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

[Minnie&Nana]

The talk didn't go well, but I'll get a final word today. My boss doesn't see it as being in the company's best interest for me to make up my hours on other days.... ya know, cause he personally pays me or something.

Must be coming right out of his pocket! I'm sorry it didn't go well.Maybe you will get surprising good news.

Yay! I have internet today and DD's computer!

I am planning another long walk on the beach today. Yesterday I walked from Marina del Rey to the middle of Venice. Is there anything better than walking along the water's edge??? I've never spent much time in Marina del Rey ... more of a Newport or Huntington Beach kind of girl but I'm discovering that I really like this area .... besides it's where my DD lives!!!

I did look at airfares the other day for my October trip. My ADRs are pretty much done ... still keep getting an error 500 message when I try to book Whispering Canyon. DH is going with me this trip .... it's the first time in over 3 years. He'll probably only stay a week and then I have a few days of me time.

Hope everyone has a magical day!

YAY for internet! I love those long walks...we used to walk from Santa Monica Pier to Venice...for sure one of the weirdest places on earth!

Air fares are outrageous and I am so bummed I will likely lose my $182 on SW. Hope you get one of those Tuesday deals!

Thanks about my countdown...but BLT might have fallen through. The owner has not contacted me since we spoke on Wed. Maybe she changed her mind. If so, then we're just not meant to stay there and I will begin the search again!

Thanks I was looking at Myrtle Beach resorts...and clicked on flights....priceline, got 2 roundtrip for HRH and I EARLY on Sept 28th...and then home Oct 1st...yeah put in wrong day....but $380 for 2 tix.....AWESOME. Now we HAVE to go Really glad the family is all excited again!!!
YAY for double digits....sorry your boss is being a PITA. Hope it has a good outcome

Happy weekend Christine

I think you make the California coastline enticing Nice to see you Linda!!!!! I was shocked I was able to get flights for $145 that are on the web for $260.....I am happy. Happy happy. Hope you score the same luck

Happy weekend to you too, sweet friend!

Congrats on the flights!!! So, do you just take a chance on priceline and put in what you want to spend? That would make me nuts b/c I fear I'd get terrible times and connecting flights...and would not be able to choose a seat.

 

[pas130]

Thanks about my countdown...but BLT might have fallen through. The owner has not contacted me since we spoke on Wed. Maybe she changed her mind. If so, then we're just not meant to stay there and I will begin the search again!



Happy weekend to you too, sweet friend!

Congrats on the flights!!! So, do you just take a chance on priceline and put in what you want to spend? That would make me nuts b/c I fear I'd get terrible times and connecting flights...and would not be able to choose a seat.

That's exactly what I did It said save up to 40%, so I took 40% off my current farelock price...voila. It's only HRH and I, so I took a chance...first morning flights though It's OK I saved almost $200. I went on United and changed our seats....all good Nonstop flights at least! So by lunchtime we will be at WDW

Keep us posted on BLT, maybe you'll have to change to BWV or BCV...

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Christine isn't the $182 on SW good thru Dec 6th? You could at least use it for your trip down there?

Yes, Venise is a very strange place. I had wanted to walk all the way from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica pier but didn't make it. Seems to be a lot longer walk along the water's edge than on the boardwalk ... guess cuzz it curves.

As for BLT .... don't worry something even better will come up! Believe it or not it is really my least favorite of all the DVC resorts. For some reason I keep thinking of POR .... maybe because it's the first onsite resort DH and I stayed at. Ever since I bought DVC I either stay at POP or DVC so the mods really have been calling to me!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

That's exactly what I did It said save up to 40%, so I took 40% off my current farelock price...voila. It's only HRH and I, so I took a chance...first morning flights though It's OK I saved almost $200. I went on United and changed our seats....all good Nonstop flights at least! So by lunchtime we will be at WDW

Keep us posted on BLT, maybe you'll have to change to BWV or BCV...

I would be so scared to take a chance - would not mind the early morning flight, it's that last one of the day going and first one of the day returning. You lucked out bit time!!

BWV and BCV sell out for my dates right away - owners books early December - it is super popular time...so we shall see where we land!

Christine isn't the $182 on SW good thru Dec 6th? You could at least use it for your trip down there?

Yes, Venice is a very strange place. I had wanted to walk all the way from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica pier but didn't make it. Seems to be a lot longer walk along the water's edge than on the boardwalk ... guess cuzz it curves.

As for BLT .... don't worry something even better will come up! Believe it or not it is really my least favorite of all the DVC resorts. For some reason I keep thinking of POR .... maybe because it's the first onsite resort DH and I stayed at. Ever since I bought DVC I either stay at POP or DVC so the mods really have been calling to me!

