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

[MAGICFOR2]

I am another person who went instinctively for the "like" button.

I just tried to "like" your post about your "like" button! I think the DIS should make one of those!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Lots of prayers for your dad, Cynthia. Hope things get better for him soon.

I, too, rolled when Eric exclaimed, "It's a big boy bike!" Love it, and I am glad he got over his snit over the ipod touch.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Cynthia, I'm all caught up now.

I'm glad your busy Spring has also led to getting things setttled about your trip! It's disappointing for Kendall not to be in the tournament, I'm sure - but I'm glad your family trip has worked out!

Congrats to Evan on the band placement!

I hope most of your health issues will be coming to an end soon. I'm glad your cyst was normally abnormal.

I'm sorry your dad is having heart problems as well. I will be praying for him.

Sounds like you are pretty much ready except for the packing, which you'll need to start soon, like all good DISers! I always took alot of shoes, too. Now with trying to cut down on baggage - mostly out of principle - I have learned to double up my shoe choices. I also have opted for some "blinged up" flat flips and sandals that don't take much room in the suitcase, but I'm sure I'm not always as
"stylin'" as I could be, either!

Anyway, glad things are coming together for yah!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Cynthia! Just checking in... I hope things start to settle down for you soon. The boys finished school on Thursday & after a busy weekend, we have a week to relax a bit. We have some plans but not so much that I can't catch my breath (which is how it had been for the past 3 or 4 weeks).

I hope you start feeling better soon! And I'm glad the cyst was just a cyst and nothing more serious.

Sending pixie dust for your dad!

 

[Poolrat]

Busy Busy - I know only a little bit of how you are right now. I am busy but no where near what you have on your plate.

For Evan's new bike. Glad he finally realized it was what he wanted.


For your Dad. It is hard to see the ones you love slow down.

 

[eandesmom]

I just tried to "like" your post about your "like" button! I think the DIS should make one of those!

I agree, this is about as close as you get but you still have to quote. LOL!

Lots of prayers for your dad, Cynthia. Hope things get better for him soon.

Thanks, Jeff and I talked a lot about the bigger trip last night. We had a date night at a concert and he actually brought it up! We have come up with some plans to ensure this happens and is easy on my folks. One of those moments where I really really love my husband. He just gets it. And is turning into a total 11 month plotter!

I, too, rolled when Eric exclaimed, "It's a big boy bike!" Love it, and I am glad he got over his snit over the ipod touch.

I didn't think the snit would last, the wanting and being bummed aren't new (had the same reaction at xmas) but I was thrilled with how very fast and very over it he got, going in the opposite direction. He spent all weekend on it!

Hi Cynthia, I'm all caught up now.

I'm glad your busy Spring has also led to getting things setttled about your trip! It's disappointing for Kendall not to be in the tournament, I'm sure - but I'm glad your family trip has worked out!

She seems fine with it, honestly I think that the idea of missing part of the trip actually bothered her I also think she's relieved to not have to choose or feel bad one way or the other. Then again, she's pretty happy these days...her braces came off on Friday. Just in time for Eric to have a consult today...

Congrats to Evan on the band placement!

Oh he won't know if he is in until fall. But it was encouraging! I really wish I could afford a full hour lesson for him over the summer (he does a half hour now and comes out of it each week high as a kite...it's the cutest/coolest thing) but its just not in the cards...especially after the ortho estimate we just got for Eric.

I hope most of your health issues will be coming to an end soon. I'm glad your cyst was normally abnormal.

I'm sorry your dad is having heart problems as well. I will be praying for him.

Thanks! They get home tomorrow and he sees the doc on Friday. I"ll feel better after all of that happens.

Sounds like you are pretty much ready except for the packing, which you'll need to start soon, like all good DISers! I always took alot of shoes, too. Now with trying to cut down on baggage - mostly out of principle - I have learned to double up my shoe choices. I also have opted for some "blinged up" flat flips and sandals that don't take much room in the suitcase, but I'm sure I'm not always as
"stylin'" as I could be, either!

