As the Ticker Turns~The next chapter of the Resort Changers Saga...*RC trips pg.238

[basketlacey]

Basketlacey here is my two cents. If having a daybed is important I would book a stay at someplace where it is guaranteed. BC has too may ifs.. You are suppose to be given a room with a daybed "if" you are a family of 5

You may or may not get a balcony.

As far as SAB and the water parks when we stayed at YC we went to TL and only used the quiet pool as SAB was too loud(noisy) and too busy to make it enjoyable

Basketlacy: If I were a paying family of five, and I checked-in at BC and was given a 2-queen room, I would camp out in the lobby until they FOUND me a daybed or a roll-away. They really are obligated to give you enough beds for every paying member of your family. ...As for SAB vs waterpark, I'm sure kiddies would love a waterpark no matter how cool their home resort pool may be. We old fuddie duddies are perfectly happy with SAB and lots of kids seem to like the activities and amenities at SAB from what we see there.

Holy cow! I am seriously stressed out now. I mean they really wouldn't give me enough places for the fam to sleep? My first RC (in my head because I didn't book) was from CR because I wanted to be in an EPCOT resort for F&W. GF I think is just too much $$$. Ugh decisions decisions. - scrap it all and do DL ?

Good morning RCers!

Well all your prayers and positive thoughts worked. The doctor was able to get all the cancer off of DH's ear on the second try! So now back to his checkups unless he notices something else. His doctor has been really great just telling us to call anytime if we notice anything. This time they got him in on the day he called and then had the surgery scheduled within a week. So his next scheduled face and head treatment is in Oct when he gets back from WDW. Thanks again everyone.

Great news on dh!

My BFF is driving me a little batty by saying can't we save money why so expensive? Do we need taxis, tips, etc....???? I am the one paying the majority of this trip! When it comes to holidays I hate to scrimp and be a Scrooge......so yes, I have a little higher spending money budget, but that's just because I'd rather be safe than sorry! besides who wants to say NO on holiday???! I can see a little dilemma on our trip, cause my BFF does not believe in tipping at all.....I can't see walking out of a TS restaurant and not tipping, especially Cali Grill!! so I guess I'm the one who'll be handling that side of things! She doesn't get why I feel obligated......but I do, even moreso at Disney because they treat us so well! She's a WONDERFUL gal, and a great friend, but just has this steadfast conviction against tipping....I don't hold it against her, as everyone's views on that are different and each is entitled to their own, I am not one to judge at all.....I'll just discreetly be sure to leave something for our poor

~ Marie

Good luck with the tipping issue. That can be embarrassing. I have a friend I usually have to sneak behind and leave more. I would never bring it up but we are regulars at the restaurant and I don't want to stiff them!

Hi everyone. I am not a Resort Changer as I have not booked my resort yet. I am a resort undecider... that's where I need help.

Here is the plan. Going to Disney 2013 end of May, Early June for 9-10 nights. Have been every other year for past 12 years or so. 1st years kids were little and I didn't know much and we stayed at all the Values. Then I found the Dis and found out about renting DVC Points. Last 3 trips were at AKV and BWV. All were great.

This time it will be my family - Me, DH, DS14, DD12 and going with Sister-in-law and her 2 kids DS11 and DD8. They have never been. Looking to keep costs reasonable but still do things right.

I really wanted to stay at the Beach Club Villas this time but they are too pricey. It would be about $1800 for 10 night if renting points. So, even though this is my dream place am ruling this out as it is too much for Sis in law. (She is newly divorced but has a good job).

So, reading the threads about Bonnet Creek and how that looks really nice and we could get a 2 Bedroom Room for about $1400 (so $700 each). That is a great deal. And my sis-in-law is leaning towards this. She is not a Disney Fanatic like me so any place to stay is fine for them. Kids don't know any different either.