I thought the SW tkt was good until a yr to the travel date, but with SW it is a year from date of purchase. I had no idea they were different than most other airlines. I might be able to get an "exception" extension, but I cannot call until Sept 29th - then they deduct $75 and mail me a voucher for the balance...takes about 10 days. So I'd not be able to buy Dec tkt until early October...you know the flights will be sky high!

BLT would not have even been on my top 3, not fond of it either...but DVC is so difficult to get early December and cost wise, renting points is less than a mod!!

It will all work out...I just hate to disappoint Rosie.

Know what you mean about your 1st resort! Ours was CR in 1981. We loved it...North Garden Wing, 3rd floor...and we watched monorail glide by...could see Space Mtn and fireworks...it was wonderful...had to go back 6 mos later and that's when the Polynesian became our home resort.

 

[stefani_]

I would save the deluxe for the end of your trip. It's really hard to downgrade.

In general, that is definitely true! However, I have been to almost all the Deluxe resorts for restaurants before (at least, I've been to BWI/YC/BC/GF/Poly which are all the ones I'm considering! Also been to CR but I'm not considering that one), so I've definitely "seen it" even if I haven't "lived it". I don't think I would be upset "downgrading" to POFQ after a short Deluxe stay just because I love POFQ so much! It'll be hard to decide though, because leaving a Deluxe for the last few days means a great end to the vacation, but it'll also make me sad once I'm there because my trip will almost be over!! Oh well. I'll make that decision once I decide which Deluxe I'll be at I appreciate the opinion!

Welcome!!!! Yes this is a great place for you right now!!! Stay awhile, we ar very entertaining

OK...I have MUCHO LOVE for the Grand....but now is not the time to go...JMHO. Poly is also beautiful, but it seems you may like the decor better at GF? Yes? Plus with the monorail issues, it seems the MK area overall is a little disruptive. CR has some construction, but it is on the 14th floor, not really affecting the resort too much..kook was there recently...WL also has very minimal construction, as does YC I think....

It might be best to do your deluxe stay at the end of your trip like dani mentioned...at BC/YC/BWI. BC/YC are very close to BWI so choose the resort you like the best. I would choose BC or YC for 2 nights...If a balcony is important....go with YC...the interior decor is both light and bright, IMO not too much difference. Being they are connected and same amenities...either one you pick would be fine. I just prefer the SAB pool over Luna park at BWI. That said I like the decor at BWI better...(more like GF) BUT my DH felt BW was "too busy" where YC was quiet at night...let us know what you decide

Thanks for the warm welcome

Yes, I DEFINITELY am a HUGE fan of the decor at GF. I just love the Victorian feel, the simplistic beauty, all the white-ness of the buildings. So lovely! I really do think that I will have to put it off though, unfortunately. Good thing I found out about the construction or I might've booked it and then become disappointed once I arrived at the construction! And yes I was worried that Poly would be slightly affected by the monorail... are the monorail closures only between GF and MK, or does it affect the entire monorail line?

I don't swim, but I will go in the pool to relax. It is an amazing place to chill out in the heat, as I discovered last time. The water is cold but it doesn't feel that way with the blazing sun, it feels absolutely perfect in there even if I'm not moving around (which usually makes me cold)

Thanks for your input on BWI being more like GF, I will take that into consideration! I do like the theming of the pool at BWI being like a circus/amusement park style. The pool at BC/YC sounds amazing with the sand bottom and the slide, but I might not be brave enough to go on the slide although I know the depth of water at the end is no taller than I am (so I won't drown at least) I went on the POFQ slide only once, and I had to have my mom at the bottom so I could grab her hand before I submerged even though the water was only 4 ft and I am 5+ ft

Hi stefani_, BC/YC split would be soooo much fun. That is something that I would do. Plus you can try out both Resorts for a future stay. I would stay away from Poly and GF for your trip THIS visit, but definitely put them on your “short list”. POR and POFQ are great resorts... I am glad you are a fan, too.

Good point! Otherwise, if I did 2 nights at EITHER BC/YC I would always wonder what I was missing on the other side

I might book POR instead of POFQ just to try it once, I love the theming at POR also as I am a U.S. history enthusiast and I am very interested in the whole Southern/plantation style theme. The only thing is that I'd be very disappointed if I didn't get a lodge near the main building/South depot. I ventured over there often from POFQ to eat at the food court (which was definitely superior to POFQ's offerings, especially the pasta bar!) and I have seen for myself the size of that place. The small size of POFQ was one of my favorite things about the resort. It was especially irritating after a long park day when the buses went to all 4 POR depots before stopping at POFQ! Sometimes it would be POFQ first, sometimes not. I could not figure out the pattern for the stops much as I tried

 

[disneydreamin247]

Seeing it and living it are very different IMO. There's so many extra amenities. I could never start off at the Poly and switch to CBR. As much as I love CBR and despite it having the largest rooms amongst the mods, there's too much I'd miss. It would be a huge downer for me.