Anyway, glad things are coming together for yah!

I am not all that good in that regard, packing early that is. But if I have a good list, it goes pretty fast. I have a work trip the weekend before, the boys have back to back week long camps, Kendall has her other Cali tournament and Jeff has the airshow so really, I can't do all that much until the Sunday before we leave. But it will be such a fun Sunday to knock it out, definitely a day I'm looking forward to!

Hi Cynthia! Just checking in... I hope things start to settle down for you soon. The boys finished school on Thursday & after a busy weekend, we have a week to relax a bit. We have some plans but not so much that I can't catch my breath (which is how it had been for the past 3 or 4 weeks).

June is always insane for us, I go into July just feeling wiped out!

I hope you start feeling better soon! And I'm glad the cyst was just a cyst and nothing more serious.

Sending pixie dust for your dad!

I do feel ok, just a lot of little scares and annoyances. More frustrating than anything. My schedule is so nuts this week I am considering taking it off. Off from things like PT, acupuncture and chiro at least! In the big picture of life, it really all is nothing. My dad is another story, I appreciate the prayers!

Busy Busy - I know only a little bit of how you are right now. I am busy but no where near what you have on your plate.

I am quite sure you've been there Pat, even if you aren't right now. it is all good, I really wouldn't trade any of it away. Well, except maybe all the stupid health stuff. I thought of you while I was doing my patch testing. LOL!

For Evan's new bike. Glad he finally realized it was what he wanted.

Me too, he lived on it this weekend, had a blast riding around.

For your Dad. It is hard to see the ones you love slow down.

It is, I'll feel better once he's home and we have more info. Thanks

 

[Flossbolna]

Loved your long update about what is going on. I think it is great that Evan has come to realise that the bike is much better than the iPod!

Also had great fun to read all your shopping ideas. I do go through more or less the same process before any trip and it is funny to read it all written down by someone else.

Personally I would suggest to forget the capris. I own only one pair that I never wear and I get through life very well. I hate the way they make my legs look (short and fat). If you plan on bringing many dresses I don't see when you would need them as if you need to be dressier than shorts you can always put on a dress.

And I really hope that your Dad is feeling better soon! It must be very scary to have health problems in a foreign country.

 

[natebenma]

Great audio of the concert!!!

To Evan- Play Long and Prosper! Best of luck to him with the band placement.

Every time I read your updates, it reminds me how similar Evan and Ben are. Ben also plays trombone. He told me last night that he wants to join Jazz Band. He loves the Middle School Band teacher.

We are also looking for a big boy bike for Ben's birthday (which was in May)- he also just learned to ride.

Sending positive thoughts for your dad. I'm sure it is difficult to hear everything when he is so far away.

 

[eandesmom]

Loved your long update about what is going on. I think it is great that Evan has come to realise that the bike is much better than the iPod!

Also had great fun to read all your shopping ideas. I do go through more or less the same process before any trip and it is funny to read it all written down by someone else.

The bike has been a huge hit, very very pleased with it. My mind rambles that's for sure, funny or a bit scary I'm not sure which!

Personally I would suggest to forget the capris. I own only one pair that I never wear and I get through life very well. I hate the way they make my legs look (short and fat). If you plan on bringing many dresses I don't see when you would need them as if you need to be dressier than shorts you can always put on a dress.

I own several and on the 2010 trip and the girls flower and garden trip, wore them quite a bit but I think I have capri burnout. They are not always the most flattering though I agree. I'm definitely leaning towards not bothering on them, the only real concern I have is getting eaten alive by bugs on the turtle walk but think I'll just wear my workout capri's for that.

And I really hope that your Dad is feeling better soon! It must be very scary to have health problems in a foreign country.

Thanks, they landed yesterday, he sounds ok but winded. He sees his doctor friday morning, I'll feel a little better after that.

