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

[Chicago Mo]

Holy cow i've missed a LOT!!
awesome trip plans so far... October... i will one days get a trip with all of you...
I want to see tons of pictures of AKL!!! how awesome is that?? Bunk beds are small... Like small for my kids...

I just saw the picture on facebook and then came here!!! I LOVE LOVE the new bag!!!

Going to catch up on trip reports now!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

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.

I agree - it does sound fun, but now I have to figure out a way to finance it. Thanks for the compliments on my newest bag.

Here's the photo of me in my new swimwear - since it seems that everyone missed it.

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?

Thanks Callie!

Yes - we would add 4 more days of water parks, but we would still be short 2 days. I think we could make them work if we have that option - they girls just have their minds set on 2 AK days, and 2 MK days, 1 DHS day, 1 Epcot day, 1 water park day and a day for MNSSHP... I am not sure, but that does not = 7 days. Now that we have taken a longer trip - it's so hard to squish everything we want to do into 7 days.

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.

ACK! I am not sure I could handle that. Whoot for 40 days!

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.

I did not know that... I will have to look into it - it would make my life soooo much easier. Do you just scan the bar code, or do you have to enter each number individually?

The holiday bag is adorable!!

Thanks Tink!

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.

Yep - I am going to look into it. I am just concerned that we won't have 2 dedicated beds, so I think we would be so much more comfortable in a regular queen room? I just don't know... And the no cancellation is what really gets me, because I have yet to make up my mind. I am just so confused.

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!!!

Thanks. I wish I could make it smell like hot cocoa and cookies.

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!

Thanks! I did know about bell services, so that part is awesome. I am glad you had a really easy room transition.

I would LOVE to take that tour - I've heard really great things about it!

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.

Thanks for the bunk bed info. That's the first I've heard of that - I will definately need to check into it further... I mentioned it to Alli last night, and she just ROFLed... She said I could just make her some booties, so when her feet stuck out the bottom of the bed, they'd be warm. Pfft.

I know - FQ just keeps pulling me back too. But so does AKL... I have a feeing we are just going to end up at FQ this time - all this craziness over AKL, I am just beside myself for no good reason.

Excellent idea bout the two smaller bags, if we decide to do a split stay - I will definately consider doing that.

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!

Thank you so much for the input. I was looking at the OKW and SSR maps yesterday morning - and I will admit that it was very intimidating. Especially, when the girls and I visited other resorts last spring - one of the HUGE things we loved about FQ is that it was so small.

I hope I am able to come up with a good combo... I need to stop agonizing about it and just book a trip - once I book it, I will stop being so aprehensive about everything.

And thank for the bag compliments - it was super fun to make.

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!!

Hmmm... Now the king bed sounds very nice. However - I could imagine the guilt I would feel, and the girls would end up in the king bed and I would end up on the pull out sofa for the entire week. 2 bathrooms would be nice though... And thanks so much for your review of the sleeper sofa - that is one thing that really bothers me, and I am not sure if we could handle it or not?

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.

I agree - and this is part of the reason I am stressing so much. I know that 11 month window is fast approaching, and if I am going to rent points, then I need to get my ducks in a row. However, because I am so undecided - I am just afraid to book because I will be locked into that plan. Does that make any sense?

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.

Good point. I didn't think of that. And we would definately ride the water coasters first.

Thanks so much for posting such great information for me.

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???

Um yah - lets do this!

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).

Yup - there's some great advice up there!

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.

LOL - I wish this soap opera was over though. I agree - waaaay too many choices, and not enough $$ in the pocket book.

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

Awesome! I hope you plan to go down in Oct!

All of your plans sound awesome - and you think I have a soap opera going...

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...

WHAT??????~!!!!!!

Love the holiday bag, sooooooo cute!!!

Thanks!

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!

LOL I know... It's so confusing to log on to Disney and see a non-existant vacation...

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!

Thanks! I am glad you like it!

Holy cow i've missed a LOT!!
awesome trip plans so far... October... i will one days get a trip with all of you...
I want to see tons of pictures of AKL!!! how awesome is that?? Bunk beds are small... Like small for my kids...