 

[stefani_]

Seeing it and living it are very different IMO. There's so many extra amenities. I could never start off at the Poly and switch to CBR. As much as I love CBR and despite it having the largest rooms amongst the mods, there's too much I'd miss. It would be a huge downer for me.

Even outside of Disney, I've never lived in anything more than a basic hotel building/room so I'm sure you're right! I'll think about that for sure.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Seeing it and living it are very different IMO. There's so many extra amenities. I could never start off at the Poly and switch to CBR. As much as I love CBR and despite it having the largest rooms amongst the mods, there's too much I'd miss. It would be a huge downer for me.

I feel the same, Dani. I could never switch from any deluxe to a Mod even if that mod was my "home" resort. It would be too much of a let down.

One yr we did add on 4 POP nights at the last minute, then switched over to our BWV stay....even that was hard! That year POP seemed noisier, louder...I dunno...did not enjoy that stay, but enjoyed 4 other short stays during Mousefest.

Stefani If possible, I think you will not be sorry if you begin at FQ or POR and end at a deluxe...it will make your vacation special to end that way...I do think if you stay deluxe first, you'll really miss it ....unless your family dislikes the resort, which certainly happens - then you'd be excited to move! Good luck deciding and happy planning!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Success!!! Just returned from a walk from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica pier .... splashing in the water all the way. Now it's time to sit on the deck, relax, read a little and have my diet pepsi!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Success!!! Just returned from a walk from Marina del Rey to Santa Monica pier .... splashing in the water all the way. Now it's time to sit on the deck, relax, read a little and have my diet pepsi!

You must be exhausted!! How far is that walk? Sounds wonderful though! (did you walk both ways?) We walked the beach down, but Santa Monica Blvd back, strolling the shops and galleries.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

You must be exhausted!! How far is that walk? Sounds wonderful though! (did you walk both ways?) We walked the beach down, but Santa Monica Blvd back, strolling the shops and galleries.

Yep .... walked both ways. Not sure how far it is .... since I followed the curve of the waterline and not a straight line. But judging by how long it took me I'd say about a little over 6 miles round trip. And yes I am tired!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Yep .... walked both ways. Not sure how far it is .... since I followed the curve of the waterline and not a straight line. But judging by how long it took me I'd say about a little over 6 miles round trip. And yes I am tired!!!

SO JEALOUS!!!!

 

[stefani_]

I feel the same, Dani. I could never switch from any deluxe to a Mod even if that mod was my "home" resort. It would be too much of a let down.

One yr we did add on 4 POP nights at the last minute, then switched over to our BWV stay....even that was hard! That year POP seemed noisier, louder...I dunno...did not enjoy that stay, but enjoyed 4 other short stays during Mousefest.

Stefani If possible, I think you will not be sorry if you begin at FQ or POR and end at a deluxe...it will make your vacation special to end that way...I do think if you stay deluxe first, you'll really miss it ....unless your family dislikes the resort, which certainly happens - then you'd be excited to move! Good luck deciding and happy planning!!!

In that case, I hope I won't be sad about POFQ next year if our Deluxe stay is "too" perfect

 

[Minnie&Nana]

In that case, I hope I won't be sad about POFQ next year if our Deluxe stay is "too" perfect

While I admit to enjoy a deluxe stay - our first trip in 1981 we stayed CR, then 6 mos later the Polynesian...we then tried CR Tower & another GV stay, but back then it was only CR, Poly, the Golf Resort (now Shades of Green) and FW. When CBR opened we decided to try it because we wanted a change...it was an adjustment the first 48 hours, but we went back 4 more times! Then we tried BC, Dolphin...back to Poly and so on...in 2004 we had a few FQ stays and 2 at POR...also in 2004 my friend and I took a last minute long weekend and stayed at then then brand new POP. We've stayed at all but AS (never will), OKW and a couple of Villas (BCV & AKV), but have stayed in the resorts. Oh, and VWL, not the Lodge. LOVED VWL way more than I ever expected!!

Have you considered renting DVC points? You can pay less than the cost of a moderate for a deluxe sometimes...generally never more than a moderate. The Villa studios have one queen bed and one pull out couch, a small kitchenette and if rented with points, no regular housekeeping. It is a different system. BUT not all the DCV rental companies are equal - I know a great one who does not charge to check availability. I digress!

