~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[DiznyDi]

Another great bag! Design + fabric = a winning combination.

 

[babynala]

The bag is gorgeous, the accent fabric is so cute and I think the candy cane is SWEET! I'm sure it will be a big hit.

Your plans are coming together. AKL sounds like a great place to stay. I have only ever stayed at the value resorts but I think AKL would be worth a splurge. You are working your way up to the Poly! I have never done a split stay but I don't think you would have to worry about your bags and stuff. I just wonder if it would eat up too much time. Do you guys seem to use your dining credits in one day or do you save them up over the course of your trip? You might have to factor that in when you do the split as I don't think they carry over between the two resorts. The savings might be worth a double split.

We had lunch at Saana in January and it was very yummy. I think Chiara recommended it so she might have more input. I have never eaten at Boma but my DH had and we wanted to check out AKL. It was pretty empty so we had a good table by the window. It was a bit rainy but the animals were hanging out close to the windows.

A draft of my kids schedule came out for next year and they ask for comments. Of course I recommended a full week off in October for a fall break. I do this every year and so far no luck!

We have gone every other year since Casey was four so according to her we are due for another trip next fall. I think she just wants to get out of school!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh D that bag is gorgeous!
And I like your split stay plan. Im sure bell services has it down packed and it will all go smoothly.

Thanks Suzi!

Yah - I like my split stay plan too, now I have to make it work with our budget. It's like $400+ per night at AKL and only -$200 at FQ, so we will see, that's a huge price difference, and it will depend on a code, me thinks.

So cute! I LOVE the interior fabric!

Thank you!! I love all the fabrics, I love how fun the interior is, but I am in love with the exterior damask print - it's beautiful and lively all at the same time.

Love the applique

Thanks Chiara! I am so glad I changed my mind.

I love the holiday bag! The fabrics are fantastic and the bite out of the cookie is so cute!

Thanks! Yah - I think Alli's idea about the bite out of the cookie was a great one.

Your bag is beautiful as usual!

Thanks Ruth!

Another great bag! Design + fabric = a winning combination.

Thanks Di!

Nothing exciting to report today. I worked on that bag all morning, and finished is several hours before I thought I would. Then I went to work on more of my SSP.

Last night, I worked on my auction template... One of the fantastic Disboutiquers did me a huge favor and made me an original template, so all I have to do is plug in my own pictures. This was just so awesome of her to do for me, and I just love how it turned out - it's so cute with my logo and all. So, I worked on getting all my pictures plugged into it and my descriptions. The only part I don't like, is that I am NOT a photographer - I sew - so my pictures (the ones I posted here) are just horrible. Oh well, at least I know, if people can bid on pictures that are that bad, they'll be happy with what they receive. LOL

Tonight, Alli has her very first high school choir concert. I am pretty excited for her, and I can't wait - it should be fun.

Josh and MM should be home later today, they have been on a "boys weekend" pheasant hunting in ND. MM's very first hunting trip. So far, Josh has reported that MM is very tired - he has only been hunting him for half days, and even then, MM is just a puppy and distracted by everything. LOL Josh said that despite his puppy-ness, he is doing great and having a blast. Riley (the dog from the lake a few weeks ago) is up there with them, and they are just the best of buds. It's been awfully quiet around here with out MM's impatient self, so I am looking forward to having them home.

I will be in my sewing room today starting a new order.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

The bag is gorgeous, the accent fabric is so cute and I think the candy cane is SWEET! I'm sure it will be a big hit.

Thanks Liz! I am so nervous about it... It's one thing to do custom orders, and it's a whole new ball game to put your stuff out there for everyone to critique.

Your plans are coming together. AKL sounds like a great place to stay. I have only ever stayed at the value resorts but I think AKL would be worth a splurge. You are working your way up to the Poly! I have never done a split stay but I don't think you would have to worry about your bags and stuff. I just wonder if it would eat up too much time. Do you guys seem to use your dining credits in one day or do you save them up over the course of your trip? You might have to factor that in when you do the split as I don't think they carry over between the two resorts. The savings might be worth a double split.

I am still not sure what to do? Why can't I just make up my mind?

We usually budget out our dining credits pretty well, and try to stick to the 1 snack, 1 CS, 1 TS per day - only because that is how we normally eat at home, and that's what we are used to. I am not one for hoarding credits - LOL, otherwise you get to the end of your stay and you need to eat 3 TS per day.