I just saw the picture on facebook and then came here!!! I LOVE LOVE the new bag!!!

Going to catch up on trip reports now!!!

Thanks Michelle! Yes, I think you should come in Oct with the rest of us. Hmmm... The bunk beds are THAT small? Not good, not good at all.

I was busy all day yesterday in my sewing room - again, I was able to accomplish a lot.

Last night was crazy too... I had to pick V up at play practice at 4:30, and Alli had to be back in town at 6pm for her choir concert. Rather than take two trips, we opted to stay in town the entire time. So, the girls and I went out for dinner - that was nice. My stomach has been crazy lately, and I really can't eat out anywhere except for Jimmy Johns and Panera... Last night, we opted for Panera - it was very good.

Alli's first high school choir concert was beautiful - I was so impressed at how wonderful these kids did - especially since they have only been singing together for about 4 weeks, and only every other day.

Josh and MM came home from their boys weekend... They had lots of fun hunting. MM isn't doing so well though - and I am a bit worried. Josh purchased a vest to protect his chest from all the tall grass they had to break through - but the vest didn't cover his male parts, so he is VERY raw in that area, and pretty much not walking at all. I feel so badly for him. Josh says this is normal - but I don't think so. I am not sure what we can do about it? Going to go google shortly.

I will be spending the day in my sewing room working on my applique for my next bag.

Still no tags. I've contacted the seller - she is redoing my order, and resending it. Sounds like it will take another 3 weeks to get here. This is holding up everything I am working on. There are parts of my SSP that I can't complete, and I have orders stacked up that I can't take pictures of or send out with out tags. To say I am irritated is an understatement.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

D~

 

[miprender]

This bag is just adorable I love the little bite out of the candy cane.

I really think the studio would be fine for the 3 of you. Having spent many nights sleeping on the pull out sofa in the studios, they are quite comfy and I think they are queen size.

But I understand your dilemma about which resort. I did love POFQ when we stayed there too, but if you decide to do AKL see if you can get a value studio. They are the best point wise and close to everything at the resort. Otherwise you might find how huge this resort is

Also another plus, if you rent or decide to buy DVC and stay in a studio, you can wash your clothes for free in the dedicated laundry room for DVC members only.

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.

I did not know this. Thanks

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!

We have done many split stays too and Bell Services is awesome. The only problem we had was our room at AKL was ready early so the kids wanted to go swimming, however I should have not packed our bathing suits and instead took them with me because we did not get our bags until 4 hrs later

 

[starann]

Was there a reason that you were only going 7 days? Why not skip the split stay, stay at a mod and stay an extra day or 2 with the difference of the split stay?

 

[mommy2mrb]

Ouchy for MM, hope he feels better soon!


Liz - yes we are going 11/26 - 12/6 or 12/7 2013...would be great if you guys came down then too!

good luck on the final resort decision D!
bummer about your tags, hope they show up!

 

[Pluto0809]

I did not know that... I will have to look into it - it would make my life soooo much easier. Do you just scan the bar code, or do you have to enter each number individually?D~

I'm not sure about scanning. I'm not the most tech savy person, just upgraded to a smart phone in July. I entered each individually but have been doing it as I get each one so it hasn't been too bad. I really think it's going to make keeping track of the cards much easier this trip.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

WHAT??????~!!!!!!

Thanks!

Still no tags. I've contacted the seller - she is redoing my order, and resending it. Sounds like it will take another 3 weeks to get here. This is holding up everything I am working on. There are parts of my SSP that I can't complete, and I have orders stacked up that I can't take pictures of or send out with out tags. To say I am irritated is an understatement.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

D~

Well, the dates we have had picked out all along are Oct 9-15 or 16. The kids have the second 2 weeks of Oct off for Fall break. These dates are going to work best for us so that we will still have a few days to drive back home, unpack and rest up before the kids go back to school the following Monday.

So, is this person you get your tags from going to offer you any sort of discount or anything else for the trouble? This is so crazy that she completely dropped the ball on it...