While a deluxe is wonderful, I know lots of DISers who prefer a moderate and some prefer POP. Just a matter of where you feel most at "home".

Sorry to go on!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I got a new bathing suit today for our trip!!!!

This may not seem like a big deal, however, I have still been wearing my maternity bathing suit over the past 5-6 summers!!!

And, I had tried it on last week and LOVED it (it's one of those miracle suits). It sucks you in at all the right places, but the $156 price tag made me

Well, I waited and then when at Macy's today to buy a gift for my friends bridal shower tomorrow, I was given a 25% off coupon that I was able to use on the bathing suit...$117 was a little more palatable...anywho, i'll be rocking a new bathing suit at the WL this summer! Woohoo!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

T.G.I.F!!!

I am so happy for the end of this week!!!! It's school vacation week in NH, so my week has consisted of work, shuffling DD7 back and forth to camp at hours that are not quite conducive to my work schedule...and to top it all off, DH has had to stay for all late flights this week, so he hasn't been getting home from work until 7:30 pm... Oh well, it's Friday, it's almost over.

DD7 is in a musical tonight, very excited to see that!!! And, then tomorrow I have a bridal shower to attend and then DD7 is hosting a sleepover party for her birthday that will result in 7 girls (including ours) sleeping at our house tomorrow night!!!

I can't believe my baby will be 8 on Monday - she is growing up into such a wonderful person - I'm so proud of her!!! (sorry for that little bit of gushing).

Oh, and 79 days till Disney!!!!

Wow 79 days!! Exciting! I too cannot believe how much our little girl is turning into a young woman! She turns 8 in June, and lately I have been looking at her in awe. Good luck with the party...it will be loud!

 

[jennyjinx3]

I got a new bathing suit today for our trip!!!!

This may not seem like a big deal, however, I have still been wearing my maternity bathing suit over the past 5-6 summers!!!

And, I had tried it on last week and LOVED it (it's one of those miracle suits). It sucks you in at all the right places, but the $156 price tag made me

Well, I waited and then when at Macy's today to buy a gift for my friends bridal shower tomorrow, I was given a 25% off coupon that I was able to use on the bathing suit...$117 was a little more palatable...anywho, i'll be rocking a new bathing suit at the WL this summer! Woohoo!!

Yes this is very important! I swam publicly at the poly pool last year and like to think I rocked it... ! You have to feel good in your suit, and you at worth it!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Wow 79 days!! Exciting! I too cannot believe how much our little girl is turning into a young woman! She turns 8 in June, and lately I have been looking at her in awe. Good luck with the party...it will be loud!

OMG, I feel the same way about our DD(almost 8)... She is such an amazing girl, and I feel like we must have done something spectacular to deserve her. She is the most kind hearted, caring child with the most amazing spirit! I strive to be like her. She has taught me sooooo much about how I should be as a person. I thought it should be the other way around. We're lucky to have her. (both of our girls)

 

[jennyjinx3]

While I admit to enjoy a deluxe stay - our first trip in 1981 we stayed CR, then 6 mos later the Polynesian...we then tried CR Tower & another GV stay, but back then it was only CR, Poly, the Golf Resort (now Shades of Green) and FW. When CBR opened we decided to try it because we wanted a change...it was an adjustment the first 48 hours, but we went back 4 more times! Then we tried BC, Dolphin...back to Poly and so on...in 2004 we had a few FQ stays and 2 at POR...also in 2004 my friend and I took a last minute long weekend and stayed at then then brand new POP. We've stayed at all but AS (never will), OKW and a couple of Villas (BCV & AKV), but have stayed in the resorts. Oh, and VWL, not the Lodge. LOVED VWL way more than I ever expected!!

Have you considered renting DVC points? You can pay less than the cost of a moderate for a deluxe sometimes...generally never more than a moderate. The Villa studios have one queen bed and one pull out couch, a small kitchenette and if rented with points, no regular housekeeping. It is a different system. BUT not all the DCV rental companies are equal - I know a great one who does not charge to check availability. I digress!

While a deluxe is wonderful, I know lots of DISers who prefer a moderate and some prefer POP. Just a matter of where you feel most at "home".

Sorry to go on!!!

Renting points is something we want to do on future trips too! AKL is one my DH wants to stay at, and renting is probably our best option there! Is it as easy as it seems?

Jen

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yes this is very important! I swam publicly at the poly pool last year and like to think I rocked it... ! You have to feel good in your suit, and you at worth it!

I'm sure you rocked it!! I've been doing the elliptical 2 x a week and I have Zumba once a week, so I'm hoping to drop a few more pounds before our trip. I've gotten to the point with my body where "it is what it is". I'll do my best to take care of it, but I've got to work with what I've got.