I am not sure I could do a double split. However, I was reading Kathy's TR - and just her 2 OKW pictures has me wanting to look into OKW too. What is wrong with me????

We had lunch at Saana in January and it was very yummy. I think Chiara recommended it so she might have more input. I have never eaten at Boma but my DH had and we wanted to check out AKL. It was pretty empty so we had a good table by the window. It was a bit rainy but the animals were hanging out close to the windows.

That sounds awesome!

A draft of my kids schedule came out for next year and they ask for comments. Of course I recommended a full week off in October for a fall break. I do this every year and so far no luck!

LOL - I am sure they will change it, probably the year after all your kids graduate?

We have gone every other year since Casey was four so according to her we are due for another trip next fall. I think she just wants to get out of school!

Hmmm... Does that mean that you might be there in Oct, as well?

D~

 

[dianemom2]

Your split stay ideas sounds like fun. And your new bag is awesome! I saw that Andrea said she didn't see your picture of you modeling your new Lands End tankini. I think I missed that picture too.

 

[EEs*Mommy]

D that bag is adorable! I love the inside lining!!

I also thought that with the military passes if you spent the 25 and added the water parks you would get 4 days water parks and 4 days of regular parks? You might want to check that out. Unless you still would be lacking a day? I have not had much sleep so I may have misread?

 

[Pluto0809]

Love the new holiday bag! I just saw it this morning as I was cleaning all weekend. My MIL arrives Thursday for a 10 day visit. I don't mind her visiting but 10 days is a lot to have any visitor in the house! She stayed for 2 weeks last time so this time is a bit better. After she goes I can start packing for my November trip! 40 days to go.

Did you know there is an App for Disney Gift Cards? It's free and it keeps track of the balances on all your cards. I have a bunch for my trip in November and have them all loaded into the App. That way I don't have to try to keep track of which ones have a balance and which ones don't. I have them all numbered and just need to pull up the App to check the balances.

 

[lovethattink]

The holiday bag is adorable!!

 

[BabyRapunzel]

Don't forget to look into dvc rental. I think for Oct 12-20, studio savanna view at akv is 134 points. Timeshare store rents at $12 per point, $10 if there is a deal. Which would be $1608 for the room. You could still add dining plan, or only do it for part of your stay. But there is the risk that you can't cancel after booking. We stayed 1 night, it was really nice. We would return for sure.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

The holiday bag is so adorable... I feel like it should smell like hot cocoa and cookies, like Minnie's float in the parade. If anyone could find a way to make fabric smell like a parade float, it is you my dear!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

the new bag is really cute!

split stay info - bell services will transfer your bags over...we did that last April POP to AKL....packed, called bell svc at POP he picked up stuff and we checked out....took bus over to AK, then trans to AKL from there...checked in at AKL...we had a savannah room and it was way out, but worth the walk! we went over about 9am I think and our room was ready at AKL, about 15-20 minutes later our luggage showed up, so it all went pretty quickly!

also you can take the Wayana (sp) safari tour at AKL, which takes you around the savannah areas of the resort, it includes dinner at JIKO which was wonderful!

 

[solana131]

Hey D, just wanted to throw this out there too...I have seen somewhere that the bunk beds are only recommended for small children. Might want to check into that before you pay more for a bunk room .

And OKW is gorgeous! We stopped to check it out real quick in July because it was on my short list for Feb and I just wanted to see it. Very cute pool and just very "Florida-ish". But the small size of POFQ keeps pulling me back. Just seems like alot of wasted time waiting for internal buses, then external buses....

Oh, and if you did do the split stay....what about packing two smaller bags (like duffels) inside the big suitcases? Then you could have one bag for AKL and one for POFQ and not have to unpack everything all at once. Just an idea.

 

[DMGeurts]

Suzi... That is an excellent idea...

Lisa... That safari sounds nice too...

I am just so discombobulated, I can't even think straight...

I wish I could book a 1 br. villa at AKV - but even if I do that - the girls still have to sleep on a pull out sofa - and that's no fun... Really - we would need a 2 br villa - and that's not in the budget at all.

So, if they would have to sleep on a pull out anyways - might as well just book a studio? Right? Help me out here - right????

OK, one night at AKL is definately not going to be enough - I know that, neither is 2, 3 would be OK - 4 would be better (see where I am going with this>>>>)... Maybe the whole week? GAH!!!