But, I do know the difference and am having a hard time not staying on Disney Property. I don't mind the busses. I like not having to think about transportation. I like taking advantage of the EMH especially since we will be there in hot weather (we have only gone in March in the past) and may need to take breaks (have not done that before) and then go back to the parks in the evening. I like having my key and tickets on one card and being able to just charge everything to the room and pay that. Also, like the Mara and the refillable Mugs (Ok - So, I'm a fountain pop-aholic). So, those are the reasons I love staying on property. (Would have loved walking/boating to Epcot and DHS but that is not to be...)

So, if I can rent points from the same lady I have in the past I can get a AKV Value Studio for 10 nights for about $1000. To me it seems like a no brainer to stay here again instead of off site. I know the room is smaller but then each family would have their own room. I'm not really up for cooking on vaction so the kitchenette in the villas would be fine for breakfast.

Would like to hear any other perspectives before I try to convice sis-in-law this would be best. (She lives in Georgia and is driving. We are in MN so are flying but then would have to rent a car if staying offsite...well, we wouldn't have to but it would be easier).

Help!!!

I love onsite. We have done offsite twice and had a blast (it's Disney after all) but I love not messing with a car! What if you did BCV and they did BC. would that work or too far apart?

I think someone posted on the AoA thread that one of the extra beds wasn't very comfortable and the "bedspread" on the queen was as stiff as a board and awful.



ITA with Sheila on BC - go for the guarantee - no worries then.

My 13 yo princess would hate a bad bed! How the heck do they get so spoiled?

So, I have a funny story....I obviously drive DH crazy with all of my planning, and spreadsheets, etc...

Well, jump to last night, when the girls were upstairs watching their nightly movie (which really usually means running around the room like crazy woman and jumping off the bed, causing us to have to go upstairs repeatedly to tell them to be quiet... )

Anyway, last night they were super quiet. DH and I definitely thought they were up to something. DD8 came downstairs at one point and asked what park we were going to first when we arrive.... answer: MK...always MK

Later, when we were tucking them into bed...DD8 produced an "itinerary" of what they'd like to do, ride by ride...(Great Goofini has unseated Dumbo as the obligatory first ride BTW)....treats they want to eat, etc... I was soooooo impressed with my babies!!! My DH was horrified!!!

my girls (7 and 13) set up a WDW travel agency! They love to plan fake trips. The bad thing is, they plan BIG

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

So I just started lurking on the AoA thread .... bad idea! I NEED to book a couple of nights there.

 

[padawans]

Well, maybe the new room decor will make it seem bigger for you! You've still got plenty of time to change, but I will certainly be able to report back to you in a few weeks!

Of course, I will likely think the rooms are giant compared to values.

I don't think there will be any changing this trip. There is a big IT convention at WDW that week. I could not get a gv room anywhere. There not even available at rack rate. It was lagoon views or Cl. I hate paying for a view because I get upgraded so often. The only time I have paid for a view was at Wl and I got a horrible room. I think that is why I have bad feelings for Wl. I will get my Poly Cl in May hopefully. I look forward to your report.

Pas I can't really say I labored because I had a scheduled c-section. It was super easy though.

JennyYeah for Poly. When is that Cruise?

 

[jennyjinx3]

I don't think there will be any changing this trip. There is a big IT convention at WDW that week. I could not get a gv room anywhere. There not even available at rack rate. It was lagoon views or Cl. I hate paying for a view because I get upgraded so often. The only time I have paid for a view was at Wl and I got a horrible room. I think that is why I have bad feelings for Wl. I will get my Poly Cl in May hopefully. I look forward to your report.

Pas I can't really say I labored because I had a scheduled c-section. It was super easy though.

[B]JennyYeah for Poly. When is that Cruise?

[/B]


Don't get me started again!! I am trying every which way I can think of to get us on a 3 day before or after our trip...but DH will not even budge from the Poly, and I don't blame him. But that would be the only way to afford it this year, to downgrade. So....I am thinking it's going to be next year. I just cannot get it out of my head....I really want to do one badly!!