Great audio of the concert!!!

To Evan- Play Long and Prosper! Best of luck to him with the band placement.

fingers crossed!

Every time I read your updates, it reminds me how similar Evan and Ben are. Ben also plays trombone. He told me last night that he wants to join Jazz Band. He loves the Middle School Band teacher.

Band kids rock. I can say that. I was one. So was Jeff. A huge part of what brought us together originally

We are also looking for a big boy bike for Ben's birthday (which was in May)- he also just learned to ride.

Evan was in such a hard to fit category (so is Eric, but he doesn't know how to ride yet so waiting on getting him one) that it really limited things. This bike was literally a godsend.

Sending positive thoughts for your dad. I'm sure it is difficult to hear everything when he is so far away.

Thanks! He's home now and resting...supposedly clearing his calendar for the week but I'll believe it when I hear a live report on it.

 

[eandesmom]

So many fun things!
Check it out

Clearly…Jeff has been drinking the koolaid. He’ll say otherwise but let’s look at the evidence.

First. He taped 2 different Disney specials, “behind the scenes” kind of things for me to watch. I of course had no idea either was on.

Then, as we were watching the first one last night, an idea struck me and he actually put it on pause to hear it.

Next he brought up retiring to Florida again. Out of the blue, not while we were watching the show!

And most notably, on Sunday night, we were out on a date. We went to see Collective Soul. Before the show, we stopped for a drink and while talking about my dad, he brought up the trip. He wanted to know if I had a plan. I discussed my ideas in terms of what would work best, at least for us and we talked quite a bit about what my siblings might want and he started strategizing on how to make it happen the way we want it to. This isn’t me doing the behind the scenes plotting..it was him! He actually suggested that we make it happen, discuss with everyone and go ahead and book it 11 months out. And if for whatever reason it falls through for the bigger group…we go anyway! He is just as excited to see all the holiday stuff as I am…it was pretty darn obvious.

He has plane stuff to do down there you see. So he says. For a guy with his own agenda he was AWFULLY interested in ideas on where to stay, room configurations and what might be best for everyone.

I love that man.



What’s it all mean? Well, first thing was an idea for this trip. As we were watching the special, which was full of a ton of stuff we knew but a few other cool things, I got a little misty watching the fireworks during the intro.

And, an idea struck. I thought of this.

My favorite TR picture ever. Something just magical about it. Captures it all for me. Thanks Pat for letting me steal it (even if you didn’t know I hijacked it).

We could go do this after dinner on our first night!

I thought he’d say…nah..too much travel, we don’t need to traipse all over, we are only there one night we can just chill at DTD or the resort, fireworks aren’t that big of a deal. Instead I heard.

That’s a great idea! We’ve never been to the beach at the Poly, that would be really cool, We can take the bus there from DTD after dinner, right? and then it’s easy with the monorail to get back to the resort from the TTC.

Holy cats, he’s REALLY been paying attention!

Next, the big family trip. As most of you know, we are targeting December 2013-January 2014. It will go over new years but start in late Dec as luckily our kids have that first week of Jan off due to when the 1st falls and as we all know…prices and points go down. We want to stay on property. Well actually we WILL stay on property. My family on the other hand, likes to rent a couple of houses so we all can be together. We don’t want to give up EMH and frankly, with my dad’s health, closer WOULD be better for him. So how do we make it happen? I don’t have enough points to book enough villas but renting, transferring and dvc cash reservations are all an option. AP for that matter as well as I will renew the one I get in August. We figure we have 2 best options. Both involve booking at SSR and maybe moving at the 7 month mark. Most likely to OKW if we move, simply based on point value and cost. But it’s early to say.

Option 1. Book 1 Grand Villa.

I figure there are probably 16-17 of us if I only count on immediate family and assume K is going and assume that the Germany contingent isn’t. Ok, one grand villa isn’t enough, we’d probably need that plus at least one studio.