Does A go to an all girls school, or is that just an all girls choir? I just love musicals and choral concerts. I bet they will have something absolutely beautiful to do for the Christmas season! DD13 is in chorus at her school, but we are going to miss her holiday performance since we had bought $300 worth of tickets to a concert in Nashville for that date MONTHS before her chorus teacher announced the holiday performance date. When she told him she wouldn't be there he asked her couldn't she just go another night? UM...it's a CONCERT. There won't be another night, duh!

 

[solana131]

Thanks for the bunk bed info. That's the first I've heard of that - I will definately need to check into it further...

Thanks Michelle! Yes, I think you should come in Oct with the rest of us. Hmmm... The bunk beds are THAT small? Not good, not good at all.

I read it on someone's TR here. They were at WL, but I'm sure they use the same beds. They said there was a sign that said the bunks were recommended for children under 4...I think??? I remember she was annoyed because it clearly listed the ages of her older children on their reservation and why would they give them a bunk bed room if the kids weren't supposed to sleep in the beds?? But I do remember that she said the kids were just fine in them...just don't remember how big they were.

Hope MM is better soon.....OUCH! That sounds really really painful

 

[solana131]

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.

Sorry D...threadjacking here....

Is this app only for iphone?? I searched for it for Android last night and couldn't find anything of the sort. There were manual gift card apps, but nothing specifically Disney. But I have noticed that Disney has ton of apps just for Apple users. Wonder why they leave us Android/Google people out of the loop....especially since their Disney Mobile Magic seems to focus more on Verizon....weird.

 

[Pluto0809]

Sorry D...threadjacking here....

Is this app only for iphone?? I searched for it for Android last night and couldn't find anything of the sort. There were manual gift card apps, but nothing specifically Disney. But I have noticed that Disney has ton of apps just for Apple users. Wonder why they leave us Android/Google people out of the loop....especially since their Disney Mobile Magic seems to focus more on Verizon....weird.

I'm not sure if it's available for Android. I have a iphone 4 and searched "Disney Gift Card" and the App came right up. I actually read about the App on the DIS a while ago so maybe if you do a search you can find more info?

ETA: I did a quick search and found a few threads. It does appear that it is only for the iphone.

 

[smile5sunshine]

I did not know that... I will have to look into it - it would make my life soooo much easier. Do you just scan the bar code, or do you have to enter each number individually?


Josh and MM came home from their boys weekend... They had lots of fun hunting. MM isn't doing so well though - and I am a bit worried. Josh purchased a vest to protect his chest from all the tall grass they had to break through - but the vest didn't cover his male parts, so he is VERY raw in that area, and pretty much not walking at all. I feel so badly for him. Josh says this is normal - but I don't think so. I am not sure what we can do about it? Going to go google shortly.


Still no tags. I've contacted the seller - she is redoing my order, and resending it. Sounds like it will take another 3 weeks to get here. This is holding up everything I am working on. There are parts of my SSP that I can't complete, and I have orders stacked up that I can't take pictures of or send out with out tags. To say I am irritated is an understatement.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

D~

I'm really far behind

The GAC wallet looks great! LOVED IT! The Christmas auction bag is super cute too! Hope it does well for you.

I cannot BELIEVE you STILL don't have your labels and I really hope that the person you bought them from does something to compensate you for your patience!

Poor MM. Hopefully he will heal up really quickly.

Oh and we used the giftcard app last time. Yes you do have to go in and enter all the #s on them, but then when you use the card and click on "update" (or something like that) it shows the new remaining balance. When we used it for our trip we just assigned a # to each card and labeled them that way. It was REALLY convenient.

Sorry D...threadjacking here....

Is this app only for iphone?? I searched for it for Android last night and couldn't find anything of the sort. There were manual gift card apps, but nothing specifically Disney. But I have noticed that Disney has ton of apps just for Apple users. Wonder why they leave us Android/Google people out of the loop....especially since their Disney Mobile Magic seems to focus more on Verizon....weird.

IDK if it is available on android phones or not. My DH has an iPhone and it was called "Disney Gift Card" app.

