Book it. Buy it. BELIEVE it! - TR is started! link posted 8/11

[eandesmom]

Which doesn't have much to update!

Except for this

I'm trying to have that get me through...but it's with limited success! I admit though, I changed it to show departure on the 26th, not the 27th. Our red eye is technically on the 27th, at 12:50 am. I figure we'll be at the airport on the 26th so darn it, my vacation starts then!

I have to admit, I'm going a little nutty here. Patience is NOT my strong suit at times. Supposedly teams were notified yesterday by email if they'd been accepted to the summer tournament or not. Kendall's team is actually at a different tournament, right now, in Utah. Big game is in an hour, if they win they move on so fingers crossed!

We haven't heard a peep about whether they got in to the summer one or not.

I'm not sure if that's deliberate, to keep the girls focused on the task at hand, or if they really don't know or what! The tournament site hasn't posted the list either and my guess is they won't until some time next week. In the meantime, I'm going crazy. It's not like there is some deadline super close that would really change our options, but I'd just like to know and to have it resolved. Plus every day we wait, if we have to change her ticket, does increase the probability of the change costing more. Of course we won't even be able to make a move on that until the team figures out their flight plans. But...at least I'd know what to do about rooms and cars for FL!

Here's where we are at.

7/27. 3 or 4 of us fly in on the red eye, getting into MCO at 11:30. Jeff flies in separately, getting in at 12:30

• Currently still have Vero 1B booked
• Also have a studio booked at OKW, near Hospitality House.
• Currently still have a van booked, starting the 27th, out of MCO

7/28.

• Have a van booked, starting the 28th, pick up at the DTD Hilton.

If K is coming with us, we have to decide, Vero or OKW for the first night and then cancel or add things accordingly. If she isn't, I think we are pretty set on OWK the first night as that's a significantly greater savings $$.

Pro's and Cons to both.

OKW:

Pro: Get to use DME, and go straight to the bus. Don't have to wait for Jeff, or pick up car, go back and get him. Don't have to deal with driving to Vero after the red eye, or grocery shopping after the red eye. Saves $125 -$400 (depending on if K is with us or not). If we do it, will likely do QSDP which means no cooking first day and we get our mugs, plus have some easy pool and DTD time. Would still get margaritaville lunch, just on the 28th instead and head to vero relaxed...plus probably enjoy lunch a lot more and be motivated to shop and cook that night.

Con: Changing rooms, missing turtle release (see Vero)

Vero:

Pro: Not changing rooms. According to the Disney Files, a turtle release is scheduled for 7/28. While it doesn't say the time, I'd imagine it's in the am. If we keep the 27th, we'd be there. Is it a big deal? Not sure. Seeing turtles nesting, or hatching, in the wild/naturally is one thing. A scheduled release of them for monitoring...not exactly the same. BUT it would ensure actually seeing real turtles.

Con: Drive after a red eye, grocery shopping after a red eye, not being motivated to cook first night but not wanting to go out either if we do a margaritaville lunch. Cost.

I'm feeling held hostage at the moment as I can't really buy the dining plan, firm up room, cancel room or cars until this is resolved and certainly not think about flights for K. I have however done the following.

Purchase a 1 day base ticket for myself.

I went round and round and round on this one! ticket prices go up tomorrow. I could get an AP and use it for this trip and the Food and Wine one. However with all the unknowns, for the potential savings with the high degree on unlikelihood that I'd be able to use it again before it expired I decided I didn't need to spend the money now as there are other things I may need to buy that were more immediate and justifiable. Assuming I didn't have another trip during the time period it really didn't save me a thing getting the AP. If for some reason come Oct it looks like I will have a trip, I'll get an AP then instead of a 6 or 7 day hopper. So hey, I saved 4 bucks. 4 bucks is....um...a coffee on the Dream from the coffee bar? Not much but I'll take it!

Purchase the DVC travelex vacation insurance.

I actually have an email into them about this though. What I've heard and read is that the insurance is based on the UY points used to make a reservation. So in our case, since we are using 2 different Use Years, I'd need to get insurance for both use years. However, the way the policy reads doesn't really match that. WA has it's own version of the policy so I'm unclear if it is different or not. I'll probably call on Monday if I don't hear back but the way it reads is that the policy covers DVC travel from the day the plan activates (in our case 7/27, not the day of purchase) and then is good for a year. Technically to book, using 2 different years, you are borrowing into the current year anyway so it would seem possible that it's all considered this year once it's booked and I really only need to buy the one year. Which would be cool but is probably too good to be true. I will need clarification on it either way.