Pro: Big kitchen, great for family dining and gathering
Con: Only one master. Frankly, and this is selfish (though Jeff feels the same) we will want the master. Yet if we are all together neither of us would feel good about not giving it to my parents.

Option 2. Book 2 treehouses.

Pro: Great layout for the mix of ages, couples and single parents we have as far as bedroom configurations go. Would be super fun to decorate with lights at the holidays on that deck!
Con: Transportation. We have NO intention of having a car personally and it could be a bit of a pita to get back and forth at times during peak season, but at least it won’t be hot out. They could end up not close together.

Option 3. Book (2) 2 bedroom villas

Pro: Would be at main resort so closer to food and transportation.
Con: SSR 2 bedrooms only sleep 8 so we get back a bit to the only 1 master bedroom scenario and less flexibility than a treehouse that sleeps 9.

Option 4. Book (1) 2 bedroom villa

Pro: We would be able to do this on our own, point wise and not worry about taking care of anyone else. This would cover us, and my parents. People that didn’t want to spend as much could stay elsewhere, book on own. In many ways, our favorite choice.
Con: Everyone else would have to fend for themselves on booking; we could end up really spread out, half in a house off property or who knows what.
It would be cleanest all around for us to do a point transfer so that I have control of whatever reservations we do but that would mean funds up front and not sure if people will be up for that. A more likely scenario is one 2B villa or treehouse on points and one on a cash rate, either AP or DVC if I can even do that as a linked ressie. I need to call and confirm what I can/can’t do on that front. I figure we will defer to my folks on what room configuration is best. A grand villa is less than 2 treehouses or 2B’s…but not a ton.

Option 5. Book at 11 months at SSR and then switch.
Applies really to any of the above options.

I would of course, prefer, given the time of year to be at BC or BWV. Candlelight processional and Osborne lights are calling our name. And we might try it but my assumption is that if we are only booking one villa, need two, chances of getting those after 7 months even if we can switch the one at 7, will be hard if not downright impossible.

Pro. If we have only one villa, the rest of the folks could book resort rooms at those locations on their own, which increases flexibility. Nice thing about the Epcot resorts is…they have regular resort rooms, which of course we don’t have at SSR/OKW. Plus I don’t have to deal with their ressies lol. Huge pro for convenience for my dad in particular, mom too.
Con. That many variables means chances of being spread out goes up. Cost on the “book on your own” plan will be likely higher pp and possibly cost prohibitive for some. Chances of getting 1 villa at 7m are slim, 2 at 7m…. I can only imagine.

In other VERY exciting other trip news…our waitlist came through for our girls food and wine trip in October! Originally we were booked for 7 nights at VWL. We’d waitlisted for 3 of those at BWV. In the interim, our plans changed and we decided to come a day earlier and added the first night at AKV. At the same time, the waitlist came through for BWV. Which meant that for me I’d be looking at

1 night AKV
3 nights VWL
2 nights BWV

Ugh.

We waitlisted that first night at VWL and now we have a 4/2 WVL/BWV split. YAY! I ended up getting a great deal on flights, I used some miles to get half off for the outbound and had a credit so that leg was only $96 out of pocket and then a random midnight check of yapta when an alert popped up (thank you Jeff for going to see Prometheus on your own when no one else wanted to for an 11pm showing or I’d have NEVER have seen the alert) got me a return ticket for $161. Both are nonstop flights, which are hard to get and even more difficult at a deal. That return price jumped back up to the normal ($242) and hasn’t budged since then. YAY! The only drawback is my outbound is not my beloved red eye so I’ll lose a day in travel but it is nonstop and I like that part a lot.

Wanna know something cool?

After the October trip I’ll have stayed at 6 of the DVC resorts in under 2 years, most while as a member!

I’ll only be missing SSR and BLT for the WDW locations. It will be nice to have all those data points as we figure out the larger trip.

To celebrate, I got one of these for my car

And in other very fun news, guess what came in the mail today?