Then... definately want a Savannah view - for sure... but if we book a studio - wouldn't is be nice to go all out and do concierge???? Oh yah it would...

But we loved POFQ... Loved, loved, loved it... It's more than half the price... So quaint and easy to get around...

I just want to sit back in my chair here and throw my hands up in the air! I am driving myself nutso with all these thoughts of where to stay.

Then to throw OKW into the mix... And SSR looks even better...

And as the TP info is coming out... It looks like the girls and I would be waaaay better off traveling down on Monday (columbus day), and staying through Monday... They'd still miss the same amount of school, and we'd have better crowds.

Ahhh... just take me out back and shoot me now. This PTR is on page 51, and I've yet to accomplish one single thing - except a bunch of sewing...

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh and not to mention - every single time I sign into WDW's website - it's still telling me I have 21 days until my vacation... I can't handle this torture!

D~

 

[disneychic2]

Suzi... That is an excellent idea...

Lisa... That safari sounds nice too...

I am just so discombobulated, I can't even think straight...

I wish I could book a 1 br. villa at AKV - but even if I do that - the girls still have to sleep on a pull out sofa - and that's no fun... Really - we would need a 2 br villa - and that's not in the budget at all.

So, if they would have to sleep on a pull out anyways - might as well just book a studio? Right? Help me out here - right????

OK, one night at AKL is definately not going to be enough - I know that, neither is 2, 3 would be OK - 4 would be better (see where I am going with this>>>>)... Maybe the whole week? GAH!!!

Then... definately want a Savannah view - for sure... but if we book a studio - wouldn't is be nice to go all out and do concierge???? Oh yah it would...

But we loved POFQ... Loved, loved, loved it... It's more than half the price... So quaint and easy to get around...

I just want to sit back in my chair here and throw my hands up in the air! I am driving myself nutso with all these thoughts of where to stay.

Then to throw OKW into the mix... And SSR looks even better...

And as the TP info is coming out... It looks like the girls and I would be waaaay better off traveling down on Monday (columbus day), and staying through Monday... They'd still miss the same amount of school, and we'd have better crowds.

Ahhh... just take me out back and shoot me now. This PTR is on page 51, and I've yet to accomplish one single thing - except a bunch of sewing...

D~

The only thing I would say about OKW is, it is soooo big! We stayed there maybe 3 years ago and we didn't care for it. The room was so nice and big (over 900 sq ft) with its own washer/dryer and cool living space, but we missed FQ so much and hated there was no food court at OKW. It is a beautiful resort, but just not our cup of tea, and I'm thinking not yours either (maybe). Since you're such an AK lover, I think AKL is a good fit for you if you're not staying at FQ. One way to look at it is it's just a place to sleep, so if it's a budget buster, go with the sure thing and visit AKL for dining and exploring. It can make us crazy trying to figure things out, but in the end, I'm sure you'll come up with just the right combo for you and the girls.

Also, had to add my oohs and ahhs over your holiday bag. Beautiful as always!

 

[rpcvpanama]

I have stayed in a one bedroom at AKV, on the sleeper sofa. It isn't bad and I am well into my 30's. If you are able to rent points and book at AKV-Kidani the one bedrooms have 2 bathrooms, a sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair. My sister and I stayed on the sofa and chair for an entire week. I have to say that the bedding has much improved over years past. I think your girls would be fine on a the sleeper sofa/chair. That would leave you with the huge King bed and your own bedroom!!

Of course you can do a studio as well, queen bed and a sleeper sofa. I wouldn't let the sleeper sofa be a deterant. If you can rent DVC for the week you are going and it is cheaper go for it, you won't be disappointed. Just know that by renting you do go through the member for all add ons, like ME and Dining Plan. It can be a pain having the member book those things for you but in the long run the room savings I think makes up for the inconvenience. You also won't get upgraded if you rent points. If you book a pool view that is what you will get. Also, most do make you sign contracts with cancelation policies and by that I mean that you really can't cancel. Members have restrictions on what happens to their points once a trip is booked and for that reason but restrictions on cancellation. Also, if you are set on October the 11 month window will open soon. That is a busy DVC time, meaning that a lot of DVC owners go during Oct/November for F/W. I don't think you will have a problem finding someplace at AKV but the Epcot resorts might be a little harder if not booked right at the 11 month window.