My middle DD is in awe everytime she gets a glance of one of the ships, and I would love to be able to surprise her with that. She is such a great girl, and has come so far in the past couple of years. So, I can only wait until 2013 rates come out, and go from there.

My hope is that once DH gets on a 3 day, he will love it so much and we will rebook onboard for another one! Thanks for asking!

 

[padawans]

[/B]


Don't get me started again!! I am trying every which way I can think of to get us on a 3 day before or after our trip...but DH will not even budge from the Poly, and I don't blame him. But that would be the only way to afford it this year, to downgrade. So....I am thinking it's going to be next year. I just cannot get it out of my head....I really want to do one badly!!

My middle DD is in awe everytime she gets a glance of one of the ships, and I would love to be able to surprise her with that. She is such a great girl, and has come so far in the past couple of years. So, I can only wait until 2013 rates come out, and go from there.

My hope is that once DH gets on a 3 day, he will love it so much and we will rebook onboard for another one! Thanks for asking!

Our cruise is May 12. I had to push it back after buying Ap's. We are only doing the 4 day Dream. I am planning on booking the Fantasy while on board probably for 2014. The prices for the Fantasy are high. I'm hoping with the 10% discount and booking early I can get a reasonable price. I would suggest booking as early as you can. Prices will only go up. My dh was hesitant about our first cruise, but he loved it, and he wants to do several. It's just the prices of the Disney cruises.The price wouldn't be so bad if we only did the cruise, but how the heck do you fly into Orlando and not visit WDW.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Our cruise is May 12. I had to push it back after buying Ap's. We are only doing the 4 day Dream. I am planning on booking the Fantasy while on board probably for 2014. The prices for the Fantasy are high. I'm hoping with the 10% discount and booking early I can get a reasonable price. I would suggest booking as early as you can. Prices will only go up. My dh was hesitant about our first cruise, but he loved it, and he wants to do several. It's just the prices of the Disney cruises.The price wouldn't be so bad if we only did the cruise, but how the heck do you fly into Orlando and not visit WDW.

No way .... can't happen! Not visit WDW???

 

[padawans]

No way .... can't happen! Not visit WDW???

Exactly!! Never going to happen.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Exactly!! Never going to happen.

Yes this is the thing!! Need some extra $$$ to save for the split trip that will happen. I see even in May 2013 the price is cheaper than this Sept obviously. Well, he has given me the green light so hoping I can make it work for next time. Friends are going on the may 2013 Fantasy 7 day eastern, and I pushed to go on that one, but it was futile. He doesn't want to commit to a 7 night yet. I love the look of the Alaska one.....

 

[WDWKOOK]

My size 10.5s are getting chilly about AoA (no comments from you, Heather). Some of the negatives (to me) are starting to surface:

~WiFi doesn't seem to be working in the rooms and some parts of the resort.

~Food court service issues are pretty consistent. Even though only 1/4 of the resort is open, there are already long lines and waits of up to 30 minutes for a family's meal to be ready for pick-up is common. They aren't using beepers so lines are getting long and patience short.

~I noticed on the resort map that almost all the DSAs (6 of them) are all along the 1.35 mile jogging path along the lake. Since there isn't a health club, we'd have no choice but to be jogging on that trail in the morning with the smokers.

~There aren't any closets at all.

~Someone reported loud toilet flushing noises. But, I wasn't clear if this was just from their own room or from another.


I know that all the resorts have their pluses and minuses, but I feel apprehensive now about trying AoA, but maybe for just 2 or 3 nights it would be fine. But then I think, why bother with just a 2 night split, so I'm starting to convince myself to stay elsewhere for the first part of our split stay - but where?????

Also, DD now has a camp that is going to be the week we are supposed to leave for FL. If we leave right after the camp ends, then I have to shorten our trip by two days. If we leave exactly one week later, then I could actually add a day

But, when I looked up resort availability for the last two weeks in August, resorts seem less available, especially DVC, unlike the two weeks prior that we're currently booked. WL/CL is available, but CR, Kidani and BLT, for example aren't. I'm thinking this is because of Free Dining? So now I'm worried about going a week later because it might actually be more crowded. It used to be less crowded toward the end of August, but with FD, we've been going earlier in the month to avoid FD fearing it's more crowded.