Ordered our Disney Visa Reward card!
It actually came really quickly, in the past it seemed to take a while. This way we have it and I can reload it prior to the trip as we will have 2 more statements.

Ordered some goodies for me!
A swimsuit top and a coverup are on their way

Got all new sunscreen
And have been testing it out when the sun does show up, so far very happy with it.

Started figuring out our FE gifts
Haven't finalized it yet but have come up with some good ideas and am fleshing it out which is fun. The boys really want to do some kind of keychain but I'm not finding a great option that isn't more than I want to spend or too labor intensive, even though it is a small group.

I also re-analyzed TIW versus DDP. If I was going to get an AP then TIW could make sense...if we were going to be at OKW. It does give a discount at some of Vero's options as well.

Ultimately, for this trip, since TIW doesn't help with the CS restaurants and we have that margaritaville lunch planned (non negotiable to skip lol!) the DDP works out better on both ends. If we had more time at WDW, it would likely be different but I'm fairly sure we will do the QSP for the 1st night, if at OKW and then the regular DDP for the AKV portion. It will mean 2 sets of mugs but the nice part about that is not stressing if a kid loses one!

 

[KatMark]

Love the countdown pic. And you are right..you are at the airport on the 26th, so this when vacation starts.

I am guessing that the coaches know, but want the girls focused. Sending that the girls win and move on.

 

[natebenma]

Which doesn't have much to update!

Except for this

Boats, Beaches and Baboons- wasn't that a JB box set? Or am I thinking of Boats, Beaches, Bras and Baboons!

Hoping you get the info you need this week to finalize some of your loose ends!

 

[eandesmom]

Love the countdown pic. And you are right..you are at the airport on the 26th, so this when vacation starts.

I am guessing that the coaches know, but want the girls focused. Sending that the girls win and move on.

Well they didn't win but apparently according to the text I just got from K, are moving on. Don't quite understand how but she said a team dropped out. There is a wildcard spot which it wouldn't seem like they would get based on the bracket scores I see but who knows.

Boats, Beaches and Baboons- wasn't that a JB box set? Or am I thinking of Boats, Beaches, Bras and Baboons!

Hoping you get the info you need this week to finalize some of your loose ends!

I think you meant Bars.

I have that boxed set

 

[MEK]

Ugh - all I can say is I didn't watch the ticket prices close enough and I still have to get two tickets for my brother's family. I didn't have my AAA Visa with me on Friday so I didn't go to AAA and get them (long story on that one). Oh well. I was planning to get them tomorrow. I guess I'll have to eat the extra cost because she thinks I got them already.

I really hope you find out what is going on with the soccer tournament really soon so you can finish your planning. I do think its smart to stay at OKW for rest and recovery before driving to Vero. It's actually a pretty BORING ride. There's not much to look at. There is a bio break (rest area) spot on the highway, although I can't remember exactly where, but somewhere right past the half way point.

 

[Native NYer]

I love your countdown!
Will you find out about the tournament as soon as K gets home?
I love your first night at OKW idea.

 

[eandesmom]

Ugh - all I can say is I didn't watch the ticket prices close enough and I still have to get two tickets for my brother's family. I didn't have my AAA Visa with me on Friday so I didn't go to AAA and get them (long story on that one). Oh well. I was planning to get them tomorrow. I guess I'll have to eat the extra cost because she thinks I got them already.

Why are you buying the tickets?

I hope they weren't child tickets, those are the ones that got hit the hardest.

I really hope you find out what is going on with the soccer tournament really soon so you can finish your planning. I do think its smart to stay at OKW for rest and recovery before driving to Vero. It's actually a pretty BORING ride. There's not much to look at. There is a bio break (rest area) spot on the highway, although I can't remember exactly where, but somewhere right past the half way point.

Boring is not ideal when you are functioning on little sleep! Since Jeff moved his flight up, he'll be getting up early am. More and more OKW is sounding SO much more of a relaxed start to the trip!

I love your countdown!
Will you find out about the tournament as soon as K gets home?
I love your first night at OKW idea.

I am hoping we find out tonight or tomorrow but honestly, who knows. Heck I can't even get results from today's games yet, they aren't updating the tournament site and it's driving Jeff and I crazy!

 

[glennbo123]

I think you had plenty to update, even if you didn't think so when you started writing. It's great how you have so many scenarios already figured out, depending on how the tournament and other decisions fall-out. That'll help with your decision-making when the time comes.

 

[Poolrat]

I am glad you are down to fewer options.