As well as our new Disney Premiere Visa Card! I will miss Vintage Mickey but Lightening is awfully cute! Our new rewards card came a little bit ago so 1 more transfer over to make next month and it will be all ready for the trip! One more statement worth coming and now at double rewards, love it!!! Great timing, I waited to add our dining plans until it arrived! So far I’ve only added the first night of quick service but had fun using it for groceries, a first for us as we’ve always kept it only for Disney expenses.

My dad is home, his appointment is tomorrow morning and I'm hoping we find something out.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wow, Jeff has been drinking a LOT of Kool-aid!

Love the Poly idea to watch fireworks! That will be fun!

 

[glennbo123]

I got caught up on your goings-on while waiting for the shower here in Vero. Jeff is too funny...he's kinda like me, but without the Disboards. So you ended up getting a premier Visa card? I hope you got a good promo.

By the way, I think you're going to like Vero! PM me any questions.

 

[natebenma]

If you have an extra stash of the kool-aid lying around, send it my way!

That is fantastic!!!

I love the watching the fireworks from the Poly beach idea. I did that once (solo) and really enjoyed the experience.

Yeah on all your exciting Mickey mail and news!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, Jeff has been drinking a LOT of Kool-aid!

No kidding! He constantly amazes me.

Love the Poly idea to watch fireworks! That will be fun!

We are pretty excited about the idea, to the point that Captain Cooks may be a dinner alternative that night to WPE. We will just play it by ear I think but honestly it could be fun to pool hop to the Poly, eat at Captain Cooks and then watch fireworks. I don't see us ever actually staying at the Poly so it could be a fun way to experience more than Kona and Ohana lol!.

I got caught up on your goings-on while waiting for the shower here in Vero.

LIVE from the beach! So jealous. Last day of school for the E's today so they are pretty happy campers. Evan will be hitting the lake right after school, he's pretty excited that he's finally old enough to go solo without our supervision...I can only imagine it there this afternoon as the entire middle school and high school descend on our tiny civic club. Weather isn't exactly cooperating here though...50's and grey. I bet it's a bit warmer there! Although looks like you might have some grey and rain/thunderstorms. I will be PMing you...lots of questions!

Jeff is too funny...he's kinda like me, but without the Disboards.

He is, you two would totally hit it off, he's pretty psyched that you are there now to give us some scoop! Someday maybe the stars will align for our clans to hook up.

So you ended up getting a premier Visa card? I hope you got a good promo.

Not as good as yours that's for darn sure! But I wasn't offered yours, wah. We did get $50 in rewards dollars, which makes it a no fee option for the first year so why not. Interestingly the rewards dollars posted immediately...fee hasn't hit yet so at the moment, it's actually a benefit and in time for more souvenir money lol!

Funny part about it is I'd been on the fence and Jeff really thought we should just do it.

By the way, I think you're going to like Vero! PM me any questions.

I will!!

If you have an extra stash of the kool-aid lying around, send it my way!

That is fantastic!!!

If I knew where it came from, I would. He seems to be drinking it on his own somewhere when I'm not looking.

I love the watching the fireworks from the Poly beach idea. I did that once (solo) and really enjoyed the experience.

Yeah on all your exciting Mickey mail and news!!!

We are super excited about the Poly beach idea and may turn it into a Poly pool hop, dinner at Captain Cooks instead of WPE and then fireworks. We'll have been to DTD for lunch and will be back on the return (though the kids don't know) so we may decide this is a better option. We will definitely be playing it by ear. All of course assuming weather cooperates pool wise...our summer thunderstorm track record in this area is not good.

 

[Happydog]

We have never seen the fireworks from the beach, but I know lots who do and love it. I like the idea too, I think it is a great choice. Low-key, and the bar is right there, too! LOL!

