on our way to dinner in the Village one night (we were there in October) and my husband was just laughing at me. I also remember carrying my "bear bell" and some guys in a store teasing that the first ones the bears eat are the tourists with bear bells! Great tip regarding the Spa - I'll file that one away! I absolutely loved the spa at the Four Seasons, but I'm not sure that location is a repeat now that we're a family of five and traveling with the kids. We've enjoyed the Gondola, but I bet now our boys would love the ziplines! Haven't been there for almost 10 years, but remember the hiking and the lakes were incredible.

Enjoy!!! And thanks again for the GF encouragement - I really appreciate it. I changed a couple ADRs and now I'm feeling like I've "compensated" for the increased cost of RPC a bit.

 

[Sue M]

So sorry about your knee, but I can imagine the snow is beautiful and we love the Village! I remember a bear on our way to dinner in the Village one night (we were there in October) and my husband was just laughing at me. I also remember carrying my "bear bell" and some guys in a store teasing that the first ones the bears eat are the tourists with bear bells! Great tip regarding the Spa - I'll file that one away! I absolutely loved the spa at the Four Seasons, but I'm not sure that location is a repeat now that we're a family of five and traveling with the kids. We've enjoyed the Gondola, but I bet now our boys would love the ziplines! Haven't been there for almost 10 years, but remember the hiking and the lakes were incredible.

Enjoy!!! And thanks again for the GF encouragement - I really appreciate it. I changed a couple ADRs and now I'm feeling like I've "compensated" for the increased cost of RPC a bit.

Ha!! We call bear bells dinner bells

The Scandia Spa is North of the village. There's one building with washrooms, massage rooms, showers, etc. Then outside on a beautiful alpine slope are cold pools, hot tubs, Adirondak chairs, hammocks, another building with steam room & sauna, beautiful grounds with alpine flowers. Because of the outside grounds I like going in the warm weather..

 

[Koh1977]

So now that spring/early summer discounts have been released, looking at Spring Break as a possibility instead of December...hmmm...

 

[nickle831]

Woohoo! Was originally booked at POR, but had been contemplating WL. With the spring discount, I have officially switched our reservations to POLY!! I'm so exited to be staying at a monorail resort, and my husband who hates the buses is practically dancing.

 

[Koh1977]

Does anybody know anything about BOG breakfast?

And just how crazy would it be the week before Easter? It can't be much worse than 4th of July week, right?

 

[WaterLinds]

Switch has been made, booked at Poly and cancelled our WL booking through Orbitz.

I'm thinking of switching around some FPs and ADRs tomake a schedule that flows better...but of coure right now the times I want to switch ADRs to are booked. Oh well, I have seen a few things open up recently, so I will keep trying and hope I can make it all work out!

 

[ZachnElli]

I'm thinking of upgrading our resort too with the spring discount. I've already made my ADR'S, I won't lose them if I switch will I? We have AOA booked, thinking of switching to OKW. Thanks.

 

[pigletgirl]

I'm thinking of upgrading our resort too with the spring discount. I've already made my ADR'S, I won't lose them if I switch will I? We have AOA booked, thinking of switching to OKW. Thanks.

No they shouldn't. Your ADR's should be fine.

 

[Koh1977]

Is there an OKW resort thread on here that I am missing?

We are looking at early June (SWW) in a 2BR at OKW if FIL goes with us. Otherwise a CL room at WL!

 

[pigletgirl]

Is there an OKW resort thread on here that I am missing?

We are looking at early June (SWW) in a 2BR at OKW if FIL goes with us. Otherwise a CL room at WL!

Yes, there is one.

 

[pigletgirl]

Soo... some more changes with our trip...

My sister-in-law who isn't my favorite person has pretty much invited herself along during the dates we plan on being there. She booked herself (with her DH and infant daughter) at the Contemporary and pretty much "poo-poo'ed" us for staying at a value resort.

I am trying to be kind and start thinking of how our trip will now look, but could that not be anymore RUDE? I laid down the law and said that if she wanted to spend time with us that we needed to work on an itinerary together. Her baby will be 9 months at the time of travel and my DD will be two. We will now have 4 adults and two babies.

I am thankful we will be at different resorts so we can have to time to ourselves....

Ahh well... family, gotta love them!

 

[Koh1977]

Yes, there is one.

What's it called because I can't find it?

Happy New Year everyone!!

 

[pigletgirl]

Oops, it's in the DVC section and not the resort section of the board. That's why you can't find it! My apologies! Here is the OKW thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3113113

 

[trishadono]

Is there an OKW resort thread on here that I am missing?

We are looking at early June (SWW) in a 2BR at OKW if FIL goes with us. Otherwise a CL room at WL!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3113113

This is hiding over in the DVC resort section.