Should I be worried about the last two weeks of August being more crowded? Crowd calendars show that the crowds should be less, but so many more resorts are booked, especially DVC.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Well, we had to check out of our sweet suite at the GF today but....


We got ugraded to a 2 bedroom suite at BWI CL too!!!!!

I am in shock. Thrilled but so stunned. I guess these short splits are paying off! Took tons of pics for when I get back. I miss chatting with all of you

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well, we had to check out of our sweet suite at the GF today but....


We got ugraded to a 2 bedroom suite at BWI CL too!!!!!

I am in shock. Thrilled but so stunned. I guess these short splits are paying off! Took tons of pics for when I get back. I miss chatting with all of you

S-WEEEEEEEET and unbelievable! . Just curious, are you celebrating anything that's in your reservation?

Could you please take some photos of your BWI suite that I could use for the BWI thread? I only have pre-rehab suite photos and new ones sure would look mighty fine on the first page

Don't get lost in your room tonight!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Pas, yay for an interview! It would be wonderful if this works and you can work less hours in the ER!

Dani, you are a long way down the parkway. Isn't that south of the AC parkway? Are you close to Cape May? Hope you are having a wonderful time!

I heart the mouse, so excited for you about your amazing upgrades!!! Do you think it's because they are such short stays and they can put you in between week long guests? Can't wait to see your pictures, especially of the RPC 2 bedroom suite!

Okay, now it's on to KOOK and her "cold feet". I have been excited to have you try AoA, but those negatives are beginning to outweigh the positives (2 bathrooms ). Maybe a jaunt over there one day to see it would be a better plan for now. As for the last two weeks in August. We have never been then, but school is still not in session in NJ (they go back after Labor Day) so I do know some families that go down then, less crowded than earlier in the summer. We have gone for 2 week stays various weeks in September for the past few years. It is not crowded, even with Free Dining. I think the same is true of the end of August. I would personally change weeks before I would cut a vacation short, by even a day I am not really a RC, but I am a DA (day adder). I can't remember the last trip I didn't manage to sneak a couple of extra days in from the original plan.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Jeanette: Higher pay with better hours? That's a no brainer and I so hope this CHANGE works out for you - more DIS and RC time, too

Okay, now it's on to KOOK and her "cold feet". I have been excited to have you try AoA, but those negatives are beginning to outweigh the positives (2 bathrooms ). Maybe a jaunt over there one day to see it would be a better plan for now. As for the last two weeks in August. We have never been then, but school is still not in session in NJ (they go back after Labor Day) so I do know some families that go down then, less crowded than earlier in the summer. We have gone for 2 week stays various weeks in September for the past few years. It is not crowded, even with Free Dining. I think the same is true of the end of August. I would personally change weeks before I would cut a vacation short, by even a day I am not really a RC, but I am a DA (day adder). I can't remember the last trip I didn't manage to sneak a couple of extra days in from the original plan.

How in the world did you know that all you wrote is exactly what I needed to hear? Thank you, my friend, I feel much better now. A visit to eat at the food court and take some pictures sounds perfect! Oh, and thank you for spelling out DA

 

[disneydreamin247]

Pas, yay for an interview! It would be wonderful if this works and you can work less hours in the ER!

Dani, you are a long way down the parkway. Isn't that south of the AC parkway? Are you close to Cape May? Hope you are having a wonderful time!

I heart the mouse, so excited for you about your amazing upgrades!!! Do you think it's because they are such short stays and they can put you in between week long guests? Can't wait to see your pictures, especially of the RPC 2 bedroom suite!