Fun to see them from a distance and hear the music. We love them from on top of BLT and from Cali Grill, too... OH, and our last summer trip we were at the Grand Floridian, out in front of Narcossee's and that was a great spot! So I imagine the Poly is the same vantage point, but a little closer I guess! Nice choice.

Looks like you have some great plans ahead!!!

 

[Poolrat]

Clearly…Jeff has been drinking the koolaid. He’ll say otherwise but let’s look at the evidence.

First. He taped 2 different Disney specials, “behind the scenes” kind of things for me to watch. I of course had no idea either was on.

Then, as we were watching the first one last night, an idea struck me and he actually put it on pause to hear it.

Next he brought up retiring to Florida again. Out of the blue, not while we were watching the show!

And most notably, on Sunday night, we were out on a date. We went to see Collective Soul. Before the show, we stopped for a drink and while talking about my dad, he brought up the trip. He wanted to know if I had a plan. I discussed my ideas in terms of what would work best, at least for us and we talked quite a bit about what my siblings might want and he started strategizing on how to make it happen the way we want it to. This isn’t me doing the behind the scenes plotting..it was him! He actually suggested that we make it happen, discuss with everyone and go ahead and book it 11 months out. And if for whatever reason it falls through for the bigger group…we go anyway! He is just as excited to see all the holiday stuff as I am…it was pretty darn obvious.

He has plane stuff to do down there you see. So he says. For a guy with his own agenda he was AWFULLY interested in ideas on where to stay, room configurations and what might be best for everyone.

Glad he is coming around.

And, an idea struck. I thought of this.

My favorite TR picture ever. Something just magical about it. Captures it all for me. Thanks Pat for letting me steal it (even if you didn’t know I hijacked it).

I first read this on my phone. I can only see links so as I was wondring what the picture was I saw the link and thought - Hey it is one of mine.

Thanks for the compliment and steal away- I like to share when I get a good one. The feeling on the beach IS magical. Close enough to the action yet far enough away.

 

[jedijill]

Yay for drinking the Kool Aid!

And that fireworks picture is amazing!

Jill in CO

 

[Mndisneygirl]

All I have to say is

 

[dizneeat]

I love it when there is enough of THAT Koolaid for "everyone"!

The view of the fireworks looks awesome!

 

[eandesmom]

We have never seen the fireworks from the beach, but I know lots who do and love it. I like the idea too, I think it is a great choice. Low-key, and the bar is right there, too! LOL!

If we get our act in gear in time we might be able to see the Water Pageant as well, we've never made it despite staying at both FW and WL, which is pathetic!

Fun to see them from a distance and hear the music. We love them from on top of BLT and from Cali Grill, too... OH, and our last summer trip we were at the Grand Floridian, out in front of Narcossee's and that was a great spot! So I imagine the Poly is the same vantage point, but a little closer I guess! Nice choice.

Looks like you have some great plans ahead!!!

We saw them from the Grand Floridian in front of Gasparilla's, it was absolutely phenomenal, a really different perspective, taking over the whole sky and loved having the music with it. Very excited about it!

Glad he is coming around.

Coming around? He's on the verge of leading the charge!

I first read this on my phone. I can only see links so as I was wondring what the picture was I saw the link and thought - Hey it is one of mine.

Thanks for the compliment and steal away- I like to share when I get a good one. The feeling on the beach IS magical. Close enough to the action yet far enough away.

It is an incredible picture, makes me smile just looking at it. Now pray for a rain free night! We only have one shot. Well, not really but the kids don't know that.

Yay for drinking the Kool Aid!

I love it!

And that fireworks picture is amazing!

Jill in CO

Pat does good work. Maybe if I'm nice (or bribe her) in October Mary Ellen will teach me how to use my camera and my low light and nightime settings won't suck quite as much. LOL.

All I have to say is

Exactly!

I love it when there is enough of THAT Koolaid for "everyone"!

Me too!

The view of the fireworks looks awesome!

Doesn't it? We've never been to the beach at the Poly so that itself will be kind of fun.