Sunshine

 

[babynala]

Ummm, D~ be careful what you type into Google for MM skin issue. I would not want to see those pictures! Plus Josh might be a little worried if he checked the history on your computer, especially after you had to search for "kinky" the other day.

I do hope MM is ok, that must be very uncomfortable for him. Glad Alli had a nice performance yesterday and you guys got to have a girls night out. Thanks for he arrow, I doubt I would have been able to spot her. She looks pretty in her robe and her hair looks so nice.

 

[cogero]

Seriously try bag balm for Max. It is made for cows but works for everything even on humans. We swear by the stuff and if you have a farm supply store it is cheaper there.

 

[DMGeurts]

Seriously try bag balm for Max. It is made for cows but works for everything even on humans. We swear by the stuff and if you have a farm supply store it is cheaper there.

Josh put that on him last night, but he just licked it off all night last night. So, this morning, Josh called the Vet (yah, we have them in speed dial now), and they suggested another topical ointment... The area is so raw that it's swollen and angry looking. The vet also suggested a cone... MM is not a happy camper today. Poor guy - it's tough work being a puppy.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Sooo... I've been waiting a while to do this update, because I was asked to wait.

A couple of months ago, I got this cute little package in the mail, I wasn't expecting anything, so - of course - I was perplexed, then delighted.

Back story... When the girls and I were in WDW, I let them do Pick-A-Pearl, because it looked like so much fun. I didn't do one myself though. Then when we got home and all the March 2012 TRs were starting, I think it was Oopsi's dd (???) that got a P-A-P with Cinderella's carriage... It was gorgeous, and I just loved it!

Anyways... I open this box, and there inside is this:

And when I opened it up, this was inside:

When Suzi (Solana131) went to WDW in July, she thought of me , and I don't think she even knew how much I loved that carriage until now. Along with it, she sent the nicest letter, which really moved me to tears and made me feel special. It was so nice of her, and something I will cherish forever.

Suzi - from the bottom of my heart - thank you so much. I've saved your letter, and it's in my stack to go on the "bulletin board that has yet to be made". (((Hugs))) and Thank you for being such a great friend - I am so, so fortunate. And I can't wait to finally meet you!

I am so lucky that I have this whole world of "friends in a box" (as Lisa would say), and these friends have just become this amazing group of people that I look forward to interacting with every day. Really - you all are just the BEST!

D~

 

[oopsiDAISY]

DD got a ring, I got the carriage...and I wear it ALL THE TIME!!! I just love wearing some Disney magic on an everyday mundane day...and I love it even more when people recognize what the setting is and I get to talk about my favorite place.

And we love you too, D~. I look forward to your "daily ramblings" each morning when I get to work.

 

[ladylyons]

Interesting... I learn something new every day. That's awesome for Snoopy! He used to be the mascot for the Mall of America theme park, but they dumped him a few years ago - or actually he dumped them... Anyways - it took them several years to find another mascot, and ended up with Nickelodeon (sp???). I was happy to find that Snoopy was at Valley Fair last year, and now I am even happier that he is at all the parks.

I'm just glad Snoopy and the Gang is getting some much needed love. I'm glad my kids are finally getting to see other characters that I grew up watching on TV.

Originally saw the pictures of the bag on FB and figured it was going to be cute but didn't realize how cute!!! Love it!!! I may be bidding on it come Thursday!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

This bag is just adorable I love the little bite out of the candy cane.

Thanks! Yah - I loved Alli's bite idea too.

I really think the studio would be fine for the 3 of you. Having spent many nights sleeping on the pull out sofa in the studios, they are quite comfy and I think they are queen size.

This is good to know. I guess I just struggle with the girls having to sleep on a pull out, on any ordinary day - it wouldn't bother me too much, but after a long day (or several long days) in the park, they'll need a good night's sleep, and I am worried they won't get it on a pull out. I guess the only way we will find out is if we actually book it.

But I understand your dilemma about which resort. I did love POFQ when we stayed there too, but if you decide to do AKL see if you can get a value studio. They are the best point wise and close to everything at the resort. Otherwise you might find how huge this resort is

I will try... Do they book up very fast?