Also knowing that you will have a better idea soon but not yet because people are not posting the tournament schedule would drive me batty too.


You are better prepared that I am for my trip in July- What started out simple for me is getting more omplicated now. Not anything bad just more options as I get closer.

 

[tinacaplan]

I gotta say that reading all the in between chatter, it sounds like starting out at OKW would be a really nice, relaxing start to the trip. I have learned over the last couple of years that the tendency to go full throttle right at the beginning, on top of traveling, isn't always the best idea. Hope things get squared away soon. July is getting really close!

 

[eandesmom]

I think you had plenty to update, even if you didn't think so when you started writing. It's great how you have so many scenarios already figured out, depending on how the tournament and other decisions fall-out. That'll help with your decision-making when the time comes.

I guess, I'd just like to have it all settled and booked and feel a bit unsettled at the moment. I will be sad if we decide to keep it at OWK but have to change to a 1bedroom and the ones near hospitality house are gone but I'll just have to be patient and pray it's not much longer!

I am glad you are down to fewer options.

Also knowing that you will have a better idea soon but not yet because people are not posting the tournament schedule would drive me batty too.

it is SO frustrating! They have to know by now, official notification supposedly went out friday by email, why don't they email the parents?

You are better prepared that I am for my trip in July- What started out simple for me is getting more omplicated now. Not anything bad just more options as I get closer.

sounds familiar! We were very uncomplicated until a couple of weeks ago!

 

[eandesmom]

I gotta say that reading all the in between chatter, it sounds like starting out at OKW would be a really nice, relaxing start to the trip. I have learned over the last couple of years that the tendency to go full throttle right at the beginning, on top of traveling, isn't always the best idea. Hope things get squared away soon. July is getting really close!

It is really close...well 53 days close lol!

22 days before I freak out about changes but OH I hope I don't have to wait that long!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Cynthia! How annoying that you still don't know what is going on!

I can understand that OKW sounds more and more appealing for your first night. We were there twice during our last trip to look around and I actually really liked what I saw. I am not sure it is the place I want to be at if I want to spend much time at the parks. But if you want a relaxing place in Orlando I think it is a wonderful choice! Katharina and I really enjoyed breakfast at Olivias - nothing special, but a very comfortable place.

What kind of sunscreen have you been testing? I remember that you once posted a lot about the difficulties of sun screen etc. Made me much more aware of that issue.

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia! How annoying that you still don't know what is going on!

It's making me nutty! I suppose it's the total lack of control of the situation, there are several things I'd like to pre-pay for and don't want to until I know if we have to buy additional flights for K or upgrade rooms and that's really bugging me as I'd love to have some of those things just checked off the list and can't yet.

I can understand that OKW sounds more and more appealing for your first night. We were there twice during our last trip to look around and I actually really liked what I saw. I am not sure it is the place I want to be at if I want to spend much time at the parks. But if you want a relaxing place in Orlando I think it is a wonderful choice! Katharina and I really enjoyed breakfast at Olivias - nothing special, but a very comfortable place.

It's always looked lovely to me, though it's location hasn't been a big selling point. We've almost stayed there a couple of times and it would be interesting to try and see how well it works for the parks. Honestly though no matter where you stay there will be at least one park that it takes a while to get to. However, in this case, the location is what makes it so appealing. As we won't be hitting a park that first 24 hours, not being tempted by one seems a very good idea!

Olivia's does look like a good spot for breakfast. If we stay at OKW though, we'll be having a big early lunch at Margaritaville so it will just be light breakfast before that otherwise I know we'd be eating at Olivia's.

What kind of sunscreen have you been testing? I remember that you once posted a lot about the difficulties of sun screen etc. Made me much more aware of that issue.

I use the EWG guide to help me find good sunscreens. I'm actually a bit hypersensitive to this as Eric burns so easily, both Jeff's parents have had skin cancer and right now I'm going through some testing of my own. While it is highly unlikely that is what is going on with me, it is making me more aware!

The brands we are trying out are

• Badger
• Caribbean Solutions
• Mexitan Tropical Sands
• Beyond Coastal

So far I probably like the Carribean Solutions the best for non swimming activities but haven't tested anything in water which will be the real test.

All of the mineral ones are a bit of a pain to rub in.

I've used others in the past

• Aveeno, would still use, over the counter but better that most
• Purple Prairie. This one expired on me and I got burned so skipped it when I reordered. Harder to rub in.
• Karen's botanicals. Still use this face cream and like it a lot.
• Soleo Organics. Worked well but one of the harder ones to rub in.