Also, re: tickets. Don't pay for the WP&M option now. Wait until you get down there. If you decide to do it you can always upgrade your tickets after you use them the first day if you want to add on that option. Also compare the cost of a one day TL ticket and the upgrade cost. We love TL, our favorite water park but tons of stairs. We went last week and it was great. We were able to ride all the water roller-coasters 2x in the first 45 minutes. Definitely get there when the park opens and do the water roller-coasters first. They end up with the longest lines. BB is also a lot of fun but the wave pool at TL is my favorite.

 

[solana131]

I'm right there with ya D~. I can't decide where to stay either! Can't we just win the lottery? Then we can stay where ever we want...club level Poly MK view anyone???

 

[babynala]

I have stayed in a one bedroom at AKV, on the sleeper sofa. It isn't bad and I am well into my 30's. If you are able to rent points and book at AKV-Kidani the one bedrooms have 2 bathrooms, a sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair. My sister and I stayed on the sofa and chair for an entire week. I have to say that the bedding has much improved over years past. I think your girls would be fine on a the sleeper sofa/chair. That would leave you with the huge King bed and your own bedroom!!

Of course you can do a studio as well, queen bed and a sleeper sofa. I wouldn't let the sleeper sofa be a deterant. If you can rent DVC for the week you are going and it is cheaper go for it, you won't be disappointed. Just know that by renting you do go through the member for all add ons, like ME and Dining Plan. It can be a pain having the member book those things for you but in the long run the room savings I think makes up for the inconvenience. You also won't get upgraded if you rent points. If you book a pool view that is what you will get. Also, most do make you sign contracts with cancelation policies and by that I mean that you really can't cancel. Members have restrictions on what happens to their points once a trip is booked and for that reason but restrictions on cancellation. Also, if you are set on October the 11 month window will open soon. That is a busy DVC time, meaning that a lot of DVC owners go during Oct/November for F/W. I don't think you will have a problem finding someplace at AKV but the Epcot resorts might be a little harder if not booked right at the 11 month window.

Also, re: tickets. Don't pay for the WP&M option now. Wait until you get down there. If you decide to do it you can always upgrade your tickets after you use them the first day if you want to add on that option. Also compare the cost of a one day TL ticket and the upgrade cost. We love TL, our favorite water park but tons of stairs. We went last week and it was great. We were able to ride all the water roller-coasters 2x in the first 45 minutes. Definitely get there when the park opens and do the water roller-coasters first. They end up with the longest lines. BB is also a lot of fun but the wave pool at TL is my favorite.

This seems like some great advice, especially the part about adding the WP&M option since you never know what the weather will be - don't want to pay for something you can't use (I assume they will close the WPs if it is thundering).

So many decisions, I'm glad I can sit back and watch you figure it all out. Its kind of like a Disney soap opera. The problem is there are too many choices. Disney must be expecting you so I hope you have your flights booked for an arrival in 3 weeks.

As for our hypothetical future trip it would most likely occur the week that you are going down. That is the week we went last year too. My kids will most likely have one day off that week and two 1/2 days for Parent / Teacher conferences. I think I could talk myself into allowing my DD to miss 2 full days of middle school and 2 half days. Our other option would be to take a few days off the week before Thanksgiving so that we could spend a VERY long weekend at WDW. We would come home before Thanksgiving. We did those same days a few years ago and it got more and more crowded as we got closer to Thanksgiving. My DH did not like that. He does LOVE the Christmas decor and goes crazy for the Osbourne lights. But the F/W festival is a big draw for him too, plus the concerts are a big bonus. I think Lisa and Megan will be there at Thanksgiving time too. I also REALLY want to take a cruise and I think that our 2014 spring break might be a perfect time since it is about 2 weeks before Easter (hoping for "cheaper" rates). Since I do not have an unlimited vacation budget I have no idea if any of these will happen but IF we do go in October I have a feeling we will be planning a meet!

Sorry for the thread high-jacking

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Uh-oh~ our dates for MNSSHP may not line up. We may be back home by the 17th. I need to look into when the kids have fall break next year...

Love the holiday bag, sooooooo cute!!!

So many resort options, so little time to see and stay at them all!

My Disney page says 0 days til my vacation...oh how I wish it were true. Can't wait to book our next vacation so there will be a REAL countdown to see!

 

[nowellsl]

I just love the holiday bag! It would be perfect for taking to a Very Merry Christmas Party!! I'll definately be watching the auction!