Also another plus, if you rent or decide to buy DVC and stay in a studio, you can wash your clothes for free in the dedicated laundry room for DVC members only.

That would be OK. :thumbsup

We have done many split stays too and Bell Services is awesome. The only problem we had was our room at AKL was ready early so the kids wanted to go swimming, however I should have not packed our bathing suits and instead took them with me because we did not get our bags until 4 hrs later

So, I need to make sure that our swimwear is in our carry on.

Was there a reason that you were only going 7 days? Why not skip the split stay, stay at a mod and stay an extra day or 2 with the difference of the split stay?

I am considering this too. However - we really can't go for any longer than the 11th - 20th, because of the girls' school break. I don't want them to miss any more school than absolutely necessary. As it is, if we go on the 11th, we have to deal with the Columbus Day weekend crowds - that being said, there are parks that are better than others - and I am sure it's doable, and nothing as bad as Spring Break.

I am still weighing my options - but I agree with you. Just pulling up my big girl britches and doing a Mod for the entire time makes the most sense.

Ouchy for MM, hope he feels better soon!


Liz - yes we are going 11/26 - 12/6 or 12/7 2013...would be great if you guys came down then too!

good luck on the final resort decision D!
bummer about your tags, hope they show up!

Thanks Lisa - he is still having issues. Poor guy - I feel so badly for him. Josh did go to the vet yesterday, and purchased some topical spray for him. Unfortunately - it burns when you apply it, so he gets pretty testy. And then they gave us a cone for him too - which he hates.

I know - I could really use my tags, I am so frustrated about it. Thankfully the people that are waiting for their orders don't have trips planned for several months, so they are willing to wait for tags. I've told them that I am more than willing to send them with out tags, but they prefer to wait, which if fine with me, I just feel badly about it.

I'm not sure about scanning. I'm not the most tech savy person, just upgraded to a smart phone in July. I entered each individually but have been doing it as I get each one so it hasn't been too bad. I really think it's going to make keeping track of the cards much easier this trip.

I do have a few apps that use my camera to scan bar codes - it's pretty nifty.

Well, the dates we have had picked out all along are Oct 9-15 or 16. The kids have the second 2 weeks of Oct off for Fall break. These dates are going to work best for us so that we will still have a few days to drive back home, unpack and rest up before the kids go back to school the following Monday.

It sounds like most of our dates align pretty nicely. We over lap for a good portion of our trips - depending on when the girls and I decide to start. For me, it really depends on where I decide to stay. If I decide to just enjoy staying at a Mod for the entire trip (which we will be happy with, I promise), I will have no problems coming down on the 11th. My only issue is that if we stay at AKL - it's so expensive - and we could only go for less time. Clearly - we should just stay at FQ.

So, is this person you get your tags from going to offer you any sort of discount or anything else for the trouble? This is so crazy that she completely dropped the ball on it...

I am not sure. When she initially dropped the ball for 10 days, she offered to send my entire order for free, which I refused, because I ordered a lot. So, she gave me a portion of my order free. Now, she is sending the second order at no charge. Which is fine with me, she is a small business just like I am, and I understand that things happen. I will, most likely, try to find a new tag maker after this though. I would really LOVE to get some nice woven tags, but because my tags are so intricate - there is too much on them to be woven, so I would have to redesign my logo. I really like my logo, and don't want to redesign it - so I am kind of stuck with the tags I am using.

Does A go to an all girls school, or is that just an all girls choir? I just love musicals and choral concerts. I bet they will have something absolutely beautiful to do for the Christmas season! DD13 is in chorus at her school, but we are going to miss her holiday performance since we had bought $300 worth of tickets to a concert in Nashville for that date MONTHS before her chorus teacher announced the holiday performance date. When she told him she wouldn't be there he asked her couldn't she just go another night? UM...it's a CONCERT. There won't be another night, duh!

She does not go to an all girls school, it is just an all girls choir.