Okay, now it's on to KOOK and her "cold feet". I have been excited to have you try AoA, but those negatives are beginning to outweigh the positives (2 bathrooms ). Maybe a jaunt over there one day to see it would be a better plan for now. As for the last two weeks in August. We have never been then, but school is still not in session in NJ (they go back after Labor Day) so I do know some families that go down then, less crowded than earlier in the summer. We have gone for 2 week stays various weeks in September for the past few years. It is not crowded, even with Free Dining. I think the same is true of the end of August. I would personally change weeks before I would cut a vacation short, by even a day I am not really a RC, but I am a DA (day adder). I can't remember the last trip I didn't manage to sneak a couple of extra days in from the original plan.

It's the perfect location. Halfway between AC and Cape May! In fact we may go to the Cape May zoo tomorrow!

PS- I am also a DA. This trip started as 5 nights. Now it's 12!

 

[hstrickland]

My size 10.5s are getting chilly about AoA (no comments from you, Heather).

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Pas, yay for an interview! It would be wonderful if this works and you can work less hours in the ER!

Dani, you are a long way down the parkway. Isn't that south of the AC parkway? Are you close to Cape May? Hope you are having a wonderful time!

I heart the mouse, so excited for you about your amazing upgrades!!! Do you think it's because they are such short stays and they can put you in between week long guests? Can't wait to see your pictures, especially of the RPC 2 bedroom suite!

Okay, now it's on to KOOK and her "cold feet". I have been excited to have you try AoA, but those negatives are beginning to outweigh the positives (2 bathrooms ). Maybe a jaunt over there one day to see it would be a better plan for now. As for the last two weeks in August. We have never been then, but school is still not in session in NJ (they go back after Labor Day) so I do know some families that go down then, less crowded than earlier in the summer. We have gone for 2 week stays various weeks in September for the past few years. It is not crowded, even with Free Dining. I think the same is true of the end of August. I would personally change weeks before I would cut a vacation short, by even a day I am not really a RC, but I am a DA (day adder). I can't remember the last trip I didn't manage to sneak a couple of extra days in from the original plan.

It's the perfect location. Halfway between AC and Cape May! In fact we may go to the Cape May zoo tomorrow!

PS- I am also a DA. This trip started as 5 nights. Now it's 12!

I'm also a DA! I don't think I've ever booked a trip that I didn't add on days!

 

[padawans]

Kook I wear a 10.5 too. I blame it on the running flattening them out. They keep getting bigger. I think for a night or two it would be fine. As long as you end your trip at your favorite. I have only spent 1 night at a non-deluxe resort. I am considering the Cars suite for a few nights on one of our trips. It's fun to try something new for a couple on nights, but I wouldn't commit to anything longer than that.

I heart the mouse Wow. I can't wait for your pictures. It's funny I never got upgraded when we spent 10 days at one resort, but I always get a upgraded view on short stays. Split stays Rock.

JC I always add days. As my savings grows so does the amount of days.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! Weather has been a total washout yesterday and today so I am so happy for the space! I've decided I can live without CL in the future, but space is a must. Changed our august trip to 1 br savannah view at kidani with the BB offer. Hoping to change to a 2 br.

I am sure the short stays are the reason we are getting bumped. No celebrations on our ressies.

I will definitely post pics of both suites on the GF and BWI threads that can be used for whatever.

Happy changing ladies

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

...would y'all believe that I just spent 30 minutes reading my old trip report?? What in the world?! I have a 1000 things to do today! I get so side tracked sometimes!!!

Funny stuff ... And your magnet pic is great. They are really cool.

This new job is an opportunity that came about while I was away. A friend recommended me. It's for a transport nurse. Basically I ride with a patient in an ambulance from hospital A to hospital B. Great $$$, great working conditions...referred from a very reliable fella who is happy there...fingers crossed

And I did call CRO to check RPC...score!!!!!! HRH & I will be at RPC on her birthday!

Sending Wishes for a great interview next week. Sounds like a great change of pace for you. ... Congrats on the RPC SCORE! HRH must be so pleased.