 

[eandesmom]

for anyone who might be thinking about purchasing it

Ok, I admit. I am an online shopper. If I don't have to call someone, I don't!

So I purchased the travelex online.

When you do so, it asks you for your vacation start date. Which I entered.

You then get a policy for a year from that date.

Which of course doesn't match my use year!

So...if you are buying it, you need to enter the start date as the first day of your use year.

And, if you are like me, and using more than one use year for your trip, buy a plan for each use year. So far I've only bought one but will be buying the 2nd one. I may skip doing a separate cruise policy...that's the wildcard that I really haven't decided on yet, having the first one which is our "getting there" part of the trip seemed most important to me.

No issues getting it fixed but the way they word it is confusing.

 

[dizneeat]

for anyone who might be thinking about purchasing it

Ok, I admit. I am an online shopper. If I don't have to call someone, I don't!

So I purchased the travelex online.

When you do so, it asks you for your vacation start date. Which I entered.

You then get a policy for a year from that date.

Which of course doesn't match my use year!

So...if you are buying it, you need to enter the start date as the first day of your use year.

And, if you are like me, and using more than one use year for your trip, buy a plan for each use year. So far I've only bought one but will be buying the 2nd one. I may skip doing a separate cruise policy...that's the wildcard that I really haven't decided on yet, having the first one which is our "getting there" part of the trip seemed most important to me.

No issues getting it fixed but the way they word it is confusing.

Thanks for clearing it up for us!
I never even thought about looking into insurance for DVC trips. We bought insurance from our local AAA (they sell insurance even though we did not buy the trip from them) and that was it.
But I will look into DVC insurance!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks for clearing it up for us!
I never even thought about looking into insurance for DVC trips. We bought insurance from our local AAA (they sell insurance even though we did not buy the trip from them) and that was it.
But I will look into DVC insurance!

It can be a better deal cost wise. $79 per use year, per membership and it covers any and all trips on that use years points (and apparently up to 15 traveling companions). It also covers some things a regular plan might not, like dues, property and I did hear of one claim where they paid $5 per point lost though there is nothing in writing along those lines, not sure how that would actually work if it came down to it. I do know that AAA, for us, is a LOT pricier. For example, for us, if I purchased both use years, plus a standalone policy just to cover the cruise, we are at about $268. AAA for just the cruise portion would be $284. Granted, it is probably not an apples to apples coverage comparison but still...

Not sure if it is due to our state or not but I can get a comparable policy through insure my trip for less.

 

[Misskitty3]

Any word yet?? I would think they would want to notify the parents ASAP! Or at least send out an email sharing why they are delayed with the info.

If you are still waiting, hang in there! You obviously have the patients of a saint!

 

[eandesmom]

Any word yet?? I would think they would want to notify the parents ASAP! Or at least send out an email sharing why they are delayed with the info.

If you are still waiting, hang in there! You obviously have the patients of a saint!

I don't have any choice but it's killing me!

Nope, no info yet. There is practice tonight so maybe we will hear then. my guess is that they know, but are figuring out hotels and flights and sending it all to us at once, for whichever of the 2 tournaments it ends up being. Site says 6/1 notification though our team manager said 7/1. He has to be wrong though, how in the world can people figure out travel with less than 30 days?

Not to mention less than 30 may well mess with my points if I need to make changes.

I just want to know which one and can wait a few days on the travel detail but that's the only reason I can think of that they aren't telling unless they really don't know.

At the rate this is going, it will post on the tournament site before we hear it from our own coaches.

 

[Misskitty3]

The weather is so terrible here in Seattle I am spending a lot of time on the Disboards -- have to get some sun somewhere!

Do you mind if I hijack your thread and ask you a couple of questions on WDW? I know we have a trip in our future to WDW maybe in the next couple of years but I am pretty lost on where to start planning or how to even pick a time frame to go. Living in Seattle, I really like to stay home from July thru Oct to take advantage of the nicer weather. I am also not big on Christmas vacations away -- maybe when the kids get older I will change my mind. My kids normally have a break in February and then spring break. I probably need to avoid May travel because of the MSP. And the kids are usually out of school by the 20-something of June. So if you had to pick an ideal time to visit WDW using my time parameters would you go in February, spring break or the end of June? My kids have been to Disneyland a ton so I am thinking that 4 days (one day at each park) is plenty. Would you agree? In addition to WDW, DS really wants to go to Kennedy Space center (which is really cool) and to Harry Potter.