I know, I am super excited for the holidays too... After making that bag last week (and listening to Christmas music the entire time), I really wanted to set up my Village last weekend too - but Josh just rolled his eyes and growled. LOL

I read it on someone's TR here. They were at WL, but I'm sure they use the same beds. They said there was a sign that said the bunks were recommended for children under 4...I think??? I remember she was annoyed because it clearly listed the ages of her older children on their reservation and why would they give them a bunk bed room if the kids weren't supposed to sleep in the beds?? But I do remember that she said the kids were just fine in them...just don't remember how big they were.

Hope MM is better soon.....OUCH! That sounds really really painful

Ok - that is great to know about the bunks. Here I thought they were real sized - in that case it would be great. Oh well, it just brings me back to square one. LOL

Yah, MM is still in a bit of pain.

Sorry D...threadjacking here....

Is this app only for iphone?? I searched for it for Android last night and couldn't find anything of the sort. There were manual gift card apps, but nothing specifically Disney. But I have noticed that Disney has ton of apps just for Apple users. Wonder why they leave us Android/Google people out of the loop....especially since their Disney Mobile Magic seems to focus more on Verizon....weird.

How are you liking your new smart phone? Which one did you get.

I'm not sure if it's available for Android. I have a iphone 4 and searched "Disney Gift Card" and the App came right up. I actually read about the App on the DIS a while ago so maybe if you do a search you can find more info?

ETA: I did a quick search and found a few threads. It does appear that it is only for the iphone.

Bummer - hopefully they update it for the rest of the world soon. LOL

I'm really far behind

The GAC wallet looks great! LOVED IT! The Christmas auction bag is super cute too! Hope it does well for you.

Hi Sunny!!!

Thanks! It was a fun bag to make.

I cannot BELIEVE you STILL don't have your labels and I really hope that the person you bought them from does something to compensate you for your patience!

I know, I am a bit frustrated about it. I did a little explanation above.

Poor MM. Hopefully he will heal up really quickly.

I hope so too - poor guy is miserable.

Oh and we used the giftcard app last time. Yes you do have to go in and enter all the #s on them, but then when you use the card and click on "update" (or something like that) it shows the new remaining balance. When we used it for our trip we just assigned a # to each card and labeled them that way. It was REALLY convenient.

Hopefully they release this on the android market too - because my system of carrying a sharpie/wrapping receipts around the gift cards was kind of a PITA. When they were all done, I bent them in half - so that was annoying too. It would be so much easier to have an app that just scanned them... I know that the Disney GC app doesn't do that - but a girl can dream, right?

Ummm, D~ be careful what you type into Google for MM skin issue. I would not want to see those pictures! Plus Josh might be a little worried if he checked the history on your computer, especially after you had to search for "kinky" the other day.

Yah - I must be more careful. LOL

I do hope MM is ok, that must be very uncomfortable for him. Glad Alli had a nice performance yesterday and you guys got to have a girls night out. Thanks for he arrow, I doubt I would have been able to spot her. She looks pretty in her robe and her hair looks so nice.

He is very uncomfortable - and I feel so badly for him.

I could barely spot her either. LOL Every girl has long blond/brown hair. LOL.

DD got a ring, I got the carriage...and I wear it ALL THE TIME!!! I just love wearing some Disney magic on an everyday mundane day...and I love it even more when people recognize what the setting is and I get to talk about my favorite place.

And we love you too, D~. I look forward to your "daily ramblings" each morning when I get to work.

At least I got the right TR. I love that little carriage - now I need to get a picture of me wearing it.

I am glad you enjoy my daily ramblings... I dunno why I do it - probably because I have nothing better to do. LOL

I'm just glad Snoopy and the Gang is getting some much needed love. I'm glad my kids are finally getting to see other characters that I grew up watching on TV.

Originally saw the pictures of the bag on FB and figured it was going to be cute but didn't realize how cute!!! Love it!!! I may be bidding on it come Thursday!!!!

I agree about Snoopy - it's so awesome to have them at Valley Fair. I guess I am used to it, and almost expect it though, since they were at the MOA for so long.

Thanks - I am glad you like the bag. It was fun to make!