So, I have a funny story....Later, when we were tucking them into bed...DD8 produced an "itinerary" of what they'd like to do, ride by ride...(Great Goofini has unseated Dumbo as the obligatory first ride BTW)....treats they want to eat, etc... I was soooooo impressed with my babies!!! My DH was horrified!!!

Poor DH. he's surrounded. Great story.

Holy cow! I am seriously stressed out now. I mean they really wouldn't give me enough places for the fam to sleep? My first RC (in my head because I didn't book) was from CR because I wanted to be in an EPCOT resort for F&W. GF I think is just too much $$$. Ugh decisions decisions. - scrap it all and do DL ? ...My girls (7 and 13) set up a WDW travel agency! They love to plan fake trips. The bad thing is, they plan BIG

I truly wouldn't worry. As long as you enter 5 paying people in the room, DIS will take care of you. ...Good news for your WDW TA's in the making!

I feel apprehensive now about trying AoA, but maybe for just 2 or 3 nights it would be fine. I'm starting to convince myself to stay elsewhere for the first part of our split stay - but where?????

Also, DD now has a camp that is going to be the week we are supposed to leave for FL. If we leave right after the camp ends, then I have to shorten our trip by two days. If we leave exactly one week later, then I could actually add a day I'm worried about going a week later because it might actually be more crowded. It used to be less crowded toward the end of August, but with FD, we've been going earlier in the month to avoid FD fearing it's more crowded.

You are funny with your forays into alternate WDW accommodations. So are you back on Deluxe ground? When I do a Cars Suite it will be for a weekend, but I won't stay past 2 nights at AoA. ... I can't speak for all of Aug/Sept FD, but the end of our stay overlaps the very beginning of FD every year now, and it is noticeably more crowded at the very start of FD than the couple days before FD starts. Lots of NY/NJ/PA/CT peeps getting a vaca before school starts. But it is all relative and we are always happy at WDW no matter the crowd levels, so I say add the days.

Well, we had to check out of our sweet suite at the GF today but....We got upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite at BWI CL too!!!!!

That rocks!! Congratulations to you!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Kook I wear a 10.5 too. I blame it on the running flattening them out. They keep getting bigger. I think for a night or two it would be fine. As long as you end your trip at your favorite. I have only spent 1 night at a non-deluxe resort. I am considering the Cars suite for a few nights on one of our trips. It's fun to try something new for a couple on nights, but I wouldn't commit to anything longer than that.

I heart the mouse Wow. I can't wait for your pictures. It's funny I never got upgraded when we spent 10 days at one resort, but I always get a upgraded view on short stays. Split stays Rock.

JC I always add days. As my savings grows so does the amount of days.

I'm a size 10!!!! but...I'm only 5'3!!!! How tall are you guys?!?! I was a runner in my past life so I'll blame the feet on that too.

Funny stuff ... And your magnet pic is great. They are really cool.

Sending Wishes for a great interview next week. Sounds like a great change of pace for you. ... Congrats on the RPC SCORE! HRH must be so pleased.

Poor DH. he's surrounded. Great story.

I truly wouldn't worry. As long as you enter 5 paying people in the room, DIS will take care of you. ...Good news for your WDW TA's in the making!

You are funny with your forays into alternate WDW accommodations. So are you back on Deluxe ground? When I do a Cars Suite it will be for a weekend, but I won't stay past 2 nights at AoA. ... I can't speak for all of Aug/Sept FD, but the end of our stay overlaps the very beginning of FD every year now, and it is noticeably more crowded at the very start of FD than the couple days before FD starts. Lots of NY/NJ/PA/CT peeps getting a vaca before school starts. But it is all relative and we are always happy at WDW no matter the crowd levels, so I say add the days.

That rocks!! Congratulations to you!!

He is totally surrounded!!! But such a good sport. He loves Disney, just not to my level of .
He even took part in our dinner discussion tonight about top 10 favorite restaurants, rides, etc...