Well, this morning, I have to run to JoAnn's. I've managed to streamline most of my business to online only - so I order in bulk. But there are still a few things I have to get at JoAnns... Gutermann thread is one of them... I am out of blue, and almost out of red and yellow... And while I am there - I will stock up on white and black too... Seeing as it's on sale for half off this week. I also need to get a couple of fabrics - which are also on sale.

I hope to be back early, because the girls only have a half day of school... This is their same fall break that will occur next year while we are in Disney.

Yesterday, I worked on a bag order, until I ran out of blue thread. Then I worked on my SSP for the remainder of the day. It's amazing how much I am able to accomplish on that project when I just sit down for an hour here and there to work on it. I hope to be done with the bulk of it by the end of the weekend. If my tags would just arrive...

I keep going back and forth on which resort to stay at. I've pretty much given up on SoG... For the savings we get, I just don't think it's worth all the walking and hassle - I would rather pay the extra $100-200 and stay at a Disney resort. Even though we were exhaused after our last trip - we weren't nearly as exhausted as when we stayed at SoG. So, I think that I am not even considering that anymore.

So, then that brings me to AKL... I guess - unless a really awesome code is released - we probably won't be staying there either. Right now, I am not comfortable with renting points and the whole finality of it (especially since I can't make up my mind)... But then I go back to thinking if we could stay in a value suite, it could be very affordable and the best of both worlds. I just feel so stressed about it, because I know our 11 month window is fast approaching, and I would really like to secure a DVC owner before then.

Ideally - what I would LOVE to do... I would LOVe to do a studio with concierge for 5 nights through DVC rentals... Then I would love to transfer over to FQ for the remaining 4 nights... If I did that... The resort only cost would be AKL = $1152 and FQ = $871 For a total of $2023... Or if I just did AKL the entire trip = $2088... The price difference is very minimal. We don't have to do concierge, but it would be amazing... Even if we just did a Savanna view for the entre 9 nights, it would be $1824. Very reasonable - IMO. If we could seriously fit into a studio. My only other issue would be - at what point can you add dining - do I have to add it right away? Or can I wait. I could afford to pay for the entire resort up front, but I couldn't afford to add dining until maybe spring? Do any of you DVC'rs know the answer to that? I guess I better go look at Concierge to see exactly what you all get with it. Because if I were to do a value studio like Michelle suggested, that would only be $1116. But Michelle - what kind of views do you get with a value studio?

And then I just think to myself - we would be perfectly happy just staying at FQ - so why am I going through all this stress?

I dunno - I just keep working all the numbers over and over with different room combos... I need to quit stressing over it.

Alrighty... I need to get moving on my day - I have so much to get done! As usual!

I hope you all have a fantastic day!

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

well I am GLAD to see someone so confused as i am...
especially a veteran as yourself!!!
Please keep me update on the puppy... My suggestion was to put on the ointment, and put shorts on your a FABULOUS seamstress and i am sure you can come up with something for MM!!! my Goldens always got hot spots so i added the ointment bandaged it pretty think then added Listerine (the yellow) they never touched the bandage... Just my thoughts on puppy dogs...

Animal kingdom sounds wonderful.. I just don't think i could deal with animals waking me up in the morning!!!

Way too much to decide, but your dates are set correct???

I WOULD change my ressie for October to hang with the cool crowd BUT sept 8th is the kiddies birthday and i want to be IN Disney that day!

I googled the bunk beds at AKL the look to be the same length as a regular bed??? But Like Susi said.. a little smaller then the girls might like?!?!



I have the gift card app and i have NO idea how it works either!!!

 

[nowellsl]

You're so funny with all your options I know you're frustrated, but I'm having fun listening Reminds me of myself and my T-shirt order with Chiara - I've changed it several times and she's been really great about it, but I feel bad! I'm done changing now though I think I did that with my Ultimate park bag order too

We're staying in a family suite at All-star Music in December. I'm looking forward to it! There will be 3 adults and a three year old, so it will be nice to have a bedroom they can sleep in and I can shut the door to! I really think the kitchen area will come in handy! We've done connecting rooms before, but having the sitting area will be nice!

DD28 and I have stayed in a studio twice at Old Key West (we loved it there). We had